American University of Sharjah (AUS) has achieved its highest-ever position in the QS World University Rankings, ranking 258 globally in the 2027 edition, an improvement of 14 places from 2026. This milestone places AUS among the top 17% of universities ranked by QS worldwide and maintains its position among the top three universities in the UAE, in a ranking that included 1,504 institutions globally. 

AUS now outperforms 83 percent of ranked universities worldwide, reflecting continued progress in its global standing.

This sustained upward trajectory reflects a long-term pattern of improvement, with AUS rising from the 401–450 band in 2013 to its current position among the world’s top 260 universities. Progress has been driven by consistent gains across key areas, including graduate employability, research impact, academic reputation and sustainability, reinforcing the university’s position as one of the leading universities in the UAE and the region.

“This result reflects AUS’ continued progress and commitment to academic excellence. Rising to its highest-ever position in the QS World University Rankings reinforces the strength of our academic model and the impact of long-term investment in our students, faculty and research ecosystem,” said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 

He added: “What stands out this year is the strength of performance across areas that define institutional impact such as graduate employability, research influence, sustainability and internationalization. These outcomes reflect AUS’ mission to prepare globally competitive graduates and to produce research that addresses real-world challenges and supports sustainable development.”

AUS continues to demonstrate strong graduate outcomes, with 95 percent of Spring and Summer 2024 graduates gaining employment within 12 months of graduation. This contributed to a major improvement in the category of employment outcomes, where AUS rose 112 places globally and ranked third in the UAE in 2027. Based on QS data, there is a strong demand for AUS graduates in the labor market.

AUS also ranks first in the UAE in the category of employer reputation, maintaining its leadership in one of the most important indicators of institutional quality. This ranking means that employers see AUS alumni as among the most job-ready graduates from universities in the UAE. This is a testament to the talent and ambitions of AUS students and alumni, whose success across engineering, design, business and sciences have earned them strong recognition from employers in the UAE and around the world. This also reflects the university’s sustained support through employer engagement and long-standing industry partnerships. 

Research performance at AUS strengthened significantly, with notable improvements in the categories of citation impact and scholarly output. AUS is ranked third in the UAE for research impact and has improved its global position in this indicator by 74 places. This performance reflects the strength of the AUS research ecosystem, which includes six research centers, 22 research groups and 11 endowed chairs and professorships, supporting innovation and collaboration across sustainability, manufacturing, healthcare and the creative industries. Interdisciplinary work also spans artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, advanced materials and cultural heritage.

In the category of sustainability, AUS rose in the global rankings by 44 places and ranks third in the UAE, reflecting continued advancement in environmental stewardship, social responsibility and governance. This progress is driven by the integration of sustainability principles across teaching, research, campus operations and community engagement, which reflects sustainability’s growing role as a key pillar of AUS’ institutional strategy aligned with global priorities and regional development goals.

AUS is also recognized for its highly international campus community, ranking among the top five universities in the UAE for its number of international faculty and international students. Its student body represents more than 103 nationalities, placing AUS among the most internationally diverse universities in the world. This reflects AUS’ identity as a global university in the Middle East, promoting cross-cultural learning and global citizenship.

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

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Early Vision Of Human Life

Leo Tolstoy stands as a writer who studied human life in wide scope. His works show deep attention to society and inner struggle. He presents people as part of a large moving world shaped by history and emotion.

His ideas still shape modern reading habits and support access to free books in many cultural spaces. His approach to human experience connects moral questions with daily life and simple choices.

Social Depth And Moral Conflict

Tolstoy explores society through layers of tension and change. Characters face moral pressure in shifting environments. His writing reveals how personal action shapes collective outcomes.

Several key aspects define this moral landscape:

• Moral Choice In Conflict

Moral choice in Tolstoy works appears as a constant test of character. Individuals stand between duty and desire. Each action creates a ripple in family and society. The narrative shows consequences that unfold across time. Ethical decisions are not simple. They grow from fear hope and responsibility. The writing places focus on inner struggle and human dignity. This perspective highlights how small moments shape large outcomes across generations. It reflects a steady examination of human nature under pressure conditions always.

• Historical Perspective And Change

Moral history in Tolstoy writing presents society in motion across generations. Social structures evolve through conflict and adaptation. The narrative often focuses on ordinary people facing large events. Their lives reveal patterns of change that shape collective memory. Human experience appears as a chain of decisions and reactions. The author shows how time influences behavior and belief. Each scene builds a sense of continuity and disruption. This approach gives depth to cultural transformation and personal growth. It remains consistent across chapters.

• Human Perspective And Memory

Tolstoy work often returns to memory as a source of meaning. Past events shape present decisions and emotional states. Characters recall experiences that influence their understanding of life. The narrative treats memory as a living force rather than static record. It connects generations through shared perception and inherited values. Human perspective becomes a bridge between time periods. The writing emphasizes awareness of consequence and reflection. Each moment carries weight in the broader story of existence and identity. It links all events.

The study of these themes shows a wide moral landscape that resists simple reading. Human experience appears layered and continuous. Tolstoy vision keeps focus on depth of feeling and social relation.

Ethical Insight And Society

His portrayal of society highlights tension between personal desire and shared responsibility. Characters move through situations that test belief and loyalty. The world he builds feels both intimate and broad. Each decision reveals hidden pressures within social structures.

Such writing leaves a lasting impression on cultural thought and human reflection. It shows how literature can map inner life without distortion. The panorama of human experience remains central to his vision.

Legacy Of Human Understanding

Tolstoy legacy continues through ongoing reflection on human nature and social meaning. His approach encourages deep attention to ordinary life and moral tension within it. It influences writers and thinkers across many generations worldwide still relevant.

His work remains a mirror for society and inner conflict. It preserves questions about duty choice and consequence in human life. It continues to guide reflection on shared experience and moral awareness across time.

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Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, attended today the graduation ceremony of the seventh cohort of Emirates National Schools–Sharjah Campus, named the Year of the Family 2026 Cohort.

The ceremony, held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, celebrated the graduation of 158 students in the presence of a number of sheikhs, senior officials, members of the school’s Board of Directors, administrative and teaching staff, and parents.

Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Humairi, Secretary-General of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emirates National Schools, praised the achievements of the schools and their role in preparing academically and leadership-capable generations able to contribute to the nation’s development through advanced educational programmes that employ the latest artificial intelligence technologies and promote sustainability and innovation.

He congratulated the graduates and their families on the achievement and expressed confidence in their ability to continue excelling academically and to represent the UAE in the fields of science, knowledge and innovation.

For his part, Lachlan Mackinnon, Director-General of Emirates National Schools, said the success reflected the effectiveness of the schools’ vision in developing students academically, nationally and personally, and preparing them for future requirements through an educational environment that supports creativity, leadership and community service.

The graduates expressed pride in their accomplishments and commended Emirates National Schools for helping develop their skills and strengthen the values of national identity and belonging. They also thanked the UAE leadership for its continued support of the nation’s youth and expressed appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his sustained patronage.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi presented certificates to the graduates and wished them success in their university studies and future careers. The school administration also honoured Sheikh Dr. Khalid with a commemorative shield in appreciation of his attendance and participation in the celebration.

Established in 2015, Emirates National Schools–Sharjah Campus serves more than 2,572 students and provides high-quality education that combines international academic standards with national identity.

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Sharjah Education Academy celebrated the graduation of its fourth cohort, comprising 641 graduates, during an official ceremony held at University City Hall in Sharjah. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Muhadditha Yahya Al Hashimi, President of Sharjah Education Academy, members of the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, senior officials, educational leaders, and the graduates’ families.

The graduates were distributed across ten academic and professional programmes, offered in Arabic and English through separate learning pathways. The cohort included 344 graduates from the Postgraduate Diploma in Education, 13 from the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership, 86 from the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, developed in collaboration with the University of Helsinki in Finland, and 15 from the Master of Education in Educational Leadership, offered in partnership with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto in Canada. A further 183 graduates completed the Early Childhood Education Certification for Teaching Assistants.

Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi affirmed that the ceremony was an occasion of pride, celebrating a new cohort of the Academy’s graduates who have chosen to carry the noble mission of education and the shaping of the human being.

She noted that the Academy’s journey began with the inspiring directive of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to establish a specialised academy dedicated to the advancement of teachers and educational leaders. This vision, she said, is rooted in the belief that building the human being precedes the building of nations, and that the teacher is the cornerstone of the renaissance of peoples and the making of the future.

She added that the graduation of the fourth cohort reflects the Academy’s continued commitment to translating this vision into tangible reality through specialised academic and professional programmes that prepare teachers and educational leaders to create a positive impact in the field of education. Her Excellency called on the graduates to carry the trust of education with pride and sincerity, to make every classroom a space for hope, every student a project for success, and every day an opportunity to leave a lasting impact.

Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi also extended her appreciation to the graduates’ families, as well as to every teacher, educator, and educational leader who contributed to supporting this journey. She further expressed the Academy’s deepest gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, affirming that this promising assembly of educators embodies the fruits of His Highness’s vision and renews Sharjah’s enduring covenant with knowledge and learning.

This graduation marks the culmination of half a decade of continuous contribution, during which Sharjah Education Academy has played a pivotal role in preparing and qualifying educational professionals, including teachers and educational leaders. Through its programmes, the Academy equips them with the knowledge, practical skills, and applied tools needed to lead school improvement and respond to the rapid transformations taking place across the education sector, further strengthening Sharjah’s position as a leading regional and international centre for educational development.

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American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zayed Education Foundation, creating a formal basis for joint initiatives that expand opportunities for students, faculty and the wider community.

Under the agreement, the two institutions will explore cooperation on a scholarship program for AUS students, research clusters, endowed research chairs, postdoctoral fellowships, PhD grants, innovation and entrepreneurship projects, leadership development, professional growth and community engagement.

AUS is now included among the participating universities under the Ruwwad Zayed Program, a merit-based university scholarship for high-potential Emirati and Arab youth based in the UAE pursuing master’s degrees in priority fields for the region. The program provides full academic funding, tailored leadership development and comprehensive support services designed to strengthen scholars’ academic, personal and professional growth. AUS programs currently listed under Ruwwad Zayed include the Master of Arts in International Studies, Master of Urban Planning, Master of Science in Machine Learning and Master of Science in Economics and Policy.

“This MoU reflects the kind of purposeful partnership that creates lasting value for students, universities and the wider UAE community,” said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. “Our collaboration with Zayed Education Foundation brings together access, academic excellence and national impact. By linking scholarship support with research, innovation and leadership development, we are helping create pathways for talented students to pursue advanced study, contribute to priority fields and develop the skills needed to serve society with purpose. AUS is proud to be listed under the Ruwwad Zayed Program and to support an initiative that invests in the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers.”

A Zayed Education Foundation spokesperson said: “We are pleased to formalise our partnership with American University of Sharjah, reflecting our shared commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision of investing in human capital as a cornerstone of sustainable development. The Ruwwad Zayed program is a flagship initiative that brings this partnership to life, empowering talented youth with the knowledge, values and global perspective needed to lead with purpose. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen leadership and foster a generation capable of driving inclusive growth and prosperity.”

The partnership reflects AUS’ continued commitment to building strategic collaborations that expand opportunities for students and faculty, strengthen research and innovation ecosystems and connect academic excellence with real-world impact. Through its partnerships with government entities, foundations, industry and community organizations, AUS continues to create new pathways for scholarships, research funding, entrepreneurship, professional development and student success, reinforcing its role as a leading institution contributing to the UAE’s knowledge economy and future-ready talent agenda.

For more information about AUS, visit www.aus.edu.
For more information about the Ruwwad Zayed Program, visit www.zayededucationfoundation.org/en/scholarships/ruwwad-zayed. 

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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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