Tag: UAE

Ajman University has secured a prestigious international grant from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) worth USD 410,300.00, in the inaugural cycle of the ICANN Grant Program. This competitive international award, secured through the dedicated efforts of Prof. Rao Naveed Bin Rais from the College of Engineering and Information Technology, will support the development of a groundbreaking system to archive and analyze global data related to the Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) — a vital cybersecurity protocol that safeguards the integrity of Internet infrastructure.

The project aims to build a 24/7 operational platform that analyzes historical DNSSEC data, identifies vulnerabilities, and highlights gaps in its global implementation. This first-of-its-kind system will offer diagnostic tools with visual analysis, helping enhance DNSSEC adoption worldwide.

Ajman University is the only institution in the Middle East to receive this grant, and one of just 23 selected entities out of 247 global applicants. Out of 23 entities, only 3 are selected from Asia including Ajman University. Moreover, AU is also among the only five universities worldwide to receive the award — including three from Europe, one from Latin America, and Ajman University as the sole representative from Asia.

This milestone reinforces Ajman University’s global standing, particularly as it enabled the University to obtain U.S.-equivalent charitable organization status — a prerequisite for applying to this grant. This designation aligns with AU’s identity as a non-profit academic institution and paves the way for securing additional international funding opportunities that support its academic and community missions. Being the only awardee from both the Middle East and the only university from the Asia highlights the University’s ability to compete at the highest levels in fields such as cybersecurity and Internet governance.

The grant-funded project represents a significant addition to the University’s research and technological infrastructure. It involves the development of a passive, integrated system to collect and analyze DNSSEC data — the first of its kind globally — and is expected to boost AU’s international visibility as global Internet community begins using the platform. The project will also include the establishment of a high-tech hardware lab on campus, further strengthening AU’s capacity for applied research and innovation in digital infrastructure.

The initiative promises to create research and training opportunities for AU graduates, while providing current students and researchers access to valuable datasets for research and development purposes — supporting their growth in analytical and technical skills.

The project addresses a major global challenge related to the implementation of DNSSEC, a protocol strongly advocated by global Internet bodies like ICANN and IETF for securing the DNS ecosystem. In the adoption of DNSSEC protocol, one of the main obstacles has been the lack of visibility into global adoption and implementation gaps. Through the newly developed system, Ajman University seeks to bridge that gap by monitoring and analyzing DNSSEC adoption across Internet domain names worldwide.

This project reflects Ajman University’s strong commitment to leveraging scientific research in service of global challenges and underscores its active role in building secure and sustainable digital infrastructure that benefits academic and technical communities both locally and globally.

As part of its strategic commitment to enhancing graduate employability, Ajman University (AU) launched its flagship CXO Connect initiative—a platform designed to bridge the gap between higher education and industry. Through curated engagements with top executives, the initiative equips students with real-world insights, leadership perspectives, and the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.

In a recent session titled “Leading with Creativity: How Executive Leadership Drives Innovation and Impact,” AU convened a distinguished panel of industry leaders: Mr. Sajith Ansar, Founder and CEO of Idea Spice; Mr. Jatin Kalra, Vice President of Apparel Group; and Mr. Christoph Koster, CEO of ruya. The session was moderated by Dr. Abeer Al Ghananeem, Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

The panelists shared insights on the role of creativity in executive leadership, the importance of long-term strategic thinking, and how today’s graduates can position themselves for sustained success. A recurring theme was the growing demand for soft skills, including empathy, adaptability, and communication—essential qualities that complement technical expertise in the modern workplace.

Reflecting on the strategic significance of the initiative, Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, stated: “AU has launched the CXO Connect program to cultivate a robust ecosystem of industry partnerships. This initiative is designed to develop highly-skilled talent, promote industry-relevant research, and champion continuous learning. By doing so, AU aims to contribute to the UAE’s national vision of becoming a prominent leader in the global knowledge economy.”

Panelists also underscored the UAE’s growing role as a global innovation and entrepreneurship hub, highlighting the rise of homegrown ventures, fintech expansion, and the country’s long-term commitment to economic diversification.

Through initiatives like CXO Connect, Ajman University reinforces its position as a catalyst for career readiness and innovation—ensuring that its graduates are not only academically equipped, but also industry-aware, globally competitive, and future-focused.

Ajman University is proud to announce that it has won the prestigious QS Reimagine Education Award 2024 for “Sustainability Education Action.” This accolade was awarded in recognition of the University’s groundbreaking initiative, the ‘Greening Communities: Mangrove Planting Project.’ This honor underscores the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its dedication to empowering youth and communities with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive the UAE’s ambitious sustainability goals.

The project’s objectives align with the UAE’s national plan to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. Spearheaded by Ajman University’s Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Al Zorah Development Private Company and Quest for Adventure, the initiative engages students and local communities in the preservation and rejuvenation of mangrove ecosystems, highlighting Ajman University’s pivotal role in advancing a sustainable future.

Reflecting on this significant achievement, Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, said, “Receiving the QS Reimagine Education Award for Sustainability Education Action is a powerful validation of our commitment to sustainability. It invigorates our efforts to engage youth and communities in impactful environmental action, driving meaningful change in alignment with the UAE’s sustainability objectives.”

The project incorporates a variety of educational programs and workshops designed to heighten awareness about critical environmental issues. These initiatives equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle environmental challenges, empowering them to become advocates for positive change within their communities.

Moreover, the initiative supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Partnerships for the Goals.

The QS Reimagine Education Award is a highly esteemed honor within the education sector, recognizing innovative approaches that enhance learning outcomes, improve employability, and advance sustainability education. Now in its 11th year, the award features 17 categories, celebrating transformative educational practices globally. Each year, the competition attracts over 1,200 submissions from around the world, evaluated by a distinguished panel of more than 900 international expert judges.

Chronic wounds—resulting from diabetes, burns, and vascular conditions—represent a growing global health crisis, affecting millions and straining healthcare systems worldwide. The urgent need for effective, accessible, and less invasive treatments has placed regenerative medicine at the forefront of medical innovation.

In response to this challenge, Dr. Ibrahim El Serafi, Associate Professor and Head of the Basic Medical Sciences Department at the College of Medicine, Ajman University, has been awarded the Thumbay International Research Grant 2025 to lead a groundbreaking project on skin regeneration and wound healing.

His research explores the potential of epigenetic compounds—Vorinostat and CID1067700—to stimulate the differentiation of stem cells into keratinocytes, the key cells responsible for skin formation. The aim: to develop a topical, non-surgical therapy and personalized skin grafts for patients suffering from chronic, non-healing wounds.

The project has far-reaching implications for personalized and regenerative medicine, offering a viable alternative to traditional skin grafting procedures, which often involve donor sites, risk of infection, and limited availability.

Through rigorous in vitro and in vivo studies, the project will assess therapeutic efficacy, genotoxic safety, and clinical applicability. If successful, it could lay the foundation for next-generation treatments for wounds caused by diabetes, trauma, and vascular diseases.

In partnership with Gulf Medical University (UAE) and Linköping University (Sweden), this project exemplifies Ajman University’s strategic focus on translational research and global collaboration. It reinforces the University’s growing reputation as a regional leader in advancing health sciences and biomedical innovation.

This milestone reflects Ajman University’s commitment as a non-profit institution to advancing impactful research that addresses real-world challenges. By nurturing scientific inquiry and fostering strategic partnerships, AU continues to align with national and global priorities—contributing to a more sustainable, healthier future.