Sharjah: American University of Sharjah (AUS) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), aiming to bolster collaboration in research, knowledge exchange, capacity building, community engagement, and professional development.
According to Emirates News Agency, this partnership aligns with the UAE's objectives to support a knowledge-based economy and elevate Arabic as a language of scholarship and innovation. The collaboration will be facilitated through the Centre for Arab Studies and Islamic Civilisations (CASIC) at AUS, underscoring the centre's role in promoting research and partnerships that enhance understanding of Arab and Islamic civilizations and their modern knowledge contributions.
Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, stated, "This MoU reflects a shared national priority: building a knowledge-driven future by connecting rigorous research with real-world platforms that shape how knowledge is created, shared and applied." He emphasized the importance of the collaboration in advancing research in digital transformation and AI-enabled knowledge dissemination while strengthening Arabic's role as a language of scholarship and innovation. The partnership is expected to pave the way for joint publications, student engagement, and public programs that contribute significantly to the UAE's knowledge economy.
Under the agreement, AUS and MBRF will pursue joint academic and research initiatives in areas of mutual interest such as knowledge management, digital transformation, sustainability, future foresight, and the role of artificial intelligence in knowledge dissemination. Efforts will also focus on the preservation and development of Arabic in digital and scholarly contexts.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, expressed satisfaction with the MoU, highlighting its role in reinforcing their commitment to advancing knowledge production and supporting scientific and academic institutions. He noted that the agreement serves as a strategic platform for impactful collaboration and launching innovative programs and initiatives that accelerate scientific research and drive a knowledge-driven economy.
The MoU enhances connectivity between AUS knowledge resources and MBRF platforms by linking AUS library and research networks with MBRF's Digital Knowledge Hub and publications. It also involves collaboration to build and enrich digital Arabic language archives, including capabilities for automatic recognition of Arabic text, and workshops for AUS faculty and students to leverage MBRF knowledge resources.
Community engagement is emphasized through initiatives promoting a culture of reading, science, and lifelong learning, as well as conferences, forums, and knowledge dialogues focused on innovation, sustainability, and cultural development.
