Post by : Bianca Suleiman
Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, convened the Board of Trustees for the University of Al Dhaid on Monday, reviewing key milestones, expansion initiatives, and future development roadmap.
In the session, Sheikh Sultan applauded the university's notable advancements in agricultural and veterinary education, pointing out its swift strides towards achieving academic and research excellence. He commended the success of its students and the high caliber of specialized programs in science, agriculture, and veterinary medicine.
The Ruler noted that Sharjah's universities benefit significantly from partnerships with esteemed international institutions rather than establishing all elements in-house. He elaborated that these alliances foster advanced educational frameworks and enhance academic standards via internationally recognized curricula.
Sheikh Sultan reaffirmed the need for continual enhancements to educational quality and the adoption of the best scientific practices. He recognized that universities in Sharjah have gained a reputable status among premier institutions in the region due to their substantive research contributions and academic excellence.
During the meeting, the Board evaluated various administrative and educational strategies aimed at bolstering institutional efficiency and supporting the university's sustainable growth plan. Reports from the Finance, Academic, Internal Audit, Compliance, and Financial Resources Development Committees were also reviewed.
The institution showcased its achievements from the past academic year, including key advancements in educational infrastructure. Notable projects include the establishment of a mobile veterinary clinic and a smart farm, designed to enhance practical learning experiences for students.
Enhancements to the learning environment were highlighted, showcasing modern facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and upgraded research training systems. These initiatives support the university's mission to cultivate skilled professionals in the agricultural and veterinary fields while aligning with sustainability and food security objectives.
The Board also discussed collaborations with leading international universities to introduce dual-degree programs in specialized areas and reviewed plans for summer training programs, including an initiative for students of the Royal Agricultural University expected in summer 2026.
Aisha Ahmed Bushlaibi, the Chancellor of the University of Al Dhaid, provided an overview of the university's notable achievements, highlighting the accreditation of its Skills Development Center and advancements in scientific research throughout the academic year.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Sheikh Sultan toured a student exhibition featuring groundbreaking research projects aimed at sustainability, food security, and innovative agricultural technologies. Students unveiled projects aimed at improving soil health, minimizing water usage, and addressing crop damage through natural solutions.
The exhibition showcased sustainable agricultural systems that integrate aquaculture with vertical farming techniques, furthering the UAE’s environmental and food security ambitions.
Sheikh Sultan explored projects related to veterinary medicine and public health, including campaigns promoting the prudent use of antibiotics and their influence on both human and animal well-being. He also examined the latest teaching technologies utilized in labs, including simulation systems and 3D educational models.
The Ruler inspected the mobile veterinary clinic, designed to enhance students’ practical skills and reinforce ethical practices within the veterinary profession. Officials explained that the initiative would better equip students to meet community needs in animal care.
Additionally, Sheikh Sultan reviewed ongoing and prospective expansion projects for the university, including a modern 1,000-seat auditorium with advanced facilities, classrooms, workshops, and multipurpose rooms.
Plans for a university mosque were also on the agenda, featuring a men's prayer hall accommodating 1,400 worshippers and a women's hall for 450.
Also presented were plans for several new agricultural laboratories, encompassing four agricultural labs, a seed lab, two greenhouses, and additional research centers to bolster practical training in sustainable agriculture and food security.
Student amenities are expanding with the addition of 640 shaded parking spaces, enhancing campus services.
Later, Sheikh Sultan visited the exhibition organized by the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Foundation – EKTIFA, unveiling an array of new organic food products, including Mleiha dried milk, mozzarella cheese, organic harissa grains, low-fat dairy options, cereal flakes, and high-end “Qand” chocolate.
EKTIFA also revealed plans for a high-protein milk targeting athletes, with protein levels reaching up to 43 percent, alongside a new honey product named “Zahrat Al-Samar.”
Officials highlighted that EKTIFA aims to introduce approximately 140 organic food products to UAE markets in the next three years, promoting local food production, sustainability, and self-sufficiency.
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