Under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency, Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah (UoS), the University has launched the Center of Excellence for Public Health, which is part of the Institute of Research for Medical and Health Sciences. The center aims to conduct innovative research aligned with national priorities, enhance collaboration between the academic, health, and industrial sectors at both local and international levels, and support the translation of research findings into tangible health policies and services.

During the inauguration ceremony, Prof. Mammar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, welcomed attendees from the Ministry of Health and local institutions. He emphasized the importance of establishing the center as a key addition that will contribute to the achievement of the University’s strategy, which aims to serve and develop the community through applied scientific research that addresses societal issues, particularly in the field of public health. He added that the University’s current strategy is focused on improving the quality of research outcomes.

For his part, Dr. Hussein Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the vital role of the center in addressing contemporary health challenges, especially non-communicable diseases and the preparedness to combating global health crisis. He stated that the center would be a strategic partner in building a healthier future and would contribute to supporting health policies that meet the needs of society. In conclusion, Dr. Al Rand praised the efforts of researchers and faculty members at the University of Sharjah and the partners who contributed to the establishment of the center.

Prof. Qutaiba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for Medical and Health Sciences and Dean of the College of Medicine, emphasized that the idea of establishing the center had been a dream for the team and researchers for several years, and today it has become a tangible reality. He added that the center embodies a strategic vision widely accepted in the field of public health, where public health has become a top priority. This is reflected in the massive global expenditure exceeding trillions of dollars annually. "Investing in health is an investment in the future of all humanity," he concluded, expressing hope that the center will serve as a turning point in the field of public health.

Prof. Rabea Helwani, Director of the Institute of Research for Medical and Health Sciences, highlighted the importance of having the Center of Excellence for Public Health within the institute at the University, as it fosters collaboration in disseminating the findings of scientific research and enhancing community participation. Meanwhile, Prof. Basma Ahmed Al Sadeq, Director of the Center of Excellence for Public Health, emphasized the center's role in tackling challenges related to promoting research, education, and innovation in public health. She noted that the center includes a variety of multidisciplinary research teams, comprising 9 research groups with around 40 researchers in various fields related to public health.

Dr. Hamza Al Zubaidi, coordinator of one of the research teams within the center, introduced and launched the first initiative titled the National Campaign to Address the Stigma Associated with Diabetes.

The Center of Excellence for Public Health aims to establish effective collaborative partnerships between the University, government entities, private sectors, and local and regional organizations. Its focus will be on translating health research into policies and practical initiatives to address the health challenges facing society, with an emphasis on capacity-building and community empowerment.

During the inauguration, a discussion session titled "Priority Public Health Areas in the UAE – Current Landscape and Future Trends" was held, featuring Dr. Ammar Hamid Al Bana, Director of Al Amal Hospital at the Emirates Health Services Foundation; Professor Michael Griffner, Director of the Public Health Institute at the United Arab Emirates University; and Professor Tom Loney, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The session discussed key health opportunities and challenges facing the country, such as mental health, chronic diseases, environmental health, and health policy.

The second discussion session, titled "The Importance of Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence in Health," featured Dr. Amina Al Marzouqi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Sharjah; Prof. Mohamed Alameddine, Dean of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah; and Dr. Delber Ozn Osahin from the College of Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah. This session focused on the role of artificial intelligence and digital health in advancing research, disease surveillance, predictive analytics, and healthcare delivery.