On Feb. 5, NYU Abu Dhabi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi Ports with the aim to foster maritime innovation and sustainability. This newly signed MoU with Abu Dhabi Ports was agreed upon by Al Bloom, Vice-Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, General Manager of Maqta Gateway and Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Ports Research and Development.

Abu Dhabi Ports is part of the restructuring plan of the commercial ports sector in Abu Dhabi, and was given control over all commercial ports assets previously owned by the Abu Dhabi Seaports Authority ADSA since its establishment in 2006. The two main projects that were carried out since its opening are Khalifa Port and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi.

This is not the first Memorandum NYU Abu Dhabi has signed. On Jan. 16, the University signed another agreement with Abu Dhabi Airports to promote innovation in aviation through research, technology and knowledge exchange.

The newly signed MoU between NYUAD and Abu Dhabi Ports aims to establish research projects on topics of interest to both institutions. Following the MoU, Dr. Al Dhaheri discussed what she thought was the purpose of the Memorandum and how NYU Abu Dhabi is involved.

“Innovation lies at the heart of Abu Dhabi Ports. We understand that the future of industry and trade is rooted in the technological advancements and innovation of today. This is why we are delighted to announce, here, at Abu Dhabi Innovation Week, the launch of the Digital Innovation Lab and our signing with New York University,”she said.

Antonello Barbaro, Executive Director of Advancement & Philanthropy at NYUAD, spoke about the agreement’s positive contribution to the university’s vision.

“NYU Abu Dhabi supports the vision of developing global leaders here in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and forging a new epicentre of innovation; serving both the Middle East and the wider world. This partnership will not only give us the opportunity to advance innovation and open new frontiers, but also help illustrate that by working together, we can create a more productive and more connected globe,” said Barbaro.

In an interview with the Gazelle, Barbaro reflected on the expected involvement of several NYUAD academic departments in the progress of Abu Dhabi Ports.

“We will hopefully be working in different areas. In Biology, we could work on the coral reef and the underwater world, how to develop it, and protect it. We designed a submarine to check the corals and why they are bleaching. We will also need expertise in history. We have a study by our colleagues in partnership with other organizations, to reflect and learn about the legacy that was created by family business. In arts, we would need experienced people in graffiti and painting for instance to manage spaces,” said Barbaro.

Barbaro further elaborated on the goal of NYUAD from contributing in all domains to the UAE’s future sustainable, diverse and free economy.

“Our vision aims to bring strategic development and philanthropy. We need financial and non-financial resources to grow as an innovative institution and make our university core to all key areas where we can add value,” he said. “If we can specialize in different departments and bring expertise to our staff and students, I think we can and should be an engine of development in all areas as well as build a strong network.”