Sharjah is a hub of knowledge, says Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, attended the opening of the 2nd Sharjah International Education Conference on Monday.

Held under the theme “AI and Beyond: Smart Education Unlocking Potential in the Digital Age,” the event took place at Al Razi Hall in the Colleges of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah.

The opening ceremony of the conference – jointly organised by the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah – began with the UAE national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed delivered a keynote speech in which he expressed deep appreciation to His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, praising his visionary leadership in transforming Sharjah into a hub of knowledge and innovation.

He also extended gratitude to Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, for her continued efforts in elevating education locally and internationally.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed welcomed attendees, including experts and scholars from around the world, and emphasised the vital role of collaboration between academic institutions in organising conferences and sharing scientific knowledge.

He stated, “I welcome you to this significant global event, born from the collaboration between the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah. This is more than an academic gathering – it is a celebration of partnership and shared aspirations rooted in institutional cooperation and a mutual dedication to excellence, innovation, and social impact.

“Through the exchange of expertise, research, and resources, we create an environment where ideas can thrive and innovations in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and smart education can be applied to build a better future. Scientific cooperation broadens the horizons of academic efforts and their role in driving meaningful innovation.”

The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah highlighted the significance of the conference discussions, noting that artificial intelligence has become a central force in reshaping the educational landscape. He emphasised that AI is revolutionising teaching methods, classroom dynamics, and institutional management.

AI, he explained, enhances learning by fostering creativity and critical thinking among students, while also enabling the development of smart campuses that meet the highest standards. By streamlining decision-making through data and automating administrative processes, AI allows educators to focus more on direct engagement with students, ultimately maximising the effectiveness of the learning experience.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed acknowledged the challenges that accompany rapid technological advancement, emphasising the importance of using artificial intelligence responsibly.

“As we embrace these developments, we must also confront the challenges they bring,” he stated.

“We have a duty to ensure that AI is implemented ethically and equitably, in ways that reflect our values and serve the greater good.”

He added that the future will favour those who begin preparing today, noting that the conference offers a valuable platform to explore how AI can be harnessed to create an education system that is not only smart, but also inclusive and sustainable.

The President of the University of Sharjah reaffirmed the university’s dedication to staying in the vanguard of scientific advancement and preparing students for the future.

He said, “The job market is changing faster than ever, with employers seeking graduates who not only have academic qualifications but also possess critical thinking, data analysis skills, and the confidence to work with artificial intelligence. At the University of Sharjah, we are committed to equipping our students for this evolving landscape through industry-aligned curricula, hands-on AI training, and strategic partnerships with leading tech institutions.”

WAM