Sharjah Ruler issues law regulating UAS

Legal status and headquarters

The decree stipulates that the university shall be a non-profit Arab academic institution with legal personality and the necessary legal capacity to achieve its objectives and exercise its functions. It shall have financial and administrative independence and shall be owned by the government.

The university’s main campus shall be located in Sharjah City, and the president may, by decree, establish branches within or outside the Emirate.

University leadership

The law stipulates that the university shall be headed by a president appointed by an Emiri decree, who shall also serve as the head of the board. The president may delegate all or some of his powers within the board to other board members.

Objectives of the university

The law outlines the university’s objectives, which include developing a supportive and stimulating educational environment that fosters free and responsible creativity, while preparing graduates to join the creative industries locally and globally. It also aims to develop the artistic, creative, and intellectual capabilities of students, achieve balanced student growth, and develop their personalities in the approved arts fields.

The university further seeks to prepare qualified technical professionals capable of contributing to cultural development and creative industries, while strengthening scientific and practical relationships and exchanging artistic and cultural expertise and knowledge with local and international institutions that share similar academic goals and experiences.

Powers and responsibilities

In pursuit of its objectives, the university shall develop the necessary policies, strategies, and general plans for offering academic and training programmes in the approved arts fields. It shall also develop academic and training programmes aligned with its objectives and take all necessary measures to obtain the required approvals and accreditations for each programme from the relevant national authority when needed.

The university may sign memoranda of understanding with international universities, academies, and higher education institutions to support academic programmes in the approved arts fields. It shall also provide professional and training programmes for all age groups to support talents and hobbies in the approved arts fields, while preparing and qualifying researchers in those disciplines.

The university is also authorised to organise activities, events, and performances in the approved arts fields in coordination with the relevant authorities, and contribute to community service and engagement through partnerships with the governmental, semi-governmental, and private sectors. In addition, it may undertake any other tasks or responsibilities assigned to it by the president.

Administrative structure

According to the decree, the university shall be managed by the Board of Trustees, the University Chancellor, and the Directors of the Academies, each within their respective areas of competence, in accordance with the provisions of the decree-law and its implementing regulations.

The implementing regulations govern the tasks and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, the University Chancellor, and the Directors of the Academies.

Academic degrees and language of instruction

The law stipulates that the university shall award academic, professional, and honorary degrees to those who qualify, in accordance with the provisions of the law and the regulations issued thereunder.

According to the decree, instruction at the university shall be conducted in Arabic and English, depending on the nature of the approved academic programmes. The Board may adopt other languages for instruction or training if required by the nature of certain approved academic programmes.

Additional legal provisions

The decree also includes a number of legal articles relating to financial resources, the general budget, the fiscal year, executive regulations, enforcement and publication, as well as other legal provisions.