SHARJAH (WAM)

H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Khorfakkan (UKF), expressed appreciation for the highly effective collaboration between the universities of the emirate of Sharjah and the esteemed University of Exeter in the United Kingdom.

This partnership with one of the most prestigious universities significantly contributes to the advancement of the academic and research systems in Sharjah, ensuring the achievement of superior scientific outcomes for university students.

During the signing ceremony of a cooperation agreement between UKF and the University of Exeter, the Ruler of Sharjah delivered a speech in which he signed the agreement with Dr. Lisa Roberts, President of the University of Exeter.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi articulated that the agreement is notable for enabling UKF's students enrolled in the Marine Sciences and Aquatic Life Program to pursue their senior year at the University of Exeter. This collaboration will culminate in the conferral of two distinct degrees upon the graduates, one from Khorfakkan University and the other from the University of Exeter.

The Ruler of Sharjah underscored the comprehensive nature of the collaboration with the University of Exeter, encompassing student exchanges, and collaborative research and scientific initiatives. Faculty members from the University of Exeter will be visiting the University of Khorfakkan and the soon-to-be-opened Khorfakkan Centre for Marine Sciences and Aquatic Life. Their presence is expected to significantly contribute to the centre's operations, enhancing scientific research and raising UKF to international scientific standards.

The Ruler of Sharjah expressed his deep appreciation to the University of Exeter administration for their longstanding collaboration with Sharjah. He commended their commitment to fostering various forms of scientific and academic cooperation aimed at advancing the collective welfare of humanity through the dissemination of accurate and beneficial knowledge and the development of students.

Dr. Lisa Roberts, President of the University of Exeter, delivered a speech expressing gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah for his significant efforts in enhancing the university experience in the Emirate of Sharjah.

She acknowledged his unwavering support in providing education to the new generations of Sharjah’s people and his commitment to developing higher education institutions and fostering collaborative relationships with international universities. These efforts are instrumental in advancing academic fields and cultivating rare specialisations in the region.

According to Dr. Roberts, Exeter is recognised for its longstanding academic partnerships with universities in Sharjah, fostering collaborative work across diverse scientific disciplines. This collaboration has notably contributed to the academic and professional development of students, propelling advancements in various scientific domains.

She expressed her gratitude to the administration of the University of Khorfakkan for their exceptional collaboration, emphasising that it would serve as an incentive to conduct and present numerous specialised studies for the benefit of students and the future of the region. Additionally, she highlighted the potential for collaboration in student exchange programmes between the two universities, which would provide students with a distinguished scientific experience.

The singing aligns with Khorfakkan University's collaboration with esteemed institutions and universities worldwide. This marks a continuation of previous agreements with the University of Exeter, with the mutual goal of enhancing scientific cooperation in marine sciences and aquatic life research and academics.

The agreement aims to facilitate joint activities that benefit university students, providing valuable educational opportunities and contributing to their academic and personal development.

Per the terms of the agreement, fourth-year students at the University of Khorfakkan specialising in marine sciences and aquatic life will have the opportunity to pursue studies at the University of Exeter, provided they meet the necessary admission criteria.

Furthermore, the agreement facilitates the prospect for graduates of Khorfakkan University's undergraduate programmes to further their education by enrolling in master’s degree programmes at the University of Exeter.

The agrreement also seeks to facilitate the exchange of scientific, academic, and professional knowledge through organised visits between the University of Exeter and the University of Khorfakkan, with the aim of making advancements in various fields.

Subsequent to the formal signing ceremony, the Ruler of Sharjah, in the company of the delegation from the University of Exeter, UKF’s Board of Trustees, and various officials, proceeded to the location of the Khorfakkan Centre for Marine Sciences and Aquatic Life project, situated on the Khorfakkan beach. During this visit, He was apprised of the project's progress and its completion rates.

The Ruler of Sharjah examined the project plans and familiarised himself with the key facilities and services that the centre will offer to researchers and students. The Khorfakkan Centre for Marine Sciences and Aquatic Life is dedicated to establishing an innovative and advanced research setting along the coast of Khorfakkan city.

The research centre will be equipped with a range of specialised laboratories featuring state-of-the-art technologies, including genetics, environmental chemistry, marine anatomy, advanced electron microscopy, microbiology, and remote sensing facilities.

The centre aims to lead research in marine sciences, environmental engineering, and marine conservation and sustainability. It is devoted to building alliances with academic institutions and stakeholders to promote marine conservation initiatives at local and global levels, as well as drawing in top expertise in the marine sciences field.

The implementation of this project demonstrates the emirate of Sharjah's unwavering dedication to sustainable development. It exemplifies the emirate's pragmatic approach and future-oriented strategies aimed at safeguarding its ecosystems.