ABU DHABI, 1st March, 2023 (WAM) — The Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities and the Holy Qur’an Academy in Sharjah have signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership, support academic cooperation, and facilitate knowledge transfer that will mutually boost beneficial initiatives and have a meaningful social impact.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities, and Dr. Khalifa Musabah Al Teneiji, the Head of the Holy Qur’an Academy in Sharjah, in the presence of Dr. Sherzad Abdul Rahman Taher, Secretary-General of the Holy Qur’an Academy in Sharjah, as well as senior officials from both parties.
Among the stipulations of the agreement include the exchange of expertise and experiences, the completion of joint studies and research, sharing of learning resources and databases available to both parties, and the creation of a unified index of scientific and academic references.
Both parties have also agreed to cooperate in terms of sharing logistical and technical services, including educational halls, libraries, e-learning, distance education, scientific, educational and training events as well as for the establishment of cultural and academic activities along with community service projects to enhance national identity, encourage a culture of reading among members of society, provide opportunities for vocational, scientific and human training and knowledge exchange. In addition, the two institutions likewise agreed to conduct exchange programmes for students, faculty members and researchers.
Dr. Al Dhaheri stressed that the strategic partnership will enhance Qur’anic studies and boost the university’s programmes in this field.
He said, “Qur’anic studies is a field of specialisation for the university and through this agreement we hope to enhance our expertise and boost our capabilities further in delivering world-class programmes in this particular field as well as in Islamic Studies, Arabic linguistics, and literature, philosophy, tolerance and the humanities, while at the same time preserving the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan."
In addition, Dr. Al Dhaheri said that both parties have committed to work towards achieving the goals set out by the agreement. “It is the start of a truly strategic cooperation between the two sides, and a model to be followed in the field of scientific, academic and knowledge partnerships. We will spare no effort in ensuring the objectives of the partnership are achieved," he added.
Dr. Al Teneiji stated, “This strategic partnership comes within the framework of our academy to establish relations with scientific and academic institutions, to support research and studies of the Holy Quran, explore its history, and to develop the skills of those interested in working in the fields of Quranic studies and the humanities, whether in the academy or in educational institutions, in order to share the true meaning of the Qur’an and Islamic culture, and help spread the values of tolerance, respect for human rights, moderation and openness to the different cultures of the world.”
The agreement also embodies both parties’ commitment to corporate social responsibility and supports the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, according to Dr. Al Teneiji.
Meanwhile, Dr. Taher emphasised that the agreement is aligned with the Emirate of Sharjah’s aspirations to fully enhance the capabilities of its people, expand their knowledge and enhance the culture of research in the field of Qur’anic studies. In addition, the agreement will serve to highlight the diversity of the academy’s technical and scientific resources as well as its precious and rare collections that make It a distinguished centre for Qur’anic studies and be an excellent partner for educational institutions, as well as the larger community in ensuring sustainable development is achieved, based on a knowledge economy that is on par with international standards.