UOS celebrates graduation of 4th Cohort of Emirati Future Leaders

Sharjah24: The University of Sharjah (UOS) marked a proud milestone this week as it celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of the “Emirati Future Leadership” initiative. Thirty-one students from a wide range of disciplines were recognized for their successful completion of the six-month program, which is held annually by the University’s Institute of Leadership in Higher Education (ILHE). The initiative is a cornerstone of the University’s commitment to Emiratization, equipping talented Emirati students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in an evolving job market and contribute meaningfully to national development.

During the ceremony, His Excellency Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, highlighted how the Emirati Future Leadership initiative embodies the University’s vision of empowering Emirati youth to become dynamic leaders who can shape the nation’s future. He emphasized that through such pioneering programs, the University fosters a stimulating educational environment that nurtures social responsibility, creativity, and excellence, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to play an active role in the UAE’s ongoing journey of progress and Emiratization.

In his address to the graduates, Prof. Yousef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, underscored that supporting Emiratization remains a central pillar of the University’s mission. He noted that the University continually develops curricula and launches training initiatives in collaboration with international partners to ensure the UAE labor market is supplied with highly qualified national talent. This year’s cohort participated in an exceptional international training camp in Barcelona, Spain, organized in partnership with the Institute of American Universities in Spain. Looking ahead, further collaborations are planned with educational institutions in Hong Kong.

Prof. Maher Omar, Director of the Institute of Leadership in Higher Education, provided an overview of the initiative, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to advancing national talent and preparing future leaders. He described the program as a unique and enriching experience, where participants gained a wide range of future-oriented leadership skills, including environmental awareness, sustainability, mentorship, community service, and the values of diversity and inclusion.

Students shared their experiences from the Barcelona training camp, which featured interactive sessions led by international experts, hands-on activities, and field visits to the city’s cultural and historical landmarks. These experiences broadened their academic and personal horizons, offering valuable insights into new cultures.

The graduating students also presented their capstone projects, which reflected the diverse skills acquired throughout the program. These included six innovative projects addressing pressing societal challenges, such as promoting mental health awareness in educational institutions, developing action plans to reduce reliance on expatriate labor, exploring aquatic gardens to combat pollution and improve air quality, and designing a cost-effective tracking device to enhance child safety.

The ceremony concluded with Prof. Agamy honoring the 31 graduates, celebrating their achievements, and reaffirming the University of Sharjah’s ongoing dedication to nurturing the next generation of Emirati leaders.