Sharjah Ruler issues decree establishing University of the Art Sharjah

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an Emiri Decree establishing the University of the Art Sharjah, marking a major institutional development in the emirate’s higher education and cultural landscape.

The decree provides for the establishment of a non-profit academic institution named the University of the Art Sharjah (UAS), based in the emirate.

The University will enjoy full legal personality, as well as the legal capacity required to achieve its objectives and exercise its mandates, alongside financial and administrative independence.

University of the Art Sharjah

Under the decree, the College of Fine Arts and Design affiliated with the University of Sharjah will be transferred in full to the University of the Art. This transfer includes all staff, assets, properties, rights, obligations, and financial allocations.

It also covers the College’s accredited academic programmes in the arts, together with all related documents, records, data, and academic systems.

The College of Fine Arts and Design will remain at its current location near the University of Sharjah in University City, ensuring continuity for students and faculty.

The decree further stipulates that the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy will be merged into the University of the Art Sharjah. As part of this process, all staff, assets, properties, rights, obligations, and financial allocations will be transferred to the new University.

This includes the Academy’s accredited academic programmes, as well as all associated documentation, data, and academic accreditation requirements.

Academic structure of the new University

According to the decree, the University of the Art Sharjah will comprise two academies, reflecting a comprehensive focus on both performing and visual arts.

The Performing Arts Academy will include:

• College of Theatre
• College of Music
• College of Film

The Academy of Visual Arts will include:

• College of Fine Arts
• College of Design

The decree also provides that a law will be issued to regulate the University of the Art, including its colleges, departments, administration, and all related affairs, establishing the legal and governance framework for the institution’s future operations.