Sharjah Ruler chairs 3rd Maritime Academy Board meeting

Sharjah 24: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA), chaired, on Thursday morning, the third meeting of the Sharjah Maritime Academy's Board of Trustees, approving the graduation of 31 students from the Academy’s inaugural cohort. The graduates have successfully finished their academic studies and practical training, obtaining bachelor’s degrees in their chosen fields.

During the 3rd meeting of the Board of Trustees, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah announced the Academy's initiative to introduce postgraduate programs in maritime transport and engineering. This move aims to enhance graduates' specialised education, facilitate research opportunities, and cultivate expertise in the field. His Highness also stressed the importance of continuously updating the academic programs to keep pace with the latest technologies and advancements in the maritime sector.

Commenting on this, His Highness commended the administrative and academic initiatives that resulted in the successful graduation of the inaugural group of students. These graduates have the potential to become the cornerstone for future generations, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make contributions to the nation and the maritime sector.

The meeting saw the approval of the academy’s budget for the upcoming year, along with the updated organisational structure, amendments to the executive regulations, the internal audit charter, and the reports from the permanent internal committee.

The meeting covered various administrative, academic, technical, and social issues, with periodic reports reviewed to evaluate the academy's progress and future objectives.

The board was presented with a report from Dr. Hashim Abdullah Bin Sarhan Al Zaabi, Director of the Sharjah Maritime Academy, outlining the Academy’s accomplishments in both academic and administrative areas, as well as the advancements in fulfilling the board’s strategic plans.

Dr. Al Zaabi has further highlighted the ongoing initiatives aimed at developing and regularly reviewing academic programs, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the innovative edge of maritime transport and engineering education. He emphasised the implementation of the very best training programs and activities that enhance the academic curriculum.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs, and Free Zones Authority; Ali Saeed bin Shaheen Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Public Works; Dr. Mansour Mohammed bin Nassar, Chairman of the Sharjah Government Legal Department.; Dr. Salah Butti Obaid Bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Authority for Initiatives Implementation; Dr. Hashim Abdullah Bin Sarhan Al Zaabi, Director of the Sharjah Maritime Academy; Dr. Ali Abdullah Saif Hilal Al Naqbi, Chancellor of University of Khorfakkan; Dr. Saif Khamis Ahmed Abdullah Al Naqbi, Commander of the Marine Sciences Wing at the Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Naval College; Abdullah Hamad bin Nasser Al Owais, Executive Vice President and Head of Bank Deposits at Sharjah Islamic Bank; Salem Mohammed Al Kindi, member of Kalba Municipal Council; Professor Jens-Uwe Schröder-Hinrichs, Vice-President (Academic Affairs) of the World Maritime University (WMU); and Dr. Aisha Bukhatir Al Shamsi, Director of the Admission Department at University of Sharjah.