The Department of Architectural Engineering at the University of Sharjah's College of Engineering organized a meeting via electronic communication platforms to discuss seven proposed designs for the Sharjah Oasis in Research, Technology and Innovation (SORTI) Project "Free Zone Authority" submitted by students of the architectural design course. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, set the foundation stone for SORTI to conduct applied scientific research that produces new technologies and innovations by providing an appropriate environment for creativity and innovation. It also aims to develop knowledge-based economic projects as well as establishing partnerships with universities, institutions, and related sectors.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, along with Prof. Elsiddig Ahmed ElMustafa El Sheikh, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies; Dr. Salah Taher, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs; Prof. Ahmed Al-Shama'a, Dean of the College of Engineering; Prof. Abbas Elmualim, Chairman of the Department of Architectural Engineering; as well as faculty members and Lecturer Usha Rani, Course Coordinator. Finally, in attendance also were representatives of SORTI and several students from the Department of Architectural Engineering who worked on the designs.

The Chancellor of the University began the meeting by thanking the College of Engineering for its keenness on continuing to provide the best academic and educational practices within the current circumstances, confirming that His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and the President of the University will feel proud of the designs of the University students when applied on the ground, indicating that the establishment of SORTI focuses on encouraging students and researchers to conduct scientific research and develop their scientific capabilities, as well as to attract scholars and researchers to hold conferences, seminars and transfer knowledge. This in addition to attracting international companies and institutions to invest in them, which will lead to strengthening the position of the University and the Emirate as a global destination.

For her part, Usha Rani, Course Coordinator, presented a summary of the SORTI Project and its location on the Khorfakkan Road with an area of approximately 963 thousand square meters. She also clarified the main fields of scientific and engineering research for the project that were employed in the designs, which are: healthcare, renewable energy, information technology, communications, artificial intelligence and robotics, sustainable technology, biotechnology, and space sciences.

She also mentioned the project infrastructure planning in the areas of research and technology transfer, business and industry, society and learning, innovation and entrepreneurship, housing and retail, and a green and smart city.

The student groups then presented a summary of each design and illustration of the infrastructure plan and the main areas employed in designing them.

The meeting concluded with some comments made by the professors to the students, praising their clear efforts and innovative ideas of these designs, which will be discussed in detail later.