University of Sharjah to open first offshore campus in Egypt

CAIRO - 8 May 2024: Establishing the first offshore campus of UAE’s Sharjah University in Egypt would enhance the position of the two countries on the map of international higher education, Egyptian minister of higher education said Wednesday.

Minister Ayman Ashour said in a meeting with a delegation from the University of Sharjah that it is one of the distinguished universities in the Arab region, and has accumulated experience in the fields of education and scientific research.

He added that it is a modern model in international partnerships and skills education, which goes in line with Egypt’s educational vision in linking Egyptian researchers to and partnering with international universities. 

Such partnerships with global reputation would provide excellent educational opportunities for Egyptian and Arab students without having to travel abroad, and enrich Egyptian higher education scientific specializations and innovative interface needed by the Egyptian, Arab, and international labor market.

The Egyptian vision also includes being a hub for Arab and international students seeking exceptional university education where they could experience rich cultural exchanges. 

Ashour explained that Egypt is building the first international student city in the New Administrative Capital, modeled after the International Student City in Paris, as an important step towards the mentioned goals.

The meeting included UAE Ambassador Maryam Khalifa Al Kaabi, Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, head of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, and Sheikh Dr. Ammar bin Nasser Al Mualla, the UAE Education and Technology Sciences Attaché in Cairo, Dr. Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi, Director of the University of Sharjah.

From the Egyptian side, Dr. Abdel Wahab Ezzat, Secretary of the Council of Private Universities was also present. 

For her part, Al Kaabi praised the brotherly Egyptian-Emirati relations, emphasizing that UAE looks  forward to consolidating this relationship in the field of higher education and scientific research.

Dr. Ammar bin Nasser Al-Mualla said that establishing a branch of the University of Sharjah in Egypt opens a new page for cooperation in the field of higher education. 

He added that Egypt’s high status in the eyes of UAE is reflected in becoming the first country to host an offshore campus of the university.