In a strategic move aimed at accelerating blockchain education and innovation in the region, the University of Sharjah (UOS) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Binance Academy, the educational arm of Binance—the world’s largest blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider. The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paves the way for long-term collaboration focused on blockchain research, talent development, education, and entrepreneurship.
Strategic Collaboration to Foster Web3 Leadership
The MoU was officially signed by Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Sharjah, and Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer at Binance. This strategic alliance aims to equip the next generation of students and researchers with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving blockchain and Web3 space.
With digital transformation at the forefront of the UAE’s national agenda, both institutions see this partnership as a significant step toward creating a skilled workforce capable of navigating and leading in emerging technologies.
Initiatives to Bridge Academia and Industry
As part of the agreement, the University of Sharjah and Binance Academy will roll out a variety of joint initiatives, including co-developed academic programs, research collaborations, and industry-led workshops. The collaboration will also extend to organizing blockchain-specific hackathons, student internships, startup incubation programs, and mentorship opportunities from global experts in the blockchain field.
“This partnership reinforces the University of Sharjah’s commitment to empowering students and researchers with cutting-edge tools and real-world insights,” said Prof. Maamar Bettayeb. “Collaborating with Binance allows us to integrate global industry expertise into our innovation ecosystem and prepare our graduates to lead in the fast-evolving blockchain sector.”
Empowering UAE’s Digital Future
Rachel Conlan echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re proud to partner with the University of Sharjah to strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional hub for blockchain innovation. Through this collaboration, we aim to support the country’s vision for digital transformation by investing in local talent, research, and education.”
With Binance’s vast global community—comprising over 280 million users—the academy brings unparalleled experience to the table. This wealth of knowledge will directly contribute to building a dynamic and competitive blockchain talent pool in the UAE and beyond.
Advancing Research and Innovation in Emerging Technologies
Dr. Mohamed Al Hemairy, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at UOS, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership: “Blockchain and emerging technologies, particularly Web3, are of strategic interest to the University of Sharjah. This collaboration with Binance sets the stage for a new wave of innovation-driven projects that will be launched in the coming period.”
He further noted that the initiative is expected to yield tangible outcomes that empower not only students and faculty but also the broader community, positioning the University of Sharjah as a leader in tech innovation across the region.
A University Poised for Global Impact
Home to more than 20,000 students representing over 100 nationalities, the University of Sharjah is one of the most diverse and prestigious institutions in the UAE. Its global reputation continues to grow, with the 2024–2025 US News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings placing UOS first in the UAE, fourth in the Arab region, and 261st globally. The university also ranks 4th worldwide in Green and Sustainable Science and Technology, 18th in Energy and Fuels, and 53rd in Engineering.
Furthermore, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 has recognized UOS in the 301–350 global band, highlighting its outstanding performance in research quality and academic innovation.
Driving Economic Growth Through Talent and Innovation
Bader Kalooti, Regional Growth Lead at Binance, highlighted the economic potential of the collaboration: “This partnership between Binance Academy and the University of Sharjah represents a transformative step in advancing blockchain education and innovation in the UAE and beyond. By combining excellence, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs can thrive in the Web3 era.”
The agreement underscores the University of Sharjah’s broader strategy to position the emirate as a regional center for advanced technologies and digital transformation. Implementation of joint activities is set to begin in the upcoming academic year, marking the start of a promising journey toward shaping the UAE’s digital future.
