His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Al Dhaid, chaired the university’s Board of Trustees meeting on Monday. During the meeting, he praised the university’s continuous progress in academic, agricultural, and veterinary fields.
His Highness said the university is achieving strong results through advanced academic programs and high-quality scientific research. He highlighted the rapid progress in agriculture and veterinary sciences, showing the university’s growing role in education and innovation.
The Ruler of Sharjah explained that universities in Sharjah benefited from partnerships with internationally recognized institutions instead of starting from scratch. Through academic agreements and globally accredited programs, Sharjah universities have continued improving educational quality and strengthening scientific research opportunities for students.
He stressed the importance of continuous development in education and scientific practices to achieve the best outcomes. His Highness noted that Sharjah universities have gained a strong reputation in the region due to the quality of their research and their contribution to preparing skilled professionals for important sectors and future development projects.
The Board of Trustees reviewed several topics related to the university’s educational and administrative development plans. Members also discussed ways to improve institutional efficiency and support future growth.
The Board reviewed major achievements completed during the past period, including the development of educational and applied infrastructure for academic programs. Key projects included a mobile veterinary clinic and a smart farm. The university also upgraded facilities and equipment to improve practical training and scientific research for students.
Officials discussed cooperation with leading international universities to offer dual-specialization programs. The university also plans to host summer training programs, including a program for students from the Royal Agricultural University in the United Kingdom during summer 2026.
Dr. Aisha Ahmed Bushlaibi, Chancellor of the University of Al Dhaid, presented a report on the university’s latest achievements. She highlighted the accreditation of the Skills Development Center by a recognized organization in the United Kingdom, along with the university’s scientific research accomplishments during the academic year.
The Board also reviewed reports from the Finance, Academic, Internal Audit, Compliance, and Financial Resources Development Committees. These reports covered developments in education, research, and administration.
On the sidelines of the meeting, His Highness visited a student exhibition featuring research projects focused on sustainability, food security, and veterinary health. The exhibition showcased modern technologies and artificial intelligence applications in agriculture and animal care.
Students presented projects aimed at improving soil quality, reducing water use, and treating crop damage after harvest using natural materials. Sustainable agricultural systems combining fish farming and vertical farming were also displayed to support the UAE’s food security goals.
His Highness also reviewed initiatives in veterinary medicine and public health, including awareness about the proper use of antibiotics and their impact on human and animal health. He viewed advanced educational tools used for student training, including laboratory simulations, radiation technologies, and 3D models.
The Ruler of Sharjah inspected the university’s mobile veterinary clinic project, which aims to strengthen students’ practical skills and clinical experience. The initiative also focuses on ethical animal care and community service in the veterinary sector.
His Highness later reviewed the university’s current and future expansion projects. These include a modern 1,000-seat theatre equipped with advanced facilities, classrooms, workshops, and multi-purpose halls.
He also reviewed plans for the university mosque, which will include a men’s prayer hall for 1,400 worshippers and a women’s prayer hall for 450 worshippers, along with supporting facilities.
The university’s agricultural laboratory project was also presented. The project includes four agricultural laboratories, a seed laboratory, and two greenhouses to support scientific research and practical student training in sustainable agriculture and food security. Additional student services, including 640 shaded parking spaces, are also being developed.
During the visit, His Highness toured the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Foundation “EKTIFA” exhibition, which displayed several organic products and upcoming food items planned for UAE markets.
The exhibition introduced products including Mleiha dried milk, mozzarella cheese, wheat germ, organic harissa grains, organic ice cream, low-fat dairy products, cereal flakes, and premium “Qand” chocolate.
EKTIFA also announced plans to launch high-protein milk for athletes containing up to 43 percent protein, along with a new honey product called “Zahrat Al-Samar.” The foundation aims to introduce nearly 140 organic food products to UAE markets over the next three years to support food self-sufficiency and sustainable development.
