Higher education is entering an era in which universities are no longer only places of learning, but critical infrastructures that build resilience, scientific capability, and future industries. It is therefore a meaningful moment to gather in Abu Dhabi, which offers real-world context for research, capability-building, and economic transformation that this summit seeks to address.
Khalifa University is pleased to open these important conversations here in Abu Dhabi, as the leading university entrusted with developing capability for future industries in the United Arab Emirates.
The Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, stated, “The real asset of any advanced nation is its people, especially the educated ones…” This vision continues to guide the UAE as it develops research ecosystems, builds scientific capacity, and strengthens talent pathways aligned with future industries.
Khalifa University plays a significant role in realizing this national vision. The University entered a new chapter in 2017 when three specialized institutions came together to establish this research university with a mandate to advance science, engineering, and innovation. Today the University ranks 177th globally and remains top in the UAE for eight consecutive years, reflecting sustained investment in education and research as foundations for national capability-building. Looking ahead, the University will continue to graduate originators of new enterprises and contributors to emerging economic sectors.
Hosting this summit in Abu Dhabi carries particular significance as the emirate accelerates initiatives in deep tech, energy transition, autonomous systems, and healthcare, while expanding a broader ecosystem of research, industry collaboration, and knowledge transfer. These developments enable direct engagement with a region that is building science-driven sectors and attracting global expertise.
This makes your engagement essential. I encourage all participants to take an active role in working together on building cooperation that continues beyond this summit. On behalf of Khalifa University and the UAE, I extend a warm welcome and wish you an engaging and productive summit in Abu Dhabi.
