The College of Information Technology at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) recently organized the 10^th International Conference on Innovations in Information Technology (Innovations 14), under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of UAEU. The conference featured 80 researchers and technical specialists who discussed the latest innovations in information technology and their applications to community service.

The conference was opened by Professor Mohamed Albaili, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Provost). He stressed the strategic importance of this conference to the country as it makes great strides – under the guidance of His Excellency the President – towards high standards of leadership and excellence in higher education and scientific research, at both regional and global levels. This is being carried out in conjunction with strategic stakeholders such as the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Cisco and SAP in order to diffuse knowledge and innovation throughout UAE society.

Professor Mohamed Albaili added that to hold such significant conferences helps to make UAEU a center for creativity, excellence and innovation, as well as enabling scientific research in support of government directives regarding the roll out of smart technologies. This is achieved by experts with specialized knowledge of many technological areas. This enhances the role of the university in the transfer of knowledge and skills to the surrounding community.

Dr. Boumediene Belkhouche, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, mentioned that the conference showcased 29 research projects and working papers by a total of 80 participants from different countries. The sessions discussed topics such as the impact of ICT in enhancing education; social responsibility and the impact of technological progress on business management. He also discussed the influence of recent breakthroughs in wireless technology as well as the launch of information security programs and communications networks, including embedded and smart code systems. There were also workshops for students on the sidelines of the conference.