research and institutional development
Approvals include two new graduate programs, research initiatives and plans to advance campus development
Sharjah, UAE, 26 October 2026 — Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American
University of Sharjah (AUS) and Chairperson of its Board of Trustees, chaired the Board of Trustees meeting held on
campus on October 21. The board approved a series of resolutions to expand graduate education, strengthen the
university’s research enterprise and advance strategic institutional priorities.
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: “AUS is entering the next chapter with a clear strategic
direction and growing international recognition. Our responsibility as a Board is to build on this momentum with
focus and a commitment to measurable progress. We’ve taken these decisions through a determination to expand
educational opportunities, strengthen research and innovation, and ensure AUS continues to respond to the evolving
needs of our students, economy and society.”
Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, said the decisions bring together academic development, research capacity
and long-term planning.
“The board’s decisions advance a connected set of priorities: preparing experienced professionals to lead in a
changing business environment, building research capacity in fields with growing regional importance and aligning
our centers and institutional priorities with AUS’ academic mission. Together, these steps strengthen the university’s
ability to educate future leaders, generate knowledge and contribute to the UAE’s development. Our focus is now on
translating these approvals into programs and initiatives with clear purpose and enduring value,” he said.
The board approved the launch of two graduate programs in Fall 2027: the Executive Master of Business
Administration, designed to meet growing demand for executive education and develop strategic, ethical business
leaders; and the Master of Science in Luxury Marketing and Management, which will prepare professionals for the
GCC’s luxury sector through interdisciplinary, applied learning.
To strengthen the university’s research capacity, the board approved the establishment of the Center for Geospatial
Intelligence, under the leadership of Dr. Hosni Ghedira, Professor of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences,
College of Arts and Sciences. The center will apply artificial intelligence to geospatial data. The board also approved
renaming the Artificial Intelligence, Smart Infrastructure and Robotics Research Center as the AI, Robotics and
Connected Infrastructure Research Center, with Dr. Umit Cali, Professor of Electrical Engineering, College of
Engineering, as its Director.
The Financial Markets and Banking Academy, housed within the AUS School of Business Administration, will become
the Financial Markets and Banking Center of Excellence, reflecting its wider mandate in financial markets and
banking. The Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Development will take the name Center for
Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with Dr. Jay Squalli, Professor of Economics, School of Business Administration, as
its Director. The new name more closely reflects the center’s scope and mission. The board also approved renaming
the Advanced Biosciences and Bioengineering Research Center as the Center for Biomedical Innovations, with Dr.
Majid Warkiani, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, as its Director.
As part of its campus development plans, the board approved the further development of AUS residential halls.
Female Hall D (Block D) has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, including upgrades to its rooms, common
areas, IT infrastructure and building systems.
The AUS Board of Trustees provides oversight of the university’s strategic direction, governance and long-term
institutional development. Through its decisions, the board supports AUS’ academic mission, research priorities and
contribution to Sharjah and the UAE.
For more information on AUS and its strategic initiatives, visit www.aus.edu.
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Samar Saeed, Assistant Manager for Public Relations, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at AUS,
+971 6 515 2362, smahmoud@aus.edu
About AUS
2
American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al
Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Inspired by his vision, AUS
was established as a leading educational institution dedicated to advancing society through academic excellence,
research, innovation and meaningful collaboration with industry and culture.
Today, under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, AUS is further enhancing its
position regionally and globally by driving innovative research, expanding academic programs and strengthening
global partnerships.
Ranked consistently among the top 3 percent of universities in the Arab region (QS Arab Region University Rankings,
2026), AUS is also recognized globally, ranking among the top 17 percent of ranked universities in the world (QS
World University Rankings, 2027).
AUS offers 33 undergraduate majors, 49 minors, 24 master’s programs and eight PhD programs through four
academic units: the College of Architecture, Art and Design; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Engineering;
and School of Business Administration.
The university is licensed and its degree programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of
the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. AUS has been accredited in the
United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) (1007 North Orange
Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 USA) since June 2004. Additional international accreditations have
been received from respected bodies including ABET, AACSB and NAAB.
Home to students from over 100 nationalities, AUS provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where
students are empowered to become impactful leaders, innovators and changemakers.
AUS delivers an exceptional educational experience, combining rigorous academic standards with rich cultural
diversity and practical, real-world applications, with world-class facilities, renowned faculty and a dynamic academic
community.
AUS is the leading regional institution for design, architecture and creative education, ranking first in the UAE and
among the top 333 globally for arts and humanities and first in the UAE and among the top 200 universities globally
for architecture and the built environment (QS Rankings 2026). Faculty and alumni from CAAD are acknowledged
leaders in their fields and its students consistently distinguish themselves by winning major awards throughout the
region and beyond.
