Trio sign deal for telecom innovation centre

TELECOM FIRST: Etisalat is one of the main players behind plans for the Middle East's first international centre for telecoms research. (Getty Images)

Etisalat, BT and Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR) have signed a contract to create the Middle East's first international centre for telecommunications research and innovation, based in the UAE.

Work on the Etisalat BT Innovation Centre (EBTIC) will begin immediately with the aim of opening the facility in the first quarter of 2009.

The EBTIC is a jointly-funded research and innovation laboratory, and will be hosted by KUSTAR in its Abu Dhabi campus, with management and research staff provided by BT, Etisalat and KUSTAR.

The centre is expected to grow to employ around 100 scientists, focusing on research into next generation networks, systems and services. Through collaboration with industry, universities and governmental organisations, EBTIC is expected to become a driving force for innovation in the field of information and communications technology, both within the Middle East region and beyond.

Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, director general of the Abu Dhabi Education Council and Member of KUSTAR’s Board of Trustees said: “The EBTIC will build on the strengths of the university’s ICT research, and at the same time will enhance, influence and inform the university’s research and teaching”.

Etisalat’s role will also be to fund the EBTIC and recruit the researchers with the exception of the staff that are seconded to EBTIC by BT and/or KUSTAR.

Mohammad Hassan Omran, chairman of Etisalat, said: “The UAE is well-known for innovation as well as its rapid acceptance of new technology. This has helped it to become a true hub for business, tourism and trade.

"With the introduction of EBTIC, we are also supporting the rise of the UAE as a hub for research in the field of telecommunications."

BT’s role will be to provide the centre management and research staff providing research and innovation management and exploitation expertise.

Sir Michael Rake, chairman, BT Group PLC, added: “The establishment of this centre represents a real and lasting sign of BT's commitment to the region, and a valuable means to expand the richness and diversity of our global innovation strategy."

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