Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (etisalat), British Telecommunications Plc (BT) and Khalifa University will establish a joint research and innovation centre in the UAE.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed this week will create a jointly-funded international centre at Khalifa University focusing on innovation within the information and communication technology sector.
Through collaboration with industries, universities and governmental organisations, the centre will encourage international collaboration, research and innovation in the fields of next generation networks, systems and services.
"This centre will be established at Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research and will engage staff and students at the university in research and development activities that are relevant to the industry and of international standing," said Hussain Al Hammadi, member of the Abu Dhabi Education Council and Chairman of the Institute of Applied Technology.
According to Ahmad Abdul Karim Julfar, Chief Operations Officer, Etisalat, the merge will further enhance Etisalat's competitive position among the telecommunication companies in the world and increase business relations in the region.
Mike Carr, Chief Science Officer, BT, said that the BT's know-how will be transferred to the Middle East region through the venture.
BT is a leading provider of communication solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of local, national and international telecommunications services to customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services.