Dubai - MENA Herald: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, visited one of the UK’s most respected universities on Monday, touring the institution’s rich educational grounds, which combines pioneering research with a modern seat of learning. The journey to the University of Surrey in South East England included meeting several key members of the faculty and provided an introduction to its learning methods, based on experimentation, practice and education.
The university, which specialises in science, engineering, medicine and business, has a world-class profile and global reputation for academic excellence in teaching as well as performing arts and creativity.
In recognising the English university’s achievements and ambitions, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi said that knowledge and creativity in Sharjah is also the key to nurturing new generations and strengthening their artistic and academic potential. He added that the emirate is opening up new channels of communication with research institutions worldwide to exchange experiences and expertise to support young talent.
“Literature and art are essential to cross-cultural dialogue, which must be nurtured in younger generations both academically and professionally. This ensures that different populations from different societies can share common interests, helping them to co-exist in a more stable and secure environment,” Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi said.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi was accompanied by Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of Sharjah Art Foundation, Dr. Amr Abdul Hamid, Director of Sharjah Research Academy and Eng. Ali Shahin Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Department of Public Works in Sharjah.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi and the university administration discussed opportunities to develop programmes and joint initiatives to enhance the academic and artistic visions of Sharjah Art Academy. His Highness announced the establishment of the academy last month at the end of Sharjah Theatrical Days 2017 with a view to providing education and training for lovers of theatre and visual arts to drive the creative movement in the Arab world.
His Highness The Ruler of Sharjah toured various facilities within the university campus where he was briefed about the programmes offered by the Ivy Arts Centre, a modern performing arts hub which provides opportunities for theatre, film and live music.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi showcased the goals of the Sharjah Art Foundation and highlighted the forums and events it hosts to reinforce the artistic movement in the region, with a focus on the Sharjah Biennial, the March Meeting and a number of annual exhibitions.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi was received upon arrival at the university by Professor Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Kearney, Provost and Executive Vice-President, Sean McNamara, Head of the Guildford School of Acting, Professor Vince Emery, Senior Vice-President (Global Strategy and Engagement), Lucy Evans, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Manager, and Ashley Herman, Chair of the GSA Advisory Board.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi was briefed on academic programmes and educational plans pursued by the university to further its research and educational system. Aside from performing arts, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses including hospitality, finance, tourism, trade, marketing, healthcare management and MBA degrees, in addition to a wider range of programmes on administration and business management.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi discussed how the Sharjah Art Academy can benefit from the University of Surrey's pioneering work in creative arts, while offering such a distinguished range of academic programmes designed to provide the highest quality education to its students.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah praised the university's internationally acclaimed reputation as a leading institution for academic excellence. The university's roots go back to the Battersea Polytechnic Institute, which was founded in 1891 to provide higher education to London's poorer classes. The university gained its status as a university after receiving the Royal Charter on September 9, 1966.
