University of Sharjah and Binance Academy Forge Partnership to Advance Blockchain Innovation

The University of Sharjah has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Binance Academy, the educational arm of the global blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure leader, Binance.

The new agreement is a new milestone in fostering long-term collaboration in blockchain research, education, talent development, and innovation.

Under the agreement, both institutions will jointly pursue a series of strategic initiatives. These include the development of specialized academic programs, joint research projects, capacity-building workshops, and the hosting of blockchain-focused hackathons. The partnership will also provide students with internship opportunities, support for tech startup incubators, and access to mentorship programs led by industry experts.

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to empowering students and researchers with advanced tools and market-relevant insights,” said Prof. Bettayeb. “Collaborating with Binance allows us to integrate global expertise into our innovation ecosystem and prepare our graduates to lead in the dynamic blockchain sector.”

Rachel Conlan emphasized the role of this partnership in positioning the UAE as a regional hub for blockchain innovation, “We’re proud to partner with the University of Sharjah to support the UAE’s digital transformation goals by investing in local talent, research, and education. With over 280 million users globally, Binance brings global expertise to help shape the future of Web3 in the UAE and the wider region.”

Dr. Mohammed Al Hemairy, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at the University of Sharjah, added, “Blockchain and emerging technologies, especially Web3, are strategic priorities for the University. This collaboration paves the way for a new wave of innovation projects, and we’re excited to turn this partnership into tangible outcomes that benefit our students, researchers, and the wider community.”

With a student body exceeding 20,000 from over 100 nationalities, the University of Sharjah is one of the largest and most diverse institutions in the UAE. It is ranked #1 in the UAE and #4 in the Arab world according to the US News & World Report 2024–2025 Global Rankings, placing 261st globally. The university also ranks 4th worldwide in sustainable science and technology, 18th in energy and fuels, and 53rd in engineering.

Bader Kalouti, Regional Head of Growth at Binance, described the agreement as a turning point, “This partnership between Binance Academy and the University of Sharjah is transformative. By merging academic excellence with global industry knowledge, we are building a vibrant ecosystem where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs can thrive in the Web3 era. Together, we will empower the next generation of blockchain leaders and drive technological progress and economic growth across the region.”

This MoU forms part of the University of Sharjah’s broader strategic vision to position the emirate as a regional hub for advanced technologies, digital transformation, and sustainable innovation. It also highlights the vital role that academic institutions can play in supporting national and global tech ecosystems by collaborating with industry leaders.

The agreement takes effect immediately, with joint activities scheduled to begin in the upcoming academic year.