Sheikh Sultan attends signing of MoU between Sharjah and Cairo universities

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the American University in Cairo (AUC) on Thursday.

Upon arrival at the university campus, Sheikh Sultan was warmly greeted by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, along with Mark Turnage, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AUC, and several high-ranking officials from both institutions.

The memorandum was officially signed by Dr Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and Dr Ahmed Dallal, President of AUC.

This agreement sets the stage for collaboration on a variety of academic and strategic initiatives, including faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and coordinated research grant applications. It also aims to facilitate joint supervision of graduate students' theses.

Further, the MoU outlines plans to develop dual degree programmes and short-term academic offerings, organise international workshops, conferences, and seminars, and enhance curriculum development and teaching methodologies.

Both universities will share institutional data for strategic benchmarking, provide mutual access to library resources within copyright guidelines, and offer training and consulting services.

The partnership signifies a strategic alliance between two prestigious institutions dedicated to advancing higher education through global collaboration. Areas of focus include faculty exchanges, joint research efforts, dual degree programmes, and benchmarking strategies.

Through this memorandum, both parties aspire to create a robust platform for innovation, talent development, and substantial academic impact.

They aim to establish a model that showcases the role of regional universities in shaping the future of education.

During the signing event, discussions also touched on enhancing academic and research cooperation between the universities.

Participants highlighted the significance of expanding partnerships in education, training, and innovation to forge new avenues for collaboration and improve academic programmes while exchanging expertise and knowledge.

The Ruler of Sharjah and the AUC delegation exchanged commemorative gifts in appreciation of His Highness' warm hospitality and his unwavering support for educational and academic advancement, along with scientific research.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Sultan has announced the creation of a new council in Kalba called Al Furaish Suburb Council.

The council will be led by Dr Khalid Saif Mattar Al Zaabi and will include the following members: Khalid Obaid Musa Al Kaabi, Sultan Suhail Hamdan Al Zaabi, Saeed Mohammed Saeed Juma Al Ghamri, Abdul Rahman Ibrahim Hassan Al Darmaki, Fahad Abdullah Al Laghai Al Naqbi, Moza Abdullah Mohammed Handhal Al Naqbi, and Moza Abdullah Mattar Al Zaabi.

The Decree further delineated that the council shall elect a vice president during its inaugural meeting from among its members, either through consensus or by means of a direct secret ballot, requiring a majority of those present.

The vice president shall assume the responsibilities of the council president in the event of the latter's absence or vacancy.

Additionally, the Decree specified that the term of membership on the suburb council shall be four years, commencing from the date of its establishment.

The council shall retain its functions and responsibilities beyond the expiration of its term until a new council is appointed. Individuals whose terms have concluded may be reappointed for an additional term.

Also on Thursday, Sheikh Sultan announced the creation of a new local council called the Al Riqa Suburb Council in Sharjah.

The council will be led by Humaid Mohammed Al Omrani Al Shamsi and will include the following members: Ammar Salem Al Nuaimi, Ali Sharif Al Hawai, Maid Khalaf Salem Al Owais, Mohammed Khalfan Huraimel Al Shamsi, Mohammed Obaid Rashid Al Nuaimi, Rafia Rashid Ghanem Al Shamsi, and Fatima Khalfan Obaid Al Alili.

During their first meeting, the council members will choose a vice president from among themselves. This vice president will step in to handle the duties of the council leader if they are unavailable for any reason.

The council is set to serve for a period of four years starting from its formation date. Even after this term ends, the council will continue its work until a new one is appointed. Members whose terms are over can be reappointed for another term if chosen again.

WAM