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The British University in Dubai (BUiD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Blockchain Center and the University of Nicosia. The MoU was signed by Prof. Abdullah Alshamsi, BUiD‘s Vice Chancellor, and Dr Marwan Alzarouni Chief Executive Officer- Dubai Blockchain Center and Mr Antonis Polemitis , Chief Executive Officer – University of Nicosia. The three parties agreed to collaborate to further the promotion and understanding of Blockchain through training courses, workshops, conferences, educational programmes and research.

Prof. Abdullah Alshamsi said, “We are very pleased with this collaboration as it will encourage knowledge transfer and latest innovation in Education. There is no doubt that this new partnership will open new horizons for all parties, and its benefits will extend to the wider UAE’s knowledge based economy.”

BUiD was the first University in the UAE and third in the world to issue Digital Degrees, using blockchain technology offering users (e.g. potential employers) immediate, secure and digital authentication via the new verification tool on BUiD’s website. This project is a result of the collaboration between the University of Nicosia and BUiD’s Centre for Risk and Innovation (DCRI). Dr Maria Papadaki, Director of DCRI said, “Collaboration is the essence of DCRI. We are delighted to be working with the world’s leading university in Blockchain, the University of Nicosia (UNIC) since 2017. The concept of digital degrees implemented in BUiD is totally aligned with our commitment to fulfill the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai of making Dubai the first city fully powered by Blockchain by 2020. With this in mind, we have joined forces with the Dubai Blockchain Center; this collaboration will surely give us the opportunity to make a difference in the global blockchain agenda.”

Dubai Blockchain Center was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Centre aims to bring together blockchain thought leaders, developers, investors, and educators.

Dr Marwan Alzarouni Chief Executive Officer- Dubai Blockchain Center said, “We in Dubai Blockchain Center flourish with great partnerships. The partnership with BUiD and UNIC is a prime example of synergy in Blockchain technology amongst academia, government and industry. Being part of the Area 2071 ecosystem will provide us all with a great environment in which we can push the boundaries of technology and collaboration”.

The purpose of this MoU is to recognise and foster closer relations between all organisations in fields related to blockchain. The British University of Dubai, University of Nicosia and the Dubai Blockchain Center will take appropriate measures to increase the level of cooperation in all areas of knowledge and education that are of common interest. One form of collaboration through this MoU is exploring possibilities for launching joint programmes in Dubai. The Dubai Blockchain Center will be offering an employee exchange opportunity with the aim of sharing and furthering the scientific and technical expertise of all Parties.

Mr Antonis Polemitis, Chief Executive Officer – University of Nicosia commented, “The University of Nicosia (UNIC) is very keen to utilize this opportunity to further strengthen ties with the British University in Dubai and build a new relationship with Dubai Blockchain Center. UNIC is regarded by many as the leading university in the world on the topic of Blockchain technology, and Dubai is similarly regarded as the leading jurisdiction in the world for the implementation of Blockchain in the government and industry. We see this partnership as a great opportunity for collaboration in education, training, research and innovation and consider this initiative to be one of our focuses globally.”