Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has signed a tenancy agreement with the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). In support of Qatar’s mission to create a hub for technology development, education and research in the region, this initiative will provide a focal point for activities to develop intellectual capital.

Working closely with local industry and academics, OSyS, the wholly owned subsidiary of Rolls-Royce, will take the lead in establishing a research, training and development program in the QSTP.

An Asset Optimization Centre (AOC) will be created to enable commercial airlines to enhance operational and environmental performance whilst reducing costs. The AOC will utilise the same world class analytical techniques used in the Rolls-Royce Operations Centre and is the first of its kind to ever be deployed in a technology park. In addition, following successful first flight of a Qatar Airlines aircraft powered by alternative fuels on 12 October 2009, further research will be undertaken with industry and academic partners.

Dr. Tidu Maini, Science and Technology Advisor, Chairman Qatar Science and Technology Park, Miles Cowdry, Director- Global Corporate Development, Rolls-Royce, and Andrew Hutson-Smith, Vice President – Middle East Operations, OSyS, took part in a signing ceremony at Dubai Airshow.

Miles Cowdry, Director- Global Corporate Development, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are proud to be part of the Qatar Science and Technology Park. Today’s agreement underscores our commitment to working across industry and academia in support of the Qatar National Vision. Our activity will enable development of core skills and partnerships which are critical to developing a competitive and diversified economy.”

Dr. Tidu Maini, Science and Technology Advisor, Chairman Qatar Science and Technology Park, said: “This collaboration will develop a solid foundation for young Qataris, having Rolls-Royce in QSTP will help us deliver great technologies and will form a part of our path to support the national vision of Qatar. We are very keen to develop capacity building programmes and this endeavour, overall, will be beneficial for Qatar and beyond. We are pleased to have Rolls-Royce as part of QSTP.”

Andrew Hutson-Smith, Vice President – Middle East Operations, OSyS, said: “OSyS is a world leader in asset optimisation and environmental management solutions and this agreement provides an excellent opportunity to assist development of a sustainable and skilled workforce. We work with industry and academic partners around the world and look forward to bringing our knowledge and expertise to bear in Qatar.”

Early collaborating partners include Qatar Airways and Dolphin Energy. It is expected that activities will commence in early 2010.

Rolls-Royce is a global business providing and supplying integrated power systems for use on land, at sea and in the air. The company has established strong positions in four global markets - civil aerospace, defense aerospace, marine and energy.
The Rolls-Royce Group has a broad customer base including more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 main customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries. With facilities in 50 countries, Rolls-Royce employs around 39,000 people worldwide and has businesses headquartered in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia, Singapore and China. This global presence allows the Group to access long-term international growth opportunities.
In 2008, Rolls-Royce and its partners invested £885 million on research and development, two-thirds of which had the objective of further improving the environmental aspects of its products, in particular the reduction of emissions.
Rolls-Royce has a growing presence in the Middle East, where it is playing an important role in the development of the region across all the its sectors - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy. Rolls-Royce has a number of agreements with companies based in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi Ship Building, Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies and Al Taif, and is involved in the philanthropic work of the Emirates Foundation. Rolls-Royce has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) to work together to assess Abu Dhabi’s industrial capabilities to support a potential civil nuclear power programme.
About QSTP:

Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), of which, Qatar Robotic Surgery Centre is a proud member, was founded by the Emir as part of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. QSTP works to transform Qatar into a knowledge-based economy by attracting commercially oriented research and development. It is located in the vicinity of Carnegie Mellon, Texas A&M, Weill Cornell and other leading universities which are also a part of Qatar Foundation. QSTP provides an environment for local and international companies to interact with the universities and develop new technologies.

Source: Press Release (Rolls-Royce)