First-of-its-kind Innovation Hub opens in Abu Dhabi

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UAE - The Innovation Hub, a first of its kind in the Middle East, has officially been launched in Abu Dhabi.

Lt-Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior, inaugurated the hub on Wednesday, in celebration of the UAE Innovation Month at UAE University's Science and Innovation Park in Al Ain.

The Innovation Hub is now open to receive applicants for their courses in App Factory, Makers Space and Machine Learning, where they can host up to 120 students per day.

The Makers Space courses are applicable to students aged between eight and 16, whereas the Machine Learning and App Factory courses, which include coding in virtual reality and lessons in robotics, are available to students aged between 16 and 24.

The hub was developed by the parties to help the rate of progression in science and technology levels in the region, by equipping students with specific high-tech lessons, such as machine learning, application development, 3D printing and laser-cutting, amongst other tech industry practices.

Saif Ali Al Qubaisi, chairman of Al Bayt Mitwahid Association, said: "I'm extremely proud that we've opened the Innovation Hub Powered by Google. It's a state-of-the-art facility that will allow students to participate in valuable high-tech classes, which will benefit the next generation of talented minds here in the UAE."

"Alongside UAE University (UAEU), the Abu Dhabi Department of Education (Adek) and Google, we aim to achieve the long-term vision for the UAE by developing the innovative and technological skills of the country's people."

Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of Adek, Chancellor of UAEU and member of the Executive Council, said: "This is an agenda that aims to enhance awareness of the importance of innovation and digital creativity.

"Artificial intelligence is the engine driving forward the Fourth Industrial Revolution; it encourages companies around the world to design innovative products by using artificial intelligence."

Selim Edd, head of public policy and government relations at Google in Mena, added: "The usage of Internet and mobile app is expanding at a very fast pace in the Middle East and North Africa region; and it is necessary to equip the youth with the skills needed to be active contributors to this technological growth.

"At the Innovation Hub, students can benefit from a range of courses including machine learning, which was used by Google engineers to develop programmes such as Google Translate. We look forward to seeing the impact of this hub on the youth of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi."