Khalifa University recently hosted a workshop focused on the creation of Smart Cities in partnership with organizers EBTIC an ICT research and innovation center established by Etisalat BT and Khalifa University and supported by ICT Fund and Ulster University in the United Kingdom (UK). Sponsored by the British Council the workshop which attracted academic and industry leaders in the field of smart city development focused on the design deployment and management of connected cities particularly in how the UAE can push forward with its Smart city initiative.

The discussion which was led by Professor Ernesto Damiani from Khalifa University and Professor Gerard Parr from Ulster University revolved around fostering sustainability and economic prosperity as well as ensuring citizens’ safety health and quality of life. The event was attended by scientists and professionals from Cambridge Queens and Ulster Universities in the United Kingdom.

The workshop follows the announcement of a Smart City Strategy in 2014 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum the Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and General Supervisor of the Dubai Smart City Project. The strategy focuses on six key pillars and 100 initiatives geared towards making transport communications infrastructure electricity economic services and urban planning smarter.

“This workshop was an amazing opportunity for UK and UAE-based researchers to establish new collaborations on the design and management of digital infrastructures in diverse geographical economic and cultural environments ” said Dr. Samer Al Samahi Director of EBTIC. “While paying particular attention to safety and security of citizens a key priority of this workshop was the development of joint approaches that would engage community participation and foster business initiatives. One of the real aims was to unlock the huge potential of UK-UAE collaboration toward establishing culturally diverse communities with high levels of prosperity sustainability and well-being. EBTIC has long been a driver of this type of innovation in the UAE and we look forward to participating in future endeavors that will drive technological advancement in the UAE.”

This follows the success the 2015 International Smart Cities Initiative Workshop which explored the theme of “Towards a Smarter City in the Local Context” and discussed the need for a smarter approach towards smart cities in the UAE and the region by taking into account academia industry and government interests.

After-workshop activities included a Call for Papers for the top scientific journal ACM Transactions on Internet Technology (TOIT) devoted to Emerging Technologies for Connected Communities.

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

Traditional Islamic architecture incorporates written plant and architectural elements which form complex overlapping and intersecting geometric shapes inspired by nature. This art emerged as a result of the evolution of the Arab civilization and its interactions with other civilizations during the Golden Islamic Age. 

A specific decorative style often described as the “Islamic language of art” was developed in tandem with the Islamic architecture. Mosques palaces and domes were adorned with beautiful geometric or floral shapes that inspire tranquility and relaxation. This Islamic decorative style is known as “Arabesque” in Europe. The Muslim artists were known for their plant-based designs inspired by flowers and leaves. By using the abstract form rather than the natural form they were able to give a sense of continuity survival and immortality rather than one of wilting and impermanence. 

The new Khalifa University campus expansion designers were inspired by the Arab region’s rich artistic history and cultural heritage. This is reflected in the curves and elipses found in the interior design of the campuis expansion which mimics the beauty and purity of the Arabian desert. 

Khalifa University wishes you all Ramadan Kareem. 

Khalifa University hosted eleven undergraduate students from Texas A&M University in the United States for two weeks as part of an exchange program with the University’s nuclear program. They had the opportunity to attend classes with Khalifa University students view research being conducted by faculty and graduate students run simulations on the University’s simulator and visit the site where the UAE’s first nuclear power plant is being built Barakah.

Khalifa University offers a minor in Nuclear Engineering for its BSc students as well as a MSc. in Nuclear Engineering and an option to specialize in nuclear as part of its PhD in Engineering. In addition the University hosts the Gulf Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Institute (GNEII) a joint collaboration between Khalifa University Texas A&M and Sandia National Laboratories which offers a program designed to immerse future nuclear program decision makers in safety safeguards security and nonproliferation concepts and familiarizes them with how these concepts apply in a regional and international context.

“We’re pleased to have had the opportunity to host these students and show them all that our University and the UAE has to offer ” said Dr. Tod Laursen Khalifa University’s President. “We’re proud of our Nuclear Engineering programs and pleased to be providing the manpower the UAE will need to reach its own nuclear energy vision. Giving future nuclear energy professionals from around the world the chance to meet and talk about differences in educational technique research methods or even just a chance to expose young minds to new cultures is key to the development of well-rounded professionals who will excel in their fields. We are pleased to have offered these students and ours that opportunity.”

Radiological Health Engineering student Tiffany Lee said “I hope the next class is as fortunate as we were and are welcomed by the students like we were. We were shown a lot of hospitality and even had the opportunity to visit some of their houses and have a home cooked meal. It was really nice.”

“It would be nice to come back and study here Khalifa University has great teachers and researchers ” said Nuclear Engineering student Arturo Cabrel. “The country is also beautiful and we really enjoyed our time here.”

This was the first time any of the students who are all enrolled at Texas A&M in their Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Health Engineering programs had visited the Middle East so they also had time to enjoy tours of Abu Dhabi it’s desert Al Ain and Dubai as well as trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

WEB RELEASE 

Khalifa University hosted the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr. and members of his staff at its Abu Dhabi Campus on June 13 2016 as part of Mr. Bolden’s visit to the UAE to sign the US–UAE Framework Agreement on Space Cooperation with the UAE Space Agency.

Mr. Bolden Khalifa University President Dr. Tod Laursen Executive Vice President Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi and representatives from the US Embassy to the UAE and the UAE Space Agency were given a tour of the campus particularly its Aerospace Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) robotics lab and the Spacecraft Platform for Astronautic and Celestial Emulation (SPACE) lab.

The University’s SPACE lab is equipped with special Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) robots and sensing systems that all help mimic actual conditions in space giving students the opportunity to conduct mission-oriented research and acquire hands on experience in conducting experiments for sensing guidance dynamics and control of aerospace and space operations in a suitable environment.

One of the University’s recently graduated Aerospace Engineering students Abdullah Alnageb demonstrated his Senior Design Project for Mr. Bolden titled “Design Build and Testing of Attitude Test-bed Platform for Emulating Cube Sat Missions ” the project involved the design of test control algorithms for the control of a Cube Sat which is a type of miniaturized satellite for space research that typically uses commercial off-the-shelf components for its electronics.

Khalifa University MSc in Nuclear Engineering Students travelled to Pennsylvania USA as part of a two-week field trip that allowed them to run experiments using Penn State University’s (PSU) nuclear reactor.

The students were invited by Professor Kenan Unlu Director of the Radiation Science and Engineering Center at Penn State University. In addition to experiments using the reactor they were able to run nuclear security related search-and-find exercises. They also visited the PSU Material Science Research Center and attended demonstrations in Professor Kim’s Two Phase Flow Lab.

In addition to activities at Penn State the students visited Westinghouse Global HQ in Pittsburgh toured the Westinghouse C&I Electronics fabrication facility and had demonstrations on fuel removal and transfer at the Westinghouse Training Facility at Waltz Mills. The field trip concluded in Washington DC with presentations at the Nuclear Threat Initiative Organization and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

“This was an excellent opportunity for our students to work with a real nuclear research reactor ” said Dr. Philip Beeley Chair of Khalifa University’s Nuclear Engineering Department and Director of the Gulf Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Institute. “Khalifa University’s program is quite new so until the Barakkah plant is operational or until we have developed our own research-based nuclear reactor laboratory collaborations like this one are a key way to ensure that our students have access to the technology they need to excel in their field.”

“Khalifa University is happy to collaborate with Penn State and many international organizations in the establishment of our nuclear program ” said Dr. Tod Laursen President of Khalifa University. “As the first country in 27 years to build a nuclear power reactor the UAE is in a unique position to gain a great deal of guidance and best practices from more established nuclear programs like the one at Penn State. In addition the chance to build a new reactor with all of the latest technologies at our disposal gives us a chance to innovate. We are pleased to be educating the human capital needed to achieve the UAE’s nuclear energy goals and proud that we can offer the highest quality of education available.” 

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

Khalifa University’s new campus expansion spreads over 135 000 square meters (equivalent to 20 soccer fields) and will house 44 new laboratories including state-of-the-art aerospace and underwater robotics labs 33 new classrooms multi-purpose sports halls retail and food outlets multi-story parking and more.

The building’s design which won the award for best Cultural and Institutional Project at the 2015 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Interior Design and Architecture Awards was inspired by the Arab regions rich artistic history and heritage. The interior design of the expansion contains curves and ellipses that are meant to mimic the beauty and purity of the desert.

The expansion will contain a 200-meter long pedestrian walkway named the Creative Spine which spans the heart of the campus providing clear and unobstructed views of the main buildings while encouraging innovation through interaction and a collaborative academic environment.

Students faculty and staff will have access to two multi-purpose halls for basketball tennis and football as well as a rooftop sports court fit for tennis and jogging. There will also be a fully equipped indoor gym and an auditorium capable of seating over 600 people.

In addition there will be a new venue for the University’s Discovery Center which provides educational interactive exhibits based around science and technology for the public and specialized school trips.

Also as part of Khalifa University’s preparedness for the new academic year the University is preparing new student accommodations that will enjoy the highest standards of comfort and convenience in an effort to accommodate the growing numbers of students wishing to study at the University.

“Our new campus will greatly enhance our ability to provide our students with a high quality of education and access to the latest technologies and resources they will need to excel in their academic and future careers ” said Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi Khalifa University’s Executive Vice President. “Our new laboratories will offer a full range of spaces for biology engineering chemistry physics and technical instruction while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. A comfortable and stimulating environment is one of the keys to creating an atmosphere that fosters creativity and we are looking forward to providing that for our students.”

Khalifa University was recently named one of top 100 universities under 50 years and was the youngest university in the world to achieve this distinction according to the QS World University Rankings. The new expansion and new accommodation will support Khalifa University’s pioneering position in the field of research and graduating future leaders who are able to supply the UAE with the cadres that it needs to realize its economic strategic plans.

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

WEB RELEASE
Two new programs – an undergraduate program and a graduate program – are set to be added to Khalifa University’s expanding portfolio in the fall.

An undergraduate B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering newly accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education will be offered from August 2016.

This program will focus on providing a good foundation in the design development and operation of chemical processes with applications in such industries as oil and gas food and agriculture pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.

It is the first program to be offered by the University’s Department of Chemical Engineering which has been established this year as part of Khalifa University’s continual commitment to providing multidisciplinary engineering graduates that can immediately contribute to a range of industries.

Meanwhile the College of Engineering is launching a new multi-disciplinary M.Sc. program in Systems and Engineering Management designed for engineers aspiring to achieve the highest levels of responsibility and leadership in their professional career.

This program is an ideal choice for engineering graduates who would like to take a managerial path after University. It covers project management leadership skills data analytics and other important scientific management tools in an engineering setting and currently offers specialization tracks in the growing industries of supply chain management healthcare systems engineering and lean manufacturing systems.

These two programs will help to enrich Khalifa University’s diverse offering as it continues to work to Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision.

To view and apply for Khalifa University programs visit our Undergraduate and Graduate admissions section. 

EBTIC an ICT research and innovation center founded by Khalifa University Etisalat and BT and supported by ICT Fund and the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that cements several years of collaboration between the two centers and that offers multiple opportunities for researchers and students.

The cooperation between EBTIC and IHMC comes from their common interest in working towards the adoption of big data in advanced predictive analytics and it will focus on driving innovation to tackle key technical challenges in those areas to further advance scientific research and address the needs of their partners.. In addition IHMC and EBTIC have agreed to cooperate in the areas of innovation and research in the information communications and technology sector in the UAE.

IHMC is one of the world leading research centers pioneering technologies aimed at leveraging and extending human capabilities. In 2015 it won 2nd place at the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Robotics Challenge a three years global competition aimed at developing semi-autonomous ground robots that could do “complex” tasks in dangerous environments.

Many of its researchers are world leaders in their fields and have occupied senior positions at major organizations such as NASA US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) National Science Foundation and many others. It is a not-for-profit research institute with staff from diverse backgrounds carrying out research in artificial intelligence cognitive science knowledge modeling and sharing adjustable autonomy robotics and exoskeletons cyber security computer-mediated learning systems intelligent data understanding software agents knowledge representation big data and machine learning and many other related areas.

In the past EBTIC’s UAE national researchers have enjoyed internships at IHMC with Ahmed Al Dhanhani and Abdelrahman Almahmoud travelling to Florida in order to participate in research being conducted on tactical networks mobile applications and robot control.

Said Ahmed about his experience “We were part of a team lead by one of the principal investigators in IHMC and we benefited greatly from this internship. IHMC is a well-established research centre and observing how they work from the inside was insightful. We had meetings with different researchers who are highly regarded on their areas and it was interesting to see how the researchers come from very different backgrounds including computer scientists mechanical engineers and medical doctors. We received good exposure on the projects we were working on in collaboration with big names from industry and government. This enhanced our view of the innovative research world.”

Additionally EBTIC hosted at Khalifa University Dr. Bonnie Dorr Associate Director & Senior Research Scientist at IHMC who visited the center and met with researchers in order to discuss potential collaboration in a number of areas including machine learning natural language processing and big data. Additionally an EBTIC team visited IHMC in order to a host a workshop focusing on big data analytics.

“The partnership between EBTIC and IHMC is based on common interest and approaches to innovation and it stands to benefit both our center and the UAE in many ways ” says Dr. Samer Al Samahi Director of EBTIC. “Especially through working together and cooperating in our research endeavors in the fields of big data and advanced analytics and promoting and conducting scientific research relevant to challenges facing Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a whole. I look forward to the continued growth of this partnership and the breakthroughs that will stem from it.”

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

Advancements in cyber security was the primary focus of Khalifa University’s most recent batch of graduate students. Five students from the University’s MSc in Information Security and MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering and two PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering students defended their research in front of internal and external examiners presenting a range of advancements in key areas of information security such as public wifi networks cloud databases and SMART homes.

The students focus on cyber security comes from initiatives begun by the leadership of the UAE and its commitment to sustainable development through the adoption of the latest techniques and technologies via incorporating them into all its online operations. Cyber security is key to the success of these initiatives as it will ensure the safety of transactions privacy and information.

MSc in Information Security student Aysha Alkharoossi presented her findings on “Assessing the Security Health of Public WiFi Environments Using Mobile Devices.” Specifically Alkharoossi looked at assessing the safety of various public Wifi networks like the ones in airports or malls through the use of HosTaGe or “Honeypot-To-Go” (a honeypot is a computer security mechanism set to detect deflect or in some manner counteract attempts at unauthorized use of information systems).

Similarly MSc in Information Security student Sanaah Al Salami looked at ways to secure SMART homes through the implementation of an encryption scheme that provides secure communication between smartphones and smart home sensors.

Fellow Information Security graduate Fatema Almansoori looked at “Subverting Randomized Message Authentication Code” or how vulnerable a Randomized Message Authentication Code (RMAC) is to Algorithm Substation Attacks (ASA) which attempt to modify the real cryptography system and replace it with a forged one. She also proposed a possible solution to the problem in order to prevent attacks on all cryptosystems that use randomness as part of their security process.

MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering Student Hanin Abubaker conducted research into secure communication as well with her development of an Arabic reCAPTCHA system that will help prevent attacks from automated bots on the web.

PhD students Omar Al-Jarrah and Bushra AlBelooshi defended their doctorate research titled “Machine Learning Approaches for Large-Scale Intrusion Detection Systems” and “Data Remanence and Cryptographic Keys Security in the Cloud ” respectively. Their research aims to protect data attacks on networks and cloud databases.

“As the UAE continues to embrace SMART technologies and advancements in faster more efficient ways to conduct business finance and public services the threat of attack or information theft is always going to be a major focus ” said Khalifa University Senior Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Mohammed Ebrahim Al Mualla. “This is why we’ve developed our MSc in Information Security program and why we encourage our students to explore this important area. Cyber and Information Security is probably one of the fastest growing fields not just in the UAE but in the world and it’s a field that’s in need of high quality intelligent and accomplished researchers and engineers. Khalifa University is proud to supply the human capital knowledge and innovation needed for continued advancement and development in this key area.”

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

 

Khalifa University held an Orientation Day for its new students and their parents on August 16 2016.  The new students had the chance to learn about life at the University and what’s in store for them as they proceed with their education. They also had the opportunity to learn about possible majors the University’s diverse research centers and its various student clubs and sporting activities.

The new students and their parents took a tour of the campus and the students sat with student counsellors to discuss their course loads and the institution’s expectations of them.  They also spoke to older students and faculty members who addressed concerns and answered questions.

The 2016-2017 Academic year promises to be a milestone one for the University as it will see the opening of its new campus which spreads over 135 000 square meters (equivalent to 20 soccer fields) and will house 44 new laboratories including state-of-the-art aerospace and underwater robotics labs 33 new classrooms multi-purpose sports halls retail and food outlets a multi-story car park and more.  

“We are pleased to welcome our new students and wish them all the best as they pursue their academic career with us ” said Khalifa University President Dr. Tod Laursen. “We have an exciting academic year ahead of us as our University continues to grow and expand and I look forward to seeing our new students make the most of these facilities and the high quality of education we offer.  I hope that these students dedicate themselves not only to excel in their studies but to become valuable members of our community and in turn industry leaders of the future.”

The institution offers degrees in Chemical Engineering Applied Mathematics and Statistics (with optional concentrations in Financial Mathematics/Mathematical Biology) Computer Engineering (with optional concentration in Software Systems) Communication Engineering Electrical and Electronic Engineering (with optional concentration in Power Systems) Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Civil Engineering Industrial and Systems Engineering and Biomedical Engineering as well as Master’s degrees in Systems and Engineering Management Electrical and Computer Engineering Nuclear Engineering Information Security and International and Civil Security in addition to a Doctorate degree program in Engineering with the option to specialize in Mechanical Aerospace Nuclear Biomedical Electrical and Computer or Robotics Engineering.

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

Khalifa University’s new campus scheduled for completion later this year 2016 will feature one of the largest fitness facilities in the UAE in an academic institution. Housed over four stories the gym will consist of separate two-level men and women’s facilities featuring state-of-the-art cardiovascular and weight lifting equipment as well as studios for Yoga and others for martial arts such as Boxing and Taekwondo. There will also be multi-use courts for basketball squash volleyball and badminton.

The facilities will be manned by experienced personal trainers and fitness professionals who will guide students faculty staff and alumni in proper technique in addition to organizing various group classes.

The new gym follows an increased focus at the University in the importance of sports and exercise for an overall healthy lifestyle and in combating lifestyle diseases common in the UAE such as Type II Diabetes.

“Khalifa University strongly believes in promoting a healthy lifestyle among its student body faculty and staff ” said Dr. Arif Al Hammadi Khalifa University’s Executive Vice President. “Indoor sporting facilities that offer a variety of activities and support are especially important in the UAE where the weather is not always conducive to outdoor sport. We hope that our new amenities inspire our community to get active and take care of their health which in turn will contribute to their efforts in excelling in productivity and innovation.”

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

Khalifa University the organizer of the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC) has revealed that teams from leading universities and international organizations will be participating in the upcoming challenge. The 45 finalists come from prestigious academic institutes such as the Georgia Institute of Technology the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) the National University of Singapore Xi’an Jiaotong University and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to name a few.  Other teams represent various organizations with an interest in robotics such as the UAE’s Mohamed Bin Rashed Space Center Accelerated Dynamics from the UK and NaviRobot LLC from Russia.

In addition to teams from the UAE UK and USA teams from Italy Germany KSA Russia Singapore Malaysia Canada South Korea and Spain where chosen from over 316 teams from 45 countries who expressed their interest in participating in the Challenge which is scheduled to take place in 2017 with prizes totaling $5 million USD.

“We were pleased with the response we’ve received for this challenge and I’m excited to see the finalists in action ” said Dr. Arif Al Hammadi Executive Vice President of Khalifa University. “This is a unique challenge that will certainly give competitors an opportunity to display their skills to the world. The representation from across academia and industry will make for some interesting innovations that will no doubt have widespread effects on the field of robotics and determine how new technologies are applied in the future.  We are looking forward to seeing the teams in action in 2017.”

He also said: “The Challenge aims at taking the advanced science and technology to new levels in order to push forward the innovation to new horizons. This in turn will help support both Abu Dhabi’s and UAE’s knowledge economy visions.”

MBZIRC will consist of three challenges and a triathlon type “Grand Challenge”. It will take place in an outdoor open arena the approximate size of a football pitch. They will require unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to locate track and land on top of a moving ground vehicle reach a second ground vehicle locate and physically operate a valve on a side of the vehicle and collaborate with each other in order to search locate track pick and place a set of static and moving objects.

MBZIRC will be held the first time in March 2017 after it was launched last year and it will be held every two years with a different theme that matches the level of innovation during the period it will be organized on.

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة