Khalifa University of Science and Technology made a significant impact at the recent QS Global Skills Week 2026 in Washington, D.C., underscoring its pivotal role in bridging academic research with real-world applications. His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of the university, represented Khalifa University as a key panelist in a strategic roundtable on 'Skills for Translational Research and Technology Transfer: Aligning University Output with Industry Needs.' This participation not only highlighted the institution's strengths but also positioned it as a leader in fostering the multidisciplinary skills essential for the UAE's knowledge-based economy.

The event brought together global leaders from industry, academia, and policy to address pressing challenges in workforce evolution, including artificial intelligence integration, green skills development, and career navigation strategies. Khalifa University's involvement emphasized how universities can drive economic diversification through innovation, aligning perfectly with national priorities like the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy and the push for sustainable technologies.

Understanding QS Global Skills Week 2026

QS Global Skills Week, organized by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, serves as a premier platform for discussing the transformation of higher education amid rapid technological changes. Held at Convene Hamilton Square in Washington, D.C., the 2026 edition delved into four core themes: future skills systems, skills partnerships for growth, skills as global currency, and skills for societal impact. Sessions covered AI's role in reshaping industries, critical competencies for emerging sectors, and strategies for re-skilling workforces.

High-profile speakers like Alvaro J. Muñiz from APLU and Dr. Jill Buban, a workforce education leader, shared insights on institutional strategies and value creation. The agenda facilitated networking and in-depth dialogues, enabling participants to explore how education can fuel startup ecosystems and adapt to 2025 trends in AI and workforce pathways. For UAE institutions like Khalifa University, the event offered a stage to showcase regional advancements in skills alignment with global demands.

Khalifa University's Key Contributions to the Dialogue

During the panel chaired by Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, QS Vice-President for Strategic and International Engagement, Professor Al Hajri engaged with peers including Dr. S. Pamir Alpay from the University of Connecticut and Dr. P. Srirama Rao from Virginia Commonwealth University. Conversations revolved around building scalable technology transfer frameworks and nurturing multi-disciplinary expertise in technology and business.

Al Hajri elaborated on Khalifa University's integrated approach, where research outputs are commercialized to meet industry needs. He stressed the importance of equipping researchers with commercial acumen and forging strong university-industry links. This session reaffirmed Khalifa University's model as a blueprint for others, particularly in regions transitioning to innovation-led growth.

Spotlight on Translational Research at Khalifa University

Translational research—defined as the process of turning fundamental scientific discoveries into practical applications—lies at the heart of Khalifa University's strategy. Through the Khalifa University Enterprise Company (KUEC), the institution manages intellectual property protection, venture creation, licensing, and market deployment. KUEC has supported deep-tech startups from faculty and researchers, drawing external investments and partnerships with global firms.

Examples include advanced materials licensed to energy sector partners for enhanced efficiency and sustainability, as well as health innovations advancing toward clinical trials. In 2025 alone, Khalifa University secured 60 patents, building on over 350 issued patents and 850 invention disclosures to date. This ecosystem exemplifies how UAE universities are accelerating from lab to market, addressing national challenges in energy, health, and sustainability.

Impressive Rankings and Research Momentum

Khalifa University's ascent to 177th in the QS World University Rankings 2026—a 25-place jump—reflects excellence across metrics like international faculty (11th globally), citations per faculty, and faculty-student ratio. It leads the UAE for eight years running and ranks top in the region for multiple subjects, including sixth globally in petroleum engineering.

With a 94% graduate employment rate, the university demonstrates strong alignment between education and industry. Recent achievements include joining CERN's ATLAS Collaboration, launching dual master's programs with Johns Hopkins, and proposing international symposia, all enhancing its global footprint.

Photo by Usman Yousaf on Unsplash

A Bold Proposal: Frontiers of Engineering for the Arab World

Building on QS discussions, Khalifa University proposed a 'Frontiers of Engineering Symposium Series for the Arab World' to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Inspired by NAE's successful programs with Germany, Japan, and others, this initiative would convene early-career Arab engineers for cross-disciplinary exchanges on emerging topics.

Led by Professor Al Hajri alongside Dr. Ray O. Johnson and Professor Samuel Mao, the proposal supports UAE science diplomacy. It aims to nurture regional talent, tackle shared challenges, and foster partnerships, positioning the UAE as a hub for engineering innovation. Details from KU's announcement.

UAE Higher Education's Evolving Focus on Skills and Employability

The UAE's higher education landscape is undergoing reforms to prioritize outcomes over inputs. A new federal law emphasizes graduate success (50% weight in evaluations), job-readiness, and research impact. Institutions like Khalifa University are at the forefront, with programs bridging skills gaps in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and sustainability—top in-demand areas for 2026.

Amid economic diversification, universities are enhancing tech transfer. Khalifa's 60 startups supported in 2025 exemplify this shift. Government initiatives like the Abu Dhabi Dialogue 2026 underscore workforce productivity, while OBES (Outcomes-Based Education System) ensures curricula meet industry standards. For more on reforms, visit the KU news portal.

Impact on UAE's Innovation-Driven Economy

Khalifa University's efforts directly contribute to UAE visions like Operation 300bn and the UAE Centennial 2071. By commercializing research in energy storage, carbon capture, and biomedical tech, it supports diversification beyond oil. Partnerships with ADNOC, EDGE Group, and M42 translate discoveries into scalable solutions, creating jobs and attracting FDI.

• Energy: Graphene-infused materials for hydrogen storage.
• Health: AI-driven diabetic care sensors.
• Sustainability: Perovskite solar cells and wastewater biotech.

These initiatives not only boost GDP but also empower Emirati talent, with over 90% scholarships fostering human capital.

Student and Faculty Perspectives

For Khalifa students, programs like the Visiting Undergraduate Research Experience emphasize hands-on skills. Faculty benefit from KUEC's support, turning ideas into ventures. Alumni testimonials highlight career acceleration through industry exposure, aligning with the 94% employment rate.

One researcher noted, 'KUEC bridges the gap from prototype to product, enabling us to impact UAE industries directly.' This culture of innovation prepares graduates for roles in AI, renewables, and beyond.

Future Outlook: Partnerships and Global Collaborations

Looking ahead, Khalifa University eyes expanded dual degrees, like the upcoming Johns Hopkins program in healthcare management, and polar research via Emirates Polar Program. The NAE proposal could spawn annual symposia, enhancing Arab engineering networks.

In the UAE context, expect more focus on AI literacy mandates and green skills, positioning universities as economic engines. Khalifa's trajectory suggests continued leadership in QS metrics and tech transfer milestones. Explore the full QS event overview.

Photo by Usman Yousaf on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for UAE Higher Education Stakeholders

To replicate Khalifa's success:

• Invest in integrated TTOs like KUEC for IP management.
• Foster multi-disciplinary curricula blending tech and business.
• Prioritize international engagements for best practices.
• Align programs with national strategies like Water Security 2036.

Prospective students and faculty can explore opportunities at Khalifa, contributing to UAE's innovation legacy.