His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), expressed satisfaction at the progress and development of the university as well as at its plans for the future. His remarks came during the university's Board of Trustees meeting held at the AUS campus today, December 7.

The Sharjah Ruler reviewed a number of initiatives for the forthcoming year. He said that the university was committed to following the course set by its vision and mission and, therefore, all its plans and initiatives were conceived keeping that in mind. His Highness also thanked members of the board for their commitment to the university.

The meeting was attended by 17 of the 21 trustees who flew in from the USA, UK and the MENA region. These included three new members namely, Khalid Al-Falih, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco); Dr. Dale T. Knobel, President Emeritus, Denison University, USA; and Professor Andrew Palmer, National University of Singapore.

The board discussed the conceptual planning agreement for the Research, Technology and Innovation Park which was signed on November 2 with Fraunhofer, IPK, and the implementation of the initiative currently underway.

Board members observed a minute of silence in memory of Dr. Peter Heath, former Chancellor of AUS, who passed away last month after a long battle with cancer.