Date: 23/05/2025
The Ajman Chamber received a delegation from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), in the presence of education affairs officials from the Embassy of the United States of America, Ajman University, and the City University Ajman. Discussions focused on exploring avenues for academic cooperation, exchanging expertise, and strengthening relationships in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and participation in educational exhibitions. Nasser Al Dhafri, Advisor to the Office of Chairman of Ajman Chamber, received the MTSU delegation headed by Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, President of MTSU, and Andrew Oppmann, Vice President of MTSU, at the Thara Entrepreneurship Hub. Attendees at the meeting included Ameera Alhallak, Educational Outreach Manager, and Rowan Attieh, Educational Advisor, from the U.S. Embassy; Dr. Khaled Assaleh, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Fares Howari, Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, and Hanine Bou Antoun, Director of Office of International Academic Affairs, from Ajman University; and Dr. Mohamed Amerah, Vice Chancellor, and Dr. Babeet Gupta, Dean of College of Business, from the City University Ajman. Al Dhafri welcomed the attendees and commended the strong educational ties between the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. He emphasized that the increasing and distinguished participation of American universities in the Ajman International Education and Training Exhibition (AETEX), organized by the Ajman Chamber, reflects the advanced level of academic cooperation. The attendees affirmed the necessity of strengthening academic and research partnerships and expanding areas of collaboration in joint programs, with the aim of enhancing the quality of education and developing skills in line with the demands of the global labor market. They also emphasized the importance of supporting innovation and technology initiatives in education. The attendees recommended continued communication to ensure the sustainability of cooperation, the exchange of visits, and participation in educational events, all in service of students' interests and in keeping with future trends in higher education and scientific research.