Sheikh Sultan Leads Sharjah University Board Approvals
Under the leadership of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, President of the University of Sharjah, and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, the University of Sharjah continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading global educational institution. The 59th Board of Trustees meeting, held at the university headquarters, marked the approval of major decisions that will guide the institution’s future direction in academic excellence, research innovation, and global competitiveness.
Board Commends the University’s Progress and Vision
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed opened the meeting by welcoming all Board members and expressing appreciation for their continued support in driving the university’s comprehensive development. He acknowledged their dedicated efforts in enhancing the academic, research, and administrative sectors. Special recognition was extended to Dr. Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi for his exceptional leadership, which has significantly contributed to the university’s growing achievements and elevated its standing both regionally and internationally.
Advancing Academic Excellence and Research Impact
The Chairman emphasized the university’s ongoing rise in global rankings and highlighted the importance of its commitment to research excellence and academic advancement. The continuous development of scientific research programs ensures that the university’s curriculum remains aligned with global standards and technological innovation. By addressing the evolving demands of the labor market and equipping students with future-ready skills, the University of Sharjah is preparing its graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy. The university’s applied research initiatives are also having a direct impact on the local community, further strengthening its role as a leading institution in both academic and societal development.
Faculty Excellence Recognized for Institutional Success
Sheikh Sultan expressed gratitude to the faculty for their vital role in the university’s ongoing progress. He acknowledged their commitment to fostering academic excellence through their active participation in performance evaluations, workshops, and collaborative discussions aimed at developing effective strategies for growth. The Board recognized these contributions by approving the promotion of twenty-two faculty members. This included eight faculty members promoted to the rank of full professor and fourteen promoted to associate professor. These promotions are a testament to the faculty’s dedication to research, teaching innovation, and community service, reflecting the university’s investment in cultivating academic talent and strengthening its educational leadership.
Approval of the 2025-2026 Academic Budget
A significant outcome of the Board meeting was the approval of the University’s operating budget for the 2025-2026 academic year, amounting to Dhs1.27 billion. This substantial budget reflects the university’s sustained commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure, advancing cutting-edge research, expanding faculty development initiatives, and delivering comprehensive support services to its diverse student population. The approved financial plan demonstrates the institution’s focus on maintaining its global competitiveness while continuing to invest in innovation and academic excellence.
Celebrating the Graduation of Over 2,000 Students
The Board officially confirmed the graduation of 2,026 students who completed their academic requirements during the 2024-2025 academic year. Among these graduates, 1,643 earned bachelor’s degrees, 16 received postgraduate diplomas, 302 obtained master’s degrees, and 65 were awarded doctoral degrees. The successful graduation of this new cohort reflects the University of Sharjah’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and professionals who are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the national and international workforce.
Introducing New Academic Programs for Future Growth
The Board approved several new academic programs designed to meet the emerging needs of the labor market and support the UAE’s vision for national development. These new programs reflect the university’s strategic focus on equipping students with specialized expertise and leadership capabilities that match the demands of growing industries. Newly approved programs include doctoral studies in leadership in higher education, master’s programs in interior architecture focused on adaptive reuse, safety engineering, innovation and construction management, and laws and economics. In addition, the Board approved a professional master’s program in Shari’a supervision and auditing, alongside a bachelor’s program in biomedical engineering. These academic offerings demonstrate the university’s dedication to producing highly skilled graduates with advanced knowledge in key sectors that contribute to the country’s economic and social progress.
Establishment of New Research Centers Expanding Global Collaboration
The Board further advanced the university’s research mission through the approval of two new research centers that will strengthen its global academic collaborations and research output. The Exeter-Sharjah Centre for Global Studies will foster interdisciplinary research, encouraging dialogue and analysis on community interactions and their global implications. This center aims to bridge cultural and academic exchanges between communities, deepening the university’s international partnerships. The Centre for Advanced Biotechnology will drive research across multiple fields of biotechnology, supporting sustainable development, global innovation, and international scientific cooperation. These research centers will position the University of Sharjah as a global leader in interdisciplinary research that contributes to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Chancellor Presents University’s Annual Performance Review
During the Board meeting, Dr. Essam Al-Din Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, presented a detailed report summarizing the university’s performance throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. The report outlined significant achievements in research productivity, student accomplishments, global partnerships, faculty development, and the expansion of academic programs. This performance review reaffirmed the university’s strategic focus on continuous improvement, global engagement, and long-term academic distinction while maintaining its leadership role within the UAE and across the international academic community.
Sharjah University’s Strategic Growth and Long-Term Vision
Throughout the meeting, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed reaffirmed the university’s ambitious mission to solidify its position as a global leader in higher education, research, and innovation. The Board’s decisions reflect a clearly defined roadmap that prioritizes the university’s continued expansion, sustained academic excellence, and meaningful contributions to both the national economy and global knowledge economy. The university’s proactive approach to academic development and research leadership ensures it remains responsive to emerging global trends while empowering future generations of scholars and professionals to meet the complex challenges of an ever-evolving world.
Ongoing Commitment to Academic Excellence and National Development
Sharjah University’s dynamic model of education remains aligned with international standards and the UAE’s vision for knowledge-based economic growth. With the approval of new academic programs, expansion of research centers, faculty promotions, and a record graduation rate, the university continues to foster an environment of academic rigor, research excellence, and innovation. Its graduates will remain at the forefront of industry and societal progress, contributing to national development and reinforcing the UAE’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class education and innovation.
