Sharjah24: The University of Sharjah’s College of Engineering organized an exhibition of proposed designs for the headquarters and general plan of the Sharjah Oasis for Technology and Innovation (SOTI) project.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah established SOTI to conduct applied scientific research to produce new technologies and innovations. This by fostering an environment conducive to creativity and innovation, developing knowledge-based economic projects, and working to establish partnerships with universities, institutions, and related sectors.

Prof. Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University, inaugurated the exhibition in the presence of Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, Prof. Ahmed Al-Shama'a, Dean of the College of Engineering, and College Department Heads. The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry sponsors the exhibition and will provide 50 thousand dirhams in total prizes for the three best designs.

During the exhibition, students of the Department of Architectural Engineering presented 17 innovative architectural designs for the general plan of SOTI, which is set to act as a center of excellence in research, technology, and innovation to further advance the Sharjah’s economy. The architectural designs presented by students were characterized by an Islamic architectural style mixed with contemporary architectural solutions. The students relied in their designs on the developments made in the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties mixed with the Emirati heritage with its distinction of sustainable technical solutions.