The Ministry of Environment and Water has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American University of Sharjah at the University’s main building. The MOU was signed by H.E Abdel Rahim Mohammed Al Hammadi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Environment & Water and Dr. Björn Kjerfve, University Chancellor, and aims to provide a framework for collaboration in addressing the mutual concerns of both parties in the UAE.

The signing of the MOU is in line with the Ministry’s active efforts to reinforce the strategic partnership with the university and strengthen efforts to promote environmental awareness among university students in order to equip them with the necessary knowledge to provide the UAE with a sustainable future for current and future generations.

Both parties agreed to jointly plan activities for research and development in order to benefit from their experience and resources in water management, agriculture, and cooling systems. They will collaborate on the development of protected agricultural models as well as sustainable irrigation systems for agricultural use. They will also co-develop new systems that integrate the use of renewable energy from solar, wind, kinetic and mechanical sources energy in agricultural operations.

The MOU also includes an agreement to support student training, and student projects, support the training and projects of students as well as their thesis work on key areas of mutual concern for the two parties. In addition, the agreement calls for the holding of various workshops to promote the skills of students from the American University in Sharjah and connect them with relevant ministry employees in order to spread awareness and promote collaboration.