The University of Sharjah has begun its series of advisory council meetings for its various colleges, marking a significant step in its ongoing effort to deepen partnerships with diverse sectors across society. These councils serve as vital channels for dialogue with decision-makers and national institutions, aiming to advance academic programs, enhance research frameworks, and align with the developmental goals of Sharjah and the UAE.

The inaugural meeting was held by the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, drawing a distinguished assembly including His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Sharjah’s Advisory Council, and the college’s advisory council chair. Also in attendance were His Excellency Professor Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, and Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs. The gathering focused on strategies for academic advancement, fostering research and innovation, and expanding community collaboration.

H.E. Professor Agamy opened the session with a warm welcome, conveying greetings from His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah. He emphasized the advisory council’s crucial role in offering recommendations that elevate educational quality and tailor college programs to labor market needs. He further highlighted the University’s research achievements and growing standing on the regional and global stages, as reflected in its recent international higher education rankings.

The council chair, His Excellency Abdullah Al Nuaimi underscored the council’s formation as a pivotal move in reinforcing the college’s mission and community role. He lauded the University’s vision in forging strong ties with national bodies, academic and educational institutions, and cultural organizations.

Acting Dean of the college, Dr. Zahia Salhi presented a detailed overview of the college’s current strategic plan, sharing comprehensive statistics on academic programs and administrative restructuring. The council deliberated on numerous initiatives to boost scientific research, enhance student training, and collaborate with external institutions to enrich graduates’ practical and intellectual capabilities.

The council’s membership brings together a diverse and eminent group of professionals, including Dr. Issa Saleh Al Hammadi, Director of the Gulf Educational Center for Arabic Language in Sharjah; Hessa Abdulrahman Thahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development at the Ministry of Community Development; Jamal Bin Huwaireb, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award; Aisha Rashid Dimas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority; Ahmed Bin Shabib Al Dhaheri, Executive Vice President of Universal Group Holding; Ibrahim Ahmed Al Hashimi, Board Member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library; Salah Salem Al Mahmoud, Director General of Sharjah Documentation and Archive Authority; Dr. Adel Al Zarouni, CEO of Al Zarouni Emirates Investment Company; Saif Mohammed Al Madfai, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah; Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, Chairman of the Emirates Writers and Literary Federation; Dr. Mohammed Safi Al Mustaghanmi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy; and Khaled Jassim Al Madfai, Chairman of the Tourism Development Authority.

Academic department heads and faculty members from the college also participated, underscoring the collaborative spirit fueling this initiative, which promises to fuel Sharjah’s academic and societal progress.