President of Zanzibar visits AUS

Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein, the President of Zanzibar, described American University of Sharjah (AUS) as "one of the best in the region" during his visit to the campus this morning, Sunday November 13. Dr. Shein praised the facilities and programs at the university, which was established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah in 1997.

Dr. Shein was accompanied on his tour of the campus by Sheikh Salem Bin Abulrahman Al Qassimi, Director of the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah; Dr. Peter Heath, AUS Chancellor; and Salem Al Qaseer, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs. This was Dr. Shein's second visit to AUS, having visited the campus previously in 2003. He expressed satisfaction at the university's development in all fields, including the infrastructure and facilities. He was also impressed with the university's curriculum, high standard of teaching, students and world-class faculty.

Dr. Shein began his tour at the AUS Main Building. Chancellor Heath gave him a brief historical background of the university as a not-for-profit, independent institution of higher education formed on the American model that offers 25 majors and 52 minors at the undergraduate level, and 13 master's degrees in four colleges. The tour continued with a visit to the university library, the recently completed AED 90 million School of Business and Management, opened this summer by the Sharjah Ruler. Dr. Shein also visited the Student Center, meeting with OSA officials, as well as members of the Student Council including Luis A. Garcia, the Student Council President, who briefed him on the nationalities and number of students present on campus.

Dr. Shein concluded his tour with a visit to the College of Art, Architecture and Design, which has recently witnessed a renovation.