His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, recently praised the efforts of the University of Al Dhaid’s Board of Trustees during a meeting focused on the university’s expansion plans. He acknowledged the achievements made by the board in recent times and emphasized the importance of comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Sheikh Dr Sultan noted that while many institutions begin projects in agricultural science and food security, they often struggle due to inadequate facilities that hinder practical learning. Students frequently find themselves receiving only theoretical education and must seek practical experience abroad. He highlighted that the University of Al Dhaid is equipped with the necessary resources, including specialized colleges and programs like the College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine, along with essential facilities such as laboratories, farms, and animal pens.

The President of the University of Al Dhaid stated that these initiatives have significantly contributed to the availability of organic products in the markets, which are free from artificial substances and chemicals. Notable examples of these products include Mleiha dairy, GHERAS products, and Sabaa Sanabel wheat. Sheikh Dr Sultan expressed pride in the fact that these organic products are sourced from the United Arab Emirates, particularly the Emirate of Sharjah.

Additionally, Sheikh Dr Sultan shared that he began collecting seeds in 1973 and has since established a seed bank that houses approximately 5 million seeds, including those from extinct plant species in the region. He announced that the seed bank will be relocated to the University of Al Dhaid to enhance scientific research and improve the practical training of agriculture students.

During the Board of Trustees meeting, plans were approved for the establishment of two new colleges: the College of Computing and Intelligent Systems and the College of Environmental Sciences. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for modern specializations that align with labor market needs and support sustainable development and artificial intelligence initiatives.

Moreover, the board approved a dual degree program in Sustainable Agriculture in collaboration with the Royal Agricultural College in the UK. This program is intended to prepare qualified personnel in food security and modern agricultural practices.

The meeting also included the approval of various reports from the financial, academic, internal audit, compliance, and resource development committees. These reports reflect the board’s activities over the past period and included discussions on the progress of educational, research, and administrative processes at the university.

Dr Aisha Abu Shlaibi, the Chancellor of the University of Al Dhaid, provided an executive summary of the university’s activities and achievements for the academic year 2024-2025. This summary highlighted ongoing work and significant results that align with the university’s goals and aspirations.

After the meeting, Sheikh Dr Sultan visited the student lounges designed for both male and female students. There, he engaged with female students and learned about the lounges’ features, which accommodate 100 individuals each and include a café offering snacks and beverages.

Furthermore, Sheikh Dr Sultan reviewed the ongoing expansion plans for various university projects, including veterinary laboratories, sports fields, gymnasiums, an experimental farm, and shelters designed for students in agricultural and animal specialties. He also explored service facilities that enhance the student experience at the university.

The President of the University of Al Dhaid visited the Sharjah Products Exhibition at the university, which showcased products from Jabal Al-Deem, including Taeif roses, Muhammadi roses, honey, olives, apples, thyme, and rosemary. He also viewed offerings from the Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Production EST (Ektifa), including GHERAS products like vegetables, fruits, jams, and natural sauces, as well as FILI poultry and Saba Sanabel baked goods.

Following the meeting, Sheikh Dr Sultan hosted a lunch for the University of Al Dhaid Board of Trustees members, featuring local delicacies such as veal from Mleiha cattle farm, cheeses from a goat farm, poultry from Fili farm, and bread and wheat porridge made from local wheat farms.

The meeting, held at the university’s headquarters, was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr Eng. Khalifa Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, and Dr Peter McCaffrey, Director of the Royal Agricultural College in the UK, among others.