Sultan Bin Ahmed launches University of Sharjah 2024-2030 strategy

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, emphasised that the university's 2024-2030 strategy (EDGE) aims to achieve excellence, creativity, and innovation.

This strategy is designed to prepare students for the future, enhance their experiences, and reflects a strong commitment to advancing the university's role in cultivating national talent in scientific research, collaboration, and initiative.

This took place during Sheikh Sultan's attendance at the University of Sharjah Strategic Conference held Thursday morning at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, where the university's 2024-2030 strategy was launched under the slogan “Raising the University to the Peak of Excellence.”

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah welcomed the attendees, highlighting the conference's significance in launching the university's strategy for the coming years. He noted that it presents an opportunity for transformative change, encourages innovative ideas, and paves the way for a brighter future for society through the University of Sharjah.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed emphasised the significance of the University of Sharjah's new strategy, which outlines the priorities and long-term plans aimed at fostering excellence in education for the entire university community. He described it as a renewed vision focused on achieving excellence in teaching and research that benefits society.

As an innovative educational institution, the university is dedicated to creating an inspiring and supportive environment. This strategy seeks to redefine higher education in the region by promoting innovative, commercially applicable research, enhancing academic excellence, empowering students, and positioning the University of Sharjah among the top 200 universities globally.

In his speech, Sheikh Sultan highlighted the strategy's impact on the university-society partnership and the overall student experience. He underlined the importance of prioritising collaboration across disciplines, advancing research, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking among students and faculty. This approach aims to create a distinctive educational experience that effectively prepares students for the future.

The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah explained that Emiratisation in the academic sector is part of a comprehensive programme designed to support future Emirati scientists, aligning with the University of Sharjah's strategic priorities. This initiative contributes to community development across various fields and fosters a sense of national identity and pride.

By promoting Emiratisation among scientists, researchers, and educators, as well as encouraging diversity in academia, the university ensures that research and education address the needs and aspirations of society. The goal is for 25 percent of faculty members to be Emirati by 2030, significantly enhancing the nation’s growth and development.

The President of the University of Sharjah, concluded his speech by emphasising the university's commitment to fully implementing this strategy and achieving its ambitious and meaningful goals.

The opening ceremony commenced with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by verses from the Holy Quran. Dr Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of the University, delivered a speech expressing gratitude to the President of the University of Sharjah for his generous support and presence at the conference.

He also highlighted the university's evolution since its inception and the various strategies it has implemented, which have transformed it into a prestigious higher education institution at local, regional, and global levels.

The Chancellor of the University of Sharjah reviewed a number of statistics, facts and figures achieved by the university and its presence in global and local rankings as one of the advanced universities, the number of students, graduates and professors and the academic programmes it offers and presents for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the various colleges offered by the university. He also discussed the role of the university in empowering women in the field of scientific research.

Dr Humaid Al Nuaimi outlined the priorities of the University of Sharjah's strategic plan. These include the Emiratisation goal through the National Scientists 2050 programme, which aims to have 25 percent of faculty members, scientists, researchers, and academic leaders be Emirati by 2030.

He also highlighted the digitisation priority, aimed at enhancing institutional performance by digitising 85 percent of operations. Additionally, the plan focuses on global participation to rank the university among the top 200 worldwide and emphasises entrepreneurship through the establishment of start-up companies and targeted scientific research that serves the community.

The Chancellor of the University of Sharjah concluded his speech by outlining five key areas that will support the implementation of the university's priorities: excellence in teaching and learning, impactful and sustainable research that serves the community, the performance of university staff, the importance of community collaboration, and the technological advancement of the university campus along with the continuous enhancement of facilities.

The dialogue session, chaired by Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority and Member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Sharjah, featured contributions from Dr. Jack Vermont, President of the University of Ottawa; Dr Kamal Yousef Al Toumi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Co-Director of Centre for Clean Water and Clean Energy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – USA; and Dr. Mohammed Hamdi bin Abdul Shakoor, Vice Chancellor of the University of Malaya.

The discussion focused on the priorities of Emiratisation and entrepreneurship, with speakers sharing similar experiences from their countries, implementation strategies, outcomes, and their direct impact on the development of universities and nations. They also emphasised the importance of well-thought-out strategic plans for higher education institutions to achieve their objectives.

Youssef Al Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Prof. Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for Medical and Health Sciences Colleges and Dean of the College of Medicine; and Dr Esam Agamy Dean of Quality Assurance, Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation, discussed the focus on excellence in teaching and learning and outlined strategies for achieving it through effective implementation.

Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Studies, spoke on the theme of distinguished and sustainable research that serves the community. Shihab Alhammadi, Vice Chancellor for Financial and Administrative Affairs, addressed the enhancement of university staff performance and the improvement of the university environment. Dr Salah Taher AL Haj, Vice Chancellor for community Affairs, discussed community cooperation and fostering connections between graduates and the university.

Dr Amina Al-Marzouqi Vice Chancellor for Student and Branch Affairs, highlighted the development of the university campus in technological and technical fields, ongoing facility improvements, and the enhancement of student skills and experiences. Dr. David Carter, Director of the of Strategic Planning, concluded the speeches by outlining the university’s transformation journey based on its previous strategic plan and the preparation of the current plan for 2030.

At the conclusion of the conference's opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi launched the University of Sharjah's new website.

He also recognised the winners of the ‘Change Award’ for Best Strategic Performance, which went to the College of Pharmacy and Business Administration, the Institute of Medical and Health Research and Sciences, and the Clinical and Surgical Training Centre. Additionally, he honoured the speakers from the University’s Board of Trustees.

WAM