Bee’ah and the University of Sharjah (UoS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate across multiple areas of interest that will include environmental research, educational programmes, student sponsorships and explore developing business opportunities and Intellectual Properties (IPs).

The MoU signing ceremony was held at UoS campus, in the presence of HE Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah,Bee’ah’s Group CEO HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Bee’ah Consultancy, Research & Innovation (Bee’ah CRI)CEO Mohamed Al Hosaniand representatives of UoS, including Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, Prof. Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor for Medical Colleges and Health Sciences and Dean of College of Medicine, and Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs.

The MoUaims to enhance cooperation between UoS and Bee’ah Group business verticals including the Bee’ah Consultancy, Research & Innovation (Bee’ah CRI) to develop scientific research related to sustainable solutions in the environmental sector such as integrated waste management, renewable energy, environmental protection, facilities management, education and sustainability.UoS will also direct relevant graduation projects and research studies towards Bee’ah’s requirement and needs.

In addition, both parties willjointly develop training programmes, diplomas and workshops, and have also agreed to organise conferences and forums related to environmental management, resource management and sustainable development.

To enhance student development,Bee’ah – which has several employees who are UoS alumni – will provide scholarships and training opportunities for UoSstudents andshare recruitment opportunities through its job portals and career fair.

Commenting on the MoU, HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of Bee’ah, said: “As the UAE accelerates its transition to a knowledge-based economy, we aim to support the efforts of our nation’s outstanding educational institutions efforts through our Consultancy, Research & Innovation arm. As the Middle East’s sustainability pioneer, Bee’ah looks forward to exploring ways to strengthen its research and development efforts with University of Sharjah, while providing opportunities to the UAE’s youth.”

The initiative is designed to inspire students and develop the UAE’s talent pool, direct young graduates to successful homegrown companies, while promoting industry-academic partnerships and knowledge exchanges that will foster sustainable development.

Commenting on the MoU signing, HE Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, said: “We are delighted to be building a more robust relationship with Bee’ah, the Middle East’s sustainability pioneer. University of Sharjah has always been in support of the vision and directives of its President, HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and this partnership aligns with one of the strategic pillars of the University, which is to extend cooperation among national and social institutions and entities across sectors with the aim of serving our society and furthering community development.”

He added:“Our partnership with Bee’ah will enhance the scientific research that researchers and postgraduate students work on specifically in areas related to sustainable solutions in the environmental management and resource management sectors such as: integrated waste management, renewable energy, environmental protection and environmental consulting, and facilities management. Postgraduate students will also have a major role to play across various fields through conducting research studies related to Bee’ah’s requirement and needs in addition to serving the interest of the UAE, and Sharjah in particular.”

The agreement follows a recent Strategy&report which estimated that GCC countries could unlock more than $2 trillion in economic growth and create more than one million jobs by 2030 by promoting sustainability and altering national policies to promote initiatives related to the field. Fostering innovation in science, knowledge and technology is a key part of the UAE’s Vision 2021 plan.

Bee’ah already supports sustainability-based research at universities around the UAE and is a founding partner for the sustainability track at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). Bee’ah CRI has also published scientific papers on the environmental transmission modes of COVID-19, and the role of waste, water and atmospheric quality on viral infectivity.

Bee’ah CRI is a consultative and research entity, which provides public and private clients with advisory and research to make informed decisions regarding environmental and ecological impact. Its services include air quality monitoring; sustainability consultancy; soil and water quality studies; waste management research; ecological surveys and environmental and safety assessments.

In line with Bee’ah’s dedication to digitalisation, Bee’ah CRI is also exploring current and future trends in applied Artificial Intelligence, robotics and digitalisation in the sustainability sphere. Successful projects include establishing Sharjah’s first air quality monitoring system and designing and deploying the emirate’s first blockchain platform for the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority.