- Dhahi Khalfan Tamim: We are making efforts in consolidating Dubai’s leading position in smart transformation globally and employing the latest technological innovations to shape the future of a higher educational sector.
- Al-Awar: This move is an outstanding leap in line with the objectives of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
His Excellency Lieutenant-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), announced the launch of HBMSU's Metaverse-based platform, in line with the university's vision to employ latest technological innovations to re-engineer learning and improve learners’ experience. The announcement was made during HBMSU’s participation at the Dubai Metaverse Assembly, a global event that assembles global elite experts to explore the application, benefits and future prospects presented by the Metaverse.
HBMSU participated in the two-day Dubai Metaverse Assembly, organized by the Dubai Future Foundation and AREA 2071 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Dubai Future Foundation, making it the only UAE university to participate in this global event.
His Excellency Lieutenant-General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai, Chairman of Board of Governors of HBMSU, said: "Inspired by the guidelines and the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, President of HBMSU, who highlighted the importance of the technology sector’s role in the transition to a prosperous future and a fundamental pillar in improving human life and enabling them to overcome challenges, HBMSU is pleased to participate in this global event to strengthen Dubai’s leading position in smart transformation globally. To achieve this vision, we at HBMSU, will ensure our utmost efforts in employing Metaverse applications to shape the future of the higher education sector, accelerating the transformation towards a more efficient smart learning system in overcoming challenges, and meeting the requirements of a future in which there in an increased human dependence on advanced technology innovations in various aspects of life. Our participation in this event reflects HBMSU’s commitment to stay up to date with the latest technological innovations and harness them to enhance the educational environment in the university, further strengthening the capabilities of national talents, as we believe that they play a pivotal role in reinforcing the nation’s stature, consolidating the UAE’s leadership in various sectors, and achieving national visions and strategies.”
His Excellency Dr. Mansour Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, emphasized that HBMSU’s participation in Dubai Metaverse Assembly is a significant move to reap the benefits of the opportunities presented by Metaverse applications in developing different sectors, especially in light of the increasing blurred lines between real and virtual worlds.
Al-Awar said: “We, at HBMSU, are proud to be the only Emirati university to participate in the Dubai Metaverse Assembly, and we are delighted in announcing the launch of our Metaverse-based platform. We leveraged our internal resources and expertise to design and implement this platform, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, President of HBMSU. The Dubai Metaverse Strategy aim at positioning Dubai as the top 10 cities in smart transformation and also to position Dubai as a global hub for the Metaverse community. The Metaverse-based campus is a significant addition to the portfolio of HBMSU’s innovative system and will prove to be one of the major pillars to promote the university’s strategy of combining virtual reality and smart learning.”
Maitha Al Teneiji, Vice Chancellor, AI & Technology Division, at HBMSU, said: “With the launch of the new Metaverse-based platform, we commit to adapt and keep up with the latest technological innovations and harness them to lay a solid groundwork for an enhanced educational system, which is supported by virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence (AI). This will assist in enhancing the learners’ educational journey and ensure access to smart learning for a wide range of learners. The new Metaverse-based platform can be accessed on various devices and browsers, ensuring ease of access for leaners and enabling them to benefit from its efficiency of supporting them through a diverse set of information, registration and admission procedures at the university, all through one portal."
Through the Metaverse-based platform, existing learners can easily attend classes, while new learners can seamlessly go through admission and registration procedures, while effectively communicating with the respective departments to gather information on the academic programs that the university offers. The new campus system leverages AI chatbot Agents to ensure a 24/7 communication channel.
During its participation in the Dubai Metaverse Assembly, HBMSU also announced a fully equipped meeting room within the Metaverse-based campus, complete with audio-visual features. Further additions are to be made in this regard during second development phase of the platform. The university also highlighted its latest innovations in smart learning and showcased its portfolio of smart tools and systems designed to enhance quality and efficiency of higher education.
Over 300 experts, decision-makers, policymakers, thought leaders from across the globe and representatives of more than 40 institutions assembled at the Dubai Metaverse Assembly under one roof. Various sessions, workshops, and discussions were included in the event’s agenda that focussed on exploring the future possibilities and potential of the Metaverse, creating an in-depth understanding of its impact on humans and exploring different avenues to implement Metaverse technologies in various strategic sectors.
