Rochester Institute of Technology of Dubai (RIT Dubai), the Dubai-based global location of the esteemed Rochester Institute of Technology NY, USA, and Palmira Software House LLC, a Dubai-based specialist in computer systems and communications technology, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic partnership advancing digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and smart government solutions across the UAE.
The partnership supports the UAE’s broader vision for a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy, aligning with national priorities around digital government, artificial intelligence leadership, and closer collaboration between universities and industry to build local talent and capability.
The partnership brings together RIT Dubai’s academic expertise and applied research capabilities with Palmira’s hands-on experience delivering technology solutions to government and private-sector clients, creating a shared platform to design, test, and scale digital innovation across the region.
This partnership is built around several key pillars, designed to connect academic expertise with real industry impact. RIT Dubai and Palmira will:
- Joint Research and Innovation: Collaborate on applied research, innovation challenges, and technology transfer projects in digital transformation, smart government, and artificial intelligence.
- Student and Graduate Pathways: Give RIT Dubai students access to internships, capstone projects, and graduate development opportunities with Palmira, alongside participation in the university’s annual career fair and recruitment events.
- Joint Proposals and Projects: Pursue joint bids, proposals, and client engagements that combine RIT Dubai’s academic and research credentials with Palmira’s technical and consulting capabilities.
- Professional Training and Knowledge Exchange: Deliver joint workshops, seminars, and executive education programs that build professional skills across both organizations and the wider industry.
The MOU was signed by Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, and Mr. Jamal AlMahamid, CEO of Palmira Software House LLC, who will co-lead a joint working group tasked with coordinating implementation across both organizations.
“At RIT Dubai, our mission is to prepare graduates who are ready to lead the next wave of technological change, and partnerships like this one are central to that mission,” said Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai. “By working closely with Palmira, our students and faculty gain direct exposure to the digital transformation and AI projects shaping government and industry in the UAE today, while Palmira benefits from the research depth and talent pipeline that a university like ours can offer.”
“We see this partnership as an important bridge between academic innovation and real-world implementation,” said Mr. Jamal AlMahamid, CEO of Palmira Software House LLC. “The UAE has set an ambitious direction for artificial intelligence, digital government, and the development of a knowledge-based economy. By combining RIT Dubai’s research capabilities and talent with Palmira’s experience delivering large-scale digital transformation solutions, we aim to turn new ideas into practical solutions that create measurable impact for government, industry, and society. Just as importantly, we want to give the next generation of talent the opportunity to work on real challenges and contribute directly to the UAE’s digital future.”
