The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) hosted a delegation from the University of Sharjah (UoS) in the United Arab Emirates to explore avenues for enhancing academic and research collaboration between the two universities and discuss future cooperation prospects.

At the start of the meeting, Prof. Waheeb Isa Alnaser, expressed his appreciation for the bilateral relations with UoS. He highlighted AGU as a leading regional model established through the initiative of the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He emphasised the university's focus on offering unique and rare specialisations aimed at addressing the strategic issues of the region.

Prof. Alnaser noted that AGU holds the top position in the Kingdom of Bahrain according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and is distinguished by its innovative educational programmes in vital fields such as medicine and health sciences, environmental sciences, artificial intelligence, and health innovations in the fields of genetics and molecular medicine. It also offers distinguished programmes in special education and innovation and technology management. 

He further added: "The university is a leading centre for scientific research, collaborating with international and local institutions to support innovation and develop sustainable solutions for regional challenges," 

Dr Salah Taher Al Haj, UoS's Vice Chancellor for community Affairs, discussed UoS's programmes, activities, and history, noting that it was founded in 1997 at the initiative of His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. 

He explained that the university comprises 15 colleges and offers 133 programmes at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and diploma levels. He emphasised that the university pays special attention to adopting modern specialisations in the fields of software and artificial intelligence, in addition to integrating these technologies into various academic curricula to enhance students' readiness for the future job market.

Dr Al Haj added that UoS holds the top position in the UAE in the field of scientific research and currently has more than 20,000 students, including 3,000 postgraduate students. He also noted that since its inception, the university has graduated more than 45,000 graduates from over 100 nationalities, including prominent figures holding leadership positions in the UAE federal government.

During the discussions, both parties agreed to strengthen academic and research cooperation, exchange experiences in the field of alumni relations, and develop modern specialisations in line with the aspirations of the GCC countries towards building a sustainable future that enhances the region's leadership in various fields.

The visit concluded with a tour of AGU's facilities, where the delegation viewed the university's facilities, including research laboratories, the medical simulation centre, and the central library. At the end of the visit, the UoS Vice President and Dr Ghazi Al Otaibi, AGU President's Advisor, exchanged commemorative gifts, reaffirming the strong relationship between the two universities.