Houses 3 scientific research centers

Abu Dhabi, 16, September 2015:

As it continues its pursuit of international academic accreditation, Abu Dhabi University diligently works to boost it scientific and applied research agenda, and generate research outputs that contribute to the UAE's national development, as evident by its recent announcement of launching the "Centre of Excellence in Smart, Sustainable and Entrepreneurial Cities". With a dedicated budget of AED 6 Million, the Centre will be the umbrella under which 3 research centers focused on sustainability will operate; the Research Center in Sustainable Built Environments, the Research Center in Sustainable Business Processes and the Research Center in Smart Services for Smart Cities.

Commenting on this new addition to the University's arsenal of centers dedicated to excellence, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University explained that research is a fundamental pillar of the University's 2014 -2019 strategy. "We're continuously working on linking our research outputs to the needs of the policy agenda of Abu Dhabi's Government and its Economic Vision 2030, through monitoring and analyzing the key issues that face various sectors of society in the UAE and trying to find innovative solutions to these issues. Especially those that affect sustainability, as well as smart services and solutions. The newly launched center will also help us in allocating more resources towards enhancing the number of faculty driven research and further encourage them publish their research in specialized scientific journals registered in SCOPUS and other world-renowned databases", added Dr. Ibrahim.

On his part, Provost of Abu Dhabi University, Dr. Richard Gibb explained that with the start of the new academic year, the University has started implementing a research strategy focused on exploring investment areas in vital research topics of national standing, as well as creating an environment that values and encourages a diversity of scientific and applied research interests. "Research is one of the most vital factors that affects the international reputation of any University; in fact, it is the main determining aspect of a higher education's ability to compete internationally. At ADU, we've always been keen on elevating our research standards and under the umbrella of this new Centre of Excellence, the three newly inaugurated research centers will promote opportunities for research grant proposals, capacity-building and funding small innovative projects", added Dr. Gibb.

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About Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
Since its inception in 2000, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and President of Abu Dhabi University's Board of Regents, Abu Dhabi University has become one of the region's leading centers of academic excellence. Its vibrant and cosmopolitan student population represents more than 63 nationalities. Through its globally competitive curriculum, ADU formulates highly unique degree programs that maximize graduates' chances of employment. It strives to become one of the world's elite institutions of world-class education and applied research. In addition to a dynamic range of extracurricular activities, ADU also instills a strong spirit of social responsibility in its students so that graduates can help to transform not only their industries; but also their communities and above all, their world.

Abu Dhabi University is licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, with all its undergraduate and postgraduate programs accredited. ADU was also the first university to receive the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in 2010. Dedicated to achieving excellence on all academic and organizational levels, today ADU is one of only six universities in the UAE to enter the ranks of the world's top 700 universities in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world university rankings of 2014 - 2015.

Additionally, for its support and patronage of entrepreneurship, Abu Dhabi University was also awarded the "Best Supporting University for Entrepreneurship" in the UAE and the Arab World during the Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Young Business Leaders in its 8th cycle. The College of Engineering also received international accreditation from the world-renowned Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET for three of its engineering programs, while the College of Business Administration is within the niche ranks of only 5% of the world's business programs that have earned international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business -AACSB.

For media/press inquiries about Abu Dhabi University please contact:
Omnia Hassan
Public Relations & Media Officer
PO Box: 59911, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Direct: +971 (0)2 501 5624
Mobile: +971 (0)50 220 5281  
Email: Omnia.hassan@adu.ac.ae
Web: www.adu.ac.ae

© Press Release 2015