Khalifa University emerges as global conference hub 

Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa University is gearing up for an exciting line-up of international conferences in the coming months, solidifying its position as a global hub for research and innovation. 

“International conferences are crucial because they report on the latest cutting-edge aspects in the advancement of science, engineering, and technology,” says Mahmoud Al Qutayri, Professor of Computer and Information Engineering and Associate Provost for Academic Operations. “They also serve as platforms for networking across the globe and forging collaborations.” 

The events span a diverse range of fields, reflecting Khalifa University’s commitment to interdisciplinary research. The schedule kicked off with the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) in mid-October, followed by the IEEE International Conference on Image Processing in late October. November brought the International Conference on Nanostructured Materials. Conferences on Communications and Networking, Smart Power and Internet Energy Systems, Cloud Computing Science and Technology, and Data Mining are also on the horizon. 

“We’re really interested in events that present the latest advancements and solutions to challenging concepts, rather than just displays of possible products.” 

Mahmoud Al-Qutayri  

Of particular note is the inaugural IEEE Middle East Conference on Communications and Networking, scheduled for November. “We were approached by the IEEE Communications Society to organize this conference, recognizing our capability to host such events,” says Al-Qutayri. 

Continuing the momentum 

These conferences align perfectly with Khalifa University’s mission to catalyze growth in Abu Dhabi’s rapidly evolving knowledge-based economy. “Our vision is to be a globally leading university that stimulates positive change and shapes the future,” Al-Qutayri emphasizes. 

The impact of the conferences extends throughout Khalifa University’s academic community.  International conferences attract world-class speakers, including Nobel laureates, university deans, prominent professors, and industry leaders from top companies. This high-profile participation not only elevates the academic discourse but also provides unparalleled networking opportunities for attendees. As a result of these interactions, Khalifa University has fostered valuable collaborations with renowned institutions such as the University of Glasgow in the UK, University of British Columbia in Canada, and Zhejiang University in China. 

“Students have opportunities to submit papers, present their work, and network with international researchers and fellow students. This helps them start building their own networks, which is crucial for people conducting research.” 

Mahmoud Al-Qutayri  

Graduate students in particular can greatly benefit from attending and participating. “They have opportunities to submit papers, present their work, and network with international researchers and fellow students,” Al-Qutayri says. “This helps them start building their own networks, which is crucial for people conducting research.” 

The Abu Dhabi government, through the Department of Culture and Tourism, provides strong support for these initiatives. This partnership has been crucial in the competitive bidding process for international conferences. “We need to present a strong case not just on the technical front, but also to effectively showcase the country and the location,” Al-Qutayri explains. 

After successfully hosting the IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM) in 2018, which attracted about 2,500 delegates, the university will once again host GLOBECOM in 2027. 

Beyond exhibitions

Looking to the future, Khalifa University aims to expand its conference portfolio. “We’re really interested in events that present the latest advancements and solutions to challenging concepts, rather than just exhibitions of products.” Al-Qutayri states. 

The university’s strategic location helps to attract a diverse international audience. “We tend to host a large number of participants from China and South-east Asia, as well as significant attendance from Europe, North America, and even Australia,” Al-Qutayri notes. 

“International conferences are crucial because they report on the latest cutting-edge aspects in the advancement of science, engineering, and technology.”  

Mahmoud Al-Qutayri 

As Khalifa University continues to cement its place among the world’s leading academic institutions, conferences play a vital role. They not only enhance the university’s global reputation but also contribute to Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a hub for research, development, and innovation. 

Al-Qutayri concludes with an invitation to the global scientific community: “We’re looking to expand more in the materials field and the energy field. Health is another area where we need to do more to attract large conferences to Abu Dhabi. We welcome organizations looking for their next conference venue to consider Khalifa University and experience the unique blend of cutting-edge facilities and warm hospitality that we offer.”