Post by : Badri Ariffin

Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and Supreme Council Member, presided over a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees at the University of Al Dhaid. The gathering focused on the university's ongoing achievements, future expansion projects, and developmental strategies.

Sheikh Sultan commended the institution's swift advancements in agricultural and veterinary education, noting its progress toward academic and research objectives. He acknowledged the accomplishments of students and the quality of the university’s specialized programs in science, agriculture, and veterinary medicine.

According to Sheikh Sultan, Sharjah's universities have greatly benefitted from partnerships with renowned global academic institutions, allowing them to adopt forward-thinking educational programs and enhance academic quality with internationally accredited courses.

He emphasized the necessity of continuous improvement in educational standards and the adoption of best academic and scientific practices. Sheikh Sultan pointed out that universities in Sharjah have earned a distinguished reputation in the region due to their high-quality scientific research and academic contributions.

During the meeting, various administrative and educational development plans were reviewed to boost institutional efficiency and support the long-term growth strategy of the university. Reports submitted by the Finance, Academic, Internal Audit, Compliance, and Financial Resources Development Committees were also discussed.

The university highlighted numerous achievements from the previous academic period, including significant advancements in educational infrastructure and practical training facilities. Initiatives like the introduction of a mobile veterinary clinic and a smart farm have provided enhanced practical learning and research opportunities for students.

Officials pointed out improvements to the student learning environment, which now features modern facilities, advanced equipment, and upgraded training systems tailored to prepare students for the agricultural and veterinary sectors while also promoting sustainability and food security.

The Board explored partnerships with esteemed international universities for dual-degree programs in specialized fields. Plans for summer training programs, including a collaboration with the Royal Agricultural University for the summer of 2026, were also reviewed.

Aisha Ahmed Bushlaibi, Chancellor of the University of Al Dhaid, shared an overview of the university's pivotal achievements, including the accreditation of its Skills Development Center by a UK body and advancements in scientific research throughout the academic year.

Following the meeting, Sheikh Sultan toured a student exhibition showcasing innovative research focused on sustainability, food security, veterinary health, and smart agriculture technologies. Students displayed projects aimed at enhancing soil quality, optimizing water usage, and employing natural materials to address crop damage.

The exhibition also showcased integrated agricultural systems that combine fish farming with vertical farming to aid the UAE’s environmental and food security objectives.

Additionally, Sheikh Sultan reviewed veterinary medicine and public health initiatives, focusing on raising awareness about the responsible use of antibiotics and their effects on human and animal health. He also observed advanced teaching technologies utilized in laboratories, including simulation systems and 3D models.

The Ruler examined the university’s mobile veterinary clinic, which aims to enhance students’ practical skills and ethical practices within veterinary medicine. Officials explained that this clinic would facilitate a deeper understanding of animal care and community needs.

During his visit, Sheikh Sultan assessed various ongoing and future university expansion projects, including the development of a state-of-the-art 1,000-seat theater with advanced facilities, classrooms, workshops, and multi-purpose halls.

Plans for a new mosque on campus, featuring a prayer hall for 1,400 men and another for 450 women, were also reviewed.

Furthermore, the university outlined ambitions for new agricultural laboratories, including four agricultural labs, a seed laboratory, two greenhouses, and additional facilities dedicated to enhancing sustainable agriculture and food security training.

The expansion of student facilities includes the addition of 640 shaded parking spaces to improve campus amenities.

Sheikh Sultan also attended an exhibition by EKTIFA, the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Foundation, which unveiled several new organic food products, including Mleiha dried milk, mozzarella cheese, organic harissa grains, low-fat dairy products, cereal flakes, and premium “Qand” chocolate.

The foundation is planning to introduce approximately 140 organic food products to UAE markets over the next three years to enhance local food production, sustainability, and self-sufficiency in food supply.

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