The Acting Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates Met with the Rector and Delivered a Lecture at the UNWE

The Acting Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates Dr. Hamad Alawadi visited the UNWE and met with the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov.

During the meeting opportunities for the cooperation development in the field of education, research, and innovation were discussed.

The future partnership between the UNWE and the UAE universities through implementing mobility, project development, research and joint initiatives were also discussed.

The Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov emphasized that the development of cooperation with the UAE is important for the UNWE having in mind the progress and the good practices of the country in the field of innovation and technology transfer.

In the Academic Hall Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov showed Dr. Hamad Alawadi the portraits of the personalities who were awarded the Honorary Title of Doctor Honoris Causa of UNWE. The last three titles were awarded to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, who is a graduate and lecturer at the UNWE, Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission /EC/ responsible for an Economy that Works for People and Dimitar Radev, Governor of BNB.

During his visit at the initiative of the Real Estate Property Department Dr. Hamad Alawadi delivered a lecture to students and lecturers focusing on the innovation and progress in the UAE in the field.

Prof. Dr. Georgi Zabunov, Dean of the Business Faculty and Head of the Real Estate Property Department, opened the event in the Ceremonial Hall and introduced Dr. Hamad Alawadi to the students.

Dr. Hamad Alawadi presented the history of the UAE tracing its development from its establishment in 1971 to present days . He highlighted that the country consists of 7 emirates whose wealth is based on oil and gas exports forming 33% of the country's GDP but in the recent years the government policy is focused on innovation and technology development. The UAE is one of the countries where the innovation and technology transfer are the basis of the entire economy and development in each sphere of life. Dr. Hamad Alawadi pointed out Dubai as an example of a smart city and one of the most connected and sustainable cities in the world.

The leading role in the incorporation of innovative technologies play the development of education in this field and investment in research projects. Dr. Alawadi also presented to students various educational programmes in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship provided by the UAE universities.

According to him the UAE is currently the number one destination for all innovative companies and one of the best in the world for the development of start-up companies.