Aviation Center of Excellence

Sign Language+971 6 5585000
How would you rate your experience with our website?

  • About

  • Research

  • Collaborations

  • Publications

  • Our team

About

The Aviation Center of Excellence (ACoE) was established at the University of Sharjah (UoS) in 2019 in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating all aviation-related activities in the UAE. It falls under the GCAA Professorship Chair Strategy since June 2022, which was signed between UoS and GCAA, by GCAA’s Director General, H.E. Saif Muhammad Al Suwaidi, and the previous University Chancellor, Professor Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, in the esteemed presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah.

The Center is dedicated to developing innovative open-source solutions in the aviation industry as well as making contributions to the field through research publications. It focuses on a wide range of research directions, including robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), drone forensics and security, UAV systems research and development (R&D), as well as other research in aviation, while constantly exploring newer research directions to keep up with technological advancements and their beneficial contributions to the aviation field.

The ACoE is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a skilled workforce. It has actively engaged both graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a robust research environment. Furthermore, the ACoE has established and nurtured connections and collaborations with various industrial and educational entities across the UAE and internationally.

The ACoE collaborates closely with the OpenUAE Research and Development (R&D) Group at the University of Sharjah under the leadership of Dr. Manar and Professor Qassim. We share researchers, resources, and funding across various projects.

Objectives of the Aviation Center of Excellence

The objectives of the Aviation Center of Excellence are to: 

  1. Contribute to the research field in aviation: The Center is committed to conducting impactful research and disseminating its findings to enhance the aviation field's knowledge base through research publications in the form of conference and journal papers. This includes exploring state-of-the-art advancements, developing innovative solutions, and contributing to the evolution of standards and best practices in the field.
  2. Foster technological advancement and innovation in aviation: The primary aim of the Center is to foster innovation and drive the advancement of cutting-edge technology within the aviation industry. It seeks to create solutions that will contribute to the improvement of aviation-related services in the UAE benefiting not only aviation professionals but also the general public.
  3. Promote senior projects and theses in the field of aviation within the academic community: The Center provides support and mentorship to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students at the University of Sharjah with their senior projects and theses. It enables students to research, develop and publish aviation-related solutions and corresponding papers which enriches their academic profile.
  4. Collaborate with external aviation entities: The Center has also explored collaboration opportunities with national and international aviation entities for exchanging ideas to enrich the research and development of solutions in the aviation field through their support. It is also involved in talks with the GCAA and other external organizations to establish aviation-related degrees at the University as the need for such programs is deemed necessary with the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
  5. Enrich the aviation workforce: It offers research opportunities, hands-on experience, and access to UAV and aviation technology to students and researchers at different educational levels. This provides an opportunity to enrich aviation knowledge in individuals and equip them with practical skills to prepare them for prospective careers in the aviation sector which is crucial as per the demands in the aviation field.
  6. Align with the UAE’s vision in aviation: Through the promotion of innovation, driving advancements in technology, and disseminating knowledge, the Center actively contributes to boosting the UAE’s position in cutting-edge aviation research, development, and the establishment of industry standards. This mission seamlessly aligns with the nation's aviation objectives and contributes to enhancing aviation operations in the industry.

The Center continues to foster research, innovation, and collaboration in the aviation industry. Through their dedication and expertise, they strive to create a secure and technologically advanced future for aviation.