US-based computer technology giant IBM and the University of Dubai on Tuesday announced plans to establish a Smarter Cities Institute in the emirate.
The centre will be a venue for businesses, universities and city-administrators to develop and test solutions for future urban demands and Smart City challenges, the organisations said in a joint statement.
The work could include the use of analytics by governments and cities to study the delivery and effectiveness of citizen services such as social services payments, crime reduction, refining of transportation systems and education improvement.
To be located at the University of Dubai campus, it will focus on curriculum development in mobility, cloud, security and business analytics to “help equip the next generation of professionals with business and technology skills needed to support a strong human capital innovation ecosystem as part of the smarter cities and smarter government agendas”.
“Our mission at the University of Dubai is to develop and educate the future leaders of the country who will make a difference in the business world and play a major role in the Smart Dubai agenda,” said Dr Easa Bastaki, president of University of Dubai.
“By collaborating with a global leader like IBM, we will be able to support the development of a strong human capital innovation ecosystem and expand our research capabilities to address the societal and economical challenges inherent to the smart cities urban development.”
Amr Refaat, general manager, IBM Middle East and Pakistan, said: “Our collaboration with the University of Dubai will provide researchers, faculty and students in the UAE with a platform for innovation, resources and technology expertise to help ensure that today’s graduates have the knowledge and workforce skills to contribute to building a Smarter City. IBM collaborates with educational institutions around the world to drive innovation through research and skills development to support the development of the technical and business talent that fuels economic growth.”
As part of the agreement, the University of Dubai will officially become an IBM academic partner within the framework of the IBM Academic Initiative.
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