UOS displays digital excellence at Computing and Informatics Week
Opening remarks by university leadership
The event opened with a keynote from Prof. Yousef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who welcomed attendees and reaffirmed the University's vision to be a beacon of academic and research excellence, both locally and globally. He emphasized the importance of such gatherings in forging connections among scholars, industry leaders, and students, and in nurturing the next generation of digital trailblazers poised to drive the UAE's transformation.
Symposium on cybersecurity and E-commerce
A highlight of the program was a specialized symposium on 'Cybersecurity and E-Commerce,' attended by Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies. In his remarks, Prof. Bettayeb underscored the urgency of addressing the latest developments in AI and its wide-ranging applications, noting their direct impact on economic and commercial relations. He also spotlighted the vital role of cybersecurity in safeguarding digital commerce.
Academic collaboration and real-world integration
Prof. Abbes Amira, Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics, elaborated on the college's collaborative approach, working closely with other university faculties and industry partners to create an interactive educational environment that bridges theory and practice. He stressed that this week's program, featuring panel discussions with leading experts, was designed to enable students and researchers to engage directly with the latest trends in AI, cybersecurity, and e-commerce, broadening both their academic and professional horizons.
SEC 2025: Multidisciplinary perspectives
Prof. Amira added that one of the events was the fifth edition of the International Symposium on E-Commerce and Cybersecurity (SEC 2025), jointly organized by the Departments of Information Systems and Computer Science in partnership with the College of Law. The symposium brought together academics and specialists to exchange insights and debate the latest technological breakthroughs in cybersecurity and e-commerce from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Keynotes and workshops
The opening day featured standout keynote addresses, including Prof. Fakhri Karai from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, who explored 'Effective AI in Healthcare Systems,' and Prof. Sergey Kolyubin from Russia's ITMO University, who delved into 'The Future of Embodied Intelligence.' A lively panel discussion, 'Shifting Horizons in Learning: The Rise of Generative AI,' moderated by Prof. Ali Aouni, featured faculty from across the University and representatives from AWS company. The day also included a workshop in collaboration with NVIDIA DLI on AI-driven anomaly detection in data, led by Dr. Iyad Turki.
Industry insights and future visions
The 'Cybersecurity and E-Commerce' symposium welcomed industry leaders such as Omar Mohammed Al Awadi, founder and CEO of Technologies LLC, who gave a thorough analysis of the evolving landscape of e-commerce, consumer behavior, and digital culture. In addition, Emini Yilmaz Bouton, founder and CEO of AcceleratEMEA, highlighted the critical role of innovation and interdisciplinary thinking in securing the future of e-commerce.
Research contributions by faculty and students
Moreover, a number of UoS faculty presented cutting-edge research on topics ranging from cyber risk insurance and zero-trust systems to commercial innovation and emerging cyber threats. UoS graduate students followed with presentations tackling advanced issues such as post-quantum cryptography, IoT security protocols, data-driven frameworks for research funding, and predictive pricing optimisation.
Awards and competitions
The week concluded with an awards ceremony honoring sponsors, speakers, and the winners of student competitions in AI and cybersecurity. In the fiercely contested robotics programming competition, first prize went to Ghulam Mohammed and Saif Abdul Jalil, with Salsabeel Al Saman and Omar Mohammed taking second. Third place was shared by Gaith Mohammed and Rafi Ibn Al Noor, as well as Alia Abdulaziz and Hafsa Rahmanullah. In the Cybersecurity Competition, Bushr Al Khayyat clinched first place, followed by Rafi Ibni Abu Kalam and Salsabeel Al Saman.
Innovation in E-commerce recognised
The '2025 Innovation in E-Commerce Award,' presented in partnership with Technologies LLC, recognized exceptional student projects. Omar Mohammed was honored for his drone fleet asset-tracking system for indoor environments, Saif Salem for his AI methodology project, and Waleed Khaled for his application of What3Words to tackle regional logistical challenges. Jad Hatem received accolades for 'TrustChain,' while Mariam Nader was awarded a certificate of distinction for her 'Volunteer Information System.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
23-05-2025
- Arabian Post
Elevate Enters MENA Market with RISE Group Acquisition
New York-based consulting firm Elevate has acquired RISE Group, a marketing and commercial services consultancy headquartered in Riyadh and Dubai. The acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, is pending customary regulatory approvals. This move marks Elevate's strategic entry into the Middle East and North Africa region, aiming to capitalise on the burgeoning sports and entertainment sectors. As part of the agreement, RISE co-founders Seth Holmes and Tom Berrington will assume key leadership roles within Elevate. RISE will maintain its offices in Riyadh and Dubai, ensuring continuity in its regional operations. Founded in 2014, RISE Group has established a strong presence in the MENA region, specialising in commercialising government assets and developing sustainable commercial partnerships. The firm's expertise spans various sectors, including sports, culture, and entertainment, with a focus on maximising business and brand returns on investments. ADVERTISEMENT Elevate's acquisition of RISE Group aligns with its broader strategy to expand its global footprint and diversify its service offerings. The firm has been actively pursuing growth opportunities, as evidenced by its recent acquisitions of SRI, a global search and talent optimisation agency, and Fenway Sports Management's Consulting Group. These strategic moves have bolstered Elevate's capabilities in talent advisory and brand consulting, respectively. The MENA region has been experiencing significant growth in the sports and entertainment sectors, driven by substantial investments and initiatives aimed at diversifying economies and enhancing cultural engagement. Elevate's entry into this market through the acquisition of RISE Group positions the firm to leverage these opportunities and contribute to the region's evolving landscape. RISE Group's portfolio includes collaborations with prominent entities such as the Saudi Professional League, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and the Ministry of Culture. The firm's track record in delivering high-profile projects and forging strategic partnerships underscores its value proposition in the MENA market. The integration of RISE Group into Elevate's operations is expected to enhance the firm's ability to offer comprehensive solutions across marketing, commercial services, and strategic consulting. By combining Elevate's global expertise with RISE's regional insights, the firm aims to deliver tailored services that meet the unique needs of clients in the MENA region.
Channel Post MEA
19-05-2025
- Channel Post MEA
University of Sharjah and IBM launch My FarmWell Mobile App to Promote Sustainable Agriculture
The University of Sharjah (UoS), in collaboration with IBM through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, today announced the launch of My FarmWell, a mobile application designed to tackle water scarcity challenges and transform sustainable agriculture across the region. Built using IBM Environmental Intelligence and UoS Welly Chatbot , My FarmWell integrates IBM Cloud and region-specific water and climate data to provide farmers with timely, farm-level insights. From optimizing irrigation strategies to understanding local regulations, the app offers a comprehensive toolkit to support more sustainable and productive agricultural practices. With its bilingual (English and Arabic) user-friendly interface, My FarmWell equips farmers with access to well-specific data such as current water levels, historical groundwater trends, water quality indices (IWQI), and crop recommendations supporting smarter decisions in increasingly water-scarce environments. Speaking on the launch, UoS Chancellor His Excellency Prof. Essam El-Din Ajami expressed his pride in this scientific achievement, which stems from collaborative research conducted with IBM. He emphasized that, 'This milestone aligns with the university's strategic commitment to serving local and regional communities through impactful research that addresses environmental challenges'. He added that the University of Sharjah is dedicated to advancing sustainability efforts in a way that benefits not only the United Arab Emirates but also positions the university as a leading model for the entire Middle East and North Africa region. UoS Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, affirmed the keenness of the university's research sector to collaborate with various entities and institutions in conducting research of tangible societal benefit. He noted that 'My FarmWell represents a practical application of cutting-edge innovations in sustainability, offering solutions to pressing environmental challenges.' He added that it is also a concrete step toward smart, resilient, and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Adewale Giwa, Principal Investigator of the project, underscored the app's transformative potential, saying, 'My FarmWell equips farmers with crucial insights that facilitate smarter water use and long-term sustainability.' 'My FarmWell is a great example of how IBM technology can help businesses of all sizes manage through environmental risks', said Shukri Eid, General Manager, IBM Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan. 'Here we are empowering farmers with data-driven insights on water, but Cloud and AI can unlock progress for all sorts of organizations, helping them boost resiliency and lower costs.' Other Key Features of My FarmWell include: Intuitive app screen : Provides weather information based on user location, quick overview of selected well details, links to agricultural regulations, food market prices, and a University of Sharjah-developed chatbot for farming and well-related advice. : Provides weather information based on user location, quick overview of selected well details, links to agricultural regulations, food market prices, and a University of Sharjah-developed chatbot for farming and well-related advice. Comprehensive weather information : Powered by IBM Environmental Intelligence, offering current temperature (high, low, and perceived), weather conditions, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation forecast for the next 24 hours, and weather forecast for the next 10 days. : Powered by IBM Environmental Intelligence, offering current temperature (high, low, and perceived), weather conditions, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation forecast for the next 24 hours, and weather forecast for the next 10 days. Well water monitoring and insights : Allows users to track historical groundwater changes, assess trends over time, and evaluate the severity of well water scarcity. : Allows users to track historical groundwater changes, assess trends over time, and evaluate the severity of well water scarcity. Crop recommendations : Suggests suitable crops to grow based on specific water quality indices (Integrated Water Quality Index levels). : Suggests suitable crops to grow based on specific water quality indices (Integrated Water Quality Index levels). Farm water consumption calculator : Helps estimate water needs for crops, trees, and livestock, optimizing farm water usage. : Helps estimate water needs for crops, trees, and livestock, optimizing farm water usage. Educational hub : Provides comprehensive resources on groundwater conservation and climate adaptation. : Provides comprehensive resources on groundwater conservation and climate adaptation. Market price integration: Links to global food market prices, enabling farmers to align irrigation strategies with market trends. My FarmWell reflects a strong partnership between academia and industry, designed to address critical regional challenges through innovation. The project exemplifies the mission of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, a social innovation program that applies IBM technologies, such as hybrid cloud and AI, and an ecosystem of experts to enhance and scale nonprofit and government organization initiatives, accelerating environmental and economic impact. 0 0
Web Release
19-05-2025
- Web Release
University of Sharjah and IBM launch My FarmWell Mobile App to Promote Sustainable Agriculture in Water-Stressed Regions
University of Sharjah and IBM launch My FarmWell Mobile App to Promote Sustainable Agriculture in Water-Stressed Regions The University of Sharjah (UoS), in collaboration with IBM (NYSE: IBM) through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, today announced the launch of My FarmWell, a mobile application designed to tackle water scarcity challenges and transform sustainable agriculture across the UAE and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Built using IBM Environmental Intelligence and UoS Welly Chatbot, My FarmWell integrates IBM Cloud and region-specific water and climate data to provide farmers with timely, farm-level insights. From optimizing irrigation strategies to understanding local regulations, the app offers a comprehensive toolkit to support more sustainable and productive agricultural practices. With its bilingual (English and Arabic) user-friendly interface, My FarmWell equips farmers with access to well-specific data such as current water levels, historical groundwater trends, water quality indices (IWQI), and crop recommendations supporting smarter decisions in increasingly water-scarce environments. Speaking on the launch, UoS Chancellor His Excellency Prof. Essam El-Din Ajami expressed his pride in this scientific achievement, which stems from collaborative research conducted with IBM. He emphasized that, 'This milestone aligns with the university's strategic commitment to serving local and regional communities through impactful research that addresses environmental challenges'. He added that the University of Sharjah is dedicated to advancing sustainability efforts in a way that benefits not only the United Arab Emirates but also positions the university as a leading model for the entire Middle East and North Africa region. UoS Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, affirmed the keenness of the university's research sector to collaborate with various entities and institutions in conducting research of tangible societal benefit. He noted that 'My FarmWell represents a practical application of cutting-edge innovations in sustainability, offering solutions to pressing environmental challenges.' He added that it is also a concrete step toward smart, resilient, and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Adewale Giwa, Principal Investigator of the project, underscored the app's transformative potential, saying, 'My FarmWell equips farmers with crucial insights that facilitate smarter water use and long-term sustainability.' 'My FarmWell is a great example of how IBM technology can help businesses of all sizes manage through environmental risks', said Shukri Eid, General Manager, IBM Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan. 'Here we are empowering farmers with data-driven insights on water, but Cloud and AI can unlock progress for all sorts of organizations, helping them boost resiliency and lower costs.' Other Key Features of My FarmWell include: Intuitive app screen : Provides weather information based on user location, quick overview of selected well details, links to agricultural regulations, food market prices, and a University of Sharjah-developed chatbot for farming and well-related advice. : Provides weather information based on user location, quick overview of selected well details, links to agricultural regulations, food market prices, and a University of Sharjah-developed chatbot for farming and well-related advice. Comprehensive weather information : Powered by IBM Environmental Intelligence, offering current temperature (high, low, and perceived), weather conditions, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation forecast for the next 24 hours, and weather forecast for the next 10 days. : Powered by IBM Environmental Intelligence, offering current temperature (high, low, and perceived), weather conditions, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation forecast for the next 24 hours, and weather forecast for the next 10 days. Well water monitoring and insights : Allows users to track historical groundwater changes, assess trends over time, and evaluate the severity of well water scarcity. : Allows users to track historical groundwater changes, assess trends over time, and evaluate the severity of well water scarcity. Crop recommendations : Suggests suitable crops to grow based on specific water quality indices (Integrated Water Quality Index levels). : Suggests suitable crops to grow based on specific water quality indices (Integrated Water Quality Index levels). Farm water consumption calculator : Helps estimate water needs for crops, trees, and livestock, optimizing farm water usage. : Helps estimate water needs for crops, trees, and livestock, optimizing farm water usage. Educational hub : Provides comprehensive resources on groundwater conservation and climate adaptation. : Provides comprehensive resources on groundwater conservation and climate adaptation. Market price integration: Links to global food market prices, enabling farmers to align irrigation strategies with market trends. My FarmWell reflects a strong partnership between academia and industry, designed to address critical regional challenges through innovation. The project exemplifies the mission of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, a social innovation program that applies IBM technologies, such as hybrid cloud and AI, and an ecosystem of experts to enhance and scale nonprofit and government organization initiatives, accelerating environmental and economic impact. The app is available for download here: Android | iPhone
