His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today visited the Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research (KUSTAR) campus in Abu Dhabi. HH Sheikh Saud toured the University’s various facilities such as the library, laboratories and research centers, and also went through the institution’s new campus plans.
Accompanied by His Excellency Engineer Hussain Al Hammadi, a member of the Board of Trustees at KUSTAR; Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Interim President of KUSTAR and; Dr. Mohammed Al Mualla, Interim Provost at KUSTAR, HH Sheikh Saud was introduced to the University’s master plan for its new campus in Abu Dhabi. The new permanent campus which is being established in Khalifa City will contain a number of hi-tech facilities that provide the appropriate atmosphere to encourage creativity and quality scientific research.
HH Sheikh Saud was briefed on the UAE Advanced Network for Research and Education (ANKABUT), which connects academic and research institutions via high-speed technology to facilitate research collaboration, and which is connected to other global networks such as the Internet2 based in the United States of America.
HH Sheikh Saud visited the University library and viewed the various electronic and print resources, as well as the self-learning tools available to students, faculty and researchers. During the tour, HH Sheikh Saud visited one of KUSTAR’s English language laboratories and the Collaboration Laboratory.
HH Sheikh Saud concluded his visit at the Etisalat-BT Innovation Centre (EBTIC), KUSTAR's Center of Innovation in Information and Communication Technology. EBTIC comprises a group of researchers from the all over the world who are working on creative research projects which provide solutions for the telecommunications and computer industries, thus positioning UAE among the most developed countries in this sector.
Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Interim President of KUSTAR, said: “We thank His Highness Sheikh Saud for honoring us with his visit to Khalifa University. His Highness was briefed on the academic programs the University offers, which meet the highest international standards. Our students are supervised by leading academic experts and supported by the most advanced laboratories and sophisticated facilities."
KUSTAR was established in February 2007 by a decree issued by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to complement Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision, which aims at building a knowledge-based economy that effectively contributes to the development of the UAE.
KUSTAR’s main campus is located in Abu Dhabi, while it operates with another campus in Sharjah, and presently offers bachelor degrees in Computer, Communication, Electronic, Software, Mechanical, Aerospace and BioMedical Engineering, Master’s and Doctorate degree programs in Computer, Telecommunication and Electronic Engineering, in addition to the Master’s degree in Information Security. In the future, KUSTAR will also offer degrees in other disciplines of Engineering, Logistics and Management, Life Sciences and Homeland Security.
Moreover, KUSTAR will include research centers in disciplines such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Energy, Nanotechnology, Aerospace and Health Sciences.
KUSTAR is open to men and women from all nationalities with particular emphasis being placed on educating young UAE nationals.
