UOS holds first College of Engineering Advisory Council meeting

In his opening address, Prof. Al Naimiy conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, to the council members. He expressed his appreciation of the council members and their invaluable expertise and contributions to the advancement of the college. The Chancellor reaffirmed his confidence in the council’s role in driving progress through insightful recommendations and strategic guidance. He also highlighted the esteemed standing of the College of Engineering in both education and research, lauding its achievements in curriculum development, training programs, and advanced research projects conducted within its state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers. He further underscored the high academic standards of the college’s programs, which have received both local and international academic accreditation.

During the meeting, the council members were formally introduced, and the leadership of the council was established. Prof. Abdul Latif Al Shamsi, Academic Advisor at the Executive Office of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, was elected as Chairman, while Engineer Mohammed Mahmoud Mashroom, CEO of Dubai Euro Group, was appointed Vice Chairman.

Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, delivered a presentation on the role of the Advisory Council in providing academic and practical guidance to the college. He outlined the council’s objectives, which include fostering stronger ties between the college, industry, and the local community. Key areas of focus include training, employability, and the development of academic programs aligned with the needs of the labor market, as well as the organization of joint academic events.

Prof. Abdul Wahab Bin Mohammad, Dean of the College of Engineering, provided a comprehensive overview of the college’s academic and research achievements in recent years. which have positioned it among the leading engineering schools in the region and beyond. He emphasized the college’s fruitful collaborations with local and international academic and industrial institutions, which have played a vital role in enhancing the quality of education and refining academic programs at the college. Additionally, he noted the University’s commitment to providing its students with an innovative learning environment supported by modern facilities that promote creativity and technical expertise.

The meeting concluded with the attendees presenting a series of recommendations aimed at reinforcing the educational and societal role of the College of Engineering. Key priorities included refining the college’s curricula, expanding collaborations with public and private sectors, and ensuring the college’s leadership in innovation and technology. Council members emphasized the importance of integrating cutting-edge educational methodologies in the curricula to align with global engineering advancements and best practice. Discussions also addressed the challenges facing the college and explored effective strategies to overcome them through innovative and impactful solutions.

A key takeaway from the meeting was the necessity of preparing students for joining the workforce by equipping them with the necessary practical skills and providing them with internship opportunities and applied projects that enhance their employability. The council also stressed the importance of incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the curriculum, given its transformative impact on engineering and education.

The Advisory Council for the College of Engineering comprises distinguished members, including Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, former Minister of Environment and Water; Dr. Mohsen Ali Balwan, Director of Traffic Engineering; Prof. Abdul Latif Al Shamsi, Academic Advisor at the Executive Office of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi; Ali Al Mansoori, Chief Human Resources Officer at e& Group; Engineer Al Waleed bin Khadim from Al Nahda Consulting Engineers; Sheikha Al Mansoori, Director of Training and Development at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation; Mohammed Alayan, Business Development Director at Beta Information Technology; Engineer Saif Al Salman from Liberty Real Estate; Engineer Mohammed Mahmoud Mashroom, CEO of Dubai Euro Group; Dr. Hassan Al Zarouni, Director of Electricity Services at Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority; Engineer Hamed Al Zarouni, CEO of Sand; and Engineer Rashid Khaseef Al Naqbi, General Manager of Etisalat Facilities Management.