Al Ain: The United Arab Emirates University joins the world in celebrating the "World Humanitarian Day" a day designated by the General Assembly of the United Nations every year. This year, the day was dedicated to people from all walks of life who have accomplished heroic achievements under extraordinary circumstances to help members of the community whose lives were turned upside down by the COVID19 pandemic.

On this occasion, His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University described the nation’s pride that the UAE was amongst the first countries to support heroes working on the frontline of the pandemic. He said, “We gave material and moral support in appreciation of those people who dedicated themselves to confront the challenge of COVID19.  Their role was vital in raising the effectiveness of the UAE’s efforts in meeting the demands of the pandemic”.  He underlined the message of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in praising efforts which ‘did not only preserve the health security, and economy of the UAE, but assured the future of the country itself’.

His Excellency explained that the scientific research and applied practical innovation achieved by faculty and students of the UAEU had made an outstanding contribution to the government and health sector’s efforts in combatting the COVID19 pandemic and the extraordinary circumstances that it brought on the world. “We are proud that in 2020 the university’s research productivity increased by 30% over the previous year.  Amongst our achievements we made 31 studies of the coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic, to advance understanding of the virus’ mechanisms and effects. The UAEU was also granted 31 patents and made a further 40 patent applications.”

These achievements demonstrate the importance of universities and indicate the success of the UAEU in forging partnerships with local and international institutions in the health sector to produce scientific solutions and guidance for decision making and policy formation.  His Excellency underlined how the UAEU supports the patenting process which translates innovative ideas into inventions and protects intellectual property rights. He expressed the university’s pride that its graduates lend promise to the future as its heroes. “They are the light and hope of humanity being people who are prepared to provide help in all fields.  They serve to fly the UAE flag high in the sky, and they protect the wellbeing and security of our people”.