Abu Dhabi University and ExxonMobil team up to boost production of face shields and clips for medical sector

In efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, Abu Dhabi University and Exxon Al Khalij (ExxonMobil) announced their cooperation to help ramp up production of face shields and clips created by the university’s College of Engineering.

              In May, Abu Dhabi University announced it successfully developed its first prototype of a face shield to be provided for hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the emirate. Its College of Engineering came up with a modified design for the face shield by laser cutting polyethylene material that is more comfortable for use for first responders. The final prototype took two days to create, including the initial blueprint design that was created by modifying an existing design in order to accommodate the comfort factor as well as the time required to manufacture and assemble the parts. Numerous trials were conducted prior to obtaining the final design for the shield. The team working on the project applies laser cutting techniques and is using 3D printers to create the face shields and clips. 

              ExxonMobil’s donation will help ramp up production of the face shields and clips by increasing the speed of production allowing Abu Dhabi University to meet demands from hospitals faster. The donation will also help improve the quality of the product including a better surface finish. Mask clips will also be produced more rapidly, which some hospitals require in large quantities, up to 4000 a week.

              Professor Waqar Ahmad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said: “We are very pleased to be working with ExxonMobil. This partnership underscores the vital corporate social responsibility of the private sector across all domains. Through this collaboration, we strive to reinforce efforts in combating this global pandemic, using all resources and capabilities available, and boosting the production of the face shields, which will be provided to hospitals in Abu Dhabi. This comes in a bid to contribute to the healthcare community and ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the society amidst the current situation and help fight COVID-19.”

              Christian Lenoble, ExxonMobil’s UAE Lead Country Manager commented: “These are challenging times for all of us. We are grateful for the efforts of first responders and medical professionals in the UAE who are working so hard to help manage the effects of this pandemic. ExxonMobil is proud to support Abu Dhabi University’s College of Engineering in efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Abu Dhabi by supplying our first responders with protective equipment.”

In addition to this effort, Abu Dhabi University and ExxonMobil previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a partnership in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in 2019, focused on supporting Abu Dhabi University students through a scholarship and an internship program.