AUS and Group AMANA Launch Al Nukhba Program for Engineers

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has expanded the horizons for its engineering students by partnering with Group AMANA, a leader in the design-build construction sector. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, offering students unique opportunities for professional growth and hands-on experience.

Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), AUS students will benefit from internships, career opportunities, and involvement in cutting-edge research projects, thereby enhancing their readiness for the demands of the global job market.

The Engineering Al Nukhba Program at AUS is specifically tailored to foster close ties with leading industry figures, ensuring that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills through direct industry engagement.

The program underscores the importance of mentorship, professional training, and research collaboration, setting a solid foundation for students to thrive in their future careers. This initiative reflects AUS's commitment to excellence in engineering education, preparing students to meet the challenges of a dynamic employment landscape.

Group AMANA's involvement with AUS will extend beyond mere employment opportunities. The company is set to play a significant role in the academic journey of the students by co-supervising senior projects, facilitating workshops and seminars, and supporting research initiatives.

This hands-on approach is designed to apply classroom knowledge to solve real-world problems, particularly in areas such as sustainable construction, automation, and advanced building materials.

Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, highlighted the partnership's importance, stating, "Building meaningful partnerships with industry is key to equipping our students with the tools to excel in an increasingly complex and competitive global market. Our collaboration with Group AMANA aligns with our vision to produce engineering graduates who are future-ready—combining technical expertise with practical industry insights and leadership capabilities. Together, we are preparing the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of construction and engineering."

From Group AMANA's perspective, this collaboration represents a strategic investment in the future of engineering. Joe Labaki, the company's Chief Operating Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: "I would like to thank American University of Sharjah for this valuable opportunity to collaborate with the next generation of leaders. This MoU marks a significant step in fostering innovation, knowledge exchange and a shared commitment to shaping the future of engineering." He further added, "This partnership will help empower these future leaders with real-world insights and hands-on experience. We are excited to welcome them to our sites across the UAE, where they will have the chance to witness the impact of cutting-edge engineering solutions that are transforming the industry."

The synergy between AUS and Group AMANA will also pave the way for advancements in construction research, focusing on sustainability, modular construction techniques, and the use of robotics.

Students will get to explore these innovative practices firsthand through site visits and projects with Group AMANA's subsidiaries, DuBox and DuPod. Moreover, the company will contribute to curriculum development, ensuring that the education provided aligns with industry standards and needs.