The University of Sharjah is working closely with IBM, the global technology innovator, to address issues underpinning water scarcity and water access in the arid and parched regions of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The technology giant seeks to utilize research by Sharjah University's scientists on how to combat water scarcity and lack of water access in MENA, a region suffering badly from lack of water resources for both drinking and agriculture purposes.

Drawing on Sharjah University's scholarship investigating water access issues, IBM Sustainability Accelerator is seeking to map water access conditions in the region.

IBM's aim from the partnership with the university is to develop innovative models and applications to monitor and forecast water resources to help alleviate water scarcity, particularly in areas witnessing depleting groundwater tables and parched landscapes.

IBM's Levant and Pakistan General Manager Shukri Eid said in a press release the agreement with the university would help his company come up with fresh innovative techniques to offset impact of climate change in MENA.

"Our commitment to climate action is unwavering, and through our partnership with the University of Sharjah, we are empowering communities, fostering innovation, and addressing the urgent need for green and technology skills.​

“Together, we are not just adapting to climate change; we are shaping a resilient and sustainable tomorrow."

Assistant Professor Adewale Giwa said the cooperation with IBM comes at the right time with water access declining in MENA raising fears of environmental disasters.

This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of society and creating a lasting impact in the face of climate change, Prof Giwa said.

"The University of Sharjah is proud to partner with IBM in developing solutions for the pressing environmental challenges faced by communities in arid regions.

"Through the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, we aim to monitor and forecast water access conditions in the region, offering vital support to communities with limited freshwater resources."

A study by Advance HE has recognized the University of Sharjah as among the five top universities in the world in sustainability excellence. The report by Advance HE showcases the progress the university has been making in integrating sustainability across teaching, research, estates, and engagement.

An assessment by UI GreenMetric World University Rankings granted the university the top position among 1,000 universities for endeavors to prioritize sustainability initiatives across its programs.

The university is also the first in the Arab world to earn the gold rank in the Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), a global rating body measuring sustainability excellence.