The General Authority for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector (TRA) announced that it was the official sponsor of the UAE Forum on Information and Communication Technology Research (ICTRF 2015), which took place in Dusit Thani Hotel, Abu Dhabi on May 17 – 19, 2015. The Forum, under the general theme of “Towards a Smarter City”, has been sponsored by the TRA since its inception in 2006.

The forum included session topics covering ‘Smarter City, the goals and targets’; ‘Smarter City, the technology challenges and solutions’; ‘Smarter City, sustainable impact on citizens’ lives and culture’. The session topics were presented by prominent international experts, invited to speak at the forum. The sessions were followed by a panel discussion for all attendees to join the conversation.

Our support for this event stems from the TRA’s awareness of the importance of the ICT sector as a main driving force of human and economic development. It is an essential element in the process of implementing the UAE Vision 2021 and the National Agenda. The support also reflects our commitment to partner with various stakeholders, led by the academic sector and represented by Khalifa University, which is a crucial scientific organisation in the UAE,” said H. E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, TRA Director General.

“The TRA is delighted to uphold its strategic partnership with Khalifa University and continue to support through sponsoring the UAE ICTRF for the ninth year in a row. We are great believers of the Forum, which is built on the notion of enhancing the UAE’s reputation as a true industry leader and innovator in the field of ICT research. Through the TRA Corporate Social Responsibility program, our sponsorship encourages the Forum’s focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing among ICT researchers and practitioners in the UAE and throughout the region,” added Al Mansouri.

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of Education, the UAE ICTRF 2015 is organized by Khalifa University, and co-organized by the ETISALAT-BT Innovation Centre (EBTIC) and the Emirates Advanced Network for Research and Education (ANKABUT). The Forum attracted academics, researchers, and industry professionals from the fast growing UAE and regional ICT sectors.

The UAE Forum on Information Communication Technology Research was held in conjunction with the International Conference on Information and Communication Technology Research (ICTRC 2015) on 18 – 19, May 2015. The ICTRC 2015 aims to be the world’s forum for scientists, academics, engineers, and industry professionals to present their latest research results, ideas, developments, and applications in all areas of Information and Communication Technology. As part of the conference, EBTIC is organizing a Workshop on Smart City with a theme on “Towards a Smarter City; in the Local Context”.