President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has issued a Resolution to establish the Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

The Decree renames the university as "Khalifa University of Science and Technology". The new entity will have an independent legal personality, financial and administrative independence, and full legal competence to practice its activities and achieve its objectives. It will be affiliated with the Executive Council.

As per the resolution, the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, the Petroleum Institute and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology would merge into one university. The administration and faculty members from the three institutions, as well as all the rights, obligations, assets, belongings and funds will be transferred to the unified university.

It outlines the objectives of the new unified university; notably to support development and progress, marshal resources and capabilities to strengthen scientific research activities and achieve world-class academic and research excellence locally, regionally and internationally. It would also contribute to enriching society with well-educated qualified human resources as per the existing legislations.

The new university would also build solid links between academic thought and social institutions, ultimately achieving mutual benefits in this field. It would also encourage and promote scientific research, knowledge and cutting-edge technology transfer, train and prepare highly qualified human resources with scientific and vocational qualifications across all fields of science and knowledge, by organising and implementing advanced training and academic programmes at the highest technical and professional levels.

The new university would also provide academic and applied research in relevant scientific and strategic fields, and encourage a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.