TRA announces Academic Membership of Ajman University of Science and Technology to International Telecommunication Union

UAE, August 3rd, 2016 –The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has revealed that Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) has been granted academic membership into the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies. The move is hailed as a key step forward that complement AUST’s scientific and academic roadmap towards development while also helping national efforts in consolidating the UAE’s credentials in the ITU.

Earlier, the TRA encouraged AUST to join the ranks of other academic members of the ITU, a move that reflects the TRA’s policy and the UAE’s vision to support and convince all academic institutions, universities and colleges to be part of the ITU with the aim of making good use of several advantages offered by the union and benefit from its membership to the hilt, especially in the light of the rapid development witnessed by the world in digital technology.
The ITU membership will help the university in enhancing its academic levels through being acquainted with the latest developments, techniques and practices in the domain of the telecommunications and information technology industry and keeping up with the emergence of technological advancements in this sector. In addition to capitalizing from studies and mega world projects carried out by the ITU, which includes a large number of designed technical researches, that are conducted by committees, experienced and specialized working teams in various areas either in radio communications or standardization or development.
TRA lauded the great step taken by Ajman University of Science & Technology and its efforts to develop a scientific and academic roadmap that looks towards improving the capabilities and competencies of local human resources as well as assuming its academic role in enabling students to lead the future and developing a generation that is able to match with major developments in the telecommunications and information technology sector. AUST’s efforts is expected to play a key role in bolstering the status of the UAE and its leadership at the global level, while also highlighting the academic sector as a main partner in supporting the process of development and evolution.
In addition, the TRA also expressed its keenness in strengthening ties with all educational and academic institutions in the UAE—urging other schools and universities to join the ITU and benefit from researches and specialized studies, particularly in the field of telecommunications and information technology, in an attempt to pave the way for students who are specialized in this area and to benefit from training courses and activities organized by the Union. The ITU organizes a wide range of workshops that are facilitated by international experts and are aimed at implementing the recommendations of the telecommunications sector to fortify the country’s credentials at the regional and international events and help in fully developing the digital economy network in the UAE.
By AUST’s ITU membership, university students now will be able to take advantage of key opportunities offered by the ITU, especially with regards to training courses in the domain of radio communications and the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), as well as the direct communication with international experts and researchers from more than 100 universities and research centers that are also members of the ITU.
The cooperation will serve the university at all levels and open new horizons that could contribute to developing the university’s academic level; keeping pace with the changes in the digital technology world and qualifying talented and skilled students in leading the future and building the community.
AUST’s entry into the union follows after the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) announcement of academic membership in the ITU earlier this year, making good use of its membership to enhance its academic’s path and foster global partnerships that can back its vision in the field of applied education as well as focusing on specializations that meet with the labor market’s requirements and the state’s development plans.
Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi has also received an invitation to join the ITU, which was issued in recognition of the quality of its research outputs. Houlin Zhao, Secretary General, ITU recently visited the university in March and toured the university’s Innovation Center, ‘Eptic.’ During the tour, he met with researchers who briefed him on projects to improve the fiber optic network, big data and the security of cloud computing networks. The ITU official also visited a research center for processing and analyzing visual signals and the Khalifa University Robotics Institute (KURI) in addition to meeting with students and researchers who briefed him on their research projects.

About the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was established to help further develop the telecommunications and information technology industries and support efforts aimed towards creating a knowledge-based economy in the country. The authority focuses on strengthening the development of the telecommunications and information technology sector, which are important drivers for social and economic growth and one of the main pillars of UAE Vision 2021.
TRA is responsible for supporting the telecommunications and information technology sector through the enforcement of a regulatory framework that stimulates healthy competition; maintains the rights of the beneficiaries; improves readiness of e-services; encourages investment, innovation and development and develops human capital. For more information, please visit: www.tra.gov.ae.


Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)

MoU signed between MBRSC and UAEU to develop specialised Emirati talent in space technology
Dubai, UAE, June 6th, 2016 – Within the framework of strengthening cooperation links with educational entities in the UAE, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in order to develop qualified national human resources to work in the space science and technology sector. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, and H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors at MBRSC, in the presence of His Excellency Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of MBRSC, along with a number of executive officials from both parties.

According to the memorandum, MBRSC will coordinate with UAEU to design and develop educational and training programs in scientific disciplines related to space science and technology and satellites to enable fresh graduates to meet the growing needs of the space sector in the UAE.
The two parties agreed that MBRSC will create job opportunities for outstanding students in scientific, technical and space projects, in addition to providing scholarships for students in the engineering and information technology colleges.
Commenting on the MoU signing, His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, highlighted the importance of these strategic partnerships and their role in supporting and developing scientific research and providing training and job opportunities with experts and specialists. He explained that the university works to strengthen cooperation and partnership with concerned institutions in order to support studies of space science and satellite technology, thus promoting the welfare of the nation.
His Excellency pointed out that: “The national university has the capabilities and resources to achieve the common goals of the two parties, thus supporting the development of the space science sector, encouraging creativity and sustainability in scientific research, developing scientific research programs with the help of international research centres, contributing positively and effectively to research matters related to the space technology sector, exchanging experiments and experiences with MBRSC and achieving scientific integration.”
His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors at MBRSC, said: “The approach of excellence and innovation adopted by the UAE is based on investing in people. Signing the MoU between MBRSC and the UAEU highlights the shared commitment between academic institutions and specialised entities to meet the requirements of the next stage in the fields of science and technology.
“The rapid growth in the space sector requires the support of the educational sector, relying on the expertise MBRSC engineers and experts have gained, and involving the academic staff in the ambitious development projects and initiatives.”
Praising the role of the university in academic and scientific advancement, Al Mansoori said:  “UAEU is a prestigious educational institution that serves as an incubator for technology and research centres, particularly in the space field. University officials and ourselves have common ambitions and we work together to create and develop specialised, technical and training programs for students and graduates. We also employ the gained skills and competencies in space projects and advanced technology in order to contribute to the growth of the space sector thus building a sustainable economy based on innovation, creativity and excellence.”
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About MBRSC:
MBRSC is a Dubai Government entity which aims to promote scientific innovation and technology advancement in Dubai and the UAE. The Centre works on research projects and studies related to space science, in line with the approach of the United Arab Emirates, in its quest to develop the sector and build national academic skills through it.
Among the most prominent tasks entrusted to the Centre are the design, implementation, and supervision of all phases of launching the “Hope Probe” to explore Mars. The Centre is also responsible for all projects related to satellite technology and applications and specialized projects, and advanced technical projects assigned to stakeholders. Also, the Centre provides space imaging and earth station services and support to other satellite services.
In 2009, MBRSC launched “DubaiSat-1” into space, the first remote sensing satellite. In 2013, the second satellite “DubaiSat-2” was launched, while work is underway to launch the third satellite “KhalifaSat”, which is being built purely by Emirati engineering and expertise in the UAE.
About the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) – The National University
Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAEU is a comprehensive, research-intensive university enrolling about 14,000 Emirati and international students.  As the UAE’s flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine Colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Food and Agriculture; Humanities and Social Sciences; IT; Law; Medicine and Health Sciences; and Science.  With a distinguished international faculty, state-of-the art new campus, and full range of student support services, UAEU offers a living-learning environment that is unmatched in the UAE. 
As a research-intensive university of international stature, UAEU works with its partners in industry to provide research solutions to challenges faced by the nation, the region, and the world.  The University has established research centers of strategic importance to the country and the region which are advancing knowledge in critical areas ranging from water resources to cancer treatments.  UAEU is currently ranked in the top 500 universities globally.
UAEU’s academic programs have been developed in partnership with employers, so our graduates are in high demand.  UAEU alumni hold key positions in industry, commerce, and government throughout the region.  Our continuing investments in facilities, services, and staff ensure that UAEU will continue to serve as a model of innovation and excellence.