As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration between academic institutions and the business sector, the College of Business Administration at the University of Sharjah, in cooperation with Mr. Saeed Ghanem Alsuwaidi, a member of the College’s Advisory Council and CEO of Ghanem Alsuwaidi Holdings Group, hosted the inaugural meeting of the College of Business Administration Council. The event was attended by a distinguished group of officials and experts, including His Excellency Hamad Al-Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department and Director of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation (RUWAD), as well as Mr. Tawhid Abdullah, CEO of Jawhara Jewelry. 

The forum commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Ilhan Ozturk, Dean of the College of Business Administration, who emphasized the importance of fostering stronger ties between academic institutions and the business community. He highlighted the role of such partnerships in equipping graduates with competitive skills and encouraging investment in entrepreneurial ventures.  

During the forum, representatives from the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation (RUWAD) presented an overview of the institution’s programs and services, which include providing support for innovative projects, conducting feasibility studies, providing consultancy services and dedicated funding programs for entrepreneurs and start-ups. Discussions also explored strategies for advancing entrepreneurship, the significance of selecting viable investment ideas, and the exchange of expertise between industry professionals and postgraduate students to promote innovation and support small and medium-sized enterprises. The gathering also welcomed many researchers and PhD students from the college to attend a panel discussion which was moderated by Safeya Al-Mazroui, assistant professor at the College of Business Administration and Chair of the Council’s Organizing Committee.  The forum forms a key pillar of the college’s overarching strategy to bridge the gap between academia and the job market. By cultivating a dynamic and interactive learning environment, it seeks to inspire creativity, drive innovation among its students and researchers.