Page 47 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (Part 1)_Neat

Press Release

initiative in leveraging the expertise of these institutions to develop globally leading policies that
support the UAE’s sustainable economic development.”

The Minister of Economy explained that while education is not directly reflected in GDP, its
impact is both profound and far-reaching. It enhances labour productivity, advances technological
efficiency, attracts investment, and supports entrepreneurship and innovation. Education also plays
a critical role in equipping future generations with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for
driving societal progress.

Academic partners of the ‘Knowledge and Innovation Hub’ include Khalifa University, the
American University of Sharjah, NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the
University of Sharjah, the American University in the Emirates, the American University in Dubai,
the University of Dubai, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), Abu Dhabi
University, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, the University of Fujairah, Umm Al
Quwain University, the Abu Dhabi School of Management, Al Ain University (AAU), the
Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, TRENDS Research & Advisory, and Fiker Center.

The MoUs are aimed at building capacities across key economic sectors and disciplines, producing
research and studies aligned with the UAE’s economic priorities, and organizing academic
roundtables and workshops to exchange insights on economic policies and developments. They
also seek to translate academic research into actionable practices, foster collaboration with
international universities, and develop academic and executive education programs. In addition,
the agreements aim to promote community awareness of entrepreneurship, innovation, and a
culture of creativity, while also providing training and awareness initiatives tailored for students.

The signing ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Safeya Hashem Al Safi, Assistant
Undersecretary for Commercial Control and Governance Sector at the Ministry of Economy, and
Her Excellency Dr. Maria Hanif Al Qassim, Assistant Undersecretary for the Policies and
Economic Studies Sector at the Ministry of Economy, along with various university presidents,
deans, executive directors, and staff representatives from 22 academic institutions and universities
from across the country.

The event featured two panel sessions. The first, titled “Academic Insight and Policy Impact:
Advancing Innovation through Institutional and Academic Collaboration,” focused on the role of
academic institutions in supporting economic development and enhancing competitiveness
through innovation and the potential for building effective frameworks for intellectual property
(IP). The second session, “Data and Decisions: Role of Academia in Policymaking,” explored the
importance of academic institutions and universities in shaping innovative economic policies and
driving sustainable growth of economies.

-Ends-