Khaled Al Midfa: Promising ideas from AUS students to tourism

April 09, 2026 / 3:19 PM

Sharjah 24: His Excellency Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), explained that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American University of Sharjah (AUS) follows a successful experience during the university's "Hackathon" challenge last year, which generated promising ideas for the tourism sector.

His Excellency Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, stated that such fruitful cooperation between academic institutions and government entities overseeing these vital sectors, such as the SCTDA, contributes to the sector's development through youth-led initiatives.

A strategic partnership

Speaking exclusively to Sharjah 24, Al Midfa added that one of the most important aspects of the partnership with the university is seeing ideas implemented on the ground, such as the "Hackathon" initiative, which will continue over the coming years and coincides with the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum. He noted that many of the students' ideas are promising and applicable to serving the tourism sector.

The memorandum of understanding, signed at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah, aims to establish a strategic partnership that will enhance the position of the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE as a regional hub for tourism innovation and the development of future competencies.