Sharjah National Oil Company

Ajman University's Partnership with Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC)

Ajman University has forged a dynamic and impactful partnership with the Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC), one of the UAE's leading energy companies. This collaboration reflects Ajman University's strategic commitment to advancing health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards, fostering sustainability, and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Through active participation in SNOC's flagship events, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and student development programs, Ajman University continues to demonstrate its leadership in sustainability and its dedication to preparing future-ready graduates equipped to address the region's most pressing environmental and energy challenges.

Key Achievements & Collaborative Initiatives

1. HSE Expo 2026 – Executive Committee & Innovation Challenge Lead

Ajman University played a pivotal role in the 3rd edition of the SNOC HSE Expo, held on April 1–2, 2026, at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah. Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of SNOC, the event brought together industry leaders, regulators, and experts under the theme of Resilience, Sustainability & Operational Excellence.

Ms. Maya Haddad, Senior Sustainability Manager at Ajman University, served as a distinguished member of the event's Executive Committee, which was composed of senior HSE leaders from across the UAE. In this capacity, she contributed to shaping the strategic direction of the expo and ensuring its success as a premier platform for HSE excellence.

In addition to her role on the Executive Committee, Ms. Haddad led the Innovation Challenge section of the expo. This initiative invited professionals and innovators to submit solutions addressing real-world HSE challenges, with selected finalists presenting live at the expo to compete for cash prizes and industry recognition. Her leadership of this segment underscores Ajman University's commitment to fostering innovation and practical problem-solving in the fields of health, safety, and environmental sustainability. Ms. Haddad led the panel of judges of the innovation challenge, which included Rami Elhadi for the Office of Sustainability at Ajman University.

2. Knowledge Partner at SNOC HSE Expo 2025

Ajman University participated as a Knowledge Partner in the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Expo 2025, organized by SNOC and held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah on April 16–17, 2025.

Ms. Maya Haddad, Senior Sustainability Manager at Ajman University, moderated a session titled "Sustainability Synergy: Integrating Resource Management and Renewable Innovation for a Circular Economy", where she discussed with experts how innovation and modern technologies can be leveraged to enhance resource efficiency and accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable economy. The expo served as a dedicated platform for raising HSE standards and aligning stakeholders around a shared commitment to creating safer and more sustainable workplaces across all sectors.

3. Participation in SNOC HSE Exhibition 2024

Ajman University's Sustainability Office participated in the SNOC Health, Safety, and Environment Exhibition 2024, held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Sultan Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of the Oil Council. The exhibition was attended by over 200 professionals and experts from government institutions and private companies interested in occupational health and safety.

Ms. Maya Haddad, Sustainability Manager at Ajman University, played a key role in moderating two important sessions:

• "Transitioning to Net-Zero: Strategies for Organizations in the UAE" – where the University presented valuable insights on achieving environmental sustainability and adopting effective strategies to meet environmental goals.

• "Occupational Health Surveillance: Tools and Techniques for Monitoring Workplace Health" – showcasing the latest methods and technologies to enhance employee health and safety.

Additionally, Ajman University students and staff participated in interactive workshops and training sessions covering emergency response planning, risk assessment, and management.

4. Student Empowerment & Volunteer Opportunities

Ajman University student volunteers have played a pivotal role in supporting SNOC's HSE expos year after year. The Office of Sustainability assigns students annually to key tasks, including assisting with coordination, managing registration, and providing logistical support throughout the exhibitions. This reflects the University's commitment to empowering its students with practical experiences that enhance their skills and foster a strong sense of community responsibility.

5. Green Entrepreneurship Program Collaboration

SNOC has also contributed to Ajman University's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Rawad Barazanji of Sharjah National Oil Corporation served as a judge on the panel for the Green Entrepreneurship Program, a collaboration between Ajman University and AIR that empowers students from universities nationwide to develop environmentally and socially conscious businesses. The program culminated with teams pitching their business projects to a panel of judges, highlighting SNOC's commitment to nurturing young innovators and supporting sustainability-focused entrepreneurship.

6. Career Fair Participation

SNOC has also been an active participant in Ajman University's Career Fairs, providing students and graduates with valuable opportunities to connect with one of the UAE's leading energy companies. SNOC was among the participating companies at the AU Career Fair 2023, demonstrating its commitment to recruiting top talent and supporting the professional development of Ajman University students.

7. Sponsor & Participant – Make it Sustainable Forum 2023

In April 2023, SNOC demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and youth empowerment by serving as a major sponsor of Ajman University's inaugural "Make it Sustainable" Forum. The landmark event, held in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on April 26, 2023, at the Sheikh Zayed Center for Conferences and Exhibitions, marked a significant milestone in the UAE's Year of Sustainability and paved the way for COP28.

SNOC was represented at the forum by a keynote speech from HE Khamis Al Mazroui and Ms. Rawad Barazanji, Process Engineer and Process Safety Team Leader, who participated as a distinguished speaker on a dynamic panel discussion titled "Raising the Climate Capacity, Mobility, and Sustainability in the Region". The forum also featured a vital roundtable discussion titled "Youth Empowerment Towards COP28 and a More Sustainable Future," which explored how universities and organizations can engage young people in the global sustainability movement. The event culminated in the historic announcement of the formation of Ajman University's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Council, making it the first university in the UAE to establish such a council

A Shared Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Through its partnership with Sharjah National Oil Corporation, Ajman University continues to demonstrate its leadership in health, safety, and environmental sustainability. The collaboration provides students with invaluable exposure to industry best practices, networking opportunities with HSE professionals and sustainability advocates, and hands-on experience that prepares them for successful careers.

Ajman University's participation in these initiatives reaffirms its strong commitment to supporting national and regional efforts to promote a culture of health, safety, and sustainability. It also reflects the University's role as an academic institution that fosters impactful partnerships, develops innovative solutions, and contributes to advancing the UAE's vision for a more sustainable future.