UAE President establishes Advanced Technology Research Council

The new body will aim to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-leading research and development hub

The UAE is making impressive strides in the field of artificial intelligence. Andreas Solaro / AFP

President Sheikh Khalifa has announced the creation of a new body aimed at strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global research and development hub.

The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) will operate as an independent authority to accelerate a culture of innovation and discovery.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the government’s news agency Wam said the ATRC would be responsible for setting the technological priorities of the emirate.

It will also establish the necessary controls and standards to help support, finance and undertake R&D contracts, reporting on its work to the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai was announced as its Secretary General.

“The scope of advanced technology R&D was defined to include R&D activities in all fields and specialties, including engineering, communications, artificial intelligence, AI, robotics, space, alternative energy, renewables, and the environmental, chemical, petrochemical, food, pharmaceutical and construction industries,” a statement on Wam said.

“Bringing together cross-disciplinary leaders in research and technology, the new Council will cultivate a collaborative research community, accelerate innovation and discovery and foster a culture of inquiry.”