His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah presided over the awards ceremony for the 22nd edition of the Sharjah Award for Best Doctoral Dissertation in Administrative and Financial Sciences in the Arab World. The event, held at the University of Sharjah’s Al Biruni Hall, brought together distinguished scholars, sponsors, and members of the academic community.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi presented awards to the winners in the Administrative Sciences category, including Dr. Islam Ali El-Hadidi from Egypt, who secured first place for his dissertation titled "The Impact of Humble Leadership on the Performance and Behaviors of Frontline Employees in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector." The second-place award went to Dr. Fatima Saeed Saif Al-Zahouri from the United Arab Emirates for her dissertation, "A Study of the Underlying Causes Leading to the Phenomenon of Ostracism in the Workplace and Its Impact on Employee Silence and the Pivotal Role of Ethical Leadership."

In the Financial Sciences category, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honored Dr. Ahmed Hussein Obayya of Egypt, who took first place for his dissertation, "Research on the Effects of Female Representation on the Quality of Internal Audit: New Insights from Listed Companies in Egypt and China."

The ceremony also recognized the sponsors of the award, with Sharjah Islamic Bank acknowledged as the Gold Sponsor and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the Silver Sponsor. His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi joined the winners, sponsors, and members of the award’s Board of Trustees and Scientific Committee for commemorative photographs.

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by remarks from His Excellency Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Sharjah Award. Prof. Agamy reflected on the award’s distinguished history since its inception in 2001, a vision realized by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and founder of the University of Sharjah. Prof. Agamy emphasized the award’s evolution into a prestigious Arab platform, designed to encourage applied and field research that addresses pressing real-world issues, supports administrative and financial development, and fosters a culture of transparent and effective management in Arab institutions.

In addition, Prof. Agamy highlighted the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, whose patronage of the award embodies a deep commitment to advancing knowledge and scholarship. He noted that the University of Sharjah’s academic role is inextricably linked to its social and developmental mission, making it a unique model for the region and beyond.

Congratulating the winners, Prof. Agamy praised the scientific rigor and societal relevance of this year’s submissions, which were selected for their significant contributions to advancing knowledge and serving Arab communities by developing the administrative and financial landscape. He pointed out that these works enrich the Arabic library and represent a qualitative leap in the field.

Moreover, Prof. Agamy revealed that this year’s competition attracted 131 entries from 16 Arab countries, including 55 in administrative sciences, 69 in financial sciences, and 7 in other disciplines. After a meticulous and impartial review process, the committee selected the top two dissertations in administrative sciences and the best in financial sciences. Since the award’s launch in 2001, 55 scholars have been honored, representing the vanguard of Arab researchers shaping the region’s administrative and financial thought.

Addressing the winners, Prof. Agamy urged them to ensure their research remains grounded in practical realities and societal needs, emphasizing that true scholarship is measured by its capacity to solve real-world problems and advance institutions. He encouraged them to serve as ambassadors for knowledge and progress in their communities. He concluded by thanking the sponsors, supporters, Board of Trustees, and the judging panel for their dedication to the success of this year’s award.

The ceremony featured engaging visual presentations by the winning researchers, each summarizing their dissertation’s research questions, objectives, methodology, key findings, and recommendations. The winners expressed their gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and the award organizers for supporting their academic journeys.