Abu Dhabi University celebrates UAE Innovation Week

Abu Dhabi University’s students, staff and faculty are ready to begin academic and community projects that work to support innovation and instill a creative culture in anticipation of the UAE’s Innovation Week.

The university will celebrate the week long adventure with events representing the studies of civil, chemical, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, in addition to architecture, interior design, aviation and information technology. Forums and workshops will also be available to students, including the “Let’s Talk Innovation” series and other activities to help built a sense of innovation.

“Innovation has always been a major focus at Abu Dhabi University through which it seeks to instill a culture of creativity that will aid in graduating qualified nationals who will contribute to the national development process and the United Arab Emirates’ transformation into to a knowledge-based economy,” Dr. Nabil Ibrahim, chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said. “Our week-long celebrations also include the launch of the 'Teaching and Learning Awards' which honors faculty members who have developed innovative teaching methodologies, co-curricular learning activities, new courses, or educational activities etc, in addition to launching the ‘e-Academic Advising system’ and a new strategy for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.”

A competition titled “Innovate for Sustainability” will also be included in the week-long celebration, announced by the director of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre, Dr. Petra Turkama. The competition is designed to support students, faculty and staff at ADU in ideas of sustainable lifestyles, green living, and developing ideas of technology and behavioral influence.

“Our aim is to get more and more students involved with various innovation initiatives that will build innovation culture and impact the education environment at ADU,” Turkama said. “Our numerous celebrations throughout the week also include a 'Let’s talk Innovation' event, which will introduce our students to a group of innovators and inspiring individuals who have who have succeeded in launching new innovative and sustainable products, business processes and collaboration models, thereby encouraging the rest of us to take innovative actions in our own environment.”

Dr. Raid Al Omar, professor of industrial engineering and director of the Master in Engineering Management at Abu Dhabi University, highlighted the idea of joining a united system of academic and scientific innovative initiatives at the "Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center." The center will offer projects that work to consolidate the innovative ideas of students and form them into a core piece of the educational environment of the university.