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

Khalifa University was ranked the highest in universities and academic institutions in the UAE according to QS’ 2016 World University Ranking. The University has also moved up 80 places in its international rankings making it one of the top 410 Universities worldwide.

“This is a major milestone in Khalifa University’s journey ” said His Highness Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Chairman of Khalifa University’s Board of Trustees and Chairman of The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court. “This institution was able to achieve this prestigious ranking in less than 10 years of its age. It reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan The UAE President for the higher education sector and developing it in parallel with the development and growth that the UAE is witnessing. It also reflects the follow-up and care shown by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nayhan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for backing quality education initiatives and obtaining cutting-edge technologies to build the UAE’s education system which is currently enjoying high levels of development and prestige.”

HH Sheikh Hamed also said that he is pleased with this achievement and global recognition stressing that it will be a catalyst to push forward excellence and consistently continue to improve the education system so that the University continues to be the best.

He said that Khalifa University was established through the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who believed that by providing quality education and access to innovative research and technology the UAE could educate a cadre of tomorrow’s industry leaders. He pointed out that the University students thanks to their advanced educational opportunities will contribute to building a knowledge economy dependent on innovation.

His Highness expressed his pride in seeing Khalifa University become a hub of invention creativity and breakthrough technologies and a leader in the UAE in the education of youth and the drive for a sustainable economy based on technological innovation.

The University’s highest ranking among 6 universities in the UAE was determined thorough research conducted by QS which looked at academic reputation citations per faculty faculty student ratio number of international faculty and other markers.

Khalifa University has previously made the list of top 100 universities under 50 years of age as the youngest university in the world in that list according to QS.

QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) is an independent company that specializes in ranking educational institutions. It’s considered one of the top organizations that rank universities around the world.

This follows Khalifa University’s largest admission since its founding. The University admitted 690 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in September bringing its total number of students to 1911.

Khalifa University which had been previously ranked 3rd in the UAE in 2014-2015 earned the top spot due in part to its commitment to maintaining a high faculty/student ratio. QS considers the ratio between the number of academic staff and the number of students as an indirect indicator of the commitment of the institution to high-quality teaching. Khalifa University has had the best faculty/student ratio in the UAE for the last three years.

The University also achieved higher rankings in 2016/17 for its academic reputation and faculty citations. Academic reputation is determined by an annual survey conducted by QS. The survey evaluates the perceptions of academics from around the world regarding the best institutions in terms of research. In 2016 nearly 75 000 responses were recorded globally. With over 70 issued/filed US patents eleven specialized research centers and institutions and a female student population of 60% (twice the global average for women in science and technology) the University has consistently differentiated itself internationally from similar institutions.

Faculty citations refers to the average number of citations obtained per faculty member and is an estimate of the impact and quality of the scientific work produced by universities.

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

Khalifa University organizers of the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC) has announced that the competition has attracted three major international and local sponsors. ICT Fund ADNOC and the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) have signed on as strategic platinum and gold level sponsors respectively. The unique international competition which is scheduled for 2017 boasts prizes totaling $5 million USD.

The inaugural 2017 competition has drawn a great deal of international attention. Recently 45 teams were chosen to participate from both academic institutions and industry including Carnegie Mellon University Virginia Tech 4Front Robotics and the University of Calgary The University of British Columbia and the University of Berkeley Advanced Robotics Engineering Solutions Sdn Bhd Malaysia and the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) China.

“We are proud to see the quality and diversity of interest and support we are receiving for this event both from sponsors and participants ” said Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi Executive Vice President of Khalifa University. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to MBZIRC and signing three major sponsors especially ones that specialize in areas that could benefit from the innovation that will undoubtedly be displayed during the challenge is a milestone for the event. We look forward to working with the sponsors as this event moves forward and we look forward to the international attention that MBZIRC will bring to the UAE in general and to Abu Dhabi in particular and the innovation happening here.”

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. Challenge 1 requires an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to locate track and land on top of a moving ground vehicle. Challenge 2 requires an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to locate and reach a second ground vehicle and locate and physically operate a valve on a side of the vehicle. Challenge 3 requires a team of UAVs to collaborate to search locate track pick and place a set of static and moving objects. The Grand Challenge requires a team of robots (UAVs and UGVs) to compete in an event that combines Challenges 1 2 and 3.

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

The first day of a special research workshop focusing on Biomedical Engineering and Bio-robotics started today at Khalifa University. The workshop has been organized by a team of academics from Khalifa University The Imperial College of London Queen Mary University of London and the University of Dundee in cooperation with the British Council.

The workshop brings together young researchers from various educational institutions in the United Arab Emirates to discuss advancements in four topical areas. The aim of the workshop is to initiate dialogue and lay the foundations to create new high-level medical technology and knowledge-based companies in Abu Dhabi capitalize on the availability of highly educated graduates from Khalifa University and other Higher Education Institutions in the Emirate.

The workshop is attended by researchers currently in the early stages of their careers who will have the opportunity to engage collaborate and share learnings with a similar group of early career experts from leading universities in the UK.

The workshop will also include inputs from leading researchers and clinical end users from the UAE such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

“This workshop will focus on an area that promises a great deal of possibility in terms of industry and business to the UAE ” said Dr. Tim McGloughlin Co-Chair of the Workshop and Chair of Khalifa University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. “If you look at Ireland biomedical engineering and the creation of bio-robotics and medical technology has grown to be a billion-dollar export industry. Which is remarkable for a country with a population of under 5 million similar to the UAE. Establishing similar industry and start-ups in the UAE could well have the same result. Which is why workshops like these are so important.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for young researchers to get together and share their knowledge in a very important field that greatly impacts many people and the health industry as a whole ” said Dr. Tod Laursen Khalifa University’s President. “Khalifa University is very proud to not only host this event but play a part in its organization as well. Ultimately we look forward to seeing the collaborations and innovations that stem from this event and how they will impact future technologies and exploration.”

Gavin Anderson Country Director UAE British Council said: “Fostering collaboration between scientists and giving them the tools they need to further their research is key particularly here in the UAE where the government has great ambitions to lay the foundations for a sustainable knowledge based economy. Our work with Khalifa University is already contributing to these ambitions and in the long run we hope that it will lead to lasting scientific partnerships between UK and UAE institutions.”

Clare Grundy Gulf Science lead for the British Council said: “We’re delighted to be able to contribute to growing the scientific landscape here in the UAE and to connect researchers here with researchers in the UK. Enabling good scientific research to happen is key to creating a sustainable knowledge based economy here in the UAE and it’s fantastic to be working together with people who are as passionate about this as we are.”

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

This report was contributed to by WAM. 

Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan the UAE will spare no effort to invest in human resources and leading educational models in order to develop modern skills that address issues in a fast-changing world. This was the message that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces told a delegation from Khalifa University on Monday.

“We are determined to make further progress and ensure that the UAE remains competitive. Nothing will deter us from our bid. We have a strong will and already possess the factors that ensure our success in achieving our goals. We are relying on an upswing in development that is centred on man and backed by an advanced and modern educational system ” he said. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed was meeting the Khalifa University delegates at Qasr Al Bahr Palace to congratulate the Abu Dhabi-based institution on being named the top university in the UAE this month by Times Higher Education (THE) University Rankings and receiving the highest ranking in the UAE in the QS 2016 World University Rankings.

Noting that the rankings show that the development of the country’s educational system is sound and moving in the right direction H.H Sheikh Mohamed expressed the hope that all UAE universities would achieve an equally excellent performance as part of the country’s bid to develop high-quality education.

The university’s administrative and academic delegation was led by Executive Vice President Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi.

The Khalifa University was founded in 2007 by virtue of a decree from H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed to complement Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.

Download the Arabic version of this report

Her Excellency Ohood Alroumi the UAE’s Minister of State for Happiness visited Khalifa University on Tuesday October 11 to tour the campus view student and faculty projects and meet with the University’s Happiness Ambassador for the student council freshman Salama Al Mansouri. Her Excellency and Al Mansouri discussed the student council’s plans for promoting happiness among students faculty and staff and plans for the future.

To date with the help of the student council and Khalifa University’s Student Services Department Al Mansouri and her team have organized gifts for the clubs who participated in the University’s recent Club Day in addition to creating a book where students faculty and staff could paste a Polaroid photo of themselves and write about something that makes them happy. She is also planning a daylong event for Happiness Day which will take place on March 20 2017.

During the visit Her Excellency also met with two Emirati undergraduate students in Electrical and Electronic Engineering who presented their senior design project a mobile app that measures the emotional sentiment expressed by Twitter posts generated within UAE. The app can generate information about positive and negative sentiments most notably is can show a trend called a “Happiness Pulse” showing where the most positive sentiment is being generated. The project has already won several awards including the first prize winner of the 4th United Arab Emirates Undergraduate Student Research Competition May 2016.

Her Excellency also visited EBTIC Innovation Center the Cellular Biology Lab the Aerospace Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) as well as the Robotics and Biotech labs.

“It was a pleasure to host Her Excellency at our campus and introduce her to our students and researchers ” said Dr. Arif Al Hammadi Executive Vice President of Khalifa University. “All of the University’s research projects focus on developing technology that will help improve the efficiency of industry society and quality of life. Whether it is providing a quick way to gauge national sentiment or applications that improve government services we strongly believe in providing innovation that improves lives and we were happy to demonstrate that to Her Excellency.”

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

Khalifa University will participate in the NAJAH Education and Career Fair 2016 which takes place from October 25-27 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). Students faculty and staff from the University which was recently named the top university in the UAE by global rankings publications QS and Times Higher Education will be on hand to answer questions from prospective students and their parents as well as display some of the institution’s cutting-edge research and technology.

Khalifa University which offers an array of science and engineering programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels has continuously earned high praise for its student/faculty ratios faculty citations research and publications industry and international engagement and academic reputation. With over 70 issued/filed US patents eleven specialized research centers and institutions and a female student population of 60% (twice the global average for women in science and technology) the University has consistently differentiated itself internationally from similar institutions.

The University has also added two new programs to its offerings this year a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Science in Systems and Engineering Management. The Chemical Engineering B.Sc. program at Khalifa University will educate engineers in the design development and operation of the chemical processes by which chemicals petroleum products food pharmaceuticals and consumer goods are produced both economically and safely.  Career options for students choosing this path include jobs in the nuclear oil and gas and manufacturing industries.

The MSc in Systems and Engineering Management program includes advanced courses in data analysis optimization decision-making tools and leadership skills. These tools will complement the students’ existing engineering education and greatly enhance their chances of advancement in their careers.  The program also offers several specializations tracks in Supply Chain Logistics and Transportation Lean Manufacturing Systems and Healthcare Systems Engineering.

The University also offers nine other unique Bachelors programs including Aerospace Biomedical Communication Computer (with an optional concentration in Software Systems) Electrical and Electronic (with an optional concentration in Power Systems) and  Mechanical Engineering which recently  achieved ABET accreditation as well as Civil Engineering and Industrial and Systems Engineering and a B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics with optional concentrations in Financial Mathematics/Mathematical Biology. 

Khalifa University offers a variety of Masters degrees in International and Civil Security Information Security Nuclear Engineering and M.Sc. by Research in Engineering (Electrical and Computer) as well as MSc’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering and in Mechanical Engineering. In addition the University offers several PhD specializations in engineering including Mechanical Aerospace Nuclear Biomedical Robotics Communication and Computer and Electronic Engineering.

Emirati graduate prospective students will have an opportunity to see the benefits of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Scholarship Program (Buhooth) which offers students competitive monthly salaries for full time students health insurance to the students and their dependents covers all tuition fees study expenses international conference attendance expenses and provides job placement after graduation.

The University also offers a number of undergraduate scholarships for both UAE national and non-national students with most UAE national students eligible for coverage of 100% of their tuition fees. There are a limited number of full-scholarships available for non-national students with outstanding academic performance and personal qualities.  As well as a number of partial-scholarships covering 50% or 25% of tuition fees.

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

 

Khalifa University participated in the first day of the NAJAH Education and Career Exhibition being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) with a stand featuring its updated logo which combines the University’s name in English and Arabic as well as a showcase of student projects. 

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development visited Khalifa University’s stand at NAJAH and viewed  student projects on display which highlighted the University’s advanced robotic expertise as well as its commitment to collaborative research and advancing technology in areas important to the future of the UAE. One project on display called the SHARK ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) is an underwater vehicle designed to reach a depth of 100 meters.  The ROV’s operator has complete control over the vehicle and is able to navigate it in all directions using controlled thrusters in order to collect valuable data on marine life via cameras LED lights and an inertial measurement unit (IMU).  

Another project on show is the result of a collaboration between Khalifa University Mubadala and Strata.  The Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System is a unique unmanned plane designed using the latest manufacturing technologies capable of using less fuel and carrying a larger payload while demonstrating improved communication and maneuverability than current UAV’s.

An interactive driving simulator is also on exhibition.  Designed by students in the University’s Industrial and Systems Engineering Department the state of the art simulator uses eye-tracking glasses to conduct studies on distracted driving. The glasses monitor the driver’s gaze while the simulator creates a realistic driving experience and measures reaction time.

A robotic arm that has been programmed to play the piano is also on display. The arm was created by a group of undergraduate students and supported by Khalifa University’s Robotics Institute (KURI). The students can control the multi-finger robotic hand and synchronize the fingers to that it can play the UAE national anthem on a piano.

The University which was recently named the best university in the UAE according to international education rankings QS and Times Higher Education also took the opportunity to inform interested potential students about its extensive programs both at the undergraduate and the graduate level. In this exhibition Khalifa University showcased its PhD and Master’s programs which span a range of specialties in the field of engineering including Robotics Aerospace Nuclear Mechanical and Biomedical.

“Ensuring that our students have access to state of the art facilities and laboratories and the funds and support they need to conduct worthwhile research into areas of particular importance to the UAE is one of Khalifa University’s main goals ” said Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi Executive Vice President of Khalifa University. “Our graduate and undergraduate programs are designed to fill the human capital needs of the UAE’s future economy which is why you will see us offer programs covering a wide spectrum of focuses.  Whether our students are conducting research into aero systems or cyber security they are all dedicated to solving real world problems faced by industry and government in the UAE.”

Emirati graduate prospective students have an opportunity to see the benefits of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Scholarship Program (Buhooth) which offers students competitive monthly salaries for full time students health insurance to the students and their dependents covers all tuition fees study expenses international conference attendance expenses and provides job placement after graduation.

The University also informed interested students about its two new programs a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Science in Systems and Engineering Management. The Chemical Engineering B.Sc. program at focuses on educating engineers in the design development and operation of the chemical processes by which chemicals petroleum products food pharmaceuticals and consumer goods are produced both economically and safely.  Career options for students choosing this path include jobs in the nuclear oil and gas and manufacturing industries.

The MSc in Systems and Engineering Management program includes advanced courses in data analysis optimization decision-making tools and leadership skills. These tools will complement the students’ existing engineering education and greatly enhance their chances of advancement in their careers.  The program also offers several specializations tracks in Supply Chain Logistics and Transportation Lean Manufacturing Systems and Healthcare Systems Engineering.

The University also offers nine other unique Bachelors programs including Aerospace Biomedical Communication Computer (with an optional concentration in Software Systems) Electrical and Electronic (with an optional concentration in Power Systems) and  Mechanical Engineering which recently  achieved ABET accreditation as well as Civil Engineering and Industrial and Systems Engineering and a B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics with optional concentrations in Financial Mathematics/Mathematical Biology. 

The University also offers a number of undergraduate scholarships for both UAE national and non-national students with most UAE national students eligible for coverage of 100% of their tuition fees. There are a limited number of full-scholarships available for non-national students with outstanding academic performance and personal qualities.  As well as a number of partial-scholarships covering 50% or 25% of tuition fees.

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة

 

Khalifa University has revealed the updated version of its logo which combines its previous English and Arabic logos into one bilingual logo and aims to strengthen Khalifa University’s institutional brand.

 

The announcement comes after the approval of the update during the University’s Board of Trustees meeting which the University hosted on its campus last month. The meeting was chaired by HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University.

A team of researchers from three continents have been working collaboratively with Khalifa University and the Abu Dhabi Police to identify genetic variation among Emiratis using a special kit which breaks down DNA samples. The team consists of representatives from the University of Western Australia Khalifa University the University of Central Lancashire and the Abu Dhabi Forensic laboratory. 

In their research the team was able to identify DNA traits specific to Emiratis (namely DNA referred to as Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers). This database established by the team joins others from around the world that identify DNA specific to other ethnicities. These databases can be used to identify the ethnic background of a victim or perpetrator from DNA samples found at a crime scene making it easier for law enforcement officials to track down criminals or the identities of unknown victims.

Dr. Habiba Alsafar the Director of Khalifa University Biotechnology Center and one of the main researchers in the study said “Analyzing STR markers has become the preferred method among forensic scientists because of the already existing databases around the world and the availability of STR DNA analysis kits. There is enough information in international databases to determine whether or not a tested sample is from a documented ethnicity which makes it easier for law enforcement officials to narrow down who they are looking for. There are at least 21 STR markers that have been studied extensively in six continents. However there was very limited information on STR markers unique to Emiratis before this study.”

Mr. Osamah Alhmoudi Captain at Abu Dhabi Forensic Laboratory said “Those 21 STR DNA markers have been used successfully to identify individuals for paternity testing and for analyzing evidence from crime scenes in the UAE and we can now add DNA traits we have identified that are unique to the local population to our database.”

The information collected by the team has been published and is available in the Forensic Science International Genetics Journal for use by law enforcement agencies throughout the region. The team intends to use the kit in the future to identify DNA traits unique to other ethnic subpopulations in the UAE.

Download Official KU Press Release – English

للمشاھدة والتنزیل باللغة العربیة