TO ENHANCE EFFORTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE LIFE SHARJAH FISH RESOURCES AUTHORITY DELEGATION AT UKF

Within the framework of supporting efforts to preserve biological life in the seas, and enhancing the importance of scientific research to protect the marine environment in UAE, His Excellency Prof. Ahmed Al-Shammaa, Chancellor of university of Khorfakkan (UKF), received a delegation from the Sharjah Fish Resources Authority, headed by His Excellency Ali Ahmed Abu Ghazien, Chairman of the Authority, and accompanied by a number of directors of departments and specialists in the authority. In his speech, Al-Shammaa, gave an introductory overview of the university's founding journey, which was launched in accordance with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University, in addition to presenting its strategic objectives that it seeks to achieve to ensure the advancement of the educational and research system at the local and global levels, referring to the College of Marine Sciences and Aquatic Biology, the first in the country that is dedicated in teaching and understanding the unique marine environment of the region, and considering the various environmental threats and finding appropriate solutions to them, in light of the unique geographical nature of the city of Khorfakkan, which makes it the ideal place to study diverse marine life scientifically and practically within natural and unique habitats , in cooperation with the prestigious University of Exeter Within the cooperation agreement concluded between the two universities. He stressed the university's keenness to strengthen relations with various government and private institutions and agencies that provide distinguished opportunities to support research studies and innovation in the field of marine sciences that contribute to the continuous development of its educational capabilities to keep pace with digital developments, qualify students and prepare them for the needs of local and regional labor markets in this field. For his part, Abu Ghazien, Chairman of the Sharjah Fish Resources Authority, stressed the Authority's full readiness to support the plans and efforts made by academic institutions and universities that are interested in the field of biology and marine resources and support them with positive practices that contribute to opening new development horizons between the two parties, and praised the distinguished opportunity that will be provided by the future cooperation between the Authority and the University in terms of exchanging experiences and knowledge that serve the community and the country. The meeting concluded with a field visit to the site scheduled for the implementation of the Khorfakkan Marine Research Institute project of the university, during which the delegation was briefed on the project implementation plan, the most important facilities and laboratories, in addition to identifying its scientific and research role in support of the theoretical information acquired by university students and graduates, to achieve balanced growth between knowledge and capabilities and to prepare national cadres specialized with high efficiency. Dr. Henrik Stal, Dean of the College of Marine Sciences and Aquatic Biology, attended the meeting along with Dr. Ruqayya Al Amiri, Assistant Professor at the College, and the delegation from the Authority included Mr. Salem Al-Kdeed, Director of the Support Services Department, Mr. Musab Al-Naqbi, Director of the Government Communication Department, Ms. Aisha Al-Hammadi and Ms. Qasayed Al-Mazmi from the Fisheries Department.