University of Sharjah Inaugurates Key International Conference on Intellectual Security in Social Media

The University of Sharjah (UOS), a leading higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has launched a significant international conference titled "Safeguarding Intellectual Security in Social Media from the Perspective of Islamic Sciences and the Humanities." Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University, the event kicked off on April 11, 2026. Organized by the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies through its Forum for Intellectual Security in Islam, the conference brings together academics, researchers, and specialists from the UAE and beyond to tackle pressing challenges posed by social media platforms.

This gathering underscores UOS's commitment to addressing contemporary societal issues through scholarly discourse, particularly in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. With social media influencing millions daily, the conference emphasizes the need for intellectual fortification, drawing on Islamic jurisprudence, humanities, law, education, and media studies to foster evidence-based strategies.

Chancellor's Vision: Praising UAE's Pioneering Digital Regulation Efforts

Opening the conference, UOS Chancellor Professor Esameldin Agamy commended the UAE's forward-thinking approach to digital governance. He highlighted the nation's legislative advancements in regulating digital content, which promote moderation, responsible online discourse, and the preservation of societal values and stability. "The UAE's pioneering experience in this field guides our discussions today," Agamy stated, noting how these measures protect young minds from extremist ideologies and misinformation.

Agamy stressed that intellectual security is as crucial as physical security in the modern era, especially with social media's pervasive reach. The conference aligns with Sharjah's vision under Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, positioning UOS as a hub for initiatives that blend tradition with technological adaptation.

Core Themes and Specialized Sessions Explored

The conference featured five specialized sessions conducted remotely via Zoom, allowing broad participation. Session one delved into challenges from intellectual content on social media, ethical and jurisprudential boundaries, and the role of religious discourse in digital spaces. Participants discussed verifying content to counter doubt and misconceptions.

Later sessions covered mechanisms for safeguarding intellectual security, standards for knowledge reception, Islamic frameworks like Prophetic traditions (Sunnah) for awareness, and the "jurisprudence of consequences" for doctrinal discussions online. A key focus was responsible digital navigation using concepts like gradual approximation toward correctness, alongside comparative experiences from Arab and Islamic countries, spotlighting the UAE model.

Dean Prof. Kotb Rissouni and Forum Director Dr. Abdulrahman Abdul Latif emphasized preventive measures, such as academic programs promoting moderation and family roles in intellectual resilience. The closing session presented recommendations for institutional collaboration.

UAE's Recent Advances in Digital Content Regulation

The UAE has made strides in digital regulation, particularly highlighted at the conference. In January 2026, Federal Decree-Law on Child Digital Safety was enacted, mandating platforms and internet service providers (ISPs) to protect minors from harmful content, with a one-year compliance grace period ending January 2027. This extraterritorial law requires age verification, content filtering, and reporting mechanisms.

From February 1, 2026, the UAE Media Council introduced mandatory Advertiser Permits for influencers and digital creators publishing promotional content. This targets sponsored posts, brand collaborations, and even gifted products, with fines up to AED 1 million for non-compliance. These measures formalize influencer licensing under a comprehensive media overhaul, the first in over 40 years.UAE Media Council licensing

Such regulations promote ethical content creation, combat misinformation, and align with Islamic values of moderation, as discussed by conference experts.

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Implications for Higher Education in the UAE

For UAE universities like UOS, the conference signals a push toward integrating digital ethics into curricula. Institutions are urged to develop programs on media literacy, AI-driven content verification, and jurisprudential analysis of online discourse. This responds to social media's influence on students, where exposure to unverified information can shape values and ideologies.

UOS's College of Sharia and Islamic Studies exemplifies this through its Forum, fostering research on intellectual security. Similar initiatives at other UAE universities, such as UAE University (UAEU) and American University of Sharjah (AUS), could expand, preparing graduates for regulated digital professions.

Expert Perspectives and Stakeholder Views

Experts like Dr. Abdulrahman Abdul Latif described intellectual security as a "civilizational necessity," warning of social media's risks in spreading deviation. Prof. Rissouni advocated for verifying content and countering extremism via education. International participants shared comparative insights, praising UAE's balanced approach that combines technology with cultural preservation.

Stakeholders from education, media, and religious sectors called for family involvement and institutional partnerships. This multi-perspective dialogue highlights how UAE universities lead in addressing global digital challenges locally.

Challenges and Solutions in Digital Discourse

• Rapid spread of misinformation and extremist narratives on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
• Youth vulnerability, with studies showing high social media usage among UAE teens influencing attitudes.
• Lack of standardized verification tools tailored to Arabic content.

Solutions proposed include AI for fact-checking, jurisprudential guidelines for influencers, and university-led awareness campaigns. The UAE's advertiser permit exemplifies proactive regulation, requiring transparency in promotions.

Future Outlook: Recommendations and University Role

Conference recommendations urge deeper integration of educational, media, and religious institutions for digital awareness strategies. UOS plans to expand its Forum's programs, potentially influencing national policy. As UAE advances toward Vision 2031, universities will play pivotal roles in cultivating digitally responsible citizens.

Looking ahead, expect more collaborations, research papers, and curricula reforms. For UAE higher education, this positions institutions like UOS at the forefront of intellectual security amid digital transformation.

In a region where digital penetration exceeds 99%, such initiatives ensure sustainable societal stability.University of Sharjah official site

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UOS's Broader Contributions to Digital and Islamic Studies

Beyond this conference, UOS hosts events like the Sharjah International Conference on AI and Arabic Language, reinforcing its leadership in digital humanities. The College of Communication's metaverse workshops at Xposure 2026 further blend innovation with cultural safeguarding. These efforts prepare students for careers in regulated media sectors, aligning with UAE's economic diversification.