Sharjah Resources and Khorfakkan University Collaborate on Strategic Coordination Meeting

Sharjah Accelerates University Workforce Planning as UAE Higher Education Sector Expands

The Sharjah Human Resources Department has initiated strategic workforce planning discussions with Khor Fakkan University, signaling the emirate's commitment to building academic capacity amid the UAE's broader push to establish itself as a regional education hub. The coordination meeting reflects growing demand for qualified personnel as the country's higher education sector continues its rapid expansion.

Strategic Meeting Brings Together Key Education Stakeholders

The coordination session brought together senior officials from both institutions, including Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Executive Council member for Sharjah and head of the Human Resources Department, and Professor Dr. Ali Hilal Al Naqbi, Director of Khor Fakkan University. The meeting focused on identifying future staffing requirements across both academic and administrative functions.

Also present were Majed Hamad Al Marri, Director of the Human Resources Department, Sheikha Al Naqbi, Deputy Director for Financial and Administrative Affairs at Khor Fakkan University, and Mohammed Salem Al Kindi, Director of Human Resources at the university.

Workforce Development Aligns with National Priorities

The discussions centered on developing frameworks to accommodate necessary personnel and enhance human competencies to meet the university's evolving needs. This initiative directly supports Sharjah government's broader strategy of strengthening national workforce capabilities while ensuring academic and administrative operations meet international standards.

Part of UAE's Education Transformation

This workforce planning exercise comes as the UAE positions itself as a major education destination in the Middle East. The country has been investing heavily in university infrastructure and faculty development, competing with established education hubs like Singapore and attempting to attract both regional and international students.

Khor Fakkan University's expansion plans reflect similar patterns seen across UAE institutions, where rapid growth in student enrollment has created pressing needs for qualified academic staff. The university serves the eastern coast of the UAE, an area experiencing significant economic and population growth.

Implications for Regional Education Market

The proactive approach to workforce planning suggests Sharjah is preparing for substantial growth in its higher education sector. This mirrors strategies employed by other Gulf states, particularly Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which have invested billions in university development as part of economic diversification efforts.

For the broader UAE education market, this coordination between government human resources departments and universities indicates a systematic approach to talent acquisition that could help institutions avoid the staffing shortages that have historically plagued rapid expansion in the region.

The emphasis on supporting national workforce development also aligns with UAE Vision 2071's goals of creating a knowledge-based economy, where local talent plays an increasingly important role in academic institutions traditionally dominated by expatriate faculty.