HKUST(GZ) explores partnerships with institutions in Qatar, UAE
Professor Lionel M. Ni, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), led a delegation to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from Feb 24 to 28.
The visit included participation in the Sino-Arab Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum and the 2025 China-Arab Entrepreneurs Summit, as well as meetings with UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahayan, and visits to notable universities and innovation institutions such as Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Science & Technology Park, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), New York University Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University.
The delegation conducted in-depth research on cooperation opportunities between China, Qatar, and the UAE in higher education and technological innovation, seeking to expand opportunities for academic research, student exchanges, and knowledge transfer.
Joining Professor Ni were senior professors from HKUST(GZ), including Professor Weijia Wen, Dean of the Function Hub; Professor Huihe Qiu, Thrust Head of the Sustainable Energy and Environment; Professor Ge Lin Kan, Thrust Head of the Urban Governance and Design and Mr. Jing Fu, Head of Global Affairs Department.
On the morning of Feb 24, the delegation engaged in comprehensive discussions with leaderships of Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, focusing on student exchanges and research collaboration. Both parties expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation and explore more opportunities in talent cultivation, academic research, and technological innovation in the future.
At HBKU, the delegation gained insights into the Qatar Computing Research Institute and associated laboratory clusters. Both institutions acknowledged the possibility of collaboration in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and data science.
Innovation and entrepreneurship are key spirits of HKUST(GZ), prompting President Ni to visit the Qatar Science & Technology Park, a pivotal project developed in collaboration with surrounding universities and renowned enterprises. Dr. Jack Lau, President of Qatar Science & Technology Park and a prominent alumnus of HKUST, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed eagerness for further collaboration, particularly in providing internships to students and supporting tech enterprises expanded from the Greater Bay Area in China to Qatar.
During the UAE visit, President Ni delivered a keynote speech at the inaugural China-Arab Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, an event co-hosted by HKUST(GZ) and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). He also enhanced HKUST(GZ)’s relations with the Middle East by signing a memorandum of cooperation with the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) at the 2025 China-Arab Entrepreneurs Summit, where he also gave a special address.
During the address, President Ni emphasized that China is experiencing a golden era of higher education transformation, and HKUST(GZ) is leveraging its strategic location in the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to expand its global cooperation network and strengthen its competitiveness as a leading research university.
Additionally, he was interviewed by the Emirates News Agency and interacted with notable guests, including former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.
President Ni also had the opportunity to visit the residence of the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Mr. Sheikh Nahayan, for a meeting and luncheon. During the talks, Mr. Sheikh Nahayan expressed interest in using this meeting as a catalyst to enhance in-depth exchanges and cooperation in higher education and technological innovation between the two nations. The meeting also included exchanges with Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance in UAE
On Feb 27, the delegation visited Khalifa University, engaging in discussions with President Ebrahim Al Hajri and senior management. Khalifa University, named after the former UAE President, is a research institution renowned for cultivating innovative talents and advancing scientific development in the Middle East. Both parties agreed to consolidate their partnership further and explore pathways for coordinated development in education, research, and industrial innovation. The visit coincided with the Khalifa University Research and Innovation Exhibition 2025, in which the delegation engaged with student leaders and faculties.
The delegation also visited NYU Abu Dhabi on Feb 28, where they held in-depth discussions with Associate Vice Chancellor Marta Losada and other senior management, along with the faculty team of Engineering, Science, and Research. NYU Abu Dhabi, a young international research university, is globally acclaimed for its outstanding internationalization and interdisciplinary research. The visit strengthened mutual understanding between the two institutions, laying the foundation for future collaboration in talent cultivation and research innovation.
