Khalifa University extends research partnership with Alibaba

Khalifa University, one of UAE leading research university and the cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group, have announced they are extending their partnership to identify joint opportunities in big data, internet of things, robotics and cloud computing. Alibaba Cloud capabilities have helped Khalifa University of Science and Technology advance Abu Dhabi enhance its oil recovery efforts. By employing the cloud computing capabilities of Alibaba Cloud, Khalifa University of Science and Technology developed quantum mechanical simulation techniques that can be used to understand and predict the movement of liquids across the surface of solid crystalline structures, and when this capability is applied to the UAE’s geological petroleum reservoirs, the knowledge gained can be leveraged to enhance oil production. Alibaba Cloud contributed high-performance cloud computing power to the research effort. The research team adopted Alibaba Cloud’s heterogeneous computing technology and built the simulation model on Alibaba Cloud’s Elastic Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) service (each GPU instance having thousands of stream processors) to expand its computing capability, reduce simulation time and increase prediction accuracy. “By leveraging the computing capabilities of Alibaba Cloud, our research efforts to advance the UAE's goal of maximizing the value of its natural resources effectively and cost-efficiently are greatly enhanced. This is a perfect example of how cloud technology supports scientific research and brings social benefits,” said Dr. Steve Griffiths, interim executive vice president for research at Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

“We are excited to now extend the collaboration with Alibaba Cloud in new research and development directions that are directly aligned with the UAE’s science and innovation goals.”

The renewed partnership was announced as Alibaba Cloud celebrates its one year anniversary since setting up its own data centre in Dubai.