University of Sharjah Academics Participate in UAE Education Forum 2026

Abu Dhabi - October 21, 2026

As part of its efforts to strengthen its academic and research presence at national events, the University of Sharjah's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences participated in the UAE Education Forum 2026, organized by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in Abu Dhabi under the theme "The Education Quintet: Towards an Integrated Educational System." The forum brought together leading academics, experts, and decision-makers in the education sector.

Representing the College were Dr. Noura Alkarbi, faculty member in the Department of Sociology and Director of the Women in Research Office, and Dr. Badeeah Alhashemi, faculty member and Chair of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature.

Dr. Noura Alkarbi participated as a speaker in a panel discussion titled "From Research to Decision-Making: How Can We Develop Education Policies Driven by National Research?" She emphasized the importance of utilizing national research findings to develop educational policies and evidence-based strategic decisions. She also highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration among academic institutions, government entities, and research organizations to ensure that the education system responds effectively to economic and social transformations and future requirements.

Furthermore, Dr. Alkarbi underscored the importance of designing flexible educational pathways aligned with labor market needs, investing in future skills, and preserving national identity amid digital transformation and globalization, in line with the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071.

Meanwhile, Dr. Badeeah Alhashemi participated as a speaker in a panel discussion titled "Arabic Language: Where Is the Baseline?" She addressed the challenges facing Arabic language, literature, and humanities disciplines, particularly the declining enrollment in these fields across higher education institutions. She noted that this challenge extends beyond local universities and is also observed internationally.

Dr. Alhashemi emphasized the importance of examining the factors influencing students' choices of university majors, particularly their perceptions of future employment opportunities. She called for a deeper understanding of the reasons behind declining enrollment in arts, languages, and humanities programs to support the development of academic pathways and enhance their attractiveness and standing within the education system.

The participation of both academics reflects the active role of the University of Sharjah's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences in national discussions on the future of education. It also highlights the essential contribution of the humanities and social sciences to understanding societal transformations, advancing knowledge, and supporting the development of sustainable educational policies.

This participation further demonstrates the University of Sharjah's commitment to empowering its academic staff to contribute their research expertise to national platforms, reinforcing the University's position as a knowledge partner in supporting the UAE's strategic priorities and strengthening the integration of education, scientific research, and evidence-based decision-making.