THE WAND OF WISDOM WIELDED
The global principles of Islam are being put to great use to ensure that students from around the world have access to a first-rate cosmopolitan education.
BIOGRAPHY
Rashad Mohamed Salem has been the Chancellor of Al Qasimia University since 2014. Before this, he worked at the University of Sharjah from 1997 to 2004 and at Al Azhar University from 1972 to 1992 in numerous different positions. Salem has an extensive education and is involved in a number of scientific and professional societies, including the Association for the Protection of the Arabic Language, the Arabic Language Association, and the Egyptian Linguistics Society.How would you assess the progression of the university in recent years?
A major development of Al Qasimia University was moving away from the paper to the electronic world. Many advanced educational methods have been introduced, and theoretical education has been replaced by practical education. The university also began taking its students to field forums to gain practical experience in ministries, courts, police stations, and many other bodies.
What is the university's mission?
The university's mission focuses on educating and graduating students in an Islamic environment and have them return to their countries and show people that Islam is a religion of love, tolerance, and moderation, not one of hatred or aggression. Al Qasimia Islamic University urges the teaching of Islamic principles and the graduation of students who know the real Islam, which is far from terrorism and violence. We respect everyone and all other religions. We must accept all individuals from all religions all over the world because Islam calls for ethics in dealing with people.
What benefits does a student receive from studying in Sharjah?
One of the biggest challenges facing Al Qasimia University is assimilating its multinational students and various cultures into mainstream society. As such, the university decided to help integrate them into our culture and customs by encouraging them to go out twice a week once to UAE tourist attractions and once a week to shopping centers. We hold training courses to introduce students to the customs of UAE society and how to interact with a culture different from their own without feeling alienated. Al Qasimia University is a full scholarship university. All university supplies are free for all students, including registration fees, stationery, books, and even tickets. Distinguished students in all fields are given great attention and can be sent abroad at no cost.
The university maintains a close connection with both the public and private sectors. What new courses or further extensions are being planned?
His Highness' vision is extended globally through exhibitions, lectures, poetry houses, mosques, and universities, all of which strengthen the scientific and cultural aspects of the UAE in general and Sharjah in particular. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah's vision has transformed the Emirate itself. His Highness is keen on science and culture and has established many monuments, including the University of Sharjah, Al Qasimia University, the American University of Sharjah, the Police Academy, Technical College, Skyline College, Heritage Institute, and the Academy of Performing Arts. In addition, he has founded the institute of Arabic language and the Holy Quran Complex, as well as established many exhibitions, festivals, and museums, in addition to local and international cultural events that will raise the global profile of Sharjah.
How does the university offer opportunities to foreign students?
Al Qasimia University relates to universities worldwide, and we organize an annual competition for the Holy Quran that involves about 50 countries. Such competitions are a form of partnership between universities; we do not rely only on Sharjah, but also go abroad influenced by the vision of His Highness. There will soon be another competition in Arabic. Today, we have students from 70 countries. Registration is done through the website and the university itself. We also reach out to ambassadors to meet with the students from their countries and speak to them about their problems. New foreign students are assisted in learning Arabic by taking courses for six months to a year. University graduates are then contacted by the Union of Graduate Students in case they want to complete a master's degree.
What have been the university's most important collaborations and joint projects at the international level?
There is cooperation between Al Qasimia University and other universities. Currently, an agreement is being concluded with a university in Saudi Arabia. We have also concluded scientific agreements with universities in Malaysia, Al-Azhar University in Egypt, and others to exchange best practices, especially those that have the same vision as Al Qasimia University.
THE WAND OF WISDOM WIELDED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is encouraging firms to undergo “smart transformation" when digitalizing their operations or introducing Industry 4.0 technologies.
read articleSpotlight Feature
Making a Difference
Sharjah has long been a pioneer in the fields of culture and education since the beginning of the UAE. Thanks to His Highness' continued focus on culture, there has been an ongoing effort to focus on educating the youth and families, encouraging greater interest in the arts, fostering social harmony, appreciating diversity, and nurturing a more mindful generation.
read articleGuest Speaker
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka , Under-Secretary-General , UN & Executive Director of UN Women
Freeing women from the fear of domestic violence and opening up opportunities for them in business is not just about doing the right thing, but also serves as a potent formula for economic growth.
read articleInterview
Taher Abu Laila , Senior Director of Northern Emirates, Consolidated Engineering Company Khatib & Alami (K&A)
The concept of smart cities is yet to be fully realized, but K&A is pioneering the adoption of digital services and working with the public sector to move toward a smarter future in an organized way.
read articleFocus: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park
A Walk in the Park
Working toward becoming an information economy, the UAE is cashing in on the high-tech dividend, and homing in on the Emirate of Sharjah, kudos goes to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation (SRTI) Park.
read articleInterview
Abdulla Ali Al Mahyan , Chairman, Sharjah Health Authority & Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC)
The digital revolution underway in the healthcare sector has not skipped over Sharjah, affecting everything from patient records and software-enabled diagnostic systems to telehealth, robotic surgery, and e-pharmacy.
read articleInterview
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa , Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)
Niche desert lodges, water parks, huge new infrastructure projects, and a world-class architectural restoration project are but a few of the things putting Sharjah on the global tourism map.
read article