The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Boeing announced the start of their partnership focused on vast support to students majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering. As part of this partnership, Boeing is supporting graduation projects of the UAE University students, of which more than half are Emirati women.
In 2022-2023 academic year, Boeing has funded 11 innovative graduation projects, including green technologies for space propulsion applications, a micro-hybrid rocket thruster, a solar-powered aircraft with blended wing, an underwater drone, and others.
“The UAE has ambitious plans for local capabilities development, space exploration and sustainability. Aligning science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education with national aspirations is critical for success,” said Kuljit Ghata-Aura, Boeing president of the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa. “We are proud to support the UAE University students and empower them to develop solutions that will advance the country’s efforts to diversify the economy. We hope that after graduation they will bring their knowledge and skills to local aerospace and manufacturing companies, such as our Tier 1 supplier Strata located here in Al Ain.”
The graduation projects will equip the UAE University students with engineering skills that are in high demand, including data analysis, modeling, and prototyping.
The collaboration between the university and Boeing also aims to advance the incredible efforts of the university in achieving gender equity. In fall 2022, female students represented 76% of the UAEU’s student population, and 20% in engineering disciplines. In 2023, the total number of enrolled undergraduate students in the UAEU’s College of Engineering reached 3379, with female students representing 58%.
Prof. Mohamed Al-Marzouqi, Dean of the College of Engineering, said: “This partnership will provide our students with invaluable hands-on experience and support from industry leaders, preparing them for successful careers in designing platforms applicable under the sea, in the skies and even in the outer space.”
Some graduation projects are devoted to space systems. The UAE is committed to advancing its space program. The country has launched several successful missions, including the Hope probe to Mars and the UAE Astronaut Program. The partnership between the UAE University and Boeing will contribute to the country’s efforts in developing efficient and sustainable solutions for space exploration and the advancement of the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.
