The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has signed an agreement with SANAM Group’s education platform to develop a new K-12 school in Sharjah Sustainable City.

The project, with an investment value expected to reach up to USD 50 million over the coming years, will be developed on a 29,275-square-metre plot owned by Shurooq in Sharjah Sustainable City, located in Um Fanain / Al Ruqa Al Hamra. The school will follow the American curriculum and serve around 2,435 students from kindergarten to Grade 12 under a 35-year agreement.

The signing took place at Al Bait Al Westi and was signed by Yousif Al Mutawa, Chief Real Estate Officer of Shurooq, and Dr. Sulaiman Tareq Al Abduljader, Vice Chairman and CEO of SANAM Group Holding Company

Strengthening education infrastructure in Sharjah’s growing communities

The new school will add key education infrastructure to Sharjah Sustainable City, one of the emirate’s leading residential communities designed around sustainability, family living and integrated services.

The project supports Shurooq’s efforts to activate strategic land assets through long-term partnerships that respond to the needs of Sharjah’s growing communities. By bringing a full K-12 school into Sharjah Sustainable City, the development will provide families in the area and surrounding neighbourhoods with access to quality education close to home.

Yousif Al Mutawa: “A project that supports families and creates long-term value”

Yousif Al Mutawa said: “This agreement reflects Shurooq’s commitment to developing projects that respond to the practical needs of Sharjah’s communities while creating long-term value from strategic land assets. Educati

on is one of the most important components of a complete residential community, and this school will support families, enhance quality of life and contribute to the development of a more connected and liveable environment in Sharjah Sustainable City.”

He added: “Our partnership with SANAM Group’s education platform reflects the importance of working with specialised private sector partners that bring long-term vision and operational expertise. The project also reinforces Sharjah’s ability to attract serious investment into sectors that support human development, community growth and sustainable urban planning.”

A modern campus for future-ready learning

The school will be designed as a modern, student-centred learning environment that integrates advanced technologies, sustainability, wellbeing and collaborative learning across all academic stages.

The campus will include modern classrooms, science laboratories, information technology facilities, robotics, engineering and mathematics labs, maker and innovation spaces, and three libraries serving kindergarten, primary and upper school stages.

It will also feature open learning hubs, arts studios, a black box theatre and a 500-seat multi-purpose hall, supporting a learning environment that brings together academic learning, creativity, culture and collaboration.

Facilities designed around wellbeing, safety and student experience

The kindergarten section will be designed as an independent area with dedicated privacy and safety measures, including a separate entrance, reception and security procedures, as well as direct access to secure outdoor play areas.

The school will also include a learning support centre with therapy and sensory integration rooms, counselling offices, and three separate clinics for boys, girls and isolation cases.

Sports and recreation facilities will include an indoor sports hall, activity studio, football pitch, outdoor courts, a main swimming pool, a learner pool, rooftop recreational areas and a healthy cafeteria. The campus will also include green spaces, a botanical garden, internal courtyards, informal seating and play areas, and shaded pedestrian walkways.

The design will support smooth movement and safety across the campus through separate access routes for kindergarten, parents and buses, on-site bus parking, staff and parent parking, electric vehicle parking, bicycle facilities, monitored entry gates and safe pedestrian pathways.

SANAM Group Holding Company: Supporting Sharjah’s education ecosystem

Dr. Sulaiman Tareq Al Abduljader said: “Our strategic partnership with Shurooq marks a pivotal step in advancing SANAM’s long-term vision for sustainable education investments that meet the aspirations of students across the GCC. Sharjah’s position as a leading hub for sustainable urban and educational development makes it an ideal destination for projects of this nature. Together, we look forward to developing an integrated educational environment that enables academic excellence and is defined by innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, while delivering sustainable value for future generations.”

The new sustainable school project represents a significant milestone in SANAM Group Holding Company’s expansion efforts across the GCC, reinforcing its position as a diversified holding company with growing investments in the education sector. It also aligns with broader regional trends, driving demand for advanced educational ecosystems and sustainable communities. Upon completion, the project will further support SANAM’s strategic focus on responsible investment and long-term value creation through impactful projects that contribute meaningfully to social and economic development across the GCC.

Enabling community-focused developments

The project reflects Shurooq’s wider role in enabling community-focused developments that support Sharjah’s residential growth, strengthen quality of life and attract long-term private sector investment into key sectors.

Upon completion, the school will add a major education asset to Sharjah Sustainable City and support the emirate’s continued development as a destination for family living, sustainable communities and future-ready education.

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The executive education programme “Leading Through Crisis: Before, During and After Disruption” hosted by American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) Executive Education, brought together senior business leaders and corporate decision-makers from government, semi-government and leading private sector organisations across the UAE on May 21 at AUS.

An invitation-only platform for senior leaders, the programme addressed one of the most pressing leadership challenges of our time: how to lead with clarity, confidence and strategic foresight in environments shaped by volatility, uncertainty and rapid change.

Opening the programme, Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of timely dialogue on leadership in complex environments.

The programme also featured a keynote by Brian Lott, Chief Communications Officer of Mubadala, followed by a fireside chat with him, during which he shared insights on how organizations can lead through periods of disruption by strengthening trust, maintaining clarity and aligning communication with decisive action.

Dr. Salah Brahimi, Vice Chancellor for External Relations at AUS, said the programme reflected the university’s commitment to creating high-value platforms that connect academic expertise with the leadership priorities of industry and the wider community.

“Crisis leadership has become a defining capability for organisations operating in today’s environment. Through this programme, AUS brought together senior leaders, faculty expertise and experienced practitioners to examine how decision-making capacity, organisational resilience and leadership readiness can be developed before crises occur. This reflects our broader role in connecting knowledge with practice, strengthening industry engagement and supporting leadership development that responds to the needs of the UAE and the wider region,” he said.

A key component of the programme was “When Crisis Comes to Your Door: The Decisions That Determine What Comes Next,” a masterclass led by Dr. John E. Katsos, Professor of Management at AUS and a two-time nominee for the Nobel Prize. Drawing on research-based frameworks and real-world case insights, the session examined why traditional crisis playbooks often fail under pressure and how decisions made before disruption can shape an organization’s ability to respond, protect trust and recover with resilience.

“Most organisations treat crisis as an interruption. The evidence says otherwise. Crises often cascade rather than end: a military shock becomes an economic shock, then a talent crisis, then a question about whether an organization can continue to operate with confidence in a given market.

The leaders in my research who navigated these moments most effectively were those who had built distributed authority, deep local relationships and honest information channels before anyone called it a crisis. This is what we teach executives at AUS. The quiet period after the first wave of crisis is the window to build what the next wave will test. That window closes faster than leaders expect, and many organizations spend it focused on survival rather than preparing for what comes next,” said Dr. Katsos.

Building on the focus on decision-making under pressure, participants joined “Executive Self-Regulation in Crisis: Leading with Clarity Under Pressure,” an interactive workshop led by Randy Helou, Managing Director of Synertia Consulting, and a leadership facilitator and executive coach. The session explored how leaders can manage stress responses, restore clarity and use practical tools such as the “Pause, Process, Proceed” method to guide teams more effectively during volatile moments.

“Our focus is to design executive learning experiences that respond directly to the realities leaders face in the market. This program addressed a critical need for senior leaders: building decision-making capability before crises occur, strengthening resilience within teams and engaging with real-world perspectives from executives who have led through complex environments,” said Sheikha Nouf Al Khalifa, Executive Director of Executive Education at AUS.

“As a hub for lifelong learning, AUS Executive Education is committed to supporting leaders, professionals and organizations through future-focused, regionally relevant and practice-oriented learning that responds to the evolving needs of the UAE, the GCC and beyond,” she said.

Reflecting on the value of the programme and its relevance to senior leaders navigating uncertainty, Dr. Mohammad Hourani, CEO of Saif Al Ghurair Foundation, said: “The event offered timely and practical insights into crisis leadership, reminding us that resilience must be built before disruption occurs through proactive planning, continuous reflection and people-centered leadership. It highlighted proactive communication as a critical tool to protect human capital and strengthen business resilience during uncertainty.

The discussions also reinforced that failure in times of crisis often comes from overconfidence, delayed reflection and slow reassessment of assumptions. Equally important was the emphasis on empowering teams closest to the challenge to act with agility, ownership and speed. Every crisis is different, but resilient leaders are those who reflect on vulnerabilities, adapt quickly and guide their organizations to emerge stronger.”

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The executive education program “Leading Through Crisis: Before, During and After Disruption” hosted by American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) Executive Education, brought together senior business leaders and corporate decision-makers from government, semi-government and leading private sector organizations across the UAE on May 21 at AUS. An invitation-only platform for senior leaders, the program addressed one of the most pressing leadership challenges of our time: how to lead with clarity, confidence and strategic foresight in environments shaped by volatility, uncertainty and rapid change.

Opening the program, Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of timely dialogue on leadership in complex environments. The program also featured a keynote by Brian Lott, Chief Communications Officer of Mubadala, followed by a fireside chat with him, during which he shared insights on how organizations can lead through periods of disruption by strengthening trust, maintaining clarity and aligning communication with decisive action.  

Dr. Salah Brahimi, Vice Chancellor for External Relations at AUS, said the program reflected the university’s commitment to creating high-value platforms that connect academic expertise with the leadership priorities of industry and the wider community.

“Crisis leadership has become a defining capability for organizations operating in today’s environment. Through this program, AUS brought together senior leaders, faculty expertise and experienced practitioners to examine how decision-making capacity, organizational resilience and leadership readiness can be developed before crises occur. This reflects our broader role in connecting knowledge with practice, strengthening industry engagement and supporting leadership development that responds to the needs of the UAE and the wider region,” he said.

A key component of the program was “When Crisis Comes to Your Door: The Decisions That Determine What Comes Next,” a masterclass led by Dr. John E. Katsos, Professor of Management at AUS and a two-time nominee for the Nobel Prize. Drawing on research-based frameworks and real-world case insights, the session examined why traditional crisis playbooks often fail under pressure and how decisions made before disruption can shape an organization’s ability to respond, protect trust and recover with resilience. 

“Most organizations treat crisis as an interruption. The evidence says otherwise. Crises often cascade rather than end: a military shock becomes an economic shock, then a talent crisis, then a question about whether an organization can continue to operate with confidence in a given market. The leaders in my research who navigated these moments most effectively were those who had built distributed authority, deep local relationships and honest information channels before anyone called it a crisis. This is what we teach executives at AUS. The quiet period after the first wave of crisis is the window to build what the next wave will test. That window closes faster than leaders expect, and many organizations spend it focused on survival rather than preparing for what comes next,” said Dr. Katsos.

Building on the focus on decision-making under pressure, participants joined “Executive Self-Regulation in Crisis: Leading with Clarity Under Pressure,” an interactive workshop led by Randy Helou, Managing Director of Synertia Consulting, and a leadership facilitator and executive coach. The session explored how leaders can manage stress responses, restore clarity and use practical tools such as the “Pause, Process, Proceed” method to guide teams more effectively during volatile moments. 

Bringing practical regional and international perspectives into the discussion, the panel “Real Crises, Real Decisions: Perspectives from Gulf Executives” explored real-world crisis leadership, operational resilience, cybersecurity risk and geopolitical complexity. Moderated by Ryan Highland, a geopolitical risk consultant, the discussion featured Eleanor Berry, Crisis Manager for Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Mastercard; Dr. Joe Battikh, Senior Partnership Manager at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence; Philippe Lopez, Head of Cyber Governance for ENOC Group; and Scott Wilcox, Founder and Senior Advisor at Sicuro Group. The conversation highlighted how crises rarely unfold according to fixed plans, requiring leaders to balance speed, judgment, communication and accountability while managing operational, digital and geopolitical risks. 

“Our focus is to design executive learning experiences that respond directly to the realities leaders face in the market. This program addressed a critical need for senior leaders: building decision-making capability before crises occur, strengthening resilience within teams and engaging with real-world perspectives from executives who have led through complex environments,” said Sheikha Nouf Al Khalifa, Executive Director of Executive Education at AUS. 

“As a hub for lifelong learning, AUS Executive Education is committed to supporting leaders, professionals and organizations through future-focused, regionally relevant and practice-oriented learning that responds to the evolving needs of the UAE, the GCC and beyond,” she said.

Reflecting on the value of the program and its relevance to senior leaders navigating uncertainty, Dr. Mohammad Hourani, CEO of Saif Al Ghurair Foundation, said: “The event offered timely and practical insights into crisis leadership, reminding us that resilience must be built before disruption occurs through proactive planning, continuous reflection and people-centered leadership. It highlighted proactive communication as a critical tool to protect human capital and strengthen business resilience during uncertainty. The discussions also reinforced that failure in times of crisis often comes from overconfidence, delayed reflection and slow reassessment of assumptions. Equally important was the emphasis on empowering teams closest to the challenge to act with agility, ownership and speed. Every crisis is different, but resilient leaders are those who reflect on vulnerabilities, adapt quickly and guide their organizations to emerge stronger.” 

AUS Executive Education serves as a regional hub for practical, future-focused learning, supporting leaders, professionals and organizations through custom and open-enrollment programs aligned with evolving market needs. Building on AUS’ academic excellence, industry partnerships and faculty expertise, it offers practice-oriented learning across areas such as leadership and strategy, AI and technology, sustainability and ESG, public policy, entrepreneurship and professional skills. It is also expanding its portfolio of accredited and certified offerings to strengthen leadership capacity, industry engagement and professional growth across the UAE and beyond.

For more information about AUS Executive Education, visit
www.aus.edu/admissions/executive-and-continuing-education.

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The My FarmWell Application project has been named the winner of the 4th edition of the Excellence and Creative Engineering Award presented by the Society of Engineers UAE under the Pioneer Engineering Project category.

The project received recognition as the “Best Small Project”, highlighting its contribution to sustainable water management, smart agriculture, and artificial intelligence-driven engineering solutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the award description, a small project is defined as a project valued at up to AED 50 million and completed within the last three years. Since the launch of the award, 79 winners have emerged from a total of 1,268 submissions across different engineering categories, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the program and the growing innovation landscape within the UAE engineering sector.

The Society of Engineers UAE was established in 1979 through Ministerial Decree No. 33 and today represents one of the largest professional engineering bodies in the region, with more than 40,000 members. The award recognizes projects that demonstrate engineering excellence, innovation, sustainability, and measurable impact on society. The My FarmWell Application was developed to support farmers and improve groundwater sustainability through the integration of artificial intelligence, environmental monitoring, and digital decision-support technologies.

The platform combines well water level monitoring, irrigation management tools, sustainable farming tips, chatbot for on-the-spot specialized responses to queries, links to water regulations and crop prices, detailed weather information, and data-driven insights to help users make informed agricultural and water management decisions in the UAE and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The application is available for download on App Store and Google Play. The project reflects a collaborative effort involving the University of Sharjah, IBM, and Khalifa University, alongside contributions from government agencies, researchers, technical teams. The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to enhance water security, improve resource efficiency, and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies in agriculture and environmental management.

The project was led by Dr. Adewale Giwa, Assistant Professor at the University of Sharjah, whose research focuses on water sustainability and artificial intelligence applications. Through the My FarmWell initiative, Dr. Giwa and the research team worked on developing practical digital solutions capable of supporting farmers with groundwater monitoring, irrigation management, and sustainability awareness.

IBM played a major role in supporting the project through collaboration and innovation-driven engagement under the IBM Impact Accelerator initiative. The partnership contributed to the integration of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital technologies within the platform to improve groundwater management and support sustainable agricultural practices.

The recognition of My FarmWell highlights the growing importance of interdisciplinary engineering solutions that combine artificial intelligence with sustainability-focused innovation. By addressing challenges related to groundwater depletion, agricultural water use, and climate resilience, the project demonstrates how digital technologies can contribute to long-term environmental sustainability and smarter resource management practices. The award marks an important milestone for the project and reinforces the role of innovation-driven engineering research in supporting sustainable development goals within the UAE and beyond.

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The University of Sharjah has hosted the fifth edition of its Model United Nations conference (UOSMUN), a three-day gathering that brought together university students and young people with a shared interest in global affairs and diplomacy.

The event was organized by the College of Public Policy in collaboration with the United Nations Association of the Department of International Relations.

The conference opened in the presence of Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, and Dr. Shyamal Kataria, Acting Dean of the College of Public Policy, alongside a distinguished group of academics, experts, and practitioners in international relations and humanitarian work. A delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross in the United Arab Emirates, led by Valentina Bernasconi, also attended, lending further weight to the proceedings.

Held under the theme “Bridging Gaps and Building the Future: Collective Diplomacy for Global Resilience,” this year’s conference placed a strong emphasis on collaborative diplomacy, cross-cultural dialogue, and the meaningful engagement of youth in addressing contemporary global challenges. The aim was not only to simulate diplomacy but to cultivate it as a lived and shared practice among the next generation.

Participants took part in nine specialized committees that tackled a range of pressing global issues through interactive simulations mirroring the work of international organizations. These sessions offered hands-on experience in negotiation and diplomatic decision-making, while sharpening critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Beyond formal debates, the conference featured a series of workshops and panel discussions with international speakers and experts in diplomacy and humanitarian affairs. Social and cultural events complemented the program, creating space for cultural exchange and fostering lasting connections among participants.

At its core, the conference seeks to nurture a generation of globally aware young leaders equipped to craft innovative solutions to complex international challenges. By providing an interactive academic platform that strengthens communication, leadership, and international engagement, the University of Sharjah continues to advance its commitment to empowering students and supporting high-impact youth initiatives aimed at building a more cooperative and sustainable future.

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American University of Sharjah (AUS) is proud to announce that Professor Steve Griffiths, Vice Chancellor for Research, has been named the UAE National Champion in the fourth edition of the Frontiers Planet Prize (FPP). His selection marks the UAE’s debut in the renowned global competition, which mobilizes scientists worldwide to advance research on planetary boundaries.

Dr. Griffiths was one of 25 national champions selected globally by the Jury of 100, an independent group of leading sustainability and planetary health experts chaired by Professor Johan Rockström, architect of the renowned planetary boundaries framework.

Professor Rockström said, “The 25 national winners of the 2026 Frontiers Planet Prize exemplify the diversity of research that is so urgently needed. Spanning a range of topics, disciplines and methodological approaches, they share a defining quality: excellence in advancing our understanding of the Earth system and unlocking new frontiers in the solution space.”

The UAE National Champion award recognizes Dr. Griffiths and his co-authors for a landmark study on carbon capture technologies published in Nature Reviews Chemistry, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals. The research was conducted in collaboration with a team led by Dr. Griffiths and Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Champion and Director of the Industrial Decarbonization Research and Innovation Center and Director of the Research Center for Carbon Solutions at Heriot-Watt University, along with Professor John M. Andresen and Dr. Jeannie Ziang Yie Tan at Heriot-Watt University, and João M. Uratani of the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex. The paper assesses the chemistry innovations needed for the deployment of carbon capture at scale, given that industrial exhaust gases vary considerably in CO₂ concentration, temperature and pressure.

“The emissions-intensive, or hard-to-abate, industries like cement, steel and chemicals directly account for roughly 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 85 percent of manufacturing emissions worldwide, and these emissions cannot be readily mitigated by energy efficiency and electrification coupled with renewable electricity alone,” said Dr. Griffiths. “Our research evaluates five families of carbon capture technology at or beyond the prototype stage to give industry and policymakers a clear, evidence-based picture of what works, where, and how close it is to deployment. Advancing these technologies is critical if we are serious about ever achieving net-zero emissions,” he added.

“We are delighted to see our work recognized on the global stage by the Frontiers Planet Prize.  This acknowledgment affirms the importance of collaborative research, innovation and partnerships in accelerating industrial decarbonization and delivering meaningful impact for planetary health. Our study highlights the urgency of scaling carbon capture, and this award helps shine a global spotlight on the innovation needed to accelerate climate solutions at scale,” said Professor Maroto-Valer.

According to the International Energy Agency and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global carbon capture capacity must increase more than 100-fold, from around 50 million metric tons today to as much as 6 billion metric tons annually by 2050 if the aspiration of limiting global warming to 1.5°C is to be achieved. As this target becomes increasingly unattainable, carbon capture, which is already established in the oil and gas industry, gains importance for its adoption across other carbon-intensive sectors that have lagged significantly in reducing their carbon emissions.

In parallel to the FPP announcement of the national champions, the research was also published in a policy report developed in collaboration with the Frontiers Policy Labs, United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR), and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. The report, titled From Science to Policy: Planetary Solutions in Action, highlights a range of practical, policy-based measures policymakers can adopt to support science-backed responses to the planetary crisis.

This is the second high-profile study conducted jointly by researchers from AUS and Heriot-Watt University, following a collaboration in 2024 that proposed green flight paths and the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel as strategies for decarbonizing long-haul air traffic. The team is currently working on a major study focused on digital green shipping corridors.

“As a global energy leader with a commitment to environmental sustainability, the UAE is taking a leading role in the practical deployment of carbon capture technologies,” said Dr. Griffiths. “Our research has particular resonance for the Gulf region’s decarbonization agenda while also providing an evidence base for sustainability agendas globally.”

“This recognition also reflects the growing momentum of research and innovation at AUS. From the establishment of our Energy, Water and Sustainable Environment Research Center to my own local and international collaborative studies on sustainable solutions for emissions-intensive industries, AUS researchers are producing work with real-world impact that extends well beyond Sharjah,” he concluded.

Dr. Griffiths’ win was officially announced alongside all Frontiers Planet Prize National Champions on Earth Day, April 22, 2026. As a National Champion, he will have the opportunity to share his award-winning research at national and international conferences to facilitate the systemic change needed to safeguard our planet’s health. He has also been invited to attend the Frontiers Planet Prize Award Ceremony, which will take place on 18 January 2027, in Davos. The scientists awarded in this round will be considered for the prize’s USD 1 million award, which is granted to three winning scientists later in the year.

For more information about AUS’ research and innovation, visit www.aus.edu/research.

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American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at advancing Sharjah’s and the UAE’s position as a regional hub for tourism innovation and future-ready talent development.

The MoU was signed at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah by His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, and Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions, various media outlets and a group of invited guests.

Commenting on this partnership, His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, stated: “This memorandum reflects a clear strategic direction towards reinforcing the emirate of Sharjah’s position as a leading tourism destination, one that is driven by innovation, empowered national talent and a progressive, sustainable tourism ecosystem. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, we continue to advance an integrated development model that brings together the depth of cultural identity with a forward-looking vision, further strengthening the emirate’s competitiveness and global tourism positioning.”

His Excellency added: “This collaboration with AUS represents a qualitative step towards aligning efforts between the academic and government sectors, creating an enabling environment for innovation, advancing knowledge and nurturing a new generation of talent capable of leading the future of the sector. Through this integration, we are establishing a research and development-driven ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and aligns with Sharjah’s long-term aspirations for a more competitive and sustainable future.”

“This partnership brings together academic capability and sector ambition in a way that can deliver real value for Sharjah,” said Dr. Laursen. “Through this collaboration, AUS will help develop talent, generate applied knowledge and create platforms where students, researchers and industry can engage with the future of tourism. It is a strategic partnership that supports economic diversification, strengthens sector competitiveness and reflects the important role universities can play in advancing national development priorities.”

A central component of the partnership is the co-design, co-organization and annual delivery of the Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon, hosted at AUS alongside the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum. The initiative will actively engage students and emerging talent in developing forward-looking solutions that address real-world opportunities and challenges shaping the tourism sector.

The agreement also seeks to advance education and knowledge creation in destination marketing and tourism management through meaningful, high-impact collaborations that contribute to the long-term development of the tourism sector in Sharjah and the UAE.

In addition, the MoU establishes a framework for further collaboration in areas aligned with the priorities of both institutions, including executive education and professional development, research collaboration, student engagement initiatives, industry immersion opportunities and knowledge exchange platforms. 

Through partnerships with government, industry and the community, AUS continues to expand its contribution to education, research and innovation in areas of strategic relevance to the UAE. Its collaboration with SCTDA reflects this commitment by creating new opportunities that connect academic excellence with sector needs.

For more information about AUS, visit www.aus.edu.

For more information about SCTDA, visit: www.sharjahtourism.ae 

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The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) reviewed developments in the emirate’s nursery sector, addressing key challenges and ways to enhance operational and educational performance.

The discussions took place during a virtual meeting chaired by Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Authority, with the participation of Director-General Ali Al Hosani, nursery directors and education leaders.

Participants examined current sector conditions and remote academic and training programmes delivered by the Sharjah Education Academy, exchanging views on improving early childhood education services.

Dr. Al Hashimi emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between the authority and early education institutions, highlighting the need for readiness to adapt to changes while maintaining high-quality, safe, and stimulating learning environments.

Al Hosani reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to supporting nurseries by listening to their needs and working together to implement practical and sustainable solutions that enhance the sector’s competitiveness.

The meeting is part of a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening coordination and integration with early childhood institutions, supporting excellence, and reinforcing the quality of education across Sharjah.

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Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) has announced the opening of admissions for the Fall 2026 semester, with applications available from March 30 to April 30, 2026. The intake includes a range of academic and professional programs designed for educators seeking to advance their professional pathways and strengthen their roles within the education sector. Applications can be submitted through the Academy’s official website.

For the Fall semester, the Academy is offering eight academic programs accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the United Arab Emirates, in addition to three specialized professional development certification programs in Early Childhood Education accredited by the National Qualifications Center (NQC). The programs are delivered in both Arabic and English and are designed to address the evolving needs of the education sector while preparing educators to advance teaching and learning practices across schools, nurseries, and educational institutions.

The programs include the Postgraduate Diploma in Education, developed in English in collaboration with the University of Helsinki in Finland and translated into Arabic by Sharjah Education Academy. The program focuses on strengthening teachers’ scientific and creative thinking skills, while promoting research-based teaching practices and experimentation in classrooms and curricula.

The Academy also offers the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership, developed in English in collaboration with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, Canada, and translated into Arabic by Sharjah Education Academy. The program is designed for current and aspiring educational leaders and equips them with the knowledge and skills required to lead educational improvement initiatives and implement effective development strategies across schools and education systems.

In addition, the Academy offers four master’s degree pathways: the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership (in Arabic and English) and the Master of Education in Educational Leadership (in Arabic and English).

The Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, developed in collaboration with the University of Helsinki, serves as a specialized academic extension of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education. It focuses on empowering teachers to enhance their instructional practices and expand their leadership roles within schools.

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership, developed in collaboration with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, serves as a specialized academic extension of the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership. The program prepares school leaders to lead large-scale educational improvement initiatives and apply advanced educational research to strengthen institutional performance across schools and education systems.

As part of its commitment to advancing early childhood education, Sharjah Education Academy also offers Early Childhood Education Certification programs across three specialized tracks designed for leaders, teachers, and teacher assistants. Delivered in both Arabic and English, the program was developed in partnership with the University of Helsinki in Finland and is grounded in the latest international research. It aims to build an integrated ecosystem of specialized early childhood professionals while equipping them with pedagogical knowledge and practical training to create engaging learning environments that support children’s growth and development in their early years.

All programs are delivered through a flexible learning model that combines face-to-face learning, online learning, self-paced study, and practical application in educational settings. This model enables participants to balance their professional commitments with academic development while ensuring alignment with the latest global trends in teacher preparation and educational leadership.

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The Ministry of Education has extended remote learning for all students as well as teaching and administrative staff, until Friday, 17 April. The decision applies to nurseries, kindergartens, and both public and private schools nationwide.

The Ministry confirmed that the situation will undergo a weekly re-evaluation.

School administrations previously received a comprehensive remote learning guide for the third academic term. The framework is designed to ensure educational continuity through flexible scheduling and structured learning activities, while fostering active communication and cooperation with parents.

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