Sharjah: His Highness 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 (UAS), a new non-profit academic institution in the emirate. The University is granted full legal personality and the necessary legal capacity to achieve its objectives while enjoying financial and administrative independence.
According to Emirates News Agency, the decree mandates the transfer of the College of Fine Arts and Design from the University of Sharjah to the newly established University of the Art Sharjah. This transfer includes all staff, assets, properties, rights, obligations, and financial allocations associated with the college, as well as its accredited academic programmes and related documents. The college will continue operating from its current location near the University of Sharjah in University City.
Additionally, the decree stipulates the merging of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy into the University of the Art Sharjah. This merger will see all staff, assets, properties, rights, obligations, and financial allocations transferred to UAS, along with accredited academic programmes and necessary documentation.
The University of the Art Sharjah will comprise two main academies: the Performing Arts Academy, which includes the College of Theatre, College of Music, and College of Film; and the Academy of Visual Arts, which consists of the College of Fine Arts and the College of Design. A law will be issued to regulate the university's operations, its colleges, departments, and administration.