In the presence of His Excellency Hamid Salem Al Ghafuli, Deputy Ambassador of the UAE to Bahrain, Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs at the University of Sharjah(UoS), and representatives from Bahrain’s Ministry of Education, including His Excellency Ibrahim Ali Abdulrahman Al Borshaid, Assistant Undersecretary for Education, and Dr. Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Al Siddiqi, Advisor for Technical and Vocational Education, the executive committee of the University of Sharjah Alumni Association was officially inaugurated in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This marks the sixth branch of the Alumni Association outside the UAE, highlighting the University's ongoing efforts to support its alumni locally, regionally, and internationally while strengthening their ties to their alma mater. The association boasts branches in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, and Jordan. 

On this occasion, His Excellency, Prof. Hamid M. K. Al-Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, addressed Bahraini alumni in a recorded message, extending greetings from His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University. He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Bahrain for their support of higher education. Speaking to the alumni, Prof. Al-Naimiy remarked: “You are our source of pride with your achievements. Your learning journey and professional development do not end with graduation, as every professional and personal step you take contributes to serving your beloved homeland.” He also reaffirmed that the University of Sharjah will always be a welcoming academic home for its graduates, supporting them in their lifelong educational pursuits through the Alumni Association.

During the ceremony, Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs presented an outline of the University’s new strategic plan for 2024-2030, titled “Elevating the University to the Pinnacle of Excellence.” He explained that the plan focuses on key priorities, including Emiratization through the scholars of the nation program, digital transformation for institutional efficiency, positioning the University among the top 200 globally by 2030, fostering entrepreneurship through the creation of startups, and promoting impactful research to benefit society. These efforts aim to develop an innovative and sustainable educational environment.

Dr. Al Haj elaborated on the five core pillars of the strategy: excellence in education, sustainable research, empowering Emirati researchers, community collaboration, and strengthening strategic partnerships with local and international institutions. He emphasized the University’s dedication to nurturing strong connections with its alumni worldwide as part of enhancing Alumni Association services.

Dr. Amal Al-Ali, Director of the Alumni Association Office, highlighted the new services offered by the association. She noted that the University takes pride in its approximately 50,000 graduates, who represent it at home and across the globe. She explained that the association focuses on four main areas: fostering strong and sustainable alumni relations, digital transformation, branch development, and employment opportunities. Dr. Al Ali also elaborated on the association’s activities and initiatives that strengthen alumni engagement, such as faculty meetups, the annual gala, specialized alumni clubs, and a newsletter. Additionally, the office organizes workshops and training courses through the Talent Center to develop alumni skills. 

The ceremony, held at the Wyndham Hotel in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, was attended by Dr. Sharifa Al Marzouqi, Director of the Media Center at the University of Sharjah, Mariam Al Shamsi, Senior Alumni Affairs Officer, and distinguished guests from Bahrain and the UAE. Many alumni in Bahrain also participated, creating an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and share professional experiences. Discussions focused on different ways alumni can support their alma mater, the role of the Alumni Association in fostering a sense of academic and professional belonging to the UoS, and the development of avenues for collaboration between alumni and the University.