Sharjah’s ruler has announced the establishment of a new art university in the emirate, appointing his daughter, Sheikha Hoor, to serve as its founding president and oversee its academic vision.
Sharjah Ruler Unveils New Art University, Names Sheikha Hoor as President.
Sharjah is set to welcome a new higher education institution following an announcement made on Monday, December 15, 2025, by the Ruler of the emirate. The declaration marks another significant step in Sharjah’s long-standing commitment to education, culture, and the arts, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for learning and creative development.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the UAE Supreme Council, revealed plans for the establishment of the University of the Arts Sharjah, a specialised institution dedicated to nurturing talent and advancing education in artistic and creative disciplines. The new university is expected to play a central role in supporting the emirate’s cultural vision and providing students with opportunities to pursue advanced studies in the arts within an academic framework tailored to creativity and innovation.
As part of the announcement, Sheikh Dr Sultan confirmed that his daughter, Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, has been appointed president of the university. Widely recognised for her leadership in the cultural sector, Sheikha Hoor brings extensive experience in the arts, curatorial practice, and cultural institution building. Her appointment reflects a focus on strong artistic direction and global engagement as the university begins to shape its academic identity.
The University of the Arts Sharjah is expected to contribute to the emirate’s broader educational ecosystem by offering specialised programmes that combine academic rigour with creative exploration. While details regarding courses, faculties, and enrolment timelines have yet to be announced, the institution is anticipated to attract students interested in fine arts, design, visual culture, and related creative fields.
Sharjah has long been recognised for its emphasis on culture, heritage, and education, hosting numerous museums, cultural foundations, and academic institutions. The launch of a dedicated arts university aligns with this legacy, creating a formal platform for artistic education that complements the emirate’s existing cultural infrastructure.
By placing Sheikha Hoor at the helm, the leadership signalled an intention to position the university as both locally rooted and internationally connected. Under her presidency, the institution is expected to foster collaboration, encourage creative research, and prepare students to engage meaningfully with the global arts landscape.
The announcement has been welcomed as a significant development for the cultural and educational sectors in the UAE, highlighting Sharjah’s continued investment in knowledge, creativity, and future generations of artists and cultural practitioners.
During a recent session of the Sharjah Council of Higher Education and Scientific Research, chaired by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and the council’s Chairman, important educational initiatives were formally announced, underscoring the emirate’s commitment to advancing academic excellence and innovation in the arts. The council, which Sheikh Dr Sultan leads, serves as a strategic body guiding higher education and research policy in Sharjah, ensuring that academic institutions operate in alignment with the emirate’s long-term cultural and educational objectives.
At this high-level meeting, the discussion emphasised the strategic importance of creating a more integrated approach to arts education within the emirate. Sheikh Dr Sultan highlighted that unifying various artistic disciplines under a cohesive institutional framework is essential for enhancing both teaching and learning outcomes. By bringing together different faculties, programmes, and creative fields, the initiative aims to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, foster innovation, and ensure that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the arts in a global context.
Council members explored how such integration could strengthen academic standards, improve curriculum design, and provide a structured environment for both emerging and established artists. The aim is not only to elevate the quality of instruction but also to cultivate an ecosystem where students, educators, and researchers can collaborate across multiple artistic mediums. The unified approach is expected to promote critical thinking, practical skill development, and a deeper engagement with both traditional and contemporary forms of artistic expression.
Sheikh Dr Sultan stressed that this move represents a forward-looking vision for Sharjah’s higher education sector. By consolidating resources, expertise, and talent, the emirate can provide a richer, more dynamic learning experience for students while positioning Sharjah as a leading centre for arts education in the region. The meeting also focused on the need for structured governance, modern facilities, and the integration of innovative teaching methods, all designed to support the academic and professional growth of students.
Ultimately, the council’s discussions highlighted that a unified approach to higher arts education will not only enhance the quality of instruction but also strengthen Sharjah’s cultural and intellectual landscape, fostering creativity, research, and innovation for generations to come.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has taken decisive steps to reshape the governance and leadership structure of arts education in the emirate, aligning it with his broader vision for the newly established University of the Arts Sharjah. In a significant announcement, he declared that the existing Board of Trustees of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy would be formally dissolved. This decision is part of a larger plan to unify and expand the framework for arts education under the umbrella of the newly founded university, ensuring a more integrated and strategic approach to creative learning across disciplines.
In place of the dissolved board, a new governing body will be formed specifically for the University of the Arts Sharjah. This new Board of Trustees will be tasked with overseeing the development and administration of the university, shaping its strategic direction, and ensuring that it meets the highest standards in both education and cultural engagement. At the helm of this newly established board, Sheikh Dr Sultan announced that Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, his daughter, would serve as its chairperson. Sheikha Hoor’s appointment signals a commitment to experienced, visionary leadership with deep roots in the arts, both locally and internationally. Her guidance is expected to be instrumental in shaping the university’s academic ethos, establishing its governance policies, and fostering partnerships with global institutions.
In addition to these structural reforms, the Ruler also appointed key academic leaders to oversee the individual schools within the university. Dr Peter Barlow has been named as Director of the Academy of Performing Arts, bringing extensive experience in performance education, administration, and curriculum development. Dr Barlow will be responsible for designing and implementing a robust programme that nurtures talent in music, theatre, dance, and other performing arts, providing students with a comprehensive education that combines technical expertise, creative exploration, and professional readiness.
Similarly, Dr Nadia Mahdi Al Hassni has been appointed as Director of the Academy of Visual Arts at the University of the Arts Sharjah. Dr Al Hassni is expected to lead the visual arts division with a focus on fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement. Her responsibilities will include developing curricula that reflect contemporary artistic practices, guiding research initiatives, and supporting students in honing their creative skills while encouraging critical inquiry and cultural understanding.
These appointments represent a carefully considered approach to leadership, ensuring that each academy within the university is helmed by experienced professionals capable of delivering high-quality education while advancing the university’s mission of fostering artistic excellence. The restructuring reflects Sheikh Dr Sultan’s vision of creating a cohesive, forward-looking institution that unites various artistic disciplines under a single academic framework, promoting collaboration, innovation, and cultural development.
Through these reforms, the University of the Arts Sharjah is poised to become a leading centre for creative education in the region, providing students with access to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive environment that encourages experimentation and growth. By dissolving the previous board and establishing a new governance structure with Sheikha Hoor as chair, alongside the appointment of distinguished directors for the performing and visual arts academies, the university aims to set new benchmarks for arts education, combining local heritage with international standards.
This reorganisation underscores Sharjah’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant cultural and educational ecosystem. By appointing leaders with deep expertise and a clear vision, Sheikh Dr Sultan ensures that the University of the Arts Sharjah will not only provide exceptional training for future generations of artists but also contribute meaningfully to the emirate’s broader cultural landscape, strengthening its reputation as a hub for creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence.
