University of Sharjah Chancellor – "Educating our children and youth to enter the field of astronomy and space sciences means qualifying them for all scientific fields."

Sharjah Education Council Chairman – "This MoU is a major benefit for our students and children to sail in this world of astronomy and technology."

With the aim of developing national cadres in the field of astronomy and space sciences, and graduating students with the most important scientific and professional skills and knowledge in this field. Also with the aim of promoting constructive and fruitful cooperation, and activating strategic partnerships based on joint coordination in awareness-raising initiatives and educating the new generation of students. The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology at the University of Sharjah signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sharjah Education Council. His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah and General Director of SAASST, signed the MoU with the Chairman of the Sharjah Education Council His Excellency Dr. Saeed Musabeh Alkaabi.

Prof. Sherif Sedky, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, attended the signing along with Prof. Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for Medical Colleges and Health Sciences and Dean of College of Medicine; Dr. Salah Taher, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs; Dr. Ilias Fernini, Deputy General Director of SAASST for Research Laboratories and Scientific Projects; Mr. Marwan Shwaiki, Deputy General Director of SAASST for Planetarium and Space Exhibitions; and Mr. Khalid Al Raboy, Director of the University's Department of Public Relations and Deputy General Director of SAASST for Administrative and Financial Affairs.

The MoU stipulates the importance of effective cooperation between the two parties in the field of astronomy and space sciences, and activating the partnership in support of talented students in the schools of the Emirate of Sharjah. It also calls for organizing specialized training programs and workshops in the field, and providing the necessary tools and experts to support the development of students' knowledge and capabilities. The MoU also includes coordinating field trips for students to institutions and centers working in this field inside and outside the country with the aim of enhancing their knowledge and capabilities and qualifying them to join the labor market.

His Excellency the University Chancellor welcomed the Sharjah Education Council on behalf of the University's family of faculty, scientists and students. He highlighted the positive results from the continuous cooperation between SAASST and the Council in organizing several scientific workshops aimed at developing the knowledge and capabilities of gifted students. His Excellency touched on the need to teach astronomy and space sciences for its importance in our daily life and support the space sector projects following the UAE's strategic ambitions in this field. He stressed that from here comes the role of harmony between space, technology and education, and the role of SAASST in developing laboratories and research projects that contribute to enhancing the educational process.

His Excellency Prof. Hamid Al Naimiy discussed the University's role in combating the challenges resulting from the outbreak of COVID-19 and being the first to succeed in overcoming these challenges. This, he added, while focusing on the educational process and the application of the hybrid education system to ensure the safety of students. The Chancellor expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, for his unlimited support. This support, he continued, allowed the University of Sharjah to become the largest university in the country with over 2000 students enrolled in graduate programs, and is also the strongest in terms of scientific research. He then emphasized the importance of the MoU in supporting harmony between public education and higher education, and work on programs that enhance students' knowledge in scientific fields at the public education level to ensure seamless transition into university programs.

In this context, His Excellency Dr. Saeed Musabeh Alkaabi, Chairman of the Sharjah Education Council, praised the cooperation with SAASST and benefiting from its academic experiences as an edifice for higher education in the Emirate of Sharjah. He clarified that this agreement would enhance the strategic objectives of the Sharjah Education Council by building quality partnerships to achieve integration of visions and meeting the desired goals to serve the educational process according to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

Alkaabi stated that cooperation with SAASST will open horizons of cooperation in launching programs related to awareness and developments in astronomy and space science and technology. This will in turn enrich the programs offered by the Council and benefiting the educational field from them.

Through strategic partnerships with various institutions and agencies in the UAE, SAASST seeks to enrich awareness and public knowledge of the developments, importance, and impact of astronomy, space sciences and technology. This to achieve the goals set for the Academy by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to contribute to serving and educating the community in all fields of space sciences, to be a global leader in scientific research, and to solidify the UAE's position as a scientific center at the regional and global levels.