UOS hosts Sixth Arab Student Leadership Forum

Spanning four days, the event aimed to help the students acquire valuable leadership skills that foster creative thinking and effective decision-making. It also provided a platform for students to interact, compete, and transform ideas into independent and sustainable projects.

During the opening ceremony, His Excellency Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah, for his continuous support in empowering young people and preparing them for the future. He emphasized that the forum aligns with Sheikh Sultan’s vision of fostering a generation of ambitious young innovators capable of contributing to societal development and who possess modern leadership skills. Prof. Al Naimiy reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the Association of Arab Universities and the Arab Institute for Leadership Development, underscoring the shared goal of preparing students to tackle future challenges and drive progress in the Arab world.

The University’s active role in the forum was highlighted through expert-led lectures by UoS faculty and guided tours of key university facilities, including the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology, the central laboratories, and the media center at the College of Communication.

Prof. Amr Ezzat, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, expressed his appreciation to the University of Sharjah for hosting the forum. He commended the institution’s efforts in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and emphasized the importance of Arab and regional partnerships in enhancing student engagement and connectivity.

In his address to the attendees, Prof. Karim Hassan Hammam, Advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Director of the Arab Institute for Leadership Development extended his thanks to the University, praising it as a model institution for academic excellence and development. He emphasized that the forum, and similar programs, have a huge impact as they hone the participants’ leadership skills, enhance their sense of a shared Arab identity, and empower them with the appropriate tools to pursue their aspirations.

Dr. Amina Al-Marzouqi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Sharjah, described the forum as a dynamic platform for discussing the future of Arab youth. She stressed that investing in young leaders is an investment in the future, highlighting the importance of leadership, creativity, and innovation in tackling contemporary challenges. Dr. Al-Marzouqi also called for integrating entrepreneurship and leadership training into Arab university curricula through hands-on education, skill development, and institutional support.

The forum featured a wide range of lectures and workshops covering topics such as essential leadership skills for personal development, entrepreneurship in the age of Artificial Intelligence, Arab national security, the role of student clubs and societies in developing leadership skills, leadership and diplomacy, and the process of turning ideas into reality. Workshops also focused on entrepreneurship and innovation in space sciences, as well as sustainability and soft skills, bridging theory with practical application for aspiring young leaders. The entertainment program also included sports activities, cultural exhibitions showcasing traditional crafts from participating Arab countries, and a special astronomical show at the Sharjah Planetarium.

At the forum’s conclusion, commemorative shields were exchanged between the Association of Arab Universities, the Arab Institute for Leadership Development, and the University of Sharjah. Participating students were honored with ceremonial sashes in recognition of their outstanding contributions to this prestigious event.