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. As outlined in the decree, the institution is created as a non-profit academic university based in the emirate. Moreover, the University is granted full legal personality, alongside the capacity required to fulfill its objectives. In addition, it will operate with financial and administrative independence.
Institutional Structure and Transfers
Under the decree, the College of Fine Arts and Design affiliated with the University of Sharjah will be transferred to the University of the Art Sharjah. This transfer includes all staff, assets, properties, rights, obligations, and financial allocations. Furthermore, accredited academic programmes in the arts, together with all related records, data, and academic systems, will move under the new University. However, the College will remain at its current location near the University of Sharjah in University City.
At the same time, the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy will be merged into the University of the Art Sharjah. As part of this process, all staff, assets, properties, rights, obligations, and financial allocations will be transferred. Additionally, the merger covers accredited academic programmes and all associated documentation, data, and accreditation requirements.
Academic Framework and Governance
According to the decree, the University of the Art Sharjah will consist of two academies. The Performing Arts Academy will include the College of Theatre, the College of Music, and the College of Film. Meanwhile, the Academy of Visual Arts will comprise the College of Fine Arts and the College of Design. Finally, the decree provides that a separate law will be issued to regulate the University, its colleges, departments, administrative structure, and related affairs.