Sharjah Ruler chairs first meeting of the SCHESR

Sharjah 24: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research (SCHESR) presided over of the first meeting of the SCHESR, which was held on Wednesday morning, at the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Chairman of the Sharjah Police Sciences Academy, Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research; His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah; Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah; Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Global Studies University; and members of the Council, presidents and directors of universities, academies and higher education institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah.

His Highness emphasized the significant role of universities in advancing society. His Highness highlighted the importance of the SCHESR, which was established specifically to assist universities and academies in the emirate in continuing the journey of higher education, which began in 1997 with the establishment of the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah. The Council continues to provide the best sciences to its students, based on the latest educational and pedagogical curricula.

His Highness spoke about various important issues concerning universities and academic institutions. He emphasized how closely he monitors all aspects of higher education because he believes that science plays a crucial role in the lives of individuals and society as a whole. He pointed out that science is a double-edged sword; while it has the power to create and improve, it can also be used in harmful ways.

His Highness emphasized the importance of setting up academic institutions the right way from the very beginning. His Highness reflected on how universities were first established in the Emirate of Sharjah, highlighting the need for skilled professionals to guide this process, which enables these institutions to start strong. His Highness pointed out that each university follows a high-quality educational curriculum developed in partnership with some of the best universities worldwide. Additionally, each university has a board of trustees made up of knowledgeable individuals who oversee operations and make important decisions for the university's success.

His Highness the ruler stressed the importance of selecting a university professor who is capable of fulfilling his/her teaching, research, and scientific responsibilities to the fullest extent. His Highness stressed the importance of the professor being able to communicate the scientific material that pertains to him/her and which he/she excels at to all students and ensures that it is fully understood. His Highness also highlighted the role of the university administration in continuously monitoring the implementation of the educational process. His Highness pointed out that the management of educational institutions in Sharjah is a carefully considered and monitored process that prioritizes the interests of the student, as well as the interests of society in these fields.

His Highness highlighted how important education is, expressing, "I prioritize the educational process above all else, and then education itself. Knowledge isn't limited by borders, race, appearance, or language. We value this knowledge and hold in high regard both those who possess it and those who seek to learn, as we understand its true worth."

His Highness wrapped up his speech by emphasizing how the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research plays a vital role in supporting universities and educational institutions in the emirate. His Highness assured that the Council will not interfere in how these institutions operate but will instead provide them with resources, expertise, and support from knowledgeable scholars.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, as well as Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research, delivered an inspiring speech. He expressed gratitude, saying, “We thank you, Your Highness, for the trust you have placed in us, and we celebrate the formation of this council. We pledge our commitment to maintaining the high standards of our universities and colleges as we unite under your leadership to elevate our educational and pedagogical processes. With God’s grace and your guidance, we are determined to meet and exceed your expectations.”

During the meeting, Dr. Mansour Mohammed Bin Nassar, Legal Advisor and Head of the Legal Department of the Government of Sharjah, read the legal legislation related to the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research, which are as follows: Emiri Decree No. (14) of 2025 regarding the establishment and organization of the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research, Emiri Decree No. (15) of 2025 regarding the formation of the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Administrative Resolution No. (2) of 2025 regarding the formation of the Permanent Executive Committee of the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research.