UOS and Shams sign an MoU to enhance media and innovation

At the start of the signing ceremony, Professor Agamy welcomed guests and attendees, expressing delight not only at the new partnership but also at the culmination of years of fruitful collaboration. He praised Shams's support for UOS programmes, particularly in the College of Communication, for providing hands-on training opportunities and scholarships that nurture young talent. He highlighted Shams's pivotal support for the University's Master of Science in Media Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation, delivered in partnership with the University of Barcelona, calling it a standout model of knowledge leadership and global synergy, owing much to Shams's generosity.

For Professor Agamy, media transcends academia; it is a force for influence, opinion-shaping, and awareness-raising. Through this alliance, he said, UOS aims to propel students beyond learning towards real-world impact, producing media professionals who not only possess knowledge but also craft tomorrow's narratives.

Al Obad echoed the enthusiasm, describing the MoU as a game-changing step towards linking academic institutions with media backers to forge an innovative, knowledge-driven media framework. He noted that Shams remains steadfast in empowering Emirati experts, embracing young talent, and fostering creativity, with the UOS partnership opening new horizons for media professionals ready to navigate rapid industry shifts.

The agreement is expected to unlock new avenues, from joint educational and media programmes to awareness campaigns and practical training attuned to a fast-evolving job market. Highlights of the agreement include talent-spotting events, collaborative applied research into UAE media realities, support for graduation projects, specialised workshops on AI, podcasting, and content creation, as well as shared conferences, exchanges, and potential media innovation labs or incubators to revolutionise teaching and spark sector-wide breakthroughs.

From the University, those present at the signing ceremony included Professor Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies; Dr Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs; Mr Shehab Al Hammad, Vice Chancellor for Financial and Administrative Affairs; Professor Nouar Tabet, Acting Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; and Professor Jairo Alfonso Lugo-Ocando, Dean of the College of Communication. Shams was represented by Ahmed Jamal Al Nuaimi, Finance Director; Engineer Majid Al Suwaidi, IT Director; Dr Fajar Qasim, Media Advisor; Faisal Abdul Hadi, Government Relations Director; and Abdullah Murad Issa, Advertising and Promotion Director.