Approvals include two new graduate programs, research initiatives and plans to advance campus development
Sharjah, UAE, 27 October 2026 — Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Chairperson of its Board of Trustees, chaired the Board of Trustees meeting held on campus on October 21. The board approved a series of resolutions to expand graduate education, strengthen the university’s research enterprise and advance strategic institutional priorities.
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: “AUS is entering the next chapter with a clear strategic direction and growing international recognition. Our responsibility as a Board is to build on this momentum with focus and a commitment to measurable progress. We’ve taken these decisions through a determination to expand educational opportunities, strengthen research and innovation, and ensure AUS continues to respond to the evolving needs of our students, economy and society.”
Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, said the decisions bring together academic development, research capacity and long-term planning.
“The board’s decisions advance a connected set of priorities: preparing experienced professionals to lead in a changing business environment, building research capacity in fields with growing regional importance and aligning our centers and institutional priorities with AUS’ academic mission. Together, these steps strengthen the university’s ability to educate future leaders, generate knowledge and contribute to the UAE’s development. Our focus is now on translating these approvals into programs and initiatives with clear purpose and enduring value,” he said.
The board approved the launch of two graduate programs in Fall 2027: the Executive Master of Business Administration, designed to meet growing demand for executive education and develop strategic, ethical business leaders; and the Master of Science in Luxury Marketing and Management, which will prepare professionals for the GCC’s luxury sector through interdisciplinary, applied learning.
To strengthen the university’s research capacity, the board approved the establishment of the Center for Geospatial Intelligence, under the leadership of Dr. Hosni Ghedira, Professor of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences. The center will apply artificial intelligence to geospatial data. The board also approved renaming the Artificial Intelligence, Smart Infrastructure and Robotics Research Center as the AI, Robotics and Connected Infrastructure Research Center, with Dr. Umit Cali, Professor of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, as its Director.
The Financial Markets and Banking Academy, housed within the AUS School of Business Administration, will become the Financial Markets and Banking Center of Excellence, reflecting its wider mandate in financial markets and banking. The Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Development will take the name Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with Dr. Jay Squalli, Professor of Economics, School of Business Administration, as its Director. The new name more closely reflects the center’s scope and mission. The board also approved renaming the Advanced Biosciences and Bioengineering Research Center as the Center for Biomedical Innovations, with Dr. Majid Warkiani, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, as its Director.
As part of its campus development plans, the board approved the further development of AUS residential halls. Female Hall D (Block D) has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, including upgrades to its rooms, common areas, IT infrastructure and building systems.
The AUS Board of Trustees provides oversight of the university’s strategic direction, governance and long-term institutional development. Through its decisions, the board supports AUS’ academic mission, research priorities and contribution to Sharjah and the UAE.
For more information on AUS and its strategic initiatives, visit www.aus.edu.
