American University of Sharjah (AUS) has been granted a third US patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a breast cancer drug-delivery method developed by its researchers. The patent covers a method that combines drug-carrying capsules, a cancer-targeting antibody and ultrasound to release chemotherapy at a targeted area.

The team is led by Dr. Ghaleb Husseini, AUS Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Other team members are Dr. Mohammad Al-Sayah, Professor of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences at the AUS College of Arts and Sciences, and Amal Elsadig, a 2018 AUS’ Master of Science in Chemical Engineering graduate and current PhD student in chemical engineering at Khalifa University.

The method uses liposomes, which are tiny, hollow capsules made from fats similar to those in cell membranes. The capsules carry chemotherapy and have antibodies attached to their outer surface. These antibodies help the capsules recognize and bind to particular proteins on cancer cells. Ultrasound is then directed at the tumor area to disrupt the capsules and release the chemotherapy there.

The new patent adds a version of the method that uses cetuximab, an antibody that recognizes EGFR, a protein found on some breast cancer cells. Earlier patents covered trastuzumab, also known as Herceptin, which recognizes a different protein called HER2. This gives the method a different target: cancer cells with high levels of EGFR. It may be relevant to some triple-negative breast cancers, which test negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2. Some of these tumors have high levels of EGFR.

“This patent extends our research to capsules that use cetuximab to recognize EGFR on some breast cancer cells. The antibody helps direct the capsules toward the tumor, while ultrasound triggers the release of chemotherapy at the targeted area,” said Dr. Husseini.

The patent is the latest in a family based on an invention first filed in 2017. The earlier US patents were granted in 2020 and 2024. The first covered Herceptin-targeted capsules; the second added additional ultrasound frequencies and power levels; and the latest covers a method using cetuximab-targeted capsules. 

“Some triple-negative breast cancers have high levels of EGFR, making it a marker of interest for targeted drug delivery. The cetuximab-targeted capsules have not yet been tested, so further studies are needed to understand their potential,” said Dr. Al-Sayah.

Animal studies of the Herceptin-targeted capsules are ongoing to assess their safety and effectiveness. The team plans to study the cetuximab-targeted capsules after completing that work. Before the approach could be considered for testing in humans, it would require further research, production to pharmaceutical standards, formal safety testing and regulatory approval. Contributors to the animal studies include Dr. Remya Radha and Dr. Vinod Paul, postdoctoral research fellows at AUS; and Dr. Shabana Anjum, a postdoctoral research fellow at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. 

“As an AUS alumna and co-inventor, I am proud to see this work recognized with a patent. Further testing will help determine whether the method can progress toward future development,” said Elsadig.

The research was conducted by AUS’ Ultrasound in Cancer Research Group, with contributions from undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral research fellows at AUS. Support for the research has included the AUS Faculty Research Grants, the Al Jalila Foundation, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, Patients Friends House in the Emirate of Sharjah, the Takamul Program by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Technology Innovation Pioneer (TIP) Healthcare Awards, the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, the Friends of Cancer Patients and the Dana Gas Endowed Chair for Chemical Engineering. 

This patent adds to the portfolio of patents secured by AUS researchers across different fields. The achievement highlights the strength of AUS’ research environment, the expertise of its researchers and the value of collaboration across disciplines in advancing research with the potential to benefit society. For more information about research at AUS, visit www.aus.edu/research.

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Student and alumni entrepreneurs presented their ventures at American University of Sharjah (AUS) during the Higher Education Entrepreneurship Week, giving visitors a direct look at their businesses and the experience behind them.

Held recently on campus, the two-day event was organized by the AUS Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The exhibition featured ventures across seven themed zones, alongside sessions where founders shared their experiences.

The Higher Education Entrepreneurship Week is a joint initiative of the two ministries, implemented with universities across the UAE. It aims to encourage an entrepreneurial culture among students and alumni, strengthen universities’ role as sources of business ideas, and support the UAE’s ambition to become a global capital for entrepreneurship.

Under the theme “AUS Founders, AUS Future,” the program featured businesses at different stages of development. Some founders started their ventures while studying at AUS; others established them after graduation.

“Universities have a strategic role in connecting knowledge with economic opportunity,” said Dr. Jay Squalli, Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at AUS. “Entrepreneurship Week brings our student and alumni entrepreneurs back to AUS, and showcases and supports the businesses they have built. Their experiences are valuable resources for anyone considering entrepreneurship, and bringing these founders together connects them with one another and with our students, strengthening the link between education and enterprise. The event is also an opportunity for CEI and our alumni founders to explore how we can work together, support one another, and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs. At CEI, we aim to build on these connections by helping promising ideas become viable ventures that contribute to the UAE’s long-term development.” 

The event opened with remarks by a representative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and AUS leadership, followed by a leadership and VIP walkthrough of the exhibition. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism also delivered an intellectual property awareness session.

Dr. Mariam Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Director of the Employment Support and Labor Market Partnerships Department at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized the importance of Entrepreneurship Week in Higher Education, describing it as an opportunity to empower students and graduates to transform their innovative ideas into ventures that deliver sustainable economic and social impact. She noted that the Ministry views entrepreneurship as an important outcome of the higher education system.

“This initiative reflects our belief that universities are not merely institutions that award academic degrees; they have become hubs for generating ideas, developing innovative solutions and preparing talent capable of contributing to a competitive, knowledge- and innovation-driven economy,” she said.

Khaled Kalbat, Director of the Entrepreneurship, SMEs and Enterprise Development Department at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, stated: “The Ministry is committed to empowering students, graduates and entrepreneurs, and enhancing their ability to transform innovative ideas into entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to diversifying the national economy and supporting the growth of startups. Collaboration with academic institutions such as AUS, within the framework of the ‘Higher Education Entrepreneurship Week’ initiative, serves as a vital pillar for fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation in the country. This enables young people to showcase their ideas, exchange expertise and connect with relevant stakeholders, thereby strengthening their entrepreneurial capabilities and supporting the growth and sustainability of startups.”

The second day of the program featured three success stories sessions, where founders shared their experiences in creative, media and marketing; tech platforms and digital builders; and luxury and experience brands. Three knowledge-exchange forum sessions explored faith, culture and heritage; design, spaces and the built environment; and the journey from an idea to its first customers.

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) supported the event, helping connect this university initiative with Sharjah’s wider entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, the AUS School of Business Administration and the Entrepreneurship Club also supported the program, linking academic expertise and student engagement with the experience of participating founders.

Among the alumni founders participating in the Entrepreneurship Week was AUS alumna and former employee Hadeel Nassar, founder and partner at AddValueHub. The platform offers flexible, expert-led online courses and professional coaching for individuals and organizations, covering topics such as budgeting, automation, risk assessment, auditing, compliance and communication. Nassar holds two master’s degrees from AUS: a Master of Arts in Translation (English/Arabic/English) and a Master of Science in Accounting. During the event, she shared how AddValueHub helps learners and organizations build practical skills and discussed the future of digital education.

“The event was an exceptional platform to showcase our mission of transforming knowledge into measurable results through flexible remote learning and professional coaching. Engaging with brilliant student minds, fellow startup founders and ecosystem leaders in Sharjah allowed us to share insights on modern skills development, workforce up-skilling and the future of digital education. Proud to be part of a community driving innovation and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs,” she said.

AUS research centers bring expertise across disciplines to address priorities in Sharjah and the UAE, as well as global challenges. Their work ranges from environmental sustainability and biomedical innovation to advanced technologies and cultural studies. Within this network, CEI helps students, alumni and faculty develop promising ideas into marketable solutions. It combines practical entrepreneurship programs with mentorship and partnerships that support venture development and sustainable growth. Learn more at www.aus.edu/sba/research/cei.

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Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Chairperson of its Board of Trustees, chaired the Board of Trustees meeting held on campus on October 21. The board approved a series of resolutions to expand graduate education, strengthen the university’s research enterprise and advance strategic institutional priorities.

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: “AUS is entering the next chapter with a clear strategic direction and growing international recognition. Our responsibility as a Board is to build on this momentum with focus and a commitment to measurable progress. We’ve taken these decisions through a determination to expand educational opportunities, strengthen research and innovation, and ensure AUS continues to respond to the evolving needs of our students, economy and society.”

Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, said the decisions bring together academic development, research capacity and long-term planning.

“The board’s decisions advance a connected set of priorities: preparing experienced professionals to lead in a changing business environment, building research capacity in fields with growing regional importance and aligning our centers and institutional priorities with AUS’ academic mission. Together, these steps strengthen the university’s ability to educate future leaders, generate knowledge and contribute to the UAE’s development. Our focus is now on translating these approvals into programs and initiatives with clear purpose and enduring value,” he said.

The board approved the launch of two graduate programs in Fall 2027: the Executive Master of Business Administration, designed to meet growing demand for executive education and develop strategic, ethical business leaders; and the Master of Science in Luxury Marketing and Management, which will prepare professionals for the GCC’s luxury sector through interdisciplinary, applied learning.

To strengthen the university’s research capacity, the board approved the establishment of the Center for Geospatial Intelligence, under the leadership of Dr. Hosni Ghedira, Professor of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences. The center will apply artificial intelligence to geospatial data. The board also approved renaming the Artificial Intelligence, Smart Infrastructure and Robotics Research Center as the AI, Robotics and Connected Infrastructure Research Center, with Dr. Umit Cali, Professor of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, as its Director.

The Financial Markets and Banking Academy, housed within the AUS School of Business Administration, will become the Financial Markets and Banking Center of Excellence, reflecting its wider mandate in financial markets and banking. The Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Development will take the name Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with Dr. Jay Squalli, Professor of Economics, School of Business Administration, as its Director. The new name more closely reflects the center’s scope and mission. The board also approved renaming the Advanced Biosciences and Bioengineering Research Center as the Center for Biomedical Innovations, with Dr. Majid Warkiani, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, as its Director.

As part of its campus development plans, the board approved the further development of AUS residential halls. Female Hall D (Block D) has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, including upgrades to its rooms, common areas, IT infrastructure and building systems.

The AUS Board of Trustees provides oversight of the university’s strategic direction, governance and long-term institutional development. Through its decisions, the board supports AUS’ academic mission, research priorities and contribution to Sharjah and the UAE.

For more information on AUS and its strategic initiatives, visit www.aus.edu.

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A multidisciplinary team of American University of Sharjah (AUS) students won first place at the second Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon with RIHLA, a platform that combines technology and local heritage to create curated hiking experiences along Sharjah’s east coast.

AUS and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) co-organized the hackathon, an annual initiative established under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two institutions in April 2026.  More than 200 teams, representing over 800 students from 29 universities across six emirates, applied. Twenty teams comprising 80 students from 15 universities were shortlisted. The competition was open to undergraduate students across the UAE, with multidisciplinary teams given priority.

Under the theme “Innovating the Sustainable Future of Tourism,” teams spent two days developing solutions to tourism challenges in Sharjah or the UAE. Ideas could address visitor experiences, accessibility, sustainability, cultural preservation or emerging technologies. Finalists delivered five-minute pitches followed by a three-minute question-and-answer session. Judges assessed each project’s viability, impact, innovation, clarity, relevance and presentation quality.

RIHLA combines an AI-powered trip assistant, near-field communication (NFC) trail check-ins, heritage stories, rewards and real-time trail monitoring using IoT sensors. It connects visitors with nearby attractions and services, and encourages sustainable tourism through existing infrastructure, solar-powered sensors and public transport.

Team Compass received AED 20,000 for first place. Its members are Mohammed Zafar, a sophomore in computer engineering; Pavan Lokesh, a junior in finance; Sarah Mulla, a junior in computer engineering; and Amira Qasim, a sophomore in economics.

“Tourism innovation depends on understanding how visitors experience a destination and how new ideas can create lasting value for the sector,” said Dr. Imran Zualkernan, Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at AUS. “RIHLA brings together technology, Sharjah’s heritage and sustainable mobility, while the competition’s cross-disciplinary teams show how collaboration can help shape tourism solutions with practical potential.”

“The Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon is a platform to reimagine the future of tourism and develop solutions that serve our community,” said Niama Abdalla Al Ali, Manager of the Strategy and Corporate Excellence Department at SCTDA. “It is an opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions aligned with Sharjah’s vision for sustainable tourism. Through our partnership with AUS, we continue to empower young people and involve them in shaping the future of the sector. Together, we can build a tourism ecosystem driven by artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainability, one that reflects Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage and its aspirations for the future.”

Second place and AED 15,000 went to team Deception from the University of Birmingham Dubai for HURUF – Read the Light. The concept uses modular canopies to cast Arabic words in public spaces, with a multilingual app that shares their meanings and stories as visitors follow a tourism route. The team proposed using materials made from date-palm waste. Its members are Wasif Waseem, Yaser al Sarraf, Rayan Sameer and Hussain Sabuwala.

Third place and AED 10,000 went to team 404: Footprint not Found from Curtin University Dubai for UnTrace. The platform processes hotel utility bills and operational data to track carbon, water, energy and waste, support sustainability reporting, identify anomalies and recommend cost-saving actions. Its members are Diluksh Fernando, Harishma Kumar, Nihalsharafuddeen Chakkipparamban and Abdul Wahab.

For participants, the hackathon offered a chance to explore tourism and startups, develop ideas under pressure and learn from mentors. 

“I gained valuable experience and learned more about tourism and startups. We developed ideas and business plans in a focused environment, which challenged us to work under pressure. Our mentors and organizers created a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged us to push ourselves further. I am grateful to everyone who made this event possible,” said Behzad Davari, a junior majoring in computer science at AUS.

The opening ceremony featured remarks from H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, and Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. The program also included a panel discussion moderated by AUS alumnus Mahmoud Darwish, a member of the first edition’s winning team. Panelists represented industry, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the AUS School of Business Administration and the AUS Artificial Intelligence, Smart Infrastructure and Robotics (ARC) Research Center.

A session arranged by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), titled “From Tourism Challenges to Innovative Startups,” featured Eng. Mohamed Aboud, Co-founder and Chairman of Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Company.

The first-place team will present RIHLA on the main stage at the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2026. The top three teams will also receive startup mentorship from Sheraa and the AUS ARC Research Center to help them explore entrepreneurship pathways and develop their concepts.

At AUS, the hackathon was organized by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering, with support from the School of Business Administration and the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. Sheraa joined as ecosystem partner.

By bringing students and tourism stakeholders together, the hackathon aimed to advance ideas that could support a more sustainable visitor experience in Sharjah and the UAE.

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American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed an agreement with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of AUS, to establish the UNESCO Chair in Arabic Language, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Heritage at AUS, making AUS the only university worldwide to host a UNESCO Chair of its kind. The chair will support cultural preservation through high-tech solutions, expanding access to Arabic language and heritage while strengthening scholarship, skills development and community participation.

“Arabic carries the memory of a region, its ideas, its poetry and its everyday voices,” said Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. “When archives remain undigitized or dialects go undocumented, heritage becomes harder to reach and easier to lose. This UNESCO Chair will unite rigorous Arabic scholarship with responsible AI and digital humanities to preserve, curate and open new pathways to Arab cultural and linguistic heritage at scale, while training people who can carry this work forward. It reflects the Emirate of Sharjah’s enduring commitment to culture and knowledge, and it positions AUS to contribute meaningful research, accessible digital resources and regional capacity that serve communities across the Arab world and beyond.”

The chair’s objectives include preserving and providing access to Arab cultural and linguistic heritage by collecting, digitizing and curating artifacts, including endangered Arabic dialects, through innovative digital tools and multilingual metadata standards. It will also advance interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Arabic studies, AI and digital humanities by integrating AI, machine learning and digital tools to produce scholarly publications, open-access resources and new approaches to contemporary debates in Arab societies.

“With the unprecedented speed and scale of advancement and use of AI, especially Large Language Models, language is playing a critical role in the way technology is transforming societies. We must ensure that the Arabic language, used daily by more than 500 million people, is fully contributing to and benefiting from these transformations. This is the aim of UNESCO and its Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Programme for the Arabic Language, and we are delighted to join forces with the newly launched UNESCO Chair in Arabic Language, AI and Digital Heritage to reinforce the role of Arabic as a global language of culture, science and innovation,” said Irakli Khodeli, Chief of Management of Social Transformations (MOST) and Foresight Section, Sciences Sector, UNESCO.

In addition, the chair will build regional capacity by establishing a training platform offering workshops, certification programs and opportunities for early-career scholars, media professionals and cultural practitioners to develop skills and share research. It will strengthen cross-regional collaboration by developing open-access digital projects with institutions in the Arab States, Africa and Asia-Pacific and with UNESCO networks, while engaging youth and communities in digital storytelling and heritage initiatives. The chair will cooperate closely with UNESCO, other UNESCO Chairs and the University Twinning and Networking Programme (UNITWIN) networks on relevant programs and activities.

At AUS, the UNESCO Chair will be grounded in existing strengths in Arabic language and cultural scholarship. It aligns with the work of the university’s Center for Arab Studies and Islamic Civilizations, which emphasizes the Arabic language, heritage, history, arts and cultures of the Arab and Islamic worlds through a specialized lens that complements and challenges Western approaches. It will also draw on expertise from across several departments at AUS, including the Department of Arabic and Translation Studies, whose faculty specialize in Arabic linguistics, literature, Islamic studies, translation and interpretation and Arabic as a foreign language, supporting the chair’s research, training and public-facing impact.

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American University of Sharjah (AUS) has been named Primary Education Partner for HollyShorts MENA, bringing one of the world’s leading short-form storytelling platforms to the region.

AUS’ College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) is the principal venue host for the HollyShorts MENA festival, bringing the festival to Sharjah and giving regional filmmakers the chance to showcase their work at an internationally acclaimed platform. The festival follows the inaugural HollyShorts Dubai Festival held in December 2025. The next edition runs January 14-17, 2027, with AUS as the hub for its core activities. More details will be announced at a later date.

Through this partnership, AUS will host core festival screenings and panel discussions, utilizing its state-of-the-art production, screening and immersive technologies. The collaboration will also introduce student-first educational initiatives aimed at empowering upcoming creators and student filmmakers at AUS and throughout the region.

The alliance also covers the AUS 48-Hour Film Hackathon, which HollyShorts MENA will plan and deliver alongside CAAD. The hackathon includes student, faculty, and industry engagement, workshops and masterclasses, panels with executive jurors, and networking events. HollyShorts executive team members will judge the competition, with top submissions getting awarded in their respective categories.

“The selection of AUS as HollyShorts MENA’s Primary Education Partner recognizes the university’s role as a regional hub for creative education and emerging talent,” said Dr. Matthias Ruth, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at AUS. “This alliance connects our students and faculty with a globally recognized film platform and brings international expertise directly into the classroom. It also supports emerging filmmakers as they build their craft, their networks, and their audiences.”

“Securing this alliance with CAAD is a major step forward for HollyShorts MENA’s presence in the region,” said Jeff Pryor, Strategic Advisor of HollyShorts MENA. “CAAD’s 4K HDR theater gives filmmakers a screen worthy of their work. By gathering our core screenings, panels and networking events under one roof, we can connect international directors, students and executives.”

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The Sharjah Sports Council held its Sharjah Summer Run on Sunday, 27th September, at University City, drawing a strong turnout of sports enthusiasts of all ages and both genders.

The event forms part of this year’s series of community sporting activities and was staged in partnership with a number of contributing and sponsoring bodies. Runners competed across a range of distances amid lively crowds and a strong atmosphere. Winners were presented with their medals on the podium by Ibrahim Saif bin Ghafan, Head of the Sports Events Organisation and Management Section within the Council’s Sports and Community Events Department.

In the 10km race, the Emirati men’s category was won by Ahmed Al Naqbi, followed by Zayed Al Zahouri in second and Harbi Al Marri in third. In the Emirati women’s category, Meera Al Falasi took first place, ahead of Hessa Al Suwaidi in second and Maitha Saud in third. The open men’s category was led by Bernard Mengich, with Paul Kombo second and Abdul Samad Al Hebbaz third, while the open women’s category saw Ann Wanjohi finish first, Fidelia Masongo second and Sara Loudi third.

In the 5km race, Majid Al Rustamani won the Emirati men’s category, with Khalid Al Abdouli second and Hamad Al Fahad third. Haya Al Abdullah topped the Emirati women’s category, followed by Aya Al Marzouqi and Amal Al Shehhi. In the open categories, Victor Korir won the men’s race ahead of Edward Kimathi and Berian Merithi, while Mercy Kimani led the women’s field, with Redemta Kwana second and Arti Shana third.

In the 2.5km race, Ali Al Yasi won the Emirati men’s category, with Mohammed Ali second and Ahmed Yaqoub third. Safia Adel won the Emirati women’s category, ahead of Noha Ismail and Khawla Al Balushi. The open men’s category went to Jamet Macharia, followed by Abdullah Basmad and Saeed Boughaz, while Ibtisam Al Shehhi won the open women’s category, with Fatima Al Hammadi second and Layla Bolis third.

In the 1km race for children, Zayed Ahmed won the boys’ category, ahead of Saeed Fadel and Obaid Ali, while Sheikha Al Ali won the girls’ category, followed by Salama Ahmed and Alia Al Nuaimi.

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Under the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA)’s Science Leaders Initiative, Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) has received special recognition from SPEA for training and supporting school leaders and teachers to improve teaching practices across Sharjah’s private schools. SPEA presented the recognition at a ceremony at University City Hall in Sharjah to celebrate schools’ achievements in the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025.

As part of SPEA’s initiative, SEA managed the delivery of three training pathways for change management leaders, mathematics teachers and heads of department, and science teachers and heads of department. Each pathway comprised 30 hours of training focused on strengthening teaching and assessment practices that develop students’ thinking and analytical skills. The training reached more than 2,000 teachers, while more than 500 school leaders strengthened their change management capabilities.

Throughout the initiative, under SPEA’s lead and guidance, SEA maintained close contact with schools and followed up on leaders’ and teachers’ training participation. The Academy also coordinated with the project team and experts in Singapore, providing participants with learning resources and additional support to help them apply their training in their schools.

Ms Khawla Ahmed AlHosani, Vice Chancellor of Sharjah Education Academy, said: “We congratulate Sharjah on the outstanding results achieved by its schools in PISA 2025. We commend the Sharjah Private Education Authority for leading this work, and the school leaders and teachers whose efforts contributed to this achievement. We are proud that the Academy has been recognised for its role, which reflects the value of collaboration among educational institutions across the emirate.”

She added: “At Sharjah Education Academy, we believe that improving education begins with developing the people who deliver it and takes hold when professional learning shapes everyday classroom practice. This project enabled us to work closely with schools, understand staff needs, and provide relevant professional support. We will continue to work alongside schools on continuous improvement, drawing on international expertise to equip educators with the tools to make a measurable difference to the quality of education.”

The recognition reflects the strength of collaboration among Sharjah’s educational institutions. By bringing together their expertise in professional development and school support, they can turn partnership into practical improvements in teaching and learning across the emirate.

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American University of Sharjah (AUS) has officially opened the 2026–2027 academic year, welcoming 1,188 new undergraduate and 223 new graduate students, bringing the total new cohort to 1,411 students, along with 45 new full-time and visiting faculty members. Additionally, the new semester marks the start of three new innovative graduate programs. 

Reflecting AUS’ growth in the QS World University Rankings, the university posted a 4 percent increase in its number of graduate and undergraduate students as compared to Fall 2025. This growth includes a strong female representation with women accounting for 54 percent of the incoming undergraduate class and 60 percent of new graduate students. Across the entire university population, male vs female enrollment stands at 47 percent to 53 percent, exhibiting a balanced overall student demographic. 

“Our Fall 2026 intake reflects both sustained demand for an AUS education and our commitment to students’ success. Welcoming over 1,400 new students demonstrates the strength of our academic reputation across the region and globally”, said Ali Shuhaimy, Executive Director of Enrollment Management at AUS.

Before classes began on August 17, the new students were welcomed to campus during orientation, an essential step for starting their life as AUS students. For undergraduates, a group of dedicated Peer Leaders provided guidance throughout orientation week and beyond, supporting the new students in discovering the resources, activities and organizations available on campus such as the First Year Experience Program, the Academic Support Center and the One Stop Solution Center. New graduate students had their own orientation day, tailored to the special needs of master’s and PhD students. 

The AUS One Stop Solution Center provides centralized support to new students across a broad range of academic and associated services, including admissions, financial grants and scholarships, student accounts, housing, transportation, IT, library access, student employment, insurance, visa assistance, security services and more.

Student Peer Leader Hannave Anura said, “Starting one’s university life is a transformative step and our goal as Peer Leaders is to ensure every new student feels immediate confidence and belonging at AUS. We aim to get all incoming students on board with minimum issues to ensure that all available campus facilities, curricular and extracurricular resources and day-to-day student life matters become seamless because of student peers guiding them.”

The new semester also sees the start of three new master’s degree programs.  These are the Master of Fine Arts in Trans-Disciplinary Design offered by the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD); the Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability and Management offered by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); and the Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering offered by the College of Engineering (CEN). 

Dr. Matthias Ruth, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, highlighted the new offerings by explaining, “The introduction of these three graduate programs marks an expansion of our academic offerings which aim to empower our graduate students with the ability to address real-world challenges in the corporate sector and to be innovative and future-ready. These courses also aim to increase our research and align our teaching with global market demands by fostering expertise in trans-disciplinary design, environmental sustainability and data analytics engineering.”

For more information on the new programs, visit Master of Fine Arts in Trans-Disciplinary Design, Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability and Management, and Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering.

For students looking to apply to AUS for Spring Semester 2027, applications open in October. Details on applying to AUS can be found at infodesk.aus.edu.

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Sharjah Education Academy has announced the opening of admissions and enrolment for eight new postgraduate programmes in special educational needs and early childhood education. The new offering comprises four academic specialisms, delivered through eight separate programmes in Arabic and English, providing flexible study options for educators seeking to advance their knowledge and strengthen their professional expertise.

The new programmes support the Academy’s direction to expand its portfolio of specialist academic programmes and strengthen professional and academic development pathways in priority areas of the education sector, including early childhood, special educational needs, and inclusive education.

H.E. Dr Muhadditha Yahya Al Hashimi, President of Sharjah Education Academy, said: “These programmes continue the enduring vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, a vision that places people and education at the heart of development, and reflect the Emirate of Sharjah’s approach to building an integrated education system that invests in specialist expertise and supports the quality of education from a child’s earliest years, enabling every learner to access educational opportunities suited to their needs and abilities.”

Dr Al Hashimi added: “Our new programmes have been designed in response to real needs in the education field. Investing in the early childhood stage lays the foundations for learning and development from a child’s earliest years, while specialisation in special educational needs and inclusive education strengthens educational institutions’ capacity to respond to learner diversity and provide higher-quality, more inclusive learning opportunities. Through these programmes, we seek to translate specialist knowledge into educational practice that makes a tangible impact in the learning environment.”

The new offering comprises four academic specialisms, delivered through eight separate programmes in Arabic and English: the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs, the Master of Education in Special Educational Needs, the Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, and the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, each offered in both Arabic and English. The programmes provide progressive academic pathways that help students develop knowledge and professional expertise in each specialism by combining academic study with field application and research, strengthening alignment between outcomes and the needs of the education field.

Special Educational Needs

In the field of special educational needs, the Academy offers a progressive academic pathway beginning with the Postgraduate Diploma, which runs over one academic year and comprises 24 credit hours, combining blended learning with practical application through two specialist practica supervised by faculty. The programme focuses on understanding learning and neurodiversity, assessing special educational needs, designing evidence-based interventions, and developing inclusive pedagogical practice, alongside policy and practitioner inquiry. Subject to the applicable admission requirements, diploma graduates may continue their academic pathway and complete the Master of Education in Special Educational Needs over one additional academic year, while the master’s programme runs over two years for new students and comprises 36 credit hours. The programme broadens the scope of specialisation to include assessment, intervention, leadership, policy, research and evidence-based practice, supported by two faculty-supervised practica, applied research and a dissertation.

Optional Dual-Degree Pathway with the University of Exeter

Students enrolled in the English track may have the opportunity to pursue an optional dual-degree pathway with the University of Exeter, expanding their academic experience through an internationally recognised university. Students who successfully complete the academic requirements of both institutions may earn two separate qualifications – one from Sharjah Education Academy and one from the University of Exeter.

*Participation in the pathway is subject to eligibility and separate admission to the University of Exeter.

Early Childhood Education

In the field of early childhood education, the Academy offers a progressive academic pathway beginning with the Postgraduate Diploma, which runs over one academic year and comprises 24 credit hours, combining blended learning with field application and focusing on child development and neuroscience, curriculum design, multilingual and play-based learning, assessment and pedagogical documentation, and the use of science, technology and digital learning, alongside building the professional and research identity of practitioners. Subject to the applicable admission requirements, the diploma allows graduates to progress to the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education over one additional academic year, while the master’s programme runs over two years for new students and comprises 36 credit hours. The programme centres on developing more advanced expertise in leadership, pedagogical practice and practitioner inquiry, supported by two faculty-supervised practica and a research-based capstone project.

The eight programmes open a range of career pathways for graduates, including teaching and coordination roles; specialist practice in special educational needs and early childhood education; curriculum and pedagogy development; intervention planning and learner support; educational leadership; professional development and school improvement; and consultancy and related education services.

Applications and enrolment are now open across all eight programmes in both the Arabic and English tracks, including the master’s programmes. Those wishing to join can review the programme details and admission requirements and apply through the official Sharjah Education Academy website.

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