This collaborative program at UoS is aligned with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, to provide hybrid education throughout the university. This initiative aims to support students with special circumstances, ensuring their education remains uninterrupted due to factors such as work commitments, medical issues, or relocation, thereby promoting education inclusivity and accessibility.
The partnership focuses on several key projects to accelerate digital transformation at the UoS. These include professional development training to academic and support staff, enhancing IT and production infrastructure, improving classroom technology integration, developing policies, establishing partnerships with UCQOL-participating institutions for joint educational activities, and fostering knowledge exchange as well as research and development.
The UoS Chancellor expressed enthusiasm about the grant, a continuation of the University's excellent collaboration with AGF, highlighting that this partnership plays a significant role in achieving the University’s strategy, with the support of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah. The Chancellor also emphasized the University’s commitment to developing and enhancing students' skills through several innovative projects aimed at improving the quality of education and providing necessary support for hybrid learning. This aligns with the 2025-2030 University strategy, which focuses on the digital transformation of the education process through the utilization of the latest technologies.
Dr Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, said, “This grant is an important step towards ensuring that higher education remains inclusive and adaptable in an ever-changing world. By accelerating digital transformation at the University of Sharjah, we are not only enhancing the learning experience for students but also ensuring that education is accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances. We believe that by empowering institutions to adopt hybrid learning models, we can equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in a knowledge-based economy.”
Dr. Hussein Elmehdi, the principal investigator of the grant, added, “The team is very excited to kick off the proposed projects. We would like to thank the AGF team for their support and guidance throughout the grant selection and setup processes. We look forward to working with our colleagues at UoS and partner AGF over the next two years and beyond to achieve our shared goals of improving the quality of online learning at UAE institutions.”
The grant signifies the commitment of AGF and UoS to enhancing the quality of higher education in the UAE, aligning with the UAE's National Agenda and Vision, which emphasizes innovation and technology in education. This initiative supports the national priority of fostering innovation in education, equipping students with 21st-century skills, and preparing them for a knowledge-based economy.
The grant was signed by His Excellency, Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of UoS, and by Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer of AGF. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohamed Abdulla, UOS Board of Trustees Member, Prof. Youssef Al Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, Mr. Shihab Alhammadi, Vice Chancellor for Financial and Administrative Affairs, Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, and Dr. Hussein El Mahdi, Dean of Academic Support Services and Secretary of the Dean's Council. Representing AGF were Ms. Rawan Yasmin, Head of Programs, and Ms. Cheryl Kelsall, Specialist Programs.
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