In a significant boost to higher education access in the emirate, Alef Group and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) have formalized a four-year scholarship agreement that will provide full financial support to undergraduate students starting from the Fall 2026 semester.
The partnership, announced on 27 July 2026, commits Alef Group to funding full-time undergraduate scholarships covering tuition and laboratory fees. Awards will be distributed through a dedicated university-administered fund and target academically qualified students who demonstrate financial need, exceptional academic performance, or both. Scholarships will span four academic colleges and schools at AUS, with half of the places reserved for Emirati nationals an intentional focus on strengthening national talent pipelines.
The new agreement builds directly on a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two organizations in November 2025. What began as a strategic framework has now been translated into a concrete, multi-year program designed for lasting impact on students and Sharjah’s knowledge economy.
Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, CEO of Alef Group, underscored the long-term vision behind the initiative“, At Alef Group, we believe that sustainable development begins with investing in people. This scholarship program reflects our long-term commitment to nurturing talent, expanding access to opportunity and supporting academic excellence across disciplines. By enabling high-potential students including Emirati nationals to pursue their education at AUS, we are contributing to the development of a skilled generation that will help shape the future of Sharjah and the wider UAE".
Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, highlighted the value of sustained industry-university collaboration: “Expanding access to an AUS education requires sustained partnerships with organizations that recognize the long-term value of investing in human potential. This agreement with Alef Group will create meaningful opportunities for qualified students to pursue academic excellence at AUS, while supporting the development of Emirati talent and contributing to Sharjah’s vision for a knowledge-driven, future-ready society. It is a strong example of how universities and industry can work together to create pathways for the next generation of leaders".
Both parties emphasized their shared commitment to good-faith collaboration and alignment with Sharjah’s broader goals of sustainable socio-economic growth and educational advancement. The scholarships are intended not merely as one-time awards but as sustained support throughout a student’s academic journey of up to four years.
Alef Group, founded in 2013 by the late Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi and headquartered in Sharjah, is a privately held developer focused on destination and lifestyle experiences. The company has built a portfolio of business, leisure, and residential projects that emphasize creativity, cultural pride, and human connection. Capitalizing on Sharjah’s strategic location between Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Alef Group positions itself as a home-grown UAE regional developer guided by heritage, vision, and progressive thinking. Its involvement in education marks an extension of its investment in community and human capital beyond real estate.
American University of Sharjah, established in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has grown into a leading regional institution. Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, AUS continues to expand its research, academic programs, and global partnerships. The university ranks among the top 3 percent of universities in the Arab region (QS Arab Region University Rankings 2026) and within the top 17 percent of ranked universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2027).
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AUS offers 33 undergraduate majors, 48 minors, 21 master’s programs, and eight PhD programs across the College of Architecture, Art and Design; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Engineering; and School of Business Administration. It holds UAE Ministry of Higher Education accreditation as well as international recognitions from ABET, AACSB, and NAAB. With students from more than 100 nationalities, the campus provides a diverse, inclusive environment focused on producing impactful leaders and innovators.
The scholarship program arrives at a time when the UAE continues to prioritize education as a cornerstone of national development. By combining private-sector resources with a respected academic institution, Alef Group and American University of Sharjah aim to remove financial barriers for high-potential students and reinforce Sharjah’s reputation as a hub for higher education and research.
Students interested in the scholarships are expected to apply through standard AUS admissions and financial-aid channels once the Fall 2026 cycle opens. Further details on eligibility criteria and application timelines will be released by the university in due course.
This collaboration stands as a practical demonstration of how industry and academia can jointly invest in human potential, creating pathways that benefit individual students while contributing to the long-term prosperity of Sharjah and the UAE.
