Khorfakkan: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, chaired the Board of Trustees meeting at the Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA) headquarters in Khorfakkan. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan highlighted the academy’s achievements, acknowledging that it now stands on par with leading maritime academies globally.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Ruler of Sharjah attributed this success to the collective efforts of the Board of Trustees, the academy’s chancellor, faculty, administrative staff, and students. He emphasized that their dedication and teamwork have enabled the academy to overcome challenges and progress towards excellence. Sheikh Dr. Sultan stressed his personal involvement in monitoring developments in Khorfakkan, particularly in academics, which has reflected positively on the students’ accomplishments.
The meeting addressed various agenda items, including reports on academic programme development and collaboration with other institutions. The Board approved the academy’s budget for the 2025-2026 academic year and postgraduate regulations in maritime specialisations, reinforcing Sharjah’s higher maritime education system.
A report by Dr Hashim Abdullah bin Sarhan Al Zaabi, Chancellor of SMA, provided a comprehensive review of the academy’s recent performance and future plans. Discussions also focused on international accreditations, curriculum development, and practical training aligned with global standards, enhancing opportunities for students and graduates.
Agreements with international maritime academies for expertise exchange and collaboration were also discussed. Reports from various committees, including Academic, Finance, Compliance, and Financial Resource Development, were reviewed, and necessary decisions were made.
The meeting saw attendance from prominent figures, including Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Engineer Ali Saeed bin Shaheen Al Suwaidi, Dr Mansour bin Nassar, Dr Salah Buti Al Muhairi, Dr Aisha Mohammed Bukhatir Al Shamsi, Dr Hashim Abdullah bin Sarhan Al Zaabi, Dr Ali Abdullah Al Naqbi, Dr Saif Khamis Al Naqbi, Abdullah Hamad Al Owais, Salem Mohammed Al Kindi, and Dr Jens Schroder Hinrichs.