The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) marks a significant milestone in the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) higher education landscape. Signed on February 19, 2026, this partnership aims to foster joint research efforts, promote digital transformation, and elevate Arabic language initiatives, aligning perfectly with the UAE's vision for a knowledge-based economy. By bridging academic rigor with practical knowledge platforms, AUS and MBRF are poised to drive innovation that benefits students, researchers, and the broader community in Sharjah and beyond.

The Signing Ceremony: Forging a Strategic Alliance

The MoU was formally signed by AUS Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen and MBRF Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb. This event underscores a shared commitment to national priorities, as highlighted by Dr. Laursen, who noted that the agreement connects 'rigorous research with real-world platforms for knowledge creation, sharing, and application.' HE bin Huwaireb echoed this sentiment, describing the partnership as a 'strategic platform for impactful collaboration' to accelerate scientific research and build a prosperous knowledge economy.

This alliance is not isolated; it builds on MBRF's history of partnerships with UAE universities, such as the recent MoU with American University in Dubai (AUD), reflecting a broader ecosystem approach to knowledge advancement.

Profiles of AUS and MBRF: Leaders in Higher Education and Knowledge

The American University of Sharjah (AUS), a premier private institution in the UAE, is renowned for its research excellence, with centers like the Artificial Intelligence, Smart Infrastructure and Robotics Research Center (AISIR RC) and the Energy, Water and Sustainable Environment Research Center (EWSERC). AUS researchers have been recognized in the Stanford–Elsevier top 2% scientists list, and the university holds US patents in infrastructure technologies. Its commitment to multidisciplinary research positions it ideally for this collaboration.

MBRF, established to promote knowledge and innovation, produces the Global Knowledge Index (GKI), where the UAE ranked first among Arab nations in 2025 with a score of 60.9, placing 26th globally. Through initiatives like the Digital Knowledge Hub and Bil Arabi, MBRF advances digital Arabic content and lifelong learning, reaching users from 171 countries.

Explore higher education jobs at leading UAE universities like AUS to join such innovative environments.

Key Pillars of the AUS-MBRF Research Partnership

The MoU outlines collaboration across several domains:

• Knowledge Management: Joint projects, publications, and scholarly exchanges.
• Digital Transformation: Linking AUS libraries with MBRF's Digital Knowledge Hub for AI-enabled dissemination.
• Sustainability and Future Foresight: Research initiatives addressing UAE priorities.
• Arabic Language: Digital archives with automatic text recognition capabilities.

These pillars support capacity building through workshops and training for AUS faculty and MBRF partners.

Driving Digital Transformation in UAE Higher Education

Digital transformation is central to the partnership, with focus on AI's role in knowledge dissemination. AUS's AISIR RC excels in machine learning and smart infrastructure, complementing MBRF's Digital Knowledge Hub, which boasts 1 million annual visits. This aligns with UAE's national AI strategy, where MoHESR partners with Microsoft on AI agents for education.

The UAE leads Arab rankings in QS 2026 with 9 universities in the top 25, driven by such tech integrations. For career advice on AI roles in UAE HE, visit higher ed career advice.

Joint efforts will develop Arabic text recognition, enhancing digital accessibility. Read more in the AUS announcement.

Preserving and Innovating Arabic Language Scholarship

A core focus is elevating Arabic through digital archives and symposiums. MBRF's Bil Arabi initiative, a global Arabic content platform, synergizes with AUS's efforts. This addresses the need for Arabic in AI and digital humanities, as UAE invests in AI for Arabic NLP.

The partnership will host national forums on Arabic's future, fostering scholarship amid UAE's cultural preservation goals.

The Strategic Role of AUS's CASIC

The Center for Arab Studies and Islamic Civilizations (CASIC) at AUS will lead cultural research, offering perspectives on Arab heritage, history, and arts. CASIC complements Western views, aligning with MoU goals for joint outputs on Islamic civilizations. Recent events like symposia on digital humanities bolster this.

Contributing to UAE's Thriving Knowledge Economy

The UAE's GKI leadership reflects robust HE investments, with research output surging. Partnerships like AUS-MBRF amplify this, supporting 50% GER target by 2030. Sustainability research via EWSERC addresses UAE challenges.

Source: QS Rankings. Check UAE university jobs for opportunities.

Upcoming Initiatives: From Workshops to Scholarships

Planned activities include workshops, conferences on innovation, student scholarships, and executive training. Community programs will promote reading and science, linking academia with society.

Opportunities for Students and Researchers

For students, this means access to MBRF resources and joint projects; researchers gain publication avenues. AUS's new MS in Data Analytics enhances digital skills. Explore rate my professor for AUS faculty insights.

Stakeholder Views and Regional Impact

Leaders praise the MoU for empowering institutions. It positions UAE HE as a regional leader, inspiring similar collaborations.

Photo by Daniil Komov on Unsplash

A Vision for the Future of UAE Research Collaboration

This AUS-MBRF partnership exemplifies proactive steps toward a knowledge-driven UAE. Interested in faculty positions? Visit higher ed faculty jobs, higher ed jobs, university jobs, or higher ed career advice. As UAE universities climb global ranks, such alliances ensure sustained excellence.