UOS champions research-driven education at QS Middle East 2025
Organised by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a global leader in university rankings and educational consulting, the summit convened international higher education leaders to discuss the evolving role of universities in shaping the future of Society 5.0. Discussions emphasised the critical role universities play in fostering inclusive growth, cultivating critical thinking, and bridging skill gaps while ensuring humanity remains at the heart of technological and industrial advancement.
Keynote address on university excellence
Prof. Al Naimiy delivered his keynote speech during the opening forum, "Leading with Distinction: University Excellence for the Future," where he joined fellow university presidents and regional education leaders to explore how universities can champion comprehensive development, nurture critical thinking skills, build knowledge-based economies, and advance sustainable academic and research practices. Speakers also addressed the ethical responsibility of universities to ensure human values remain central to technological and industrial progress.
Strategic vision and academic offerings
Prof. Al Naimiy presented Sharjah University's key initiatives and practices outlined in its 2025-2030 strategy. These initiatives aim to achieve excellence across all facets of university operations through integrating scientific research and education, continuously adapting to digital transformations and technological advancements. He announced that the University will offer approximately 150 academic programs starting in September, including master's and doctoral degrees, with graduate programs comprising over 60% of the offerings. All programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education, and 80% have secured international academic accreditation.
Adapting to Generation Z learners
The Chancellor emphasised the importance of keeping pace with the changing behaviors and expectations of students, particularly those from Generation Z. He noted that the University has established the Institute of Leadership in Higher Education to train faculty members in developing teaching methods tailored to the mindset of this digitally savvy generation, which demonstrates a unique engagement with modern learning tools and methods.
Community engagement and industry partnerships
Turning to the University's engagement with the community and industry, Prof. Al Naimiy highlighted University of Sharjah's experience in involving graduate students, especially working professionals, in applied research that addresses real-world challenges faced by their organisations. He stated that the University is actively building partnerships with the industrial and governmental sectors, fostering impactful research projects, and enhancing the University's role as a hub for knowledge generation that is aligned with the specific needs of the community.
A Quadruple Helix approach to sustainable development
In closing, Prof. Al Naimiy affirmed that the University of Sharjah embraces a comprehensive Quadruple Helix approach, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, society, and government, thereby solidifying its position as a leading educational institution that actively contributes to building a sustainable future.
QS Summit: A platform for global academic dialogue
The QS Summit is a prominent global platform that brings together university leaders, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the future of higher education. This year's edition focused on "Reshaping the Future of Universities in the Era of Society 5.0," emphasising the integration of technological innovation with human needs in shaping the future of communities. The event featured open discussions and workshops addressing topics such as digital transformation in higher education, academic leadership in a changing environment, the future of employment and workforce skills, and international partnerships in research and innovation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
12-06-2025
- Sharjah 24
University of Sharjah honours outstanding employees
Under the patronage and presence of His Excellency Professor Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, the ceremony drew participation from vice chancellors, deans, directors of centers, and heads of departments. Prof. Agamy, in his opening remarks, welcomed attendees from across the university community and underscored the vital importance of collaboration between administrative and technical staff. He emphasized that such cooperation forms the backbone of the University's success, particularly in advancing scientific research, educational excellence, institutional development, and community service. Prof. Agamy also announced plans to further develop the Distinguished Employee Award in the coming year, expanding its scope to encompass a wider range of fields. This initiative, he noted, aims to inspire even greater institutional excellence and to reinforce a culture of quality and innovation throughout the university. Mr. Shehab Al Hammadi, Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the award's role in motivating employees to continually enhance their professional skills. He praised the recipients for their vision and commitment, noting that outstanding employees consistently strive to exceed the boundaries of their daily responsibilities and build impressive records of achievement. Al Hammadi reaffirmed UoS's dedication to empowering its staff, fostering an environment that encourages excellence, ongoing development, and a positive, collaborative workplace culture. During the ceremony, Prof. Agamy honored the members of the Distinguished Employee Award's judging committee, including Mr. Majid Al Jarwan, Vice Chancellor for Public Relations, and Chair of the Support Staff Judging Committee; Aisha Al Ali, Chair of the Distinguished Employee Award Judging Committee; Dr. Mohammed Al Ansari; Shouq Ali; and Omar Mohammed. The highlight of the event was the recognition of the award's winners, whose dedication and hard work have played a pivotal role in advancing the University's goals. Abdullah Zeil Al Hammadi from the College of Law received the award in the Administrative and Technical Staff category. In the Support Staff category, Ahmed Mousa and Khalil Rahman Habib from the Services Department were honored for their exemplary service. The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to nurturing talent and promoting a spirit of excellence across all sectors of the University of Sharjah, setting the stage for another year of achievement and innovation.
Gulf Today
12-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Sultan Bin Ahmed praises remarkable progress of UoS
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, President of the University of Sharjah (UoS), and Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees, chaired the 59th meeting of the Board on Wednesday at his office at the university's headquarters. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed welcomed the Board members, appreciating their constructive efforts and supportive views on the university's remarkable progress at various academic, research, and administrative levels. He extended his thanks and appreciation to Dr Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi for his significant efforts in leading the university during the past period, which contributed to the university's development in various fields. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed praised the University's progress and its continued efforts to maintain its prestigious status among universities. This is achieved through the continuous development of the scientific research system and the alignment of its academic programmes with global developments and modern technological advancements, in line with the needs of the business sector, 21st-century skills, and the future aspirations of students. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed expressed his pride in the university's remarkable progress in applied scientific research aimed at serving and developing the community, and in the university's advancement in various international rankings. He affirmed his pride in the distinguished position the university has attained locally, regionally, and globally. He also expressed his special appreciation to the faculty members for their significant efforts over the past period, through meetings and interactive workshops. These efforts aimed to evaluate the university's performance and develop recommendations for continuous improvement and development, by devising executive action plans to ensure the university maintains its prestigious academic standing and reputation, and its leadership at the national and regional levels. The Board approved the university's operating budget for the 2025-2026 academic year, amounting to Dhs1.27 billion. The Board also approved the graduation of a new batch of students who have completed their graduation requirements by the end of the spring semester of 2024-2025. This total number of graduates is 2,026, including 1,643 bachelor's degrees, 16 postgraduate diplomas, 302 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees. The Board of Trustees also approved several new academic programmes that meet the needs of the changing labour market and provide the necessary competencies for development, thus supporting the economic and social growth of the country and the region. These programmes include: a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership in Higher Education, a Master of Interior Architecture in Adaptive Reuse, a Master of Science in Safety Engineering, a Master of Science in Innovation and Construction Management, a Master of Laws and Economics, a Professional Master in Shari'a Supervision and Auditing, and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. The Board also approved the establishment of two research centres: the Exeter-Sharjah Centre for Global Studies, which aims to help support interaction and communication between communities and their impact on various aspects of life. The second is the Centre for Advanced Biotechnology, which aims to support advanced interdisciplinary research and enhance international cooperation in vital areas related to sustainable development, innovation, and creativity, and to contribute to achieving research objectives in many important fields, especially in biotechnology. The Board approved the promotion of 22 faculty members, including 8 to the rank of full professor and 14 to associate professor. This reflects the University's commitment to supporting its academic competencies and enhancing its educational and research standing, and is in appreciation of the influential scientific research provided by faculty members, their adoption of modern teaching and learning methods, and their efforts in serving and developing the community. The Board reviewed a report by Dr Essam Al-Din Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, which addressed the University's performance and achievements during the 2024-2025 academic year. WAM
Sharjah 24
11-06-2025
- Sharjah 24
Sultan bin Ahmed Chairs UoS Board of Trustees Meeting
At the beginning of the meeting, His Highness welcomed the Board members, appreciating their constructive efforts and supportive views on the university's remarkable progress at various academic, research, and administrative levels. His Highness extended his thanks and appreciation to Dr Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi for his significant efforts in leading the university during the past period, which contributed to the university's development in various fields. UoS continued progress His Highness praised the University of Sharjah's progress and its continued efforts to maintain its prestigious status among universities. This is achieved through the continuous development of the scientific research system and the alignment of its academic programmes with global developments and modern technological advancements, in line with the needs of the business sector, 21st-century skills, and the future aspirations of students. His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi expressed his pride in the university's remarkable progress in applied scientific research aimed at serving and developing the community, and in the university's advancement in various international rankings. His Highness affirmed his pride in the distinguished position the university has attained locally, regionally, and globally. His Highness also expressed his special appreciation to the faculty members for their significant efforts over the past period, through meetings and interactive workshops. These efforts aimed to evaluate the university's performance and develop recommendations for continuous improvement and development, by devising executive action plans to ensure the university maintains its prestigious academic standing and reputation, and its leadership at the national and regional levels. The Board approved the university's operating budget for the 2025-2026 academic year, amounting to AED 1.27 billion. The Board also approved the graduation of a new batch of students who have completed their graduation requirements by the end of the spring semester of 2024-2025. This total number of graduates is 2,026, including 1,643 bachelor's degrees, 16 postgraduate diplomas, 302 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees. New academic programmes The Board of Trustees also approved several new academic programmes that meet the needs of the changing labour market and provide the necessary competencies for development, thus supporting the economic and social growth of the country and the region. These programmes include: a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership in Higher Education, a Master of Interior Architecture in Adaptive Reuse, a Master of Science in Safety Engineering, a Master of Science in Innovation and Construction Management, a Master of Laws and Economics, a Professional Master in Shari'a Supervision and Auditing, and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. New research centres The Board also approved the establishment of two research centres: the Exeter-Sharjah Centre for Global Studies, which aims to help support interaction and communication between communities and their impact on various aspects of life. The second is the Centre for Advanced Biotechnology, which aims to support advanced interdisciplinary research and enhance international cooperation in vital areas related to sustainable development, innovation, and creativity, and to contribute to achieving research objectives in many important fields, especially in biotechnology. Supporting academic competencies The Board approved the promotion of 22 faculty members, including 8 to the rank of full professor and 14 to associate professor. This reflects the University's commitment to supporting its academic competencies and enhancing its educational and research standing, and is in appreciation of the influential scientific research provided by faculty members, their adoption of modern teaching and learning methods, and their efforts in serving and developing the community. The Board reviewed a report by Dr Essam Al-Din Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, which addressed the University's performance and achievements during the 2024-2025 academic year. He began by thanking His Highness the President of the University and all partners, including the Board of Trustees, the university family, advisory councils, training and recruitment agencies, and accreditation bodies. EDGE strategic plan Dr Essam Al-Din Ajami also reviewed the achievements of the EDGE strategic plan, which extends until 2030. The plan is centreed around four main pillars: enhancing Emiratisation in academic and administrative positions, achieving full digital transformation, strengthening international and regional cooperation, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among students and graduates. The report included indicators of the university's progress in global rankings, the rapidly evolving level of scientific research, and the acquisition of local and international academic accreditations for its programmes, which number 23 doctoral programmes, 58 master's programmes, 62 bachelor's programmes, and four postgraduate diploma programes. It also addressed academic performance evaluations, the feasibility of offered programmes, the appointment of qualified academic staff, the development of the university's internal policies and procedures, and efforts to develop the university's infrastructure, capabilities, community outreach, and local, regional, and global relations. The report highlighted the university's commitment to advancing its efforts to support and improve its good governance and scientific research systems, and to review and develop academic programs by integrating employment skills, artificial intelligence technologies, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Council also reviewed reports from specialised committees and the Emiratisation Committee, which aim to increase the number of Emirati faculty and administrative staff and provide them with the necessary skills to perform their duties and lead the university to progress. The meeting was attended by His Highness the Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Dr Mansour Mohammed bin Nassar, Chairman of the Sharjah Government Legal Department; Saeed Sultan Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA); Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA); Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Dr Essam El-Din Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah; Dr Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi, Advisor to the President of the University, Director of the Sharjah Academy for Space and Astronomy Sciences and Technology, and President of the Arab Union for Space and Astronomy; Dr Obaid bin Butti Al Muhairi, former Executive Dean of Arabic Language and Emirati Studies at the Higher Colleges of Technology; and Dr Khawla Abdul Rahman Al Mulla, former Chairperson of the Family Affairs Authority. The meeting was also attended by: Dr Jacques Vermont, President of the University of Ottawa in Canada; Dr Alexander Kuleshov, President of the Skolkov Institute of Science and Technology in Russia; Dr Mohamed Hamdi Ben Abdelshakour, Director of the University of Malaya in Malaysia; Dr Paul O'Byrne, Vice-Chancellor of McMaster University in Canada; Dr Martin Pestaro, Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Science Projects at the University of Leicester and Director of the Leicester Institute for Space and Earth Observation in the UK; Dr Kamal Youssef Toumi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Co-Director of the Centre for Clean Water and Clean Energy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States; and Dr Oussama Khatib, Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering and Director of the Stanford Robotics Centre at Stanford University in the United States.
