ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Faisal Niaz Tirmizi visited the University of Sharjah on Wednesday where he took part in discussions with the university’s management on collaborating with local universities, the Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi said.
The UAE has seen a significant increase in foreign student enrollments since the launch of the UAE National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 more than six years ago.
UAE authorities reported in April that international enrollments since the 2022-23 academic year include a seven percent increase among Pakistani students. Educational professionals believe UAE, especially Dubai, is increasingly competing with traditional education destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
Tirmizi visited the University of Sharjah on Wednesday where he met its chancellor, Dr. Humaid Majoul Al Nuaimi, the Pakistani embassy said.
“The meeting aimed at exploring avenues for cooperation and collaboration between Pakistani universities and the University of Sharjah,” it said.
“Both sides reiterated the need for further collaboration among the faculty and students of the University of Sharjah with centers of excellence and higher learning in Pakistan.”
The Pakistani envoy lauded the University of Sharjah’s “rapid growth” toward quality education, where around 18,000 students from various nationalities are currently enrolled.
“He deeply appreciated the university’s management for giving opportunities to many Pakistani students and faculty members,” the embassy said.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials from Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in UAE and the university management, the statement concluded.
