Latest news with #SheikhaBodourBintSultanAlQasimi
Gulf Today
3 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
AUS celebrates graduation of 794 students in Sharjah
American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the graduation of 794 students at its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony, held at University City Hall in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS. The event brought together university leadership, faculty, families and guests to recognise the achievements of a graduating class representing 47 nationalities. Sheikha Bodour and AUS Chancellor Dr Tod Laursen each delivered a commencement address, sharing messages of pride, perseverance and purpose. Sheikha Bodour said, 'Through determination and tenacity, our graduates leave AUS equipped with firstly academic credentials they can be proud of, but also with the courage to ask tough questions, the empathy to lead with care, and the vision to shape a world of progress and humanity. As they step into the uncertainty of the future, I have every confidence they will adapt, lead with purpose and compassion, and that their decisions will be anchored in highest values of AUS and of Sharjah.' Chancellor Laursen added, 'This graduating class reflects the very essence of our mission-empowering students with the academic strength, ethical grounding and global perspective needed to navigate and lead in a rapidly changing world. We are proud to see them leave AUS not just with degrees, but with the confidence, curiosity and resilience that will define their contribution to society.' Guest speaker Emi Mahmoud, a poet, activist and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, addressed the graduating class with a powerful reflection on resilience and purpose. A Yale graduate, Mahmoud is internationally recognised for her spoken-word poetry and humanitarian work, using her platform to advocate for peace, education and climate justice. Her message to students highlighted the importance of applying their education and skills to drive meaningful change. In recognition of outstanding contributions to academia and research, AUS conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Dr Manahel Thabet, honouring her exceptional achievements in the fields of economics and artificial intelligence. Thabet is a distinguished economist, scientist and expert in quantum mathematics and financial engineering. She is a Guinness World Record holder for conducting the largest memory lesson and is recognised among the 30 smartest individuals alive by Super Scholar. Her global impact includes advising institutions on AI-driven economic strategies and earning accolades such as the Brain of the Year Award and the Arab Woman of the Year Award for Achievement in Scientific Development. She also serves as the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Commonwealth in Science and Technology. Student voices were central to the ceremony. Graduate Kareem Mohmoud Hijazi spoke about overcoming self-doubt and building confidence through academic rigour and mentorship at AUS, while graduate Ahmed Ayman Ahmed emphasised the privilege of education amid global unrest and the responsibility to give back. Their reflections captured a collective spirit of resilience, ambition and gratitude. The ceremony also featured the announcement of the university's top student honours. For the first time in AUS' history, the President's Cup was awarded to four students for achieving the highest academic standing in their graduating class-Hussain Ali Sajwani (finance), Hamze Kassem Soueid (electrical engineering), Omar Khaled Farrag (computer engineering) and Yousef Belal Irshaid (computer engineering with a minor in data science). The Chancellor's Cup, awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional academic excellence, character and service, was presented to Fahad Mahmoud (management information systems with a minor in supply chain management), who graduated magna cum laude. 'AUS is where I made unforgettable memories with friends who became like family. We grew stronger through every challenge, fuelled by discipline and support,' said graduate Sajwani. WAM
Gulf Today
a day ago
- General
- Gulf Today
Sheikha Bodour opens annual graduation exhibition of AUS
The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) presented its highly anticipated annual graduation exhibition, 'Six Degrees,' on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, attended the opening and officially inaugurated the exhibit. In its 15th year, the exhibition brought together the work of graduating students across CAAD's diverse degree programmes — architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication and urban planning. The opening ceremony was open to the public and served as an important platform for connecting emerging talent from CAAD with representatives from the design professions in the UAE. 'For each student, Six Degrees represents the culmination of four or five years of rigorous studio practice, creative exploration and growth. It offers our community a moment of celebration, reflection and pride,' said Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of CAAD. 'The show has grown significantly over the years, and, as I mark my final year as dean, I am deeply grateful to those at CAAD who work tirelessly to bring it to life. I feel fortunate to have witnessed so many generations of CAAD graduates launch their professional journeys through this platform.' 'We are proud to host Six Degrees at SRTIP, a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the exceptional talent nurtured at the American University of Sharjah. This exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to bridging academia and industry, and to empowering the next generation of designers and architects who will shape more sustainable, human-centred cities and products for the future,' said Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the Chief Executive Officer of the SRTIP. The event also included the CAAD annual awards ceremony. This year, 28 outstanding students and faculty were recognised for their exceptional academic performance, creative accomplishments, leadership and service to the university community. 'Six Degrees has always been more than just a showcase — it's a celebration of transformation. Year after year, it captures the evolution of creative thought, the courage to challenge convention and the spirit of design that defines CAAD. Returning to the show is a reminder of the energy and imagination that first shaped me as a student and now fuels my work as a professional,' said CAAD alumna Tala Alnounou. CAAD is widely recognised for its distinctive studio-based education model and interdisciplinary approach to design. As the top-ranked school (tied) for architecture and the built environment in the UAE and among the top 260 schools globally for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), CAAD offers creatively-gifted students a dynamic environment in which to sharpen their creative skills and make their mark in the world of design. This year's Six Degrees showcase was accompanied by Najat Makki, Artist in Residence, 2024–25, a special exhibition of selected works by pioneering Emirati visual artist Dr. Najat Makki, developed during her residency at AUS. Dr. Makki's exhibited works explore transitions in time and place through layered colour, ornamentation and abstraction — offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant reflection on memory, heritage and modernity. Dr. Makki's residency at AUS was part of a broader vision championed by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, to position creative practice as a central pillar of academic life. The Six Degrees showcase and Najat Makki Artist in Residence 2024–25 are part of the same exhibition space at SRTIP. From June 1, the exhibition will be open to the public from 9:00am to 11:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain open until June 6. Recently, the AUS Board of Trustees, chaired by Sheikha Bodour, convened to review and approve a series of strategic actions focused on leadership development, academic excellence and financial sustainability.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Business
- 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.
Gulf Today
26-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Faya Palaeolandscape moves closer to UNESCO recognition
The UAE has reached another defining moment in its cultural and scientific journey, as Sharjah advances the nomination of the Faya Palaeolandscape for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Situated in the Central Region of Sharjah, this ancient desert site holds one of the world's oldest and most uninterrupted records of early human presence, dating back to over 210,000 years. Formally nominated in 2024 under the 'Cultural Landscape' category, the Faya Palaeolandscape is now under evaluation by UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The property is being recognised not only for its archaeological depth, but for its potential to reshape our global understanding of how early humans lived in arid environments, moved and evolved across Southeast Arabia. Spearheading global outreach for Faya's ongoing World Heritage nomination is Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the official ambassador of the nomination file. Her role reflects a collective national effort to elevate the property's international status, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy and scientific advancement. Sheikha Bodour commented, 'Faya offers one of the oldest and most complete records of early human presence in Arabia, dating back over 210,000 years – a living archive that deepens our understanding of who we are, where we came from, and how we have learned to survive.' 'The Faya Palaeolandscape's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status highlights the importance of preserving these ancient sites, not only for their historical value but for their potential to educate future generations. As ambassador, I see this nomination as an opportunity to elevate Faya as a shared inheritance for all people around the world,' she added, affirming the significance of this nomination in shaping global heritage discourse. While much of the region has been viewed as a mere transit point for early human migration, interdisciplinary scientific research and archaeological discoveries conducted by the Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA) in collaboration with the University of Tübingen in prehistory studies and Oxford Brookes University for paleoenvironmental studies, confirmed that the Faya property served as a destination for early human settlement during climatically favourable periods. The convergence of essential resources — water from springs and wadis, stone raw materials like flint for tool-making, and shelter within the jebels — made sustained occupation possible. Over the past 30 years, scientists have excavated the Faya site, uncovering 18 distinct layers of earth, each representing a different period of human occupation, and providing unprecedented insights into early human migration and adaptation. These game-changing discoveries offer a fresh understanding of human migration from Faya, which holds the most detailed record of ancient human life in Arabia. From these facets of discovery, which have fully revealed the site's potential to offer a rare and completely intact record of human survival in the face of environmental adversity, Faya's potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) has been established. Eisa Yousif, Director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasised: 'The preservation of Faya is deeply anchored in Sharjah's Cultural Heritage Law No. 4 of 2020, which ensures its protection for future generations. Over 30 years of meticulous research and collaboration led by our national mission and experts with international experts have revealed 18 distinct archaeological layers from the Stone Age, bringing to light an intricate history of human evolution, adaptation and survival right here in Sharjah.' 'As we advance Faya's UNESCO World Heritage nomination, it is important to emphasise that our collaborative efforts have made this a global project; one that connects the past with the present more strongly, adding to the rich global corpus of archaeological discoveries. This property, therefore, holds immense value for the world – not just Sharjah and the UAE,' he added. The UAE has developed a comprehensive management plan for the Faya Palaeolandscape, which will guide its conservation, research, and visitor engagement from 2024 to 2030. This plan aligns with UNESCO's World Heritage standards, ensuring that the site is preserved while also allowing for continued exploration and education.
Gulf Today
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Greece is Guest of Honour at 44th edition of Sharjah International Book Fair, says Sheikha Bodour
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), emphasised that Greece, with its rich historical legacy and global cultural influence, stands as a vital pillar in the ongoing story of human creativity. She highlighted that the nation, which inspired Homer's epic works, shaped Socratic ideals of virtue, and erected theatres that continue to ignite artistic imagination, embodies a timeless source of knowledge and enlightenment for scholars, thinkers, and writers across centuries. Her remarks came during the signing ceremony announcing Greece as the Guest of Honour for the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). The agreement was formalised by Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; and Yasonas Varthalitis, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic. Dignitaries at the event. The signing took place at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Centre in Greece. A place where the world's languages and cultures come together in dialogue Sheikha Bodour said: 'Sharjah's cultural journey continues to be guided by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Today, the emirate carries this vision forward by embracing Greek culture. We believe flourishing civilisations are built on dialogue and exchange across geographical boundaries and Sharjah remains committed to this approach'. She added: 'Greece's participation at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair is an exciting opportunity for us all to discover the shared origins of our myths and tales, and other common influences that have shaped human consciousness'. She explained that SBA is working to ensure the 44th edition of SIBF becomes a milestone event, spotlighting a nation that, together with the Arab world, has helped shape the course of civilisation. The Chairperson concluded: 'Sharjah is reinterpreting the past as a tool for self-understanding and engagement with the broader world, and hosting Greece as our Guest of Honour is a call to heed the voices of Athens, just as we have done with those of Marrakech, Cordoba, Seoul, Rome, and other distinguished capitals at SIBF. Crowds at a previous edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair. Hosting Greece as our Guest of Honour is a call to heed the voices of Athens, says Bodour. File With this, we continue to reinforce the book fair's role as a global platform where collective memory intersects, and the world's languages and cultures come together in dialogue.' An evolving intellectual dialogue at every edition of SIBF Commenting on the agreement, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: 'In line with His Highness's vision to champion global cultural exchange, hosting Greece as Guest of Honour at SIBF 2025 adds to the fair's distinguished record of international partnerships. It presents a unique opportunity to engage with one of the world's most influential civilisations, whose legacy continues to shape human thought. Each edition of the fair seeks to open new cultural horizons and foster meaningful intellectual exchange rooted in diversity.' Al Ameri added: 'SIBF has grown from a cultural event into a global hub for publishing and literary innovation, attracting publishers and thought leaders worldwide. "Guided by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's leadership, it has become a versatile knowledge platform that connects readers with authors, enriches the publishing industry, and reaffirms Sharjah's status among the world's leading international book fairs.' The cultural pathway between Greece and the UAE further enriched Yasonas Varthalitis, Deputy Minister of Culture of Greece, noted during the signing ceremony: 'We meet today in a spirit of friendship and collaboration that has long defined the relationship between Greece and the UAE. Our presence in Sharjah stems from the dedicated efforts of the Minister of Culture, who has worked to forge a strong foundation for cooperation and a vibrant cultural exchange linking Greece and the UAE. This path is enriched through language, literature, poetry, publications, events, exhibitions and a wide range of cultural initiatives.' He added: 'Our cultural cooperation with SIBF deepens the bond between our nations and peoples. We are curating a rich and engaging programme that showcases the depth of Greek literary and publishing talent, in line with Greece's broader vision of openness, development and expanding global engagement. We deeply thank SBA for its productive collaboration and look forward to building on this dynamic and inspiring partnership.' The best of Greek culture, literature, art and gastronomy at SIBF 2025 As Guest of Honour at the 44th SIBF, Greece will present a diverse programme of cultural and literary events highlighting its heritage's depth and richness. The line-up will span classical philosophy, theatre, poetry, contemporary literature, and visual arts. It will also host leading Greek authors, intellectuals, and publishers, as well as music and art performances inspired by Greek traditions. Educational segments will also spotlight major milestones in Greek cultural history and its enduring contributions to human civilisation.
