The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Ghaf Labs–FZCO, a Dubai-based blockchain advisory and consultancy firm, to expand student access to internships, research collaborations, field visits, and knowledge-sharing opportunities in emerging technical fields.
The agreement falls under the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program, which focuses on industry collaborations for research, development, training programs, internships, information and personnel exchange, joint supervision of student capstone projects, and field trips.
Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, commented on the collaboration, “This collaboration with Ghaf Labs opens valuable pathways for our students to interact directly with the frontiers of digital innovation. We are very excited about this collaboration because it involves Web3, blockchain, AI and advanced technologies—areas we have strategically embedded into all 24 of our programs under CEN 2.0 major curriculum revamp. By engaging with professionals in these emerging sectors, our students will enhance their technical competencies and gain insights into real-world applications that complement their academic training.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Ghaf Labs will offer internship opportunities aligned with students’ academic and professional goals. The partnership also includes potential joint supervision of selected capstone and research projects, cooperation on research and development initiatives, expert-led sessions, and organized visits to industry settings.
Feras Al Sadek, Co-Founder, Board Member, and Managing Partner at Ghaf Labs, stated, “At Ghaf Labs, we believe that shaping the future of technology starts with empowering the next generation. Partnering with AUS allows us to co-create a space where innovation meets education. This collaboration reflects our commitment to cultivating regional talent in blockchain, Web3, and AI. By mentoring students through real-world projects, we’re building not just careers—but a thriving safe digital economy.”
Ghaf Labs specializes in management consulting, marketing research and consulting, and Distributed Ledger Technology services, in addition to IT consulting for industries involved in Web3, blockchain, the metaverse, and other digital asset sectors.
This partnership is part of the College of Engineering’s broader mission to foster engagement between academia and industry. Through initiatives like the Al Nukhba Program, the college aims to provide students with access to technologies, real-world challenges, and professional networks to prepare them for the global workforce.
