Sultan approves Dhs100m for research; reviews discoveries
SHARJAH: His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), approved on Tuesday Dhs100 million as a budget for scientific research at AUS for the academic year 2021-2022.
This came during Sheikh Sultan’s meeting with Dr Susan Mumm, new AUS Chancellor, in his office at AUS, in the presence of a number of members of the University’s Board of Trustees and Vice Chancellors.
The Ruler highlighted the importance of scientific research seting as a main goal of the university to encourage its students to innovate and conduct research that contributes to serving humanity.
During the meeting, strategic plans that the university is working on through its teaching and administrative staff, modern facilities and laboratories, and research institutes were addressed.
For her part, Susan Mumm expressed her gratitude for the confidence placed in her in the management of the university, praising the great scientific level and the prestigious position that the university achieved under the directives and vision of Sheikh Sultan.
Separately, Sheikh Sultan was briefed on Tuesday at the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), on the latest important archaeological discoveries in the central region of the Emirate of Sharjah, dating back to the first Abbasid Caliphate (750-833 AD).
Sheikh Sultan listened to a detailed explanation from Dr Sabah Aboud Jasim, SAA Director-general, about the components of the new discoveries, which were discovered during surveys and excavations in the central region of the Emirate of Sharjah.
The new discoveries are evidence of the early Abbasid presence in the region, where a white glazed pottery jar with some green spots was found. Inside it was a treasure of Abbasid dirhams, dating back to the tenth century AD.
The discovered coins represent a large geographical framework according to the role of its minting, being extending from Africa in the west to the Transoxiana region in the east.
The discovered coins are dirhams from the eras of the Caliph Abu Ja’far Al-mansur, Muhammad Al-mahdi, Harun Al-rashid, Muhammad Al Amin and Abdullah Al Ma’mun, and dirhams of madam Zubaidah, as well as penny from the era of Caliph Al-mahdi.
During his tour, Sheikh Sultan was briefed on the iron swords discovered in the archaeological site of Mleiha, dating back to the third - second century BC, which total 32 swords of various shapes.
He was also briefed in the SAA laboratory on an iron key dating back to the Roman period, which is considered one of the important artifacts of the Authority.
SHARJAH: Sharjah Media City ( Shams) is set to participate in the upcoming International Government Communication Forum ( IGCF 2021) as a strategic partner while the event takes place in Sharjah on September 26 and 27.
The Forum offers a prominent plaform for Shams to share its vision for enhancing government communication in Sharjah, the UAE, and the wider region, and its experience in upskilling media professionals and boosting creative industries’ contribution to the national economy.
Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Media City (Shams), said: “Shams is commited to being engaged in all media activities taking place in Sharjah and the UAE, in line with our pioneering role in supporting the media sector, both in the UAE and the region, in addition to promoting the Emirate of Sharjah as a global centre for culture and media.
“We are pleased with our long-term strategic partnership with IGCF and plan to be involved in several of their major events to establish a presence for Shams in this foremost media platform, as well as to play a part in its success.” Al Midfa added. “We look forward to sharing our experience and vision for the future of creative industries, where media will be a driving force.”
Shams will be taking part in the IGCF, sponsoring two expert-led workshops. The first session is titled ‘Podcasting: Atend to Your Audience Anywhere’ and focuses on teaching audio content producers to connect with their audience wherever they may be, coaching them to become podcast influencers by creating appealing audio content, selecting topics that speak to their audience’s interests, and seting sound strategies and effective action plans. The workshop will be conducted by Sky News.
The second workshop on ‘Creating Content for Social Media Platforms’ explores what makes for good content and how interactive material differs from the traditional. It also helps participants figure out who their target audience is and how to utilise their content as a tool to drive development and prosperity for the community. The workshop will be conducted by New Media Academy.