Sharjah, UAE – Following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Ghaf Labs-FZCO (Ghaf Labs), a Dubai-based blockchain advisory and consultancy firm, AUS students will gain expanded access to internships, research collaborations, field visits and knowledge-sharing opportunities in emerging technical fields.
The agreement was signed under the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program, which establishes industry collaborations in research, development, training programs, internships, exchange of information and personnel, joint supervision of students’ capstone projects and field trip visits.
Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, said: “This collaboration with Ghaf Labs opens valuable pathways for our students to interact directly with the frontiers of digital innovation,” said Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering. “We are very excited about this collaboration because it involves Web3, blockchain, AI and advanced technologies — areas we have strategically embedded into all 24 of our programs under CEN 2.0 major curriculum revamp. By engaging with professionals in these emerging sectors, our students will enhance their technical competencies and gain insights into real-world applications that complement their academic training.”
Under the agreement, Ghaf Labs will offer internship opportunities that align with students’ academic and professional goals. The collaboration also includes joint supervision of selected capstone and research projects whenever feasible, cooperation on research and development initiatives, expert-led sessions and organized visits to industry settings.
“At Ghaf Labs, we believe that shaping the future of technology starts with empowering the next generation. Partnering with AUS allows us to co-create a space where innovation meets education. This collaboration reflects our commitment to cultivating regional talent in blockchain, Web3, and AI. By mentoring students through real-world projects, we’re building not just careers — but a thriving safe digital economy,” said Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder, Board Member and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs.
Ghaf Labs specializes in management consulting, marketing research and consulting, and Distributed Ledger Technology services. They also offer IT consulting for industries involved in Web3, blockchain, the metaverse and other digital asset sectors.
This partnership is part of the College of Engineering’s broader mission to foster meaningful engagement between academia and industry. Through initiatives like the Al Nukhba Program, the college continues to provide students with access to cutting-edge technologies, real-world challenges and professional networks that prepare them to lead in a rapidly evolving global workforce.
To learn more about the college, visit http://www.aus.edu/cen.
For more information, please contact:
Samar Saeed, PR and Media Specialist
Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at AUS
About AUS
American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.
Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.
AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
