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Khalid Kalbat
Director of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Department
Professional Background
Khalid Kalbat serves as the Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department at the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates. In this significant role, Khalid is instrumental in transforming the educational landscape to foster innovation, aligning it closely with the demands of a rapidly evolving knowledge economy. His visionary leadership is essential in pushing forward the agenda for a dynamic learning ecosystem that embraces creativity and entrepreneurship. His contributions are pivotal at the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival, where he is actively involved as a committee member, aligning the skills and knowledge from academia with industry requirements while forwarding the educational system's science agenda.
Before his pivotal role at the Ministry of Education, Khalid had an extensive and varied career marked by significant research contributions. He began his professional journey as a Research Assistant at the United Arab Emirates University, where he honed his analytical skills and gained valuable experience in research methodologies. This foundational experience was enriched by his studies at Columbia University in New York, where he pursued a Professional Master's in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, solidifying his engineering expertise.
His professional trajectory is adorned with international experience, having collaborated with prominent research establishments like AT&T Shannon Laboratory and NEC Laboratories America in New Jersey, where he engaged in cutting-edge research. Khalid's primary research interests lie within the realms of Innovation Ecosystems and Policies, Learning Algorithms, Predictive Analysis, and Future Foresight—fields that are not only timely but critical in fostering advancement in contemporary education and industry practices.
Education and Achievements
Khalid Kalbat has a strong educational foundation, underscoring his expertise in electrical, electronic, and communications engineering. He commenced his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from the United Arab Emirates University, achieving a solid grounding in technology and engineering principles. His academic diligence was evident even in high school, where he achieved an impressive 95.5% in the Science Track at Al-Waheedah.
Progressing to higher education, Khalid pursued a Professional Master of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Columbia University, known for its rigorous academic environment and focus on innovation—an experience that deeply influenced his career. Further, to enhance his understanding of public sector dynamics, he completed a Public Sector Innovation Diploma at Imperial College London, equipping him with necessary frameworks to implement effective innovation strategies in government. His scholarly journey culminated in a Master of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, a prestigious institution known for its cutting-edge research and contributions to technology.
Achievements
Over the years, Khalid Kalbat has amassed substantial leadership experience in various key positions across multiple organizations. He has effectively acted as the Director of Small and Medium Enterprises Development at the Ministry of Economy in the UAE, where he designed programs aimed at empowering small businesses, crucial for the UAE's economic diversification efforts.
In addition to his role as Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department at the Ministry of Education, Khalid formerly served as the Acting Director of Smart Data Center at the Emirates Schools Establishment, where he implemented smart solutions to enhance learning environments. He also served as Executive Director for the Students Wellbeing Sector at the Emirates Schools Establishment, driving initiatives to support student mental health and overall wellbeing—integral to fostering a nurturing educational climate.
Khalid's background as a Protection Engineer at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and a Research Intern at Schlumberger's Ribout Product Center not only emphasizes his technical prowess but also reflects his versatility across diverse engineering domains. His early engagement in research as a researcher at AT&T Shannon Labs, coupled with his experience at UAE University, showcases a robust foundation in high-level engineering and research, contributing to his overall strategic understanding of the education-innovation ecosystem.
In sum, Khalid Kalbat is a distinguished professional whose journey is marked with industriousness, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. His diverse background in engineering and extensive leadership roles in the educational sector positions him as a key influencer in advancing the UAE's educational initiatives and, importantly, in creating a vibrant, innovation-driven future. With a commitment to enhancing the learning experience and aligning academic pursuits with real-world industry needs, Khalid continues to leave a significant impact in his field.