The collaboration marked by the memorandum of understanding between the American University of Sharjah and the Zayed Educational Foundation stands as a pivotal development for academic and community initiatives. This partnership is designed to broaden opportunities for students, faculty, and the wider community, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in educational advancement. Through this cooperation, both organizations aim to create innovative pathways and support systems that benefit the UAE’s academic landscape.
The American University of Sharjah has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Zayed Educational Foundation to establish a formal framework for collaboration on joint initiatives that contribute to expanding opportunities for students, faculty, and the community at large. Under this memorandum, both parties will explore areas of cooperation in scholarship programs for American University of Sharjah students, specialized research groups, endowed research chairs, postdoctoral fellowships, doctoral study grants, innovation and entrepreneurship projects, leadership development, professional development, and community engagement.
As part of this collaboration, the American University of Sharjah joins the list of universities participating in the Zayed Leaders Program, a merit-based scholarship initiative targeting high-potential Emirati and Arab youth residing in the UAE who wish to pursue master’s studies in areas of priority for the region. The program provides full academic funding, tailored leadership development programs, and comprehensive support services aimed at enhancing the academic, personal, and professional growth of beneficiaries.
The programs offered by the American University of Sharjah currently included in the Zayed Leaders Program are: Master of Arts in International Studies, Master of Urban Planning, Master of Science in Machine Learning, and Master of Science in Economics and Policy.
Commenting on the significance of this collaboration, Dr. Todd Larson, Director of the American University of Sharjah, stated: “This memorandum of understanding reflects a purposeful partnership capable of delivering sustainable value to students, universities, and the community in the UAE. Our collaboration with the Zayed Educational Foundation combines the expansion of access to education, academic excellence, and national impact. By linking scholarship support with scientific research, innovation, and leadership development, we contribute to opening new pathways for talented students to pursue their graduate studies, contribute to priority fields, and acquire the skills necessary to serve the community with awareness and purpose.”
He added: “The American University of Sharjah is proud to be included in the Zayed Leaders Program and to support an initiative that invests in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.”
A spokesperson for the Zayed Educational Foundation stated: “We are pleased to formalize our partnership with the American University of Sharjah, based on a shared vision and a steadfast commitment to supporting the UAE’s priorities centered on investing in people as one of the key pillars of sustainable development. The Zayed Leaders Program represents a pioneering initiative that translates this partnership into tangible reality, equipping talented youth with the knowledge, values, and global perspective needed to take on leadership roles with a clear message and noble purpose. Through this partnership, we look forward to preparing promising national leaders and nurturing a generation capable of fostering inclusive growth and prosperity that benefits everyone across various economic and social fields.”
This partnership reflects the American University of Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to building strategic partnerships that expand opportunities for its students and faculty, enhance research and innovation ecosystems, and connect academic excellence with tangible impact. The university continues to open new pathways for scholarships, research funding, entrepreneurship, professional development, and student success through its partnerships with government entities, institutions, and the industrial sector, reinforcing its role as a leading academic institution contributing to the knowledge economy in the UAE and preparing the competencies of the future.