ADDED sign strategic deal to fuel Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Liwa University have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in research and development, support innovation, nurture national talents and competencies, and boost workforce readiness to meet the evolving needs of the labour market, in support of Abu Dhabi’s priorities and economic and social development aspirations.

Ahmed Jassim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the ADDED, witnessed the signing of the MoU, which was signed by Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi DED, and Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Liwa University.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in knowledge exchange, applied research and closer links between academia and policymaking, while helping equip national talent with the skills needed for the future economy.

The two sides will collaborate on research covering economic and strategic priorities, including artificial intelligence and its impact on jobs, entrepreneurship, innovation, consumer protection, intellectual property rights and the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in economic development.

Al Mazrouei said the partnership supports ADDED’s strategic objective of strengthening links between academic institutions and the labour market by combining academic excellence, scientific research and practical expertise to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and specialised skills that support Abu Dhabi’s economic growth.

Al Dhaheri said the partnership will create new opportunities for joint educational and applied projects, as well as research initiatives aimed at enhancing economic performance and anticipating future challenges.

He added that Liwa University’s academic and research capabilities will help provide innovative solutions that support Abu Dhabi’s economic development.

He added that the university offers 37 academic specialisations across various degrees, including master’s programmes. All these programmes are designed to meet the needs of the labour market in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and can be leveraged within the partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.

The agreement also provides for expert lectures and knowledge-sharing sessions for students on entrepreneurship, labour market trends, consumer protection and intellectual property, as well as structured internship programmes at ADDED lasting between eight weeks and six months.

The two sides will also organise workshops, public lectures, exhibitions and other academic and cultural events, while promoting innovation and patent registration and expanding access to university facilities and library services for ADDED employees.

Meanwhile Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), marking a significant step toward deepening cooperation in the fields of industrial innovation, academic engagement, and national capacity building.

The agreement outlines a framework for joint initiatives that foster industrial innovation, connect academia with industry, and empower national talent by aligning scientific research with market needs. It also includes the development of specialised training programmes for students and startups in support of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative.

The MoU was signed recently by Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerators Sector at MoIAT, and Dr. Hamad Odhabi, Vice Chancellor of AI and Operational Excellence at Abu Dhabi University, on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the “Make it in the Emirates” forum.

Fadhel said, “Academic institutions play a key role in building capacity and empowering national talent for sustainable industrial growth. Our partnership with ADU is a practical step to align research with industry needs, empower students, and deliver innovative solutions, strengthening the business environment and supporting a resilient, competitive, knowledge-based economy.”

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said, “By aligning academia with national priorities, we are nurturing a new generation equipped with the skills, knowledge, and innovative mindset needed to lead sustainable growth on a global scale.”

The partnership will drive various collaborative initiatives and projects to advance the UAE’s industrial transformation. These efforts will promote innovation across priority sectors, facilitate knowledge exchange in advanced technologies, and develop professional training programs for students, specialists, and startups.

It also aims to strengthen the impact of local initiatives such as “Make it in the Emirates” by highlighting the critical role of universities in shaping the industrial ecosystem.

WAM