UAE: Photonics ‘cornerstone’ of country’s journey towards digital-first economy, says DERC chief researcher

UAE: Photonics ‘cornerstone’ of country’s journey towards digital-first economy, says DERC chief researcher

Global photonics market is expected to reach an estimated value of $1,100 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.3 per cent between 2022 and 2030

Published: Tue 6 Jun 2023, 7:59 PM Last updated: Tue 6 Jun 2023, 8:33 PM

Photonics — the science and technology of light — is a cornerstone of the UAE’s journey towards emerging as a digital-first economy, a top researcher from Abu Dhabi-based Directed Energy Research Centre (DERC), said.

Recently, the centre hosted the brightest minds from the European Photonics Industry Consortium (Epic) – a leading industry association that promotes the sustainable development of organisations working in the field of photonics.

Talking to Khaleej Times after the visit, Dr Chaouki Kasmi, chief researcher at DERC, underlined that such visits are “vital to forging global partnerships” to support the UAE’s vision of strengthening its advanced technology ecosystem, focusing on an emerging, yet highly pertinent field — photonics.

Dr Chaouki Kasmi, chief researcher at DERC. — Supplied photo

“The visit served as a crucial platform to showcase the UAE’s innovative approach to fostering technological breakthroughs in photonics and introducing it to a global audience. It highlighted the country’s commitment to strengthening its advanced technology landscape and boosting its