AUS partners with Group AMANA to drive student development through Al Nukhba Program
Sharjah, UAE – American University of Sharjah's (AUS) Engineering Al Nukhba Program has welcomed Group AMANA, a regional leader in design-build construction, as its newest industry partner. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties will offer AUS students professional training, career development and research opportunities, strengthening the link between academia and industry.
The AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program, designed to foster immersive industry partnerships, gives engineering students a competitive advantage by connecting them with leading firms across multiple disciplines. Through hands-on training, mentorship and research collaboration, the program ensures students are equipped with the practical skills needed to succeed in an evolving job market.
Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership, stating: 'Building meaningful partnerships with industry is key to equipping our students with the tools to excel in an increasingly complex and competitive global market. Our collaboration with Group AMANA aligns with our vision to produce engineering graduates who are future-ready—combining technical expertise with practical industry insights and leadership capabilities. Together, we are preparing the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of construction and engineering.'
Joe Labaki, Chief Operating Officer, at Group AMANA: 'I would like to thank American University of Sharjah for this valuable opportunity to collaborate with the next generation of leaders. This MoU marks a significant step in fostering innovation, knowledge exchange and a shared commitment to shaping the future of engineering.'
'This partnership will help empower these future leaders with real-world insights and hands-on experience. We are excited to welcome them to our sites across the UAE, where they will have the chance to witness the impact of cutting-edge engineering solutions that are transforming the industry,' said Labaki.
Under the agreement, Group AMANA will recruit and train AUS students through several professional development pathways, including internships, graduate recruitment and AMANA's Graduate Program 'AMANA.Seed'—an intensive track designed to develop high-potential individuals for leadership roles within the company.
Beyond employment, Group AMANA will work closely with AUS faculty to co-supervise senior capstone projects and support research initiatives, enabling students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world industry challenges. The partnership will also enrich the student experience through the sponsorship of industry competitions, student-led projects and skills-focused workshops and seminars.
The collaboration will advance research in areas such as sustainability in construction, advanced construction materials, modular construction, automation and robotics. Students will also gain practical exposure to off-site construction methods through site visits and research activities with Group AMANA's subsidiaries, DuBox and DuPod, which specialize in modular construction to deliver faster and more efficient building solutions.
Group AMANA's professionals will contribute to curriculum development through guest lectures, mentoring and the design of customized training programs tailored to the company's workforce development needs. The partnership will further foster innovation through the establishment of innovation hubs, design-build collaborations and research into digital twin technology and smart buildings.
The AUS College of Engineering, through its Al Nukhba Program, continues to strengthen its position as a leader in engineering education and industry engagement. Strategic collaborations with partners like Group AMANA ensure AUS students graduate with the skills and practical experience to excel in their careers and contribute to the advancement of engineering.
Learn more about the College of Engineering at www.aus.edu/cen.
For more information, please contact:
Samar Saeed, PR and Media Specialist, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at AUS, smahmoud@aus.edu
About AUS
American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.
Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.
AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
About AMANA:
AMANA is the regional leader in the design-build of industrial and commercial facilities, with over 1500 buildings constructed across the region in nearly three decades of operations. With a long history of completed projects, AMANA is paving the way forward in the region with a cohesive, value engineered offering, using innovative methodologies and the latest digital solutions. Amana Contracting Group (www.amanabuildings.com) is the largest general contractor of logistics and cold chain facilities in the Middle East. Its fully owned subsidiary DuBox by AMANA (www.dubox.me) is the first and largest offsite construction company in the region with deep expertise in the design-construction of self-sufficient, rapidly deployable and relocatable modular units for expediting local service delivery. With an annual turnover exceeding $750 million and over 8,000 employees in 8 countries, the company's legacy and capabilities are in the fast-track design-build of industrial facilities in the food processing, logistics, and manufacturing sectors across the GCC.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
AUS and American University, Washington, DC, launch 4+1 pathway to graduate studies in environmental science
Sharjah, UAE – American University of Sharjah's (AUS) College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has signed a new agreement with American University (AU), Washington, DC, to offer a 4+1 academic pathway for AUS students majoring in environmental sciences and sustainability. The initiative will enable eligible students to earn a Master of Science in Environmental Science from American University in just one additional year after completing their four-year undergraduate degree at AUS. The agreement, finalized in April 2025, builds on more than two decades of ties between AUS and AU, which share a long-standing institutional relationship dating back to AUS' founding. This latest partnership was spearheaded by Dr. Fatin Samara, a professor at AUS' Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, who is also currently an adjunct faculty member at the Department of Environmental Sciences at AU. Her affiliation with both institutions helped bring the partnership to life, along with support from several members of the environmental sciences faculty. 'The launch of this new partnership, during the same week as Earth Day, symbolizes our community's commitment to creating pathways for students to progress toward environmental leadership,' said Dr. Samara. 'Those who choose this pathway will be equipped with the tools, knowledge and global perspective needed to address pressing environmental challenges and build a more sustainable future.' A highly regarded institution, AU is among the top 100 US universities in the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings and ranks second in the US in The Princeton Review's Green Colleges ranking. 'CAS' leadership is delighted to see this partnership come to life. It reflects our commitment to providing CAS' students with an enriched academic experience that extends beyond borders. We are proud to collaborate with a globally respected institution like American University in Washington, DC, on this 4+1 pathway. This partnership will help accelerate the route to graduate education for our students in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability program and allow them to spend a year studying in a global center for environmental policy and research,' said Dr. Hana Sulieman, Associate Dean of CAS. Under the 4+1 model, AUS students will complete their four-year bachelor's degree at AUS and transfer to American University for one additional year of study to complete their master's degree. Eligible students may transfer up to nine credits toward the master's degree, including two graduate-level courses and their senior research project, taken during their final year at AUS. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. As part of the agreement, AUS students admitted to the program will also receive a generous 50 percent tuition scholarship, significantly lowering the cost of graduate study in the US. 'We are excited to expand our partnership with the American University of Sharjah through an accelerated pathway to a master's degree in environmental science, said Dr. Vicky Wilkins, Provost of American University. 'This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to confront the complex sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow. Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders who will drive global environmental progress.' Students applying can choose between a thesis track focused on environmental science research and a non-thesis track in environmental policy and advocacy. Both tracks emphasize interdisciplinary learning and real-world application and integrate science with policy, economics and global sustainability issues. After graduating, students will benefit from Washington, DC's position as an international hub for environmental research, advocacy and policy and its vibrant job market, where junior roles start at $60,000 and senior roles reach over $140,000 a year according to a job search and labor market data platform. Graduates of American University's Master of Science in Environmental Science have gone on to work at organizations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the World Bank, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. AU's faculty are actively involved in cutting-edge research, from food systems and climate resilience to geospatial analysis and environmental toxicology, also making it an excellent destination for AUS graduates wishing to pursue an academic or research career. The program will be available to AUS students beginning in Fall 2025. About AUS American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century. AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
Gulf Today
31-05-2025
- Gulf Today
AUS Board approves decisions focused on leadership growth
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) Board of Trustees, chaired by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, met to review and approve a set of strategic actions focused on leadership development, academic excellence and financial sustainability. After the meeting, Sheikha Bodour said: 'Excellence in education is achieved through conscious investment in people, planning, and principled governance. The Board's decisions reflect a commitment to building an institution that is academically distinguished yet operationally resilient. We are strengthening our leadership, supporting faculty development, and refining our governance frameworks to ensure AUS remains responsive to today's demands as a leading force in shaping higher education in our region and beyond.' 'The decisions taken during this board meeting reflect the strength of our vision and the clarity with which AUS is charting its path forward,' said Dr Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'With strengthened leadership, defined academic priorities and disciplined financial planning, we are positioning the university to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.' Among the key outcomes, the board approved the appointment of Dr. Matthias Ruth as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. Dr. Ruth is an academic leader with a distinguished track record in interdisciplinary research and institutional strategy, having held senior roles at the University of York, the University of Alberta and Northeastern University. The board also advanced several initiatives to support faculty excellence, including the approval of a new round of rolling contracts and a new round of academic promotions. These measures reflect AUS' continued focus on attracting and retaining outstanding faculty while fostering a culture of academic distinction. An updated Human Resources Policy Manual was also adopted to align institutional practices with international standards in higher education administration. In the area of financial governance, the board approved the university's fiscal year 2025–2026 general operating budget, along with dedicated budgets for research, graduate studies and capital projects. It also endorsed the standalone financial statements of AUS Enterprises — a holding company established to support the university's financial sustainability — for the 15-month period ending Aug.31, 2024. To further strengthen its governance structure, the board welcomed three new members: Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, Dr. Tony F. Chan and Mohamed Khadiri. Dr. Almazrouei serves as Executive Director and Acting Chief AI Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi and chairs the United Nations' AI for Good Impact Initiative. Dr. Chan recently concluded his presidency at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and previously served as President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Khadiri is the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Sharjah, with deep expertise in global corporate and investment banking. With these decisions, AUS reaffirms its position as a regional and global leader in higher education — committed to academic distinction, community impact and preparing graduates to shape the future. For more information on AUS and its strategic initiatives, visit Recently, the AUS celebrated its philanthropic partners who are helping shape the future of education during the AUS Donor Appreciation Get-Together, held on campus in the presence of Sheikha Bodour. The event brought together philanthropists, alumni, partners and friends of the university to recognise those whose support continues to drive AUS forward. Among the distinguished guests was Sir Magdi Yacoub, world-renowned heart surgeon and philanthropist, who joined the celebration as a guest of honour, underscoring the shared values of compassion, education and service that define the AUS donor community. Guests were welcomed at the AUS Rotunda by university leadership, faculty and student ambassadors.
Sharjah 24
30-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
AUS BoT drives growth through appointments, academic advancements
After the meeting, Sheikha Bodour said: 'Excellence in education is achieved through conscious investment in people, planning, and principled governance. The Board's decisions reflect a commitment to building an institution that is academically distinguished yet operationally resilient. We are strengthening our leadership, supporting faculty development, and refining our governance frameworks to ensure AUS remains responsive to today's demands as a leading force in shaping higher education in our region and beyond.' Vision 'The decisions taken during this board meeting reflect the strength of our vision and the clarity with which AUS is charting its path forward,' said Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'With strengthened leadership, defined academic priorities and disciplined financial planning, we are positioning the university to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.' Key outcomes Among the key outcomes, the board approved the appointment of Dr. Matthias Ruth as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. Dr. Ruth is an academic leader with a distinguished track record in interdisciplinary research and institutional strategy, having held senior roles at the University of York, the University of Alberta and Northeastern University. Initiatives The board also advanced several initiatives to support faculty excellence, including the approval of a new round of rolling contracts and a new round of academic promotions. These measures reflect AUS' continued focus on attracting and retaining outstanding faculty while fostering a culture of academic distinction. An updated Human Resources Policy Manual was also adopted to align institutional practices with international standards in higher education administration. Finance In the area of financial governance, the board approved the university's fiscal year 2025–2026 general operating budget, along with dedicated budgets for research, graduate studies and capital projects. It also endorsed the standalone financial statements of AUS Enterprises—a holding company established to support the university's financial sustainability—for the 15-month period ending August 31, 2024. New members To further strengthen its governance structure, the board welcomed three new members: Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, Dr. Tony F. Chan and Mohamed Khadiri. Dr. Almazrouei serves as Executive Director and Acting Chief AI Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi and chairs the United Nations' AI for Good Impact Initiative. Dr. Chan recently concluded his presidency at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and previously served as President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Khadiri is the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Sharjah, with deep expertise in global corporate and investment banking. With these decisions, AUS reaffirms its position as a regional and global leader in higher education—committed to academic distinction, community impact and preparing graduates to shape the future.
