Al Ain University Successfully Concludes the International Conference on Smart Management, Green Technologies, and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Posted on:Apr 29, 2026

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Al Ain University, represented by the College of Business, successfully concluded the International Conference on Smart Management, Green Technologies, and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (ICSMGEE 2026), held under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Sheikh Theyab bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan on 28–29 April 2026, in collaboration with EuroMid, with broad international academic participation.

The conference witnessed remarkable global engagement, hosting 169 presenters from 46 institutions across 18 countries, through both physical and virtual participation, reflecting the spirit of inclusive and borderless academic collaboration and reinforcing the importance of global knowledge exchange.

The opening ceremony was honored by Dr. Noor Al Atatrah, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Al Ain University, and Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, President of Al Ain University, along with distinguished guests from government institutions, whose presence underscored the university’s commitment to academic excellence and institutional collaboration.

The conference featured keynote addresses delivered by leading global experts, including Dr. Yvonne L. Hinson, CEO of the American Accounting Association (USA), Prof. Miroslav Mateev, Vice President & Provost at SEE Institute, The Sustainable City Dubai (UAE), and Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat (UK). Their addresses highlighted key issues related to sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurial transformation.

A panel discussion on academia–industry partnerships followed, bringing together prominent academic leaders, including Prof. Amer Qasim, Vice President at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus); Dr. Assaad Farah, Provost & Chief Academic Officer and Dean of the School of Business at the American University in Dubai; and Prof. Washika Haak Saheem, Professor and Dean of Dubai Business School at the University of Dubai. The panel explored critical pathways for strengthening collaboration between academia and industry and accelerating sustainable transformation within business ecosystems.

From an academic perspective, the conference expanded its scope through two dedicated featured tracks that significantly enriched its scholarly impact. On Day 1, the Undergraduate Research Symposium provided a dynamic platform for students enrolled in the Scientific Research Methodology course to present 35 innovative research projects, demonstrating early-stage academic inquiry and engagement with real-world business challenges.

On Day 2, the Doctoral Colloquium offered a rigorous scholarly forum where DBA students presented 31 advanced research papers. This session enabled in-depth academic discussion, constructive feedback, and intellectual exchange, contributing to strengthening research culture and supporting the development of high-quality doctoral scholarship.

The conference also showcased strong academic activity, with 90 research presentations delivered across 10 parallel sessions on Day 1, and 48 research papers presented across 5 online parallel sessions on Day 2, reflecting the diversity and depth of the conference themes.

ICSMGTEE 2026 served as a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange, critical dialogue, and interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and faculty members within a stimulating academic environment that fosters innovation and critical thinking.

At the conclusion of the conference, the College of Business at Al Ain University extended its sincere appreciation to university leadership, esteemed guests, advisory board members, keynote speakers, panelists, presenters, reviewers, session chairs, doctoral mentors, organizing teams, and its institutional partner EuroMid for their invaluable contributions to the success of this event.

The College reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening a sustainable research culture and fostering deeper collaboration between academia, industry, and society, further advancing Al Ain University’s vision of global academic engagement and research excellence.

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