Abu Dhabi December 14th, 2010: The 5th International Design and Test 2010 (IDT'10) workshop started today in Abu Dhabi. Held from Dec. 14-15, IDT'10 is sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and the Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC). A number of distinguished researchers and practitioners in the area of semi conductors manufacturing industry from well-known regional and international institutions participated in the workshop.

In his opening address H.E Ali Rashed Al Ketbi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Public Administration Sector at the General Secretariat of the Executive Council - Emirate of Abu Dhabi , said that: "The importance of having such a conference in the emirate of Abu Dhabi synergize well with the vision of Abu Dhabi 2030 that calls for knowledge based economy. High tech industry is one of the priority sectors for Abu Dhabi; we look at semiconductor industry as an enabling technology, therefore, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is now investing and seeking to be one of the world's largest investors in the semiconductor technology area".

"The Conference represents a very big opportunity for researchers in the fields of science and engineering at universities and research centers and laboratories for the exchange of knowledge and transfer of know-how and experiences.  Such exchange of know-how is vital and fits with the needs of the emirate's industrial and economic development needs to meet the requirements of the labor market in Abu Dhabi in the coming years, especially in the transition to knowledge based economy and the reliance on advanced technology" added Al Ketbi.

Dr. Rafic Makki, ADEC's Executive Director of Strategic Affairs Office, said that "the event comes in line with ADEC's higher education strategic plan that aims to develop the quality of education to the highest international levels and create a world-class research ecosystem. This will help achieve the goals of Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030 and develop a knowledge-based economy."

A number of 28 papers covering 33 topics shall be presented and discussed along the sessions of the workshop to include all aspects of semi conductor manufacturing technology and processes.  Semi-conductors are a strategic priority sector in which the emirate of Abu Dhabi has recently started to invest.

Other topics discussed at the workshop include: VLSI design, test and automation, manufacturing of Nano electronic circuits and their significant economic impact on the Semi Conductors industry in addition to developing the various applications of electronic circuits.  "IDT'10 has earlier received 47 papers of which the 28 papers were selected by 30 international specialists and experts", added Dr. Maki.     

Mr. Sami Issa, ATIC's Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Ecosystem Development, said that ATIC is keen to create a supporting environment for developing the UAE human capital specialized in technology, to include the semi-conductors manufacturing industry, in order to help achieve the goals of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision and develop a diversified knowledge and innovation based-economy. "The workshop has attracted many distinguished international experts, specialized in designing and testing semi-conductors. Organizing this event in Abu Dhabi comes in line with our goal for upgrading the emirate's development and research infrastructure of semi conductors. It provides a platform for communication between academicians in UAE and industry specialists, researchers, practitioners and experts.                 

IDT'10 is technically sponsored by the IEEE Advanced Technology for Humanity, one of the world's leading organizations supporting the advanced technological innovation worldwide. IEEE and its members organize many related training and educational conferences and activities.  "We are very pleased to be here today in Abu Dhabi," said Yervant Zorian, Chief Architect at Synopsys Inc, USA the representative of  IEEE.  "Abu Dhabi is dynamically evolving and it a great we are able to contribute any amount to its transformation," he added.

The International Design & Testing Workshop was first held in Dubai in 2006, then in Egypt, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia consecutively. The fifth version, held in Abu Dhabi, provides researchers and practitioners in MEA region with a unique forum to meet together and discuss new research ideas and present the latest results and outcomes in the area of semi conductors and related technologies.

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About Abu Dhabi Education Council:
Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) was established in accordance with law No. 24 of 2005, issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the UAE President, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The Chairman of ADEC is H.H. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and the Vice-Chairman is H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. The Council seeks to develop education and educational institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, implement innovative educational policies, plans and programs that aim to improve education, and support educational institutions and staff to achieve the objectives of national development in accordance with the highest international standards.

For more information about ADEC please call its headquarters at +971 (2) 6150 000 or visit our website:  http://www.adec.ac.ae

ADEC Media Contact:
Mourad Tlili
Mob: +971 50 6167 652
E-mail: Mourad.Tlili@adec.ac.ae

© Press Release 2010