Post by : Badri Ariffin

Sharjah, UAE – His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah (UOS), convened the 60th meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees at his office on campus.

During the meeting, His Highness expressed appreciation for the board members and acknowledged the university's sustained advancements in academics, research, and management. He pointed out how these initiatives have fortified the University of Sharjah's standing in global university rankings.

Commitment to Academic Excellence

His Highness praised UOS for its dedication to high academic standards, marked by ongoing enhancements to infrastructure, programs, and research endeavors. He underscored the significance of aligning university offerings with international trends, technological advancements, labor market expectations, and the ambitions of youth in today's digital landscape.

Graduation Approvals

The Board sanctioned the graduation of 1,607 students who completed their studies by the end of the Summer Semester 2024–2025 and Fall Semester 2025–2026.
These graduates include:

• 1,213 Bachelor’s degree holders

• 4 Postgraduate diploma recipients

• 314 Master’s degree holders

• 76 Doctoral graduates

Launch of New Programs

To address future workforce needs and rapid technological innovations, the Board approved several new academic programs, including:

• PhD in Artificial Intelligence

• PhD in Digital Transformation

• Doctorate Residency in Dentistry

• MSc in Artificial Intelligence for Biomedical Applications and Healthcare

• BSc in Artificial Intelligence

• MSc in Quantum Science and Technology

Establishment of New Centers

The Board approved the creation of a Center for Artificial Intelligence Applications to boost applied research and practical uses of AI in both education and scientific investigation.

Additionally, the formation of a Strategic Partnerships Office was endorsed to enhance and manage collaborations with both local and international institutions, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission and strategic goals.

Governance and Academic Reforms

Several key academic and administrative reforms were sanctioned, including:

• Reducing the Bachelor’s program in Oral and Dental Medicine and Surgery to five years

• Updates to the General Education Programme

• Adoption of an enhanced governance and organizational structure to improve transparency, accountability, and decision-making

In terms of research, strategy, and institutional development, Board members reviewed reports covering:

• Scientific research and development of the research environment

• New research centers

• National and international rankings and accreditations

They also evaluated the updated University Strategy 2024–2030 (EDGE), which centers on four main pillars:

1. Enhancing Emiratisation in both academic and administrative roles

2. Driving digital transformation

3. Strengthening regional and international partnerships

4. Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among students and alumni

Faculty Adjustments and Oversight

The Board sanctioned the promotion of 21 faculty members, including:

• 11 to Professor

• 10 to Associate Professor

Interim reports on external reviews, internal audits, risk management, and Emiratisation were also discussed.

Performance Report Overview

Professor Dr Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, detailed a report focusing on institutional performance, strategic progress, infrastructure improvements, community engagement, and international relations.

Meeting Attendance

Attending the meeting were senior officials and academic leaders from local and international institutions, including representatives from notable universities like the University of Ottawa, MIT, Stanford University, and National University of Singapore, among others.

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