Sharjah: American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic partnership aimed at advancing Sharjah's and the UAE's position as a regional hub for tourism innovation and future-ready talent development.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU was signed at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah by Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, and Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions and various media outlets. Al Midfa emphasized that the memorandum reflects a strategic direction towards reinforcing Sharjah's position as a leading tourism destination driven by innovation and a sustainable tourism ecosystem.
Dr. Laursen highlighted that through this collaboration, AUS will help develop talent, generate applied knowledge, and create platforms for students, researchers, and industry to engage with the future of tourism. He stated that this strategic partnership supports economic diversification and strengthens sector competitiveness.
A central component of the partnership is the co-design, co-organisation, and annual delivery of the Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon, hosted at AUS alongside the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum. This initiative will actively engage students and emerging talent in developing forward-looking solutions for real-world opportunities and challenges in the tourism sector.
The agreement also aims to advance education and knowledge creation in destination marketing and tourism management through impactful collaborations. These efforts are expected to contribute to the long-term development of the tourism sector in Sharjah and the UAE.
Additionally, the MoU establishes a framework for further collaboration in areas aligned with the priorities of both institutions. This includes executive education and professional development, research collaboration, student engagement initiatives, industry immersion opportunities, and knowledge exchange platforms.
