Ruler of Sharjah Appoints New Members to Kalbaa University's Board of Trustees

Sharjah Ruler Strengthens Kalba University Leadership with Strategic Academic Appointments

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and President of Kalba University, has appointed two prominent academics to the university's Board of Trustees, signaling a strategic push to elevate the institution's academic profile in space sciences and medical education. The appointments reflect the UAE's broader commitment to building world-class higher education institutions as part of its knowledge economy transformation.

New Board Members Bring Specialized Expertise

The decree adds Dr. Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi, Advisor to the President of the University of Sharjah and Director of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy and Space Sciences, alongside Dr. Farah Abdul Qader Naja, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Sharjah's College of Medicine, to Kalba University's first-term Board of Trustees.

Space Sciences Leadership

Dr. Al Nuaimi's appointment is particularly significant given the UAE's ambitious space program, which has achieved remarkable milestones including the successful Mars mission and plans for lunar exploration. His dual role as space academy director positions Kalba University to potentially develop specialized programs aligned with the nation's space sector priorities, creating pathways for students into high-growth industries.

Medical Education Enhancement

Dr. Naja's expertise in nutritional sciences addresses a critical gap in regional healthcare education. As the UAE grapples with rising lifestyle-related health challenges, her involvement suggests Kalba University may develop programs focusing on preventive medicine and public health nutrition—areas with significant career prospects in the Gulf region's evolving healthcare landscape.

Strategic Positioning in UAE's Education Ecosystem

This governance expansion reflects a calculated approach to university development that mirrors successful models in Singapore and South Korea, where strategic academic appointments have helped newer institutions rapidly gain credibility and attract top-tier faculty and students.

The appointments also demonstrate how UAE emirates are leveraging cross-institutional expertise to strengthen their educational offerings. By drawing talent from the established University of Sharjah, Kalba University gains immediate access to proven academic leadership while maintaining its distinct institutional identity.

Implications for Students and Stakeholders

For prospective students, these appointments signal enhanced program quality and industry connections, particularly in STEM fields where the UAE seeks to reduce reliance on foreign expertise. The space sciences connection could position graduates for roles in the UAE Space Agency or private sector aerospace companies establishing regional operations.

From an investment perspective, the strengthened governance structure makes Kalba University a more attractive partner for international collaborations and research funding, potentially accelerating its development timeline and regional competitiveness.