His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Khorfakkan (UKF), chaired the university's Board of Trustees meeting at the university headquarters.

His Highness congratulated the city of Khorfakkan and its university on the opening of the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre, noting that it will be among the best specialised centres in the marine field in the world, given its advanced facilities, technologies, specialised programmes, and highly trained staff, all of which will contribute to its advancement. His Highness affirmed his continued support for the centre and its students in achieving their desired goals.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah called for strengthening cooperation between the centre and local and international scientific and research institutions, and for hosting specialised conferences to exchange expertise and develop joint projects in the fields of marine environment, biodiversity protection, and the sustainability of aquatic resources. He also emphasised the importance of showcasing Sharjah's efforts in the marine sector to the world.

His Highness stressed the importance of ensuring that the centre's applied research has a direct impact on society and the environment, and commended the academic and research achievements of the faculty members.

His Highness also highlighted the importance of expanding the academic programmes offered by UKF, which will complete its fourth year next year. He further emphasised the need to study future plans for offering master's degree programmes in specialisations that meet labour market needs and align with development plans, particularly in the marine and environmental fields. This will enhance the university's standing as a leading academic institution and contribute to developing scientific talent capable of innovation, research, and providing sustainable solutions to future challenges.

The meeting addressed several agenda items related to monitoring the performance of committees and reviewing key initiatives, achievements, and recommendations that contribute to strengthening the university's future trajectory.

Dr Ali Hilal Al Naqbi, Chancellor of UKF, presented the university's institutional performance report, which documents achievements and initiatives during the current academic year, as part of the university's ongoing efforts to solidify its academic standing and enhance its role in serving the community.

The Board reviewed the student enrollment figures, which stand at 1,724 students, reflecting the continued growth in demand for the university's programmes. The Board also learned about the number of students expected to graduate this semester, totaling 147.

The Board reviewed the report on the appointment of academic and administrative staff, which comes as part of the university's efforts to empower promising talents who contribute to the development of institutional work. The report also included information on student enrollment in the College of Computing and Intelligent Systems and the programmes offered by the college.