Sharjah Tatweer Forum hosts Erasmus University Rotterdam Delegation Visit to facilitate joint areas for mutual cooperation
Sharjah Tatweer Forum (Tatweer), the Emirate of Sharjah’s ambitious initiative for developing the skills of UAE nationals and promoting partnership among various sectors, welcomed 29 delegates from Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands on Sunday June 8, 2008 at the newly opened Islamic Civilization Museum. The visit, part of Tatweer’s program of promoting dialogue between different cultures and nationalities, briefed the delegation on Tatweer’s programs and activities and highlighted economic and business developments in Sharjah and the UAE in general. Following a tour of the museum and a briefing by Sharjah Tatweer Forum Chairman Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the delegation also visited the University City and Al Qabsa waterfront where they were able to witness developments in Sharjah while on a ride of the Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel.
Sharjah Tatweer Forum which was formed by an Emiri decree from H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and Sharjah Tatweer Forum’s Honorary Chairman, welcomed the opportunity to talk about Sharjah’s status as a first class educational, academic and cultural hub in the region, as well as Tatweer’s programs, activities and role in the emirate’s development. Tatweer encouraged closer ties with Erasmus University, and also sought an exchange of ideas, best practices, and experiences. The Forum also hopes to encourage a dialogue with different cultures and nationalities, which His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah supports.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Sharjah Tatweer Forum Chairman, said: “We seek to embody the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi by forging alliances with prominent international educational institutions. We also aim to develop productive and innovative societal organizations which support institutional work, promote both individual initiative and creativity and progressive group work, and foster the practical application of expertise and problem solving abilities.”
The delegation which included 29 graduate students of Finance from Erasmus University, were exposed to the UAE’s economic development, investment opportunities, and marketing practices through interviews and visits to several prominent private sector companies in Dubai and Sharjah.
Tatweer and the Erasmus University delegates explored a possible student exchange program and an internship program between Sharjah and the Netherlands as part of a Tatweer program to expose young nationals to work in other countries as well as expose foreign exchange students to life in the Emirates.
The Dutch student delegation was later treated to a tour of Al Qasba, a popular tourist, cultural and entertainment destination in Sharjah. Marwan Al Sarkal, Al Qasba Development Authority CEO, explained the traditional architecture of Al Qasba buildings along with an overview of important developments and recreational and cultural activities sponsored by the Authority to establish the leisure center as the premier family and tourist destination in Sharjah.
“We hope to increase cooperation and communication with several international academic institutions such as Erasmus University and achieve a number of joint projects and programs and exchange visits that will enhance the role of the Forum. We seek to expand our circle of relations with a number of international organizations and firms to support the objectives of the Forum and promote its contribution to increasing the competitiveness of Sharjah,” concluded Al Mahmoudi.
