Sharjah, UAE, 24 June 2026 — American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) Executive Education and Professional Development has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with the Global Centre for AI Excellence (GCAIE) to build national AI capability and support the growth of the AI economy across government and enterprise sectors. 

The agreement was signed by Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and Dr. Yousef Saadeh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of GCAIE, in the presence of senior executives from both institutions.

Under the agreement, AUS Executive Education and GCAIE will jointly develop a portfolio of executive education programs, professional certifications and organizational capability-building initiatives aligned with the Global AI Excellence Model (GAIEM), GCAIE’s framework for helping governments, enterprises and institutions adopt AI in a structured and measurable way. These include AI Excellence Fundamentals, AI Excellence Practitioner, AI Excellence Assessor and Lead AI Excellence Assessor pathways, as well as executive programs focused on AI governance, responsible AI adoption, organizational readiness and AI-enabled transformation. 

“AI has become a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to remain competitive and resilient,” said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. “Our collaboration with GCAIE supports the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 by preparing leaders and professionals with the skills, governance mindset and practical capabilities needed for the next phase of the digital economy. Through this partnership, AUS is contributing to Sharjah’s and the UAE’s ambition to become a regional and global center for innovation, excellence and future-ready talent.”

“The next wave of AI advantage will not come from access to technology alone, but from the ability to build trusted, sovereign and AI-native organizations,” said Dr. Yousef Saadeh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of GCAIE. “As governments and enterprises accelerate AI adoption, leadership capability, governance and workforce readiness will become key differentiators. Through our collaboration with AUS, we are helping develop the talent, capabilities and institutional foundations needed to translate AI ambition into sustainable economic and societal value.”

As part of the collaboration, AUS and GCAIE will also explore opportunities for thought leadership, knowledge exchange and industry engagement that support standards-based AI practices and organizational transformation across Sharjah and the wider GCC. 

AUS Executive Education equips leaders, professionals, and organizations with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. Combining AUS’ academic excellence with industry expertise, it delivers practical, future-focused programs in leadership, strategy, AI, sustainability, entrepreneurship, public policy and professional development to drive career growth and organizational impact. 

For more information about AUS Executive Education, please contact: ece@aus.edu.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Samar Saeed, Assistant Manager for Public Relations, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at AUS, +971 6 515 2362, smahmoud@aus.edu 

About AUS

American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Inspired by his vision, AUS was established as a leading educational institution dedicated to advancing society through academic excellence, research, innovation and meaningful collaboration with industry and culture.

Today, under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, AUS is further enhancing its position regionally and globally by driving innovative research, expanding academic programs and strengthening global partnerships. 

Ranked consistently among the top 3 percent of universities in the Arab region (QS Arab Region University Rankings, 2026), AUS is also recognized globally, ranking among the top 18 percent of ranked universities in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2026).

AUS offers 33 undergraduate majors, 48 minors, 21 master’s programs and eight PhD programs through four academic units: the College of Architecture, Art and Design; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Engineering; and School of Business Administration. 

The university is licensed and its degree programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with additional international accreditations from respected bodies including ABET, AACSB and NAAB.

Home to students from over 100 nationalities, AUS provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students are empowered to become impactful leaders, innovators and changemakers.

AUS delivers an exceptional educational experience, combining rigorous academic standards with rich cultural diversity and practical, real-world applications, with world-class facilities, renowned faculty and a dynamic academic community.