Ajman Municipality

Ajman University's Partnership with Ajman Municipality

Ajman University (AU) has cultivated a deep and multifaceted partnership with the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, a relationship that is foundational to the University's mission of community service and national development. This enduring collaboration is formalized through strategic agreements and is overseen by H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department and Vice Chairman of Ajman University's Board of Trustees.

The partnership dates back to at least 2015, when the two entities signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to achieve the objectives of the Ajman Vision 2021. This was further solidified in 2018 with a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Dr. Karim Seghir, AU Chancellor, and Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department. This agreement facilitates the exchange of human and technical expertise, provides internship opportunities for AU students, and offers special rates for Municipality staff seeking to pursue higher education at the University.

The partnership extends to several innovative and community-focused projects, including a landmark initiative to dismantle the University's exterior walls in collaboration with the Municipality to establish a public pathway around the campus, creating an open, integrated space for the community.

Key Achievements & Awards

1. Strategic Partner in the Ajman X Scientific Research and Innovation Award

In a significant demonstration of its leadership in research and innovation, Ajman University served as a strategic partner and a member of the external evaluation committee for the prestigious Scientific Research and Innovation Award, organized by Ajman X under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The evaluation committee was chaired by Prof. Tamer Elshandidy, Director of Graduate Programs at the College of Business Administration, and included several distinguished faculty members: Prof. Ibrahim Elsiddig, Head of the Accounting Department, Dr. Rawan AbuKhait, Head of the Management Department, alongside Prof. Ghazi Al Naymat from the College of Engineering and Information Technology, and Prof. Moayad Al Shahwan from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. This recognition highlights AU's central role in advancing research and innovation at both institutional and community levels.

2. Honored at the First Partner Appreciation Dinner

In December 2025, Ajman University hosted its first Partner Appreciation Dinner under the theme "Together, We Can Empower Tomorrow". The Ajman Municipality and Planning Department was among a select group of distinguished partners honored with a recognition trophy for its significant contributions to advancing the professional preparation of AU students. This acknowledgment underscores the Municipality's pivotal role in creating opportunities for students through internships, training, and other forms of engagement.

3. Supporting Student Success Through the Thamer Fund

The partnership has also directly impacted student welfare. H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi launched an initiative to allocate a granted plot of land to the Thamer Fund for Educational Solidarity at Ajman University as a charitable endowment. The returns from this endowment are dedicated to supporting eligible students, further demonstrating the Municipality's commitment to educational accessibility and student success. This initiative also led to Ajman University being granted the Dubai Endowment Sign in recognition of its role in allocating proceeds from the Thamer Fund to support students facing financial hardships.

4. Collaborative Workshops and Knowledge Exchange

The partnership facilitates ongoing knowledge exchange and professional development. In 2024, the Civil Engineering Department at Ajman University collaborated with the Ajman X Center—which operates under the Ajman Municipality & Planning Department—to organize a workshop on "Innovation Technology and the Future of Infrastructure in Ajman". Led by Dr. Sheikha Noora Humaid Al Nuaimi, Director of Ajman X Center, the workshop explored cutting-edge technologies like AI and big data analytics to enhance infrastructure efficiency and sustainability.

5. Collaborative Research on Masfoot Health Resort

Ajman University and Ajman Municipality are collaborating on a research project focused on a health resort in Masfoot, Ajman. Dana Binmahmood, a distinguished senior student at AU, is making significant progress on this project under the guidance of Dr. Arar and organized by engineers from the Municipality. The project merges architectural innovation with wellness and reflects the University's commitment to addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and delivering impactful solutions for community health and well-being.

6. Inauguration of Ajman University Medical Center

In a significant milestone, H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi inaugurated the Ajman University Medical Center, a state-of-the-art facility offering integrated, patient-centered care aligned with international standards. Located in the Sheikh Zayed Center, the Medical Center brings together eight specialized clinics—four dedicated to comprehensive dental services and four focused on facial treatments, laser therapy, dermatology, and injectable therapies. This initiative exemplifies how academic excellence, practical application, and community service can come together to generate long-term value for graduates, patients, and partners alike.

7. Wellness Initiatives for Municipality Employees

The partnership extends to employee wellness initiatives. The Unit of Athletics at the Office of Student Life organized a wellness initiative titled "An Hour of Sports Activities" for employees of the Smart Services Development at Ajman Municipality and Planning Department. The event was held in collaboration with the Ajman Youth Council, as part of the University's efforts to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

8. Hosting Ajman Municipality's Environmental Conferences

Ajman University serves as the official host for all environmental conferences organized by the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department. This reflects the Municipality's trust in AU's world-class facilities, academic expertise, and commitment to sustainability. By providing a distinguished academic platform for these conferences, Ajman University reinforces its position as a leading hub for environmental dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of the UAE's sustainability agenda. These events bring together experts, policymakers, and community members to address pressing environmental challenges and explore innovative solutions aligned with national priorities.

Through its enduring partnership with the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, Ajman University continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and sustainable development, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the UAE's national goals.