Zhejiang University and Khalifa University deepen partnership with new joint initiatives

On April 11, MA Yanming, President of Zhejiang University, met with Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, and his delegation on Zijingang Campus. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening ties and expanding collaboration between the two leading institutions.  

President Ma warmly welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of ZJU’s institutional strengths. He highlighted Khalifa University as a key partner in the Middle East, noting that tangible progress has been made since the two universities entered into a partnership last year, particularly in faculty and student exchanges and collaborative research. Looking ahead, he expressed hope for deeper collaboration in key areas, such as innovative talent development, joint R&D in communication technologies, and the advancement of intelligent healthcare systems. It is hoped that by combining strengths, the two universities will take their partnership to new heights.  

President Al Hajri expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and reaffirmed Khalifa University’s commitment to the partnership. He emphasized the institutions’ shared educational philosophies and solid foundation for collaboration, noting the broad potential for future growth. He also voiced support for enhancing faculty and student mobility, expanding research cooperation, and fostering intercultural understanding—particularly by encouraging more young Emiratis to study in China. Together, he said, the two universities can contribute meaningfully to addressing global sustainability challenges.

The meeting culminated in the signing of two landmark agreements: a joint training program and the establishment of a 6G Joint Laboratory. Additionally, President Al Hajri signed on behalf of Khalifa University to join the Joint Statement of Global University Leaders on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, launched by Zhejiang University. The initiative now includes nearly 70 universities from over 30 countries and regions, united in their vision and commitment to a sustainable future.

During the meeting, ZJU Vice President CHEN Gang and Ashraf Al Najdawi, Acting Vice President for External Relations at Khalifa University, introduced plans for future cooperation between the two universities in scientific research and sustainable development. Representatives from the Office of Global Engagement, the Office of SciTech Research, the College of Information Science & Electronic Engineering, and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine also attended the meeting.  

As part of their visit, President Al Hajri and his delegation toured the ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, the State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power Transmission & Mechatronic Systems, and DEEP Robotics, gaining an in-depth understanding of ZJU’s research strengths and entrepreneurship & innovation ecosystem.

Adapted and translated from the article by the Office of Global Engagement, Zhejiang University
Translator: FANG Fumin
Editor: TIAN Minjie