Latest news with #Sharaf
Arabian Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE Delegation Eyes Strategic R&D Ties in NL and BE
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A UAE delegation, under the leadership of Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, has completed visits to the Netherlands and Belgium aimed at expanding strategic collaboration in R&D and critical advanced technologies. The two-day mission centred on forging partnerships in areas including AI, space, health and nanoelectronics. Sharaf, who oversaw the Emirates Mars Mission and now leads the UAE's science diplomacy efforts, engaged Dutch counterparts such as Vice Minister Michiel Sweers and Cyber Affairs Ambassador Ernst Noorman. Meetings with Erwin Nijsse and Harm van de Wetering from the ministries of innovation and space respectively focussed on aligning the UAE's science ambitions with Dutch expertise. ADVERTISEMENT A highlight was a high-level roundtable featuring public and private stakeholders, where both sides discussed collaborative initiatives in artificial intelligence, space tech, biotechnology and broader scientific research. Key Dutch institutions – including TNO, Deltares, ASML and Eindhoven University of Technology – were visited to explore joint applied research programmes spanning water management, semiconductor innovation and university- industry linkages. The delegation's mission concluded with a visit to the imec headquarters and labs in Leuven, Belgium. Imec, a globally recognised centre for nanoelectronics and digital innovation led by CEO Luc Van den Hove, is home to over 5,500 researchers and reported revenue of €846 million in 2022. The UAE delegation toured imec's facilities to investigate potential partnerships involving semiconductor research, AI hardware and future communications. Beyond institutional visits, UAE participants included Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Technology Adviser to Sharaf's ministry, alongside representatives from EDGE Group, Dubai Future Foundation, MGX, G42 and the Technology Innovation Institute under the Advanced Technology Research Council. Their presence signals a cross‑sector push to integrate government, defence, private sector and academic R&D capabilities. The timing of the visit aligns with Europe's ambition to build technological autonomy. In May, EU officials emphasised the importance of domestic AI chip production to strengthen technological sovereignty. The UAE, keen on diversifying its tech ecosystem, stands to benefit from Dutch and Belgian strengths in microelectronics, photonics and applied AI. Analysts note that such collaboration is consistent with a UAE strategy that blends national ambition with international partnerships. Sharaf himself has deep domain credibility: a former board member of the UAE Space Agency and chair of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, he led the Emirates Mars Mission, forging global R&D alliances with institutions in the US and Europe. While official communiqués framed the visits in diplomatic and institutional terms, sources familiar with discussions highlighted potential next steps: co-funded research programmes, joint innovation labs, and student exchange schemes in semiconductor and AI development. Experts caution, however, that cross-border R&D frameworks require careful alignment. Differences in intellectual property regimes, export controls, and standard-setting processes between the UAE, EU and Belgium must be navigated for meaningful cooperation. Partners are expected to elaborate memoranda of understanding, agreeing on joint funding protocols and industry-academia mechanisms. UAE's delegation marks a strategic shift: away from transactional acquisition of tech, and towards co-development through knowledge ecosystems. In engaging flagship institutions like ASML and imec, and government bodies in The Hague, the UAE signals a move to deepen scientific diplomacy alongside its broader economic diversification goals.
Dubai Eye
18-06-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE strives to deepen ties with Germany in technology, science sectors
A UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, has concluded a "successful" visit to Germany that focused on strengthening cooperation in the technology sector, while expanding strategic collaboration in science and innovation. The mission began in Berlin with participation in GITEX Europe, followed by high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of the German government. Sharaf held meetings in Berlin with Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation; Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space; and Gitta Connemann, State Secretary and Government Commissioner for SMEs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. The delegation participated in a roundtable organised by NUMOV, one of Germany's largest organisations promoting economic development between Germany and MENA countries. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Merantix AI Campus, and took part in a roundtable hosted by the Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Furthermore, Sharaf attended the TECH25 Conference in Heilbronn, where he participated in an interview by Handlesblatt and engaged with industry leaders and innovators on the future of advanced technologies. The delegation also held bilateral meetings with various government entities in Stuttgart. The visit included meetings with Danyal Bayaz, Minister of Finance, and Christoph Werner, CEO of dm-drogerie mark. The UAE delegation underscored the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation, enhancing global technology security, and advancing collective progress in research and development. The delegation included Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany; Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of Economic and Trade Affairs Department; and Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Advanced Technology Adviser, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EDGE Group.
TAG 91.1
18-06-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE strives to deepen ties with Germany in technology, science sectors
A UAE delegation led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, has concluded a "successful" visit to Germany that focused on strengthening cooperation in the technology sector, while expanding strategic collaboration in science and innovation. The mission began in Berlin with participation in GITEX Europe, followed by high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of the German government. Sharaf held meetings in Berlin with Dr. Karsten Wildberger, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation; Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space; and Gitta Connemann, State Secretary and Government Commissioner for SMEs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. The delegation participated in a roundtable organised by NUMOV, one of Germany's largest organisations promoting economic development between Germany and MENA countries. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Merantix AI Campus, and took part in a roundtable hosted by the Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Furthermore, Sharaf attended the TECH25 Conference in Heilbronn, where he participated in an interview by Handlesblatt and engaged with industry leaders and innovators on the future of advanced technologies. The delegation also held bilateral meetings with various government entities in Stuttgart. The visit included meetings with Danyal Bayaz, Minister of Finance, and Christoph Werner, CEO of dm-drogerie mark. The UAE delegation underscored the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation, enhancing global technology security, and advancing collective progress in research and development. The delegation included Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany; Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of Economic and Trade Affairs Department; and Nouf Al Hameli, Science and Advanced Technology Adviser, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EDGE Group.
Sharjah 24
16-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
UAE, US: Partnership for innovation, opportunity
Importance of the historical trip Sharaf emphasised the significance of President Trump's visit to the UAE, noting that cooperation on science and technology has become a vital pillar of the US–UAE relationship. Collaboration on the Mars Mission 'Even with the Emirates mission to Mars, our main partner and knowledge transfer partner was the United States,' he stated. 'We couldn't have done it if we didn't work together hand in hand.' Expanding across emerging technologies He highlighted that the UAE–US relationship has broadened to include critical emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and energy. 'The US$1.4 trillion investment is a reflection of how strong the relationship has become. It is the result of decades of partnership between both nations,' Sharaf added. Shared benefits and trust The cooperation is grounded in shared benefits and mutual trust. 'We always look at these opportunities as a win-win situation. Such investments will not just create opportunities for the UAE—whether economic, social, or regional impact—but also for the US economy, creating jobs and attracting talent in both countries.' Governing emerging technologies responsibly Sharaf stressed the necessity of collaboration in responsibly governing emerging technologies. 'It is crucial that we have relationships where countries work closely, investments happen both ways, and we come up with governance systems for new technologies that, if misused, could have serious consequences.'
Hi Dubai
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Deepens US Ties with $1.4 Trillion Investment Focused on Tech Growth
The UAE is ramping up its long-standing partnership with the United States through a $1.4 trillion investment aimed at advancing cooperation in emerging technologies, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Technology Omran Sharaf said in an interview with CNN today. Sharaf described the visit of US President Donald Trump to the UAE as 'very important and historical,' highlighting how decades of bilateral collaboration are now evolving into deeper ties in science and innovation. 'We couldn't have done it without working hand in hand,' he said, referencing the US's key role in the Emirates Mars Mission. The massive investment underscores growing joint efforts in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and energy technologies. According to Sharaf, this financial commitment is 'a reflection of how strong the relationship has become,' marking a significant shift toward future-focused sectors. He emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership, noting that the investment will generate jobs and draw top talent in both countries. 'We always look at these opportunities as a win-win situation,' he said. Sharaf also called for collaborative governance frameworks to ensure responsible use of emerging technologies. 'It is crucial that countries work closely... to come up with governance systems for new technologies that, if misused, could have serious consequences,' he said. The latest developments reaffirm the strategic nature of the US–UAE alliance and signal both nations' commitment to shaping the global tech landscape together. News Source: Emirates News Agency
