AUS responds to evolving needs of students, says Sheikha Bodour

Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the 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.

Sheikha Bodour 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 centres 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 programmes and initiatives with clear purpose and enduring value,” he said.

Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi chairs the Board of Trustees meeting held on campus.

The board approved the launch of two graduate programmes 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 Centre for Geospatial Intelligence, under the leadership of Dr Hosni Ghedira, Professor of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences. The centre will apply artificial intelligence to geospatial data.

The board also approved renaming the Artificial Intelligence, Smart Infrastructure and Robotics Research Centre as the AI, Robotics and Connected Infrastructure Research Centre, 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 Centre of Excellence, reflecting its wider mandate in financial markets and banking.

The Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Development will take the name Centre 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 centre’s scope and mission.

Some of the dignitaries at the Board meeting.

The board also approved renaming the Advanced Biosciences and Bioengineering Research Centre as the Centre 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.

About AUS

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Inspired by his vision, AUS was established as a leading educational institution dedicated to advancing society through academic excellence, research, innovation and meaningful collaboration with industry and culture.

Today, under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, AUS is further enhancing its position regionally and globally by driving innovative research, expanding academic programmes and strengthening global partnerships.

Home to students from over 100 nationalities, AUS provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students are empowered to become impactful leaders, innovators and changemakers.

AUS delivers an exceptional educational experience, combining rigorous academic standards with rich cultural diversity and practical, real-world applications, with world-class facilities, renowned faculty and a dynamic academic community.