The University of Sharjah has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), aiming to foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise in higher education and scientific research. The agreement establishes a strategic partnership designed to advance sustainable development and contribute to both local and global community development.

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Professor Hamid M. K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, and Mr. Salem Omar Salem, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Sharjah. The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the University’s inaugural International Alumni Conference.

Commenting on the occasion, His Excellency Professor Hamid M. K. Al Naimiy emphasized that the MoU aligns with the University of Sharjah’s vision to further enhance its role as a leading educational institution in scientific research. His Excellency the Chancellor highlighted the agreement’s potential to drive positive change in education, culture, and science by opening new avenues for academic and cultural collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. This, he noted, would benefit students, the academic community, and the broader goal of achieving sustainable development.

Professor Al Naimiy also stated that the partnership with ICESCO would create valuable opportunities for students and faculty through training and academic exchange programs, and joint research initiatives. These efforts are expected to enhance students’ academic and practical skills while honing the research capabilities of faculty members, thereby advancing the University’s pursuit of academic and research excellence on both regional and international levels.

Mr. Salem Omar Salem echoed these sentiments, underscoring that the partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing collaboration with the University of Sharjah, which plays a pivotal role in higher education and research. He highlighted the diverse range of projects envisioned under this collaboration, which aim to promote cultural exchange and strengthen academic and scientific ties among member states of the Islamic world. This partnership, he noted, reflects ICESCO’s vision of becoming a global beacon of knowledge.

The agreement embodies a shared vision of achieving further integration and cooperation between academic institutions and international organizations. This collaborative relationship will promote innovation and scientific research while providing a unique model for addressing the challenges of the Islamic world. The MoU covers a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including joint programs in education, science, technology, innovation, and Artificial Intelligence. It also includes provisions for supporting graduate students by providing them with academic studies and consultations in areas of mutual interest, and other provisions for advancing language and cultural initiatives. In particular, the University of Sharjah’s Language Institute will collaborate on projects related to Islamic culture and Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers language programs.

A notable aspect of the MoU is the establishment of the ICESCO Chair specializing in heritage and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative will receive the backing of several states, organizations, and prominent figures in the business community. The agreement also places a strong emphasis on the professional development of students by providing them with regular training programs and opportunities to participate in ICESCO projects. Furthermore, it aims to enhance the career prospects of university graduates by connecting them to an extensive network of opportunities across the Islamic world. In the spirit of fostering international cooperation, the MoU will facilitate reciprocal visits and diplomatic engagements, as well as the organization of joint conferences and scientific forums.

Additionally, efforts will be made to create a network linking University of Sharjah alumni with their counterparts from universities across the Islamic world, thereby enhancing opportunities for professional and academic collaboration on a global scale.