Sharjah Asset Management and Emirates Scholar Sign MoU to Enhance Institutional Performance

Sharjah, February 2026:
Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah, and Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at supporting academic, research, and applied collaboration between the two entities. The agreement seeks to strengthen institutional innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and reinforce the role of scientific research in serving the community and supporting sustainable development pathways. This comes within the framework of the shared vision of both institutions to expand knowledge-based cooperation and promote institutional integration.

The MoU was signed by Omar Al Mulla, Chief Investment Officer at Sharjah Asset Management, and Dr. Firas Habbal, President & Vice Chancellor of board of Trustees, in the presence of a number of executive leaders from both sides, at the headquarters of Sharjah Asset Management in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Omar Al Mulla, Chief Investment Officer at Sharjah Asset Management, stated:
“This memorandum reflects Sharjah Asset Management’s commitment to strengthening the scientific research ecosystem and fostering knowledge-based partnerships that contribute to the development of institutional performance, support innovation, and transform knowledge into practical solutions with sustainable impact. Cooperation with the Emirates Researchers Center for Research and Studies represents a qualitative addition to sustainable development pathways and contributes to building research capabilities capable of supporting decision-makers and serving the community, in line with the Emirate of Sharjah’s vision to consolidate the knowledge economy, enhance innovation, develop the scientific research ecosystem, and support comprehensive and sustainable development”.

For his part, Dr. Firas Habbal said:
“This partnership represents a strategic framework for enhancing applied scientific research and knowledge exchange, and for empowering researchers and academic cadres. It contributes to the production of high-quality knowledge that supports decision-makers and enhances the competitiveness of the United Arab Emirates in research and scientific fields”.

The MoU aims to empower research and academic cadres, develop the skills of researchers and students, and launch scientific programs and initiatives with positive societal impact. It also includes the implementation of joint research and applied projects according to mutually agreed work plans, within a collaborative framework aligned with the UAE’s national directions to support scientific research and innovation, and to enhance the country’s research and scientific competitiveness.

This cooperation underscores the shared commitment of both parties to strengthening collaboration in academic, research, scientific, and professional fields, exchanging expertise and knowledge, and recognizing scientific research as a fundamental driver of sustainable development. It also establishes an effective model for knowledge-based institutional partnerships, contributing to long-term impact at both the national and institutional levels.

About Sharjah Asset Management

Sharjah Asset Management is the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah. It seeks to realize its vision of enhancing economic and social development and supporting a sustainable economy in the emirate through partnerships with the public and private sectors, encouraging investment, and promoting social responsibility through the optimal use of resources, in a manner that meets the needs of Sharjah’s community and ensures sustainable prosperity.

About Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies

Established in 2019, the center has become the first specialized scientific enabler dedicated to supporting and developing scientific research in the United Arab Emirates and the region. It is the first specialized entity in the country focused on indexing, publishing, and promoting scientific research, abstracts, and studies across various scientific fields. The center operates in line with the wise guidance of the leadership and contributes to achieving the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071, which focuses on building a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy led by Emirati talent.