American University of Sharjah (AUS) signed this week a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Ma'arifa International Private School, to provide a framework of cooperation and facilitate collaboration between the two educational institutions on a non-exclusive basis in areas of mutual interest in the United Arab Emirates.

The partnership is part of the Sharakah program, a strategic initiative by the Office of Enrollment Management at AUS to promote sustainable partnerships with selected schools from across the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of AUS, and Mustafa El Moussa, Director General of Al Ma'arifa International Private School, in the presence of Sheikh Mohamad bin Faisal bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Executive Member of the Board of Trustees of the school.

"The goal of this agreement is that there be close coordination between the two schools. We want to strengthen our relationship with Al Ma'arifa and this agreement formalizes it," said Dr. Heath.

"I am very happy and impressed with the Sharakah program, and I would like to convey my appreciation that our school has been chosen to participate in this program," said El Moussa.

Sheikh Mohamad, a graduate of the school and an AUS alumnus, is currently pursuing his Executive MBA at AUS. "I have a personal interest in education and it makes sense that the relationship between AUS and one of the oldest and best schools in Sharjah becomes entrenched. Joining forces will give us a sense of purpose," he said.

The agreement will include AUS offering workshops to teachers and students of Al Ma'arifa International Private School; patronage of selected research, cultural, social and sporting activities and events organized by the school; partial scholarships to distinguished students selected from lists provided by the school; and university preparation courses as well as SAT and TOEFL preparation courses to students from the partner school, as needed.

Present at the signing ceremony were Ali Shuhaimy, AUS Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management; Dr. Cleve McDaniel, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration; AUS deans and other senior officials from AUS and Al Ma'arifa International Private School.