etisalat UAE and UAEU agree five-year plan for research and student training

Students at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) could work on industry projects while still studying under a five-year agreement with etisalat UAE. The company announced the partnership in a statement dated Tuesday, October 27, following its announcement in Abu Dhabi on October 26.

The agreement provides for internships, final-year projects, work placements and routes into graduate employment. It also envisages hackathons and challenges based on problems faced by the operator. Ali AlMansoori, Group Chief People & Culture Officer, etisalat, said students would encounter live networks and operational problems, while company engineers would take part in university teaching.

Research forms another part of the plan. The partners intend to run trials and build facilities where they can assess technologies outside the laboratory; either may also grant the other access to selected research and innovation facilities. Their shared interests range from health technologies and sustainability to data science, cybersecurity, digital transformation, smart mobility, artificial intelligence, telecommunications and newer network technologies. They plan to produce research papers and conference work together.

Prof. Rami Beiram, Associate Provost for Research, United Arab Emirates University, said access to the operator’s working systems would help researchers assess their findings in practical conditions. Beyond research and student training, the framework includes support for the university, staff exchanges, mentoring, jointly supervised projects and professional courses. It also allows for student awards, funded research roles and scholarships connected to UAE priorities in advanced technology, education and the digital economy.

The statement said each project would require its own agreement to set its scope and oversight.