Agreement supports joint initiatives in education, research, professional development and student engagement
American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) 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.
The MoU was signed at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah by His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, and Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions, various media outlets and a group of invited guests.
Commenting on this partnership, His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, stated: “This memorandum reflects a clear strategic direction towards reinforcing the emirate of Sharjah’s position as a leading tourism destination, one that is driven by innovation, empowered national talent and a progressive, sustainable tourism ecosystem. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, we continue to advance an integrated development model that brings together the depth of cultural identity with a forward-looking vision, further strengthening the emirate’s competitiveness and global tourism positioning.”
His Excellency added: “This collaboration with AUS represents a qualitative step towards aligning efforts between the academic and government sectors, creating an enabling environment for innovation, advancing knowledge and nurturing a new generation of talent capable of leading the future of the sector. Through this integration, we are establishing a research and development-driven ecosystem that supports sustainable growth and aligns with Sharjah’s long-term aspirations for a more competitive and sustainable future.”
“This partnership brings together academic capability and sector ambition in a way that can deliver real value for Sharjah,” said Dr. Laursen. “Through this collaboration, AUS will help develop talent, generate applied knowledge and create platforms where students, researchers and industry can engage with the future of tourism. It is a strategic partnership that supports economic diversification, strengthens sector competitiveness and reflects the important role universities can play in advancing national development priorities.”
A central component of the partnership is the co-design, co-organization and annual delivery of the Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon, hosted at AUS alongside the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum. The initiative will actively engage students and emerging talent in developing forward-looking solutions that address real-world opportunities and challenges shaping the tourism sector.
The agreement also seeks to advance education and knowledge creation in destination marketing and tourism management through meaningful, high-impact collaborations that contribute to the long-term development of the tourism sector in Sharjah and the UAE.
In addition, the MoU establishes a framework for further collaboration in areas aligned with the priorities of both institutions, including executive education and professional development, research collaboration, student engagement initiatives, industry immersion opportunities and knowledge exchange platforms.
Through partnerships with government, industry and the community, AUS continues to expand its contribution to education, research and innovation in areas of strategic relevance to the UAE. Its collaboration with SCTDA reflects this commitment by creating new opportunities that connect academic excellence with sector needs.
For more information about AUS, visit www.aus.edu.
For more information about SCTDA, visit: www.sharjahtourism.ae
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