Khalifa University, UAE GCAA ink MoU for aviation award
Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation and support between the two entities for the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Global Aviation Award.
The award aims to recognise and honour the ICAO member states, organisations and individuals who contribute in the advancement of the aviation industry, overall excellence in air transport infrastructure, safety and security standards, personal contributions of individuals, and innovation.
The memorandum of understanding was signed on May, 27 at the Khalifa University Main Campus by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, and Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, executive vice president of Khalifa University.
Al Suwaidi said: “The award, which is under the name of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, is the richest award in the history aviation and seeks to support the global aviation plan for development. Furthermore, it stimulates research and innovation that will lead to sustainable development in the aviation industry. We are honoured that Khalifa University, an internationally recognized institution for its pioneering and groundbreaking work in science and technology is a strategic partner in the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Global Aviation Award."
Dr Al Hammadi said: “We are pleased to partner with the General Civil Aviation Authority to leverage our engineering expertise in aerospace in the pursuit of a pioneering award that will further strengthen the United Arab Emirates’s aviation sector, which is a key pillar in the national economy. Khalifa University was founded to help transform UAE into a knowledge-based economy by developing the country’s human capital, research capabilities, and high-tech industries. By entering into this strategic partnership, we are taking solid steps to ensure the continued development of a technologically-advanced aviation sector for the benefit of the United Arab Emirates and the wider world.”
As per the agreement, Khalifa University and the General Civil Aviation Authority will coordinate their resources and facilitate information exchange related to research and development in the field of aviation technology.
Aerospace is one of Khalifa University’s six key focus sectors. The university specialises in the research and development of advanced materials for aerospace applications and advanced assembly and manufacturing of aerospace structures. It also has a dedicated research centre, the Aerospace Research and Innovation Center (ARIC), established in 2012 with Mubadala Aerospace.
The aviation sector, a vital contributor to the UAE’s GDP growth, is currently experiencing rapid growth worldwide. The award will help increase investment opportunities in all areas of the aviation industry and support the development of best practices to ensure the industry will be ready to meet long-term demands. - TradeArabia News Service