Abu Dhabi

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Middle East’s position in scientific research and technological innovation, the Wisdom Research Center has been launched as a strategic initiative aimed at establishing the region as a global hub for knowledge-driven development. This initiative responds to the growing need for research institutions capable of guiding sustainable development by investing in technology, applied sciences, and collaborative research at both regional and international levels.

The project is spearheaded by H.E. Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri, a prominent Arab figure and Chairman of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, alongside Professor Mohammed Farmer, the Founder of the British Institute of Technology (BITE) in London, UK.

The Wisdom Research Center is envisioned as a regional counterpart to the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, but with a dedicated focus on the unique challenges and opportunities in the Middle East and the Islamic world. The center aspires to build a sustainable future anchored in knowledge, innovation, and collaboration by leveraging the region’s strategic geographic position as a gateway to global markets, harnessing its cultural diversity as a catalyst for new ideas, and utilizing its growing technological capabilities to develop practical solutions for the challenges ahead.

A Vision for Research and Innovation in the Arab and Islamic World

Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri, who plays a pivotal role in shaping the center’s vision, emphasized that the Wisdom Research Center aims to cultivate an advanced research environment grounded in collaboration between academic and scientific institutions across the Arab and Islamic world. He noted that the initiative comes at a time of rapid technological transformation worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for research platforms that can drive knowledge-based economies. He stated:

“The Middle East has historically served as a crossroads for trade, thought, and civilization. Today, we have a unique opportunity to capitalize on our human and economic resources to position our region among the world’s leading innovation and technology hubs. The Wisdom Research Center is not just a research initiative—it is a step towards building an integrated knowledge-based ecosystem that shapes our shared future.”

Professor Mohammed Farmer, an expert in technology and innovation, echoed this sentiment, describing the center as a collaborative platform for research and technology, bringing together scientists and innovators from across the Arab and Islamic world to find practical solutions to economic and developmental challenges. He added:

“The Wisdom Research Center provides a scientific framework that unites researchers, thought leaders, and policymakers from across the Arab and Islamic world. Together, we will explore ways to develop and apply technology in critical areas such as energy, healthcare, and industry. These collective efforts pave the way for a future driven by innovation and a knowledge-based economy.”

Key Focus Areas of the Wisdom Research Center

The Wisdom Research Center will concentrate on research and applied fields that support economic and intellectual development in the Arab and Islamic world. Through technology-driven solutions and collaboration with private sector entities, the center will help advance key sectors. The primary focus areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation: The center will develop AI technologies and applications in healthcare, education, finance, and government services. Efforts will focus on big data analytics, automation, and digital service enhancements. Additionally, the center aims to expand AI-driven solutions across companies and institutions, fostering economic growth and operational efficiency.
• Sustainable Development & Renewable Energy: Given the region’s abundant solar and wind resources, the center will focus on research and development in renewable energy technologies, sustainable water resource management, improving recycling practices, and reducing environmental impact, contributing to a long-term sustainable development model.
• Biotechnology & Healthcare: The center will prioritize biomedical research, early disease detection, and advanced therapeutic technologies, while also developing telemedicine solutions that align with modern healthcare systems and improve efficiency and accessibility.
• Smart Cities & Urban Development: With the Middle East experiencing rapid urbanization, the center will focus on developing technological solutions to improve urban living standards, including smart traffic management, energy-efficient infrastructure, and digital integration of public services, helping to reduce emissions and promote urban sustainability.
• Cybersecurity & Data Protection: As digital transformation accelerates, cybersecurity has become a top priority. The center will work on developing advanced solutions for data protection, mitigating cyber threats, and securing digital infrastructure, ensuring a safer and more resilient digital environment.

A Vision for Economic Diversification

A core objective of the Wisdom Research Center is to reduce the Middle East’s dependence on traditional economic models and transition towards a knowledge-driven economy. Highlighting the significance of this shift, H.E. Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri stated:

“For decades, oil has been the backbone of our economies, but the future belongs to those who invest in knowledge and innovation. The Wisdom Research Center will be a key driver of this transformation.”

Professor Mohammed Farmer added:

“By investing in research and innovation today, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future. The Wisdom Research Center will not only address the challenges of today but will also create new opportunities for generations to come.”

Global Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships

The Wisdom Research Center is committed to establishing international research collaborations, engaging with global initiatives such as Horizon Europe, and working with leading academic institutions and technology firms to align its projects with global best practices.

Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri stressed the importance of these partnerships, stating:

“Innovation knows no borders. By working alongside international partners, we can accelerate progress and ensure that the Middle East remains at the forefront of technological advancement.”

Professor Mohammed Farmer reiterated that collaboration is central to the center’s vision, stating:

“Collaboration is the foundation of the Wisdom Research Center’s success. By bringing together experts from around the world, we can achieve far more than any single nation or institution could on its own.”

A Call to Action for the Arab and Islamic World

The Wisdom Research Center is not merely a research initiative—it is a call to action for the Arab and Islamic world to unite, invest in the future, and build a shared knowledge economy. By pooling resources, fostering knowledge exchange, and working towards common goals, the region can overcome its challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the 21st century.

Concluding with a message of optimism, Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri stated:

“The Wisdom Research Center is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together. It represents a vision for a brighter future built on knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. Let us seize this opportunity and build a legacy that benefits generations to come.”

Professor Mohammed Farmer added:

“The Wisdom Research Center is not just about technology—it is about people. It is about creating a future where everyone in the region has equal opportunities for growth and prosperity. Together, we can turn this vision into reality.”

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