Sharjah24: In collaboration with the Sharjah Centre for Islamic Economics, the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Al-Qasimia University (AQU) recently hosted its inaugural academic seminar titled "Advancing Sustainable Development through Endowments in Sharjah." The event aimed to delve into the notable achievements of endowments in Sharjah and explore the factors contributing to their growth and evolution.

Among the distinguished attendees were Dr. Awad Al-Khalaf, the director of Al-Qasimia University, and members of the university's board of trustees, alongside researchers and representatives from various ministries, institutions, departments, and charitable organisations. The seminar's first session, chaired by Dr. Yasser Al-Housani, director of the Sharjah Centre for Islamic Economics, featured three scholarly presentations.
Dr. Salem Al-Doubi, a board member of the university, presented a paper on "Endowment Efforts by the Department of Islamic Affairs and their Role in Achieving Sustainable Development." Professor Dr. Khaled Bani Ahmad, head of the Fiqh Department, discussed the "Purposefulness of Architecture and Sustainability in Endowments." The third presentation, by Judge Dr. Ibrahim Al-Shudayfat from the Sharjah Federal Primary Court, focused on the "Practical Applications of the Endowment Law in Sharjah and its Role in Achieving Sustainable Development."

During the subsequent session, led by Dr. Amal Marji, head of the Research and Scientific Publishing Unit at the university, three research papers were presented. Professor Dr. Abdulhalim Mansour Ali, dean of the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, spoke about "Scientific Endowment and its Impact on Achieving Human Sustainability - Al-Qasimia University as a Model." Dr. Maha Al-Saigh, head of the Endowment Properties Department, explored "Endowment Efforts of the Department of Awqaf in Sharjah and its Role in Achieving Sustainable Development." Ali Al-Rashidi, head of the Resources and Investment Sector at the Sharjah Charity Association, presented on "Endowment Efforts of the Sharjah Charity Association in the Health Sector and its Role in Achieving Sustainable Development."
The seminar concluded with actionable recommendations for furthering the goals of endowments. Emphasis was placed on streamlining endowment initiatives, fostering integration, expanding endowment assets and financial resources, and promoting concepts that enhance endowment practices. Additionally, the audience was urged to consider allocating a portion of current endowment returns to bolster scientific research, innovation, and artificial intelligence for the pursuit of sustainable development.