The American University in Dubai (AUD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism as part of the Ministry’s newly launched Knowledge and Innovation Hub, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between government and the academic sector in economic policy, research, and innovation.

Through this partnership, AUD will actively contribute its academic expertise to national economic priorities, engaging in joint research projects, policy dialogue, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge exchange activities with the Ministry.

AUD’s participation in the Knowledge and Innovation Hub will open new opportunities for faculty and students to engage in impactful, real-world work, from producing research and policy studies aligned with the UAE’s economic priorities to participating in academic roundtables, workshops, and executive education programmes. The collaboration also seeks to translate academic research into actionable practices that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.

The initiative was launched in Dubai in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, alongside senior officials and representatives from participating academic institutions. Speaking at the launch, His Excellency highlighted the central role of universities in shaping economic policy and advancing a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy in line with the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

As a partner of the Knowledge and Innovation Hub, AUD reaffirms its commitment to national development, leveraging its strengths in teaching, scholarship, and industry engagement to help address emerging economic challenges and opportunities.

The collaboration will also enhance student learning, providing access to policy-focused projects, research mentorship, and training initiatives that build skills for the future economy.