UOS, Binance Academy sign MoU to foster blockchain innovation

The MoU was signed by Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Sharjah, and Ms. Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer at Binance. The agreement reflects a shared vision to equip students and researchers with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to lead in the evolving blockchain and Web3 ecosystem.

Under the partnership, both entities will collaborate on several strategic initiatives, including the development of specialized academic programs, joint research projects, capacity-building workshops, and hackathons. The agreement also enables student internship placements, supports startup incubation, and opens the door for expert exchanges and industry-driven mentorship programs.

Prof. Maamar Bettayeb commented: “This partnership reinforces the University of Sharjah’s commitment to empowering students and researchers with cutting-edge tools and real-world insights. Collaborating with Binance allows us to integrate global industry expertise into our innovation ecosystem and prepare our graduates to lead in the fast-evolving blockchain sector."

Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Office at Binance, added: "We’re proud to partner with the University of Sharjah to strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional hub for blockchain innovation. Through this collaboration, we aim to support the country’s vision for digital transformation by investing in local talent, research, and education. With over 280 million users globally, Binance brings world-class expertise to help shape the future of Web3 in the UAE and the wider region.”

Dr. Mohamed Al Hemairy, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at UOS, stated: "Blockchain and emerging technologies, particularly Web3, are of strategic interest to the University of Sharjah. This collaboration with Binance sets the stage for a new wave of innovation-driven projects that will be launched in the coming period. We look forward to translating this partnership into tangible outcomes that empower our students, researchers, and the wider community."

Bader Kalooti, Regional Growth Lead at Binance stated: “This partnership between Binance Academy and the University of Sharjah represents a transformative step in advancing blockchain education and innovation in the UAE and beyond. By combining excellence, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs can thrive in the Web 3 era. Together, we will empower the next generation of blockchain leaders, driving both technological progress and economic growth in the region.”

With more than 20,000 students representing over 100 nationalities, the University of Sharjah is one of the largest and most diverse academic institutions in the UAE. In the 2024–2025 US News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings, UOS is ranked #1 in the UAE, #4 in the Arab region, and #261 globally. The university also ranks 4th globally in Green and Sustainable Science and Technology, 18th in Energy and Fuels, and 53rd in Engineering. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, UoS is placed in the 301–350 band globally and ranks 53rd worldwide for Research Quality and 69th in the THE Young University Rankings 2024. Subject-wise, UOS is ranked among the top 300 globally in six disciplines, including including Medical and Health Sciences, Engineering, Business and Economics, Social Sciences, Computer Science and Physical Sciences. The University is widely recognized for its commitment to applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

This MoU is part of the University’s broader strategy to establish Sharjah as a leading regional hub for advanced technologies, digital transformation, and sustainable innovation. It reinforces the role of academia in supporting national and global tech ecosystems through partnerships with industry leaders.