Aiming to develop an advanced technology framework over the next three years, the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and Spain’s Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The framework would foster bilateral collaboration between the two nations in the areas of technological advancement, technology transfers, and the deployment of key industry 4.0 technologies.
Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology, and His Excellency Pedro Duque, Spain’s Minister of Science and Innovation, made the agreement in the presence of His Excellency Omar Ahmed Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, His Excellency Majid Al Suwaidi, UAE ambassador to Spain, His Excellency Antonio Álvarez Barthe, Ambassador of Spain to the UAE, alongside other officials from both ministries.
Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri said: “Through our work with the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, we will build long-lasting, in-country value by collaborating on national priority sectors, enhancing our competitiveness, and further accelerating our economic diversification efforts as we foster a knowledge-based economy supported by advanced technology.”
She added that: “This partnership will also support our efforts to enhance our R&D, catalyzing our efforts to ensure that innovation remains an integral part of our future growth and progress.”
Areas of collaboration under the MoU cover health and life sciences such as precision, personalized medicine solutions; space systems including the commercial development and launch of small multi-use satellites; transport and logistics technologies involving real-time logistics and supply chain management systems; as well as renewable energy storage, smart grid, and solar power technologies; and artificial intelligence (AI) and 4IR technologies to enhance industrial manufacturing processes efficiency.
Pedro Duque, Spain’s Minister of Science and Innovation said: “This agreement is essential for both of our countries. It will allow us to increase scientific cooperation through the establishment of a robust institutional framework. Close collaboration in critical fields such as Health and Life Sciences, Renewable Energy, Space, Transportation, Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0 and Enabling technologies will help our countries better face society’s most pressing interdisciplinary and interdependent challenges.”
In fact, the relationship between UAE and Spain has been good amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As Spain focuses on digitalization, the European country establishes strategic importance of relations with the Arabian Gulf countries, especially the UAE.