Governor Phil Murphy announced on Friday that New Jersey will be partnering with universities in the UAE to strengthen his state's education ecosystem as well as international collaboration.
"Research and development are essential for innovation," he said on Friday during his multi-day economic mission to the UAE.
"Not only will this collaboration and partnership bolster New Jersey’s future workforce, but it will also strengthen our economy by ensuring New Jersey continues to be a leader in emerging industries."
New Jersey's Kean University will be establishing partnerships with the University of Dubai, American University in Dubai and the University of Wollongong in Dubai.
"Collaborating with premier institutions such as the University of Dubai, American University in Dubai, and the University of Wollongong in Dubai creates powerful opportunities for our students," said Lamont Repollet, president of Kean University.
New Jersey's Rowan University will be collaborating with American University in Ras Al Khaimah.
Details of the agreements involve potential faculty exchanges, student exchanges, collaborative research projects, collaborative conferences and the exchange of academic information, as well as materials.
Kevin Konecny, associate provost for student affairs at American University of Ras Al Khaimah, said on LinkedIn that it was "exciting times" for the educational institution.
"Anticipating a fruitful partnership ahead between AURAK & Rowan, with exciting developments on the horizon," he said.
Wesley Mathews, chief executive of Choose New Jersey, a non-profit organisation seeking to attract business to the state, emphasised the potential lasting benefits of the deals.
“Investment in higher education partnerships strengthens New Jersey’s talent pipeline, fostering a skilled workforce leading innovative research in life sciences, technology, clean energy and other key industries that bolster our state’s economy,” he said.
The academic collaborations involving New Jersey and the UAE come days after an agreement was announced to enhance cyber security, consumer protection and innovation in the internet-based gaming sector.
That agreement was signed by the state's division of gaming enforcement and the UAE's General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.
“Commercial gaming is a key pillar of the UAE’s strategy for diversified economic growth, playing a significant role in driving tourism and attracting foreign investment,” said Kevin Mullally, chief executive of the GCGRA.
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PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm)
Burnley v Huddersfield Town (7pm)
Everton v Bournemouth (7pm)
Manchester City v Crystal Palace (7pm)
Southampton v Manchester United (7pm)
Stoke City v Chelsea (7pm)
Swansea City v Watford (7pm)
Leicester City v Liverpool (8.30pm)
Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United (7pm)
Monday
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (11pm)
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
more from Janine di Giovanni
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.