ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the Institute of Innovation and Professional Development (IIPD) Global, a leading corporate training and consultancy, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaboration framework to engage in joint initiatives for enhanced learning, professional development, and research.

The MoU was signed by Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University, and Farooq Mohammed, Business Director, IIPD, in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of senior officials from both partners.

Commenting on the agreement, Professor Bayan Sharif said: “We are pleased to enter into this partnership with the Institute of Innovation and Professional Development and contribute to building human capital in strategic areas relevant to the UAE’s knowledge economy transformation, as well as the region and the world." 

He added, "Khalifa University’s powerful academic and research base makes it a higher education institution that has the capability to equip learners of all ages with the necessary skills for overall individual and professional development. Combining our resources with the IIPD will create synergy that will benefit stakeholders in acquiring special skills, facilitating the creation of highly trained and better-informed stakeholders.”

World-class Academic Excellence

For his part, Farooq Mohammed said: “At IIPD, our mission is to bridge the gap between academia and industry through practical, high-impact learning." 

He added, "The collaboration with Khalifa University marks an essential milestone for IIPD, bringing together world-class academic excellence and our global training expertise to prepare professionals and university students alike for the technologies and challenges shaping the future. Together, we aim to nurture a workforce that is innovative, skilled, and ready to lead in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.”

According to the MoU, both partners will explore opportunities to share resources, including faculty and training materials, to support learning and development initiatives. It also covers resource sharing, joint Khalifa University‑certified industry-relevant courses and training programmes, as well as coordinated training opportunities to provide instructors, expertise, and infrastructure. IIPD Global will coordinate with Khalifa University faculty, particularly Dr. Ameena Al-Sumaiti, Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering, to identify and align training activities.

The MoU also enables IIPD’s participation in events organised by Khalifa University, in addition to awareness sessions addressing key industry trends, emerging technologies, and professional skills for students and faculty.