Initiative offers graduates a supportive start to family life, with applications now open through the end of September.

The University of Sharjah Alumni Association has extended the registration and nomination period for the University’s first mass wedding for alumni, giving more graduates an opportunity to take part in the community-focused initiative ahead of the ceremony on December.

The First Mass Wedding for University of Sharjah Graduates 2026 is intended to support alumni as they begin family life, ease some of the financial pressures associated with marriage and weddings and promote family stability and social solidarity. The initiative comes as the United Arab Emirates observes 2026 as the Year of the Family, reflecting the country’s broader emphasis on the family as a cornerstone of social stability and sustainable development. It also aligns with Sharjah’s longstanding commitment to supporting families and young people.

H.E. Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, said the initiative reflects the University’s belief that its relationship with graduates should continue well beyond graduation. “The University’s first mass wedding for University of Sharjah graduates is a natural extension of our commitment to remain connected with our graduates throughout the important stages of their lives,” Prof. Agamy said. “As a leading national institution, the University recognizes its social responsibility toward graduates as they move from academic life toward building stable families—the foundation of a strong and cohesive society.”

He added that the initiative reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, to provide young people with support at different stages of their lives. The University, Prof. Agamy said, seeks to remain an active partner in supporting graduates during this important transition while strengthening its role as both a center of knowledge and an institution engaged with its community.

Dr. Amal Al Ali, Director of the University of Sharjah Alumni Association Office, said the initiative is designed to encourage marriage among graduates and reduce the financial burden of wedding costs at the beginning of married life. She clarified that the decision to extend registration through the end of September responds to the considerable interest shown by UoS graduates and provides additional time for applicants to complete the required documents and eligibility requirements.

Since registration opened, the Alumni Association has received nearly 70 nominations from Emirati and resident alumni. Once the application period closes, the relevant committees will begin screening applications, verifying documentation and reviewing eligibility requirements. The final list of eligible participants is expected to be announced in early October.

The initiative is open to Emirati and resident University of Sharjah alumni living in the United Arab Emirates. There is no restriction based on graduation year. Applicants must submit their own application, or the application may be submitted by the spouse; the marriage must be the applicant’s first; the marriage contract must have been concluded in the UAE; and applicants must not previously have participated in another group-wedding program.

The initiative includes a comprehensive preparation program developed in cooperation with relevant government entities. Participating couples will attend workshops and guidance sessions on household financial planning, psychosocial compatibility and the foundations of a sustainable marital partnership. The University will also provide support and benefits for participating couples, including wedding-arrangement assistance, gifts and hotel vouchers, among other services intended to help them begin their family journey.

The University of Sharjah Alumni Association invites eligible graduates who wish to participate to review the terms and requirements and complete their registration before the end of September through the University’s First Group Wedding for Alumni registration page (https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/ar/Alumni/First-Mass-Wedding).