February 23rd, 2015: The Centre of Excellence for Innovation and Creativity (CEIC) based at Canadian University Dubai has joined the ranks of the International Observatory on Smart City Learning, connecting the UAE with leading European research institutions in the field of smart technology.
The International Observatory, hosted by the University of Rome Tor Vergata, brings together academics and research groups from several top European institutions - including Stockholm University, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Aalborg University, and Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg – to to promote transnational collaboration and debate on the challenges and opportunities of smart city learning.
Founded in 2013 as a subsidiary of Dubai Education LLC, the Centre of Excellence set out to support the UAE's national strategic plan for 2021, including the goal of a sustainable and diversified economy through green development.
Under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the City has initiated a program of transformational projects that aims to build one of the world's most connected and sustainable smart cities by the inception Expo 2020.
With the Expo theme 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', knowledge and education will have an important role to play in the prelude to 2020, and by promoting the advancement of learning practices through smart solutions, CEIC is aiming to make its own contribution to the strategic vision of the event.
Speaking about the new partnership, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chairman of Dubai Education LLC, said, "The Centre of Excellence was established to bring forward knowledge and innovations that have the potential to make a significant contribution to UAE society. Smart technologies are a key driver in the evolution of educational practices, and by joining international leaders in the field we can harness our expertise to develop solutions that could transform the way we teach and learn."
Dr. Karim Chelli, CEO of Dubai Education LLC, commented, "This is a significant milestone for the Centre at an important time, as the UAE accelerates the pace of its development and implementation of smart solutions across both Government and lifestyle services."
Since its establishment, the Centre has created a platform for academic and industry collaboration on sustainable development through innovation and creativity, and attracted leading authorities in the field to speak at its international conferences and events.
Having established itself as an important think tank for smart city development in the UAE, the Centre will now represent the region on an international stage through the Observatory.
Dr. Kiran Tangri, Director of CEIC said, "Membership of the International Observatory will allow us to exchange best practices with global experts on smart city learning and help to showcase Dubai on the world stage as an ambitious, innovative and technology-driven society."
Prof. Carlo Giovannella, Coordinator of the International Observatory commented, "We welcome the membership of the Centre of Excellence for Innovation and Creativity, Dubai Education LLC, as a strategically important organization in the field, demonstrated through their leading role in last year's 'Dubai 2020: Smart City Learning' workshop.
"We look forward to a very fruitful collaboration that will lead to the development of exciting learning ecosystems in the region and, in turn, support the process towards the achievement of sustainable and people-centred smart cities."
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