The University of Sharjah signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Al Jalila Foundation. This with the aim of strengthening cooperation ties between the two sides in many areas of common interest, especially in medical research and education. The MoU works to achieve the common goals of both entities of positively contributing to the system of applied scientific research in the country and supporting pioneering research that addresses prevailing health challenges in the region and bring about a qualitative change in human life.

The Vice Chancellor for Medical Colleges and Health Sciences and Dean of College of Medicine Prof. Qutayba Hamid Al Heialy signed the MoU under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah. This along with His Excellency Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Ollama, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation.

Cooperation to Serve the Community

His Excellency the Chancellor indicated that the signing of this MoU comes within the framework of the University of Sharjah's keenness to continuously expand the horizons of cooperation with national institutions. This with the aim of serving and developing the local community as the University operates according to its current strategic plan. The plan was developed according to the directives of the University President His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It requires, under one of its pillars, to strengthen the system of applied scientific research aimed at serving and developing society.

His Excellency the Chancellor affirmed that this cooperation would bring positive results to the public interest. He highlighted the University's research activity in the medical field, and its cooperation with many national and international institutions in this field. This research greatly contributes to enhancing the University's standings in international rankings in the field of scientific research.

Towards a Global Scientific Community

For his part, Al Jalila Foundation's CEO expressed his pride in the long-standing partnership with the University of Sharjah in the field of medical research where they joined forces with capabilities, knowledge, and expertise. Al Jalila Foundation, he added, relies on the support of partners, not only donors but also academic partners, to drive research forward to improve lives. It aims to continue to establish a world-class scientific community that is recognized globally as a leader in groundbreaking research and medical innovation.

In efforts to further boost the UAE's medical research strategy, Al Jalila Foundation provided AED 8 million in funding to the University of Sharjah since 2014 to support 28 research projects in several healthcare areas including COVID-19.

The Memorandum of Understanding strengthens cooperation ties between the two parties in exploring opportunities to develop, support, and enrich research activities, education, and training in various medical fields. The two parties will encourage scientists and researchers exchange of knowledge, experience, and new scientific information related to the medical field. In addition to cooperating in joint medical research and development programs with the aim of focusing on prevailing health challenges in the region, as well as cooperating in organizing joint workshops and training programs in medical research.