The American University ofSharjah (AUS) received a painting donated by the acclaimed UAE artist Dr. NajatMeky, during her visit to the University today, in recognition of the University'srole in supporting cultural creativity across the arts, literature, and sciencewithin the larger community.

The painting, entitled "Women in the Art and ArabianCities," was received, on behalf of the University, by Dr. Nada Mourtada-Sabbah,AUS Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs and Mr. Salem Al Qaseer,AUS Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs.

"The gift speaks to thebond between our University and community leaders in all walks of life, in linewith the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi,UAE Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS," statedMr. Al Qaseer whose office and the Office of Development and Alumni Affairscollaborated to bring this initiative to AUS. "We are very grateful to Dr.Najat Meky for her generous initiative and her masterpiece which will beproudly displayed at AUS, as it has been in many prominent venues in the UAEand the GCC," he added.

"Allcreative innovators need similar-minded people to share their often avant-gardeideas and techniques of artistic expression, and to inspire one another inpushing their individual talents forward," remarked Dr. Nada Mourtada-Sabbah."The University is committed to enabling students and alumni to further theirskills in the arts and sciences through interacting with established expertslike Dr. Meky. AUS gratefully welcomes Dr. Najat Meky's illustrious art, thatnot only represents our mission in supporting creativity within the communitybut enhances the beauty of our campus with Emirati themes," concluded Dr.Mourtada-Sabbah.

Dr.Meky thanked the University's leadership for channeling the latest inscientific and artistic know-how to enhance the repertoire of community andalumni. "This initiative networks academia as a font of creative enterprisewith creative artists, writers and scientists in the UAE community. My aim isto contribute to strengthening the relationship and exchanges between the Universityand the community in line with the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah,"said Dr. Meky.

"All communities in the forefront of creativeendeavors need a critical mass of artists, scientists and otherinnovative-thinking persons to interact with one another and to instill theirspecial gifts to the next generation. Sharjah has established itself as thecultural capital of the Arab world, and AUS plays a very central role in thisregard," Dr. Meky noted.