JIN Li (Left) and Ibrahim Fikri(Right)

Note: The event was held online; this image is a composite of photos from both venues.

The MoU was signed by JIN Li, president of Fudan University and Ibrahim Fikri, assistant undersecretary for the Higher Education and Scientific Research Regulation and Governance Sector at MoHESR.

Fikri stated that the collaboration with Fudan is a major milestone in deepening UAE-China academic ties. He emphasized that the partnership would unlock vital academic and research opportunities and support the UAE’s vision of building a world-class, future-ready higher education ecosystem.

JIN said Fudan University attaches great importance to its collaboration with the MoHESR. The signing of this MoU will create new opportunities for faculty and student exchange and research cooperation between Fudan and UAE universities and research institutions. The university looks forward to working together to address shared global challenges through knowledge and innovation.

To further implement the agreement, a delegation from Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP) at Fudan University visited MoHESR in Abu Dhabi on October 8. The two sides engaged in in-depth and candid discussions on specific areas of cooperation and potential joint initiatives. The meeting was attended by Professor Yijia Jing, Dean of IGPP; Professor Yingyao Chen from School of Public Health; and Rong Zhang, Director of the IGPP Administrative Office. Representatives from MoHESR included Rashed Karam Alkaabi, Acting Director of the International Education Support and Scholarships Department; Isra Alansaari, Head of the Knowledge and Strategic Partnerships Section; Fatima Saif Alharbi, Quality Assurance Specialist; Mohammed Abu Gazleh, International Organizations Expert; Sumaya Alhashmi, International Organizations Specialist; and Maryam Al Awar, Assistant Scholarships Specialist.

The delegation also visited the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), where they were received by Professor Eric Alter, Dean of the Academy, and Omar Alshamsi, Assistant to the Deputy Director General, among others. The two sides held extensive discussions on specific areas of cooperation and reached a shared understanding on future collaborative initiatives. At IGPP’s invitation, the Academy agreed to send a high-level UAE delegation led by Deputy Director General Al-Dhaheri to visit Fudan University later in October.

During their stay in the UAE, the delegation also visited New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and engaged in exchanges with representatives from United Arab Emirates University and the American University of Sharjah.

The delegation also visited the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the UAE, where they met with Minister Liang Zhao, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy. Maomin Sun, Education Counselor at the Embassy, and other officials also attended the meeting.

The UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is established to elevate the quality of higher education and build a strong university infrastructure across the nation. The ministry is responsible for setting strategic policies and plans for establishing public and private universities and colleges, ensuring they adhere to global quality standards.