His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah (UoS), chaired the University’s Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday morning at his office on the University’s campus.

At the start of the meeting, His Highness welcomed the new board members, and expressed his appreciation to all former members for their dedicated efforts, which played a key role in advancing the University and elevating its standing across multiple fronts. He praised their pivotal contributions to the institution’s progress and development. He also affirmed his support for the current members and the constructive ideas and proposals they are expected to bring forward. He wished them success in their responsibilities, expressing confidence that their vision would further strengthen the university’s growth and sustain its excellence across academic, research, and institutional domains.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi also commended the University’s recent achievements, noting that they have reinforced its institutional reputation and contributed to its progress in international rankings. He highlighted the launch of strategic initiatives in artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare simulation, and innovation, while praising the continuity of academic and research operations and the timely graduation of students despite the challenges facing the region.

Future Directions, Future Technologies

He stressed that the next phase requires intensified efforts to further develop the research ecosystem and update academic programs to keep pace with technological transformations. This includes accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in education, research, and institutional operations, aligning educational outcomes with the needs of local and global labor markets, attracting distinguished academic talent, and expanding strategic partnerships with both public and private sectors at the national and international levels. He also underscored the importance of investing in the development of Emirati talent and nurturing future leaders, expressing confidence in the university’s ability to solidify its position as a leading research institution serving the UAE and the wider region.

AED 1.36 Billion Budget and Approval of New Graduates

During the meeting, the board approved the University’s operational budget for the 2026/2027 academic year, amounting to AED 1.36 billion. It also approved the graduation of a new cohort of students who completed their degree requirements by the end of the spring 2025/2026 semester. The total number of graduates reached 1,927, including 1,500 bachelor’s degree holders, 66 doctoral graduates, 355 master’s degree graduates and six postgraduate diploma graduates.

New Academic Programs

The board approved several new academic programs to meet evolving labor market demands and strengthen the University’s ability to provide qualified professionals who contribute to national development. The new programs are Ph.D. in Nursing, Ph.D. in Advanced Diagnostic Sciences and Medical Laboratories, M.Sc. in Nuclear Technology and Radiation Management, M.A. in Digital Corporate Communication, M.A. in Digital Media and B.A. in Psychology.

New Centers and Strategic Initiatives

At the meeting, the board approved the establishment of the University of Sharjah Robotics Centre and the launch of plans to establish the University of Sharjah Innovation Centre in partnership with LG. It also reviewed the activities of the Jawaher Al Qasimi Centre for Palestinian Studies.

The board further reviewed preparations for the launch of the University of Sharjah and e& UAE Innovation Centre, approved the updated version of the University’s EDGE Strategy for 2024–2030, the plan to strengthen the University’s research ecosystem, and the updated governance framework and organizational structure.

Academic Promotions and University Performance

The board approved the promotion of 23 faculty, including 13 to the rank of professor and 10 to associate professor, in recognition of their outstanding research output, academic contributions and community service, as well as their effective use of modern teaching and learning methods.

The board reviewed a report presented by H.E. Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University, highlighting the University’s achievements during the 2025/2026 academic year. The report outlined progress in scientific research, infrastructure development, enhancement of research resources, community service initiatives and efforts to align research outcomes with national development agendas and strategic priorities of both the UAE and the region.

International Rankings and Academic Expansion

Prof. Agamy also reviewed the University’s placement in international rankings and the sustainability of its progress across various ranking systems. Prof. Agamy’s report highlighted national and international accreditation obtained for newly introduced programs during the 2025/2026 academic year, bringing the number of newly accredited programs to 49, including nine doctoral, 24 master’s, 15 bachelor’s, and one postgraduate diploma programs. This means that UoS now offers a total of 158 accredited academic programs.

The report further examined the relevance of the University’s academic programs to current and future labor market needs, efforts to attract qualified academic talent, plans to strengthen healthcare services and clinical training infrastructure for students in medicine, health sciences, and pharmacy, student achievements in academic, sports, cultural and artistic activities, and developments related to the establishment of a University of Sharjah branch in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Committee Reports and Attendance

The board also reviewed reports from its specialized committees, including the Finance Committee, Internal Audit and Risk Management Committee, Emiratization Committee, and Academic Committee.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Mansour bin Nassar, Chairman of the Legal Department of Sharjah; Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashemi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority; Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah; Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimyi, Advisor to the President of the University of Sharjah; Dr. Khawla Abdulrahman Al Mulla, Former Chairperson of the Family Affairs Authority; Dr. Mohammed Yousef Baniyas, Adviser for Higher Education Affairs at the Sharjah Private Education Authority; Dr. Younis Hassan Al Mulla, expert in strategy and institutional development; Dr. Jacques Frémont, Former President of the University of Ottawa; Prof. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor, Former Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya; Dr. Paul O'Byrne, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Vice-President, McMaster University; Dr. Kamal Youcef-Toumi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Co-Director of the Center for Clean Water and Clean Energy at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Dr. Oussama Khatib, Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering and Director of the Stanford Robotics Center at Stanford University.