The University of Sharjah (UOS) has been awarded a grant by Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) to “Accelerate Digital Transformation in Teaching and Learning at the University of Sharjah”. This grant is a continuation of the partnership between AGF and UOS, which started over three years ago through the University Consortium on Quality Online Learning (UCQOL), a program run by AGF in coordination with the Ministry of Education, involving nine leading universities in the UAE.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
This collaborative program at the University of Sharjah aligns with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, to implement hybrid education throughout the university. This initiative aims to support students with special circumstances—such as work commitments, medical issues, or relocation—ensuring their education remains uninterrupted and promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education.
The partnership centers on several key projects to expedite digital transformation at the University of Sharjah. These initiatives include professional development training for academic and support staff, upgrading IT and production infrastructure, enhancing classroom technology integration, formulating policies, establishing collaborations with UCQOL-participating institutions for joint educational activities, and promoting knowledge exchange along with research and development.
The UoS Chancellor expressed enthusiasm about the grant, a continuation of the University’s excellent collaboration with AGF, highlighting that this partnership plays a significant role in achieving the University’s strategy, with the support of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah. The Chancellor also emphasized the University’s commitment to developing and enhancing students’ skills through several innovative projects aimed at improving the quality of education and providing necessary support for hybrid learning. This aligns with the 2025-2030 University strategy, which focuses on the digital transformation of the education process through the utilization of the latest technologies.
Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, stated, “This grant is a crucial step towards making higher education inclusive and adaptable in our constantly changing world. By accelerating digital transformation at the University of Sharjah, we are enhancing the student learning experience and ensuring that education is accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. We believe that by enabling institutions to implement hybrid learning models, we can equip students with the essential skills needed to succeed in a knowledge-based economy.”
Dr. Hussein Elmehdi, the principal investigator of the grant, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The team is very excited to launch the proposed projects. We extend our gratitude to the AGF team for their support and guidance throughout the grant selection and setup processes. We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues at UoS and our partners at AGF over the next two years and beyond to achieve our shared goals of enhancing the quality of online learning at UAE institutions.”
The grant signifies the commitment of AGF and UoS to enhancing the quality of higher education in the UAE, aligning with the UAE’s National Agenda and Vision, which emphasizes innovation and technology in education. This initiative supports the national priority of fostering innovation in education, equipping students with 21st-century skills, and preparing them for a knowledge-based economy.
