AUS and MBRF partner to advance research collaboration, digital transformation and Arabic language initiatives

Sharjah, UAE, 19th February 2026 — American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) to strengthen collaboration in research, knowledge exchange, capacity building, community engagement and professional development. The partnership supports the UAE's knowledge economy and advances Arabic as a language of scholarship and innovation.

The collaboration will be advanced through the Center for Arab Studies and Islamic Civilizations (CASIC) at AUS, reflecting the center's role in fostering research and partnerships that deepen understanding of Arab and Islamic civilizations and their contemporary knowledge contributions.

"This MoU reflects a shared national priority: building a knowledge-driven future by connecting rigorous research with real-world platforms that shape how knowledge is created, shared and applied," said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. "Through CASIC and our wider academic community, AUS is proud to collaborate with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation to advance research in areas such as digital transformation and AI-enabled knowledge dissemination, while also

strengthening the role of Arabic as a language of scholarship and innovation. This partnership creates a strong pathway for joint publications, student engagement and public-facing programs that contribute meaningfully to the UAE's knowledge economy."

Under the agreement, AUS and MBRF will pursue joint academic and research initiatives in areas of mutual interest including knowledge management, digital transformation, sustainability, future foresight and the role of artificial intelligence in knowledge dissemination, alongside efforts that support the preservation and development of Arabic in digital and scholarly contexts. The MoU also enables joint academic projects and joint publications and outputs, as well as knowledge dialogues and scholarly exchange opportunities.

Commenting on the MoU, His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: "We are pleased to sign this MoU with AUS, a move that reinforces our commitment to advancing knowledge production, developing its pathways and supporting the relevant scientific and academic institutions. We believe that investing in people is the ultimate investment in the future, and that sustainable development begins within the classrooms. We see this agreement as a gateway and strategic platform for impactful collaboration, launching innovative programs, initiatives and events that accelerate scientific research and driving a prosperous, knowledge-driven economy. We see this agreement as a broad gateway to an inspiring and effective partnership, and a distinguished platform for launching programs, events and initiatives aimed at enabling scientific research and building a prosperous economy based on knowledge and innovation."

The MoU strengthens connectivity between AUS knowledge resources and MBRF platforms by linking AUS library and research networks with MBRF's Digital Knowledge Hub and publications. It also includes collaboration to build and enrich digital Arabic language archives, including capabilities that enable automatic recognition of Arabic text, and workshops that help AUS faculty and students benefit from MBRF knowledge resources.

The MoU emphasizes community engagement through initiatives that promote a culture of reading, science and lifelong learning, and through conferences, forums and knowledge dialogues focused on innovation, sustainability and cultural development.

It also explores scholarships for outstanding students and supports periodic national-level symposiums in the UAE to strengthen dialogue on the Arabic language and its future.

Additionally, AUS and MBRF will explore executive and professional training offerings designed by AUS for MBRF employees and partners.

By advancing this collaboration through CASIC, AUS is positioning research and cultural scholarship alongside applied knowledge initiatives that engage students, educators and the wider community. CASIC's focus on Arabic language, heritage, history, arts and the cultures of the Arab and Islamic worlds aligns closely with the MoU's emphasis on knowledge dissemination, digital archives and strengthening Arabic in contemporary academic and public life. For more on AUS research centers,