With the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Petrofac, a leading global provider of energy services, have joined forces to shape the future of technology and empower the next generation of information technology (IT) professionals as part of the prestigious AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program in a new era of IT excellence, innovation and diversity. 

This strategic collaboration aims to leverage Petrofac's expertise to empower AUS students and foster innovation in the field of IT. Formalized through the MOA, this partnership will see Petrofac offer a minimum of 15 AUS students internships within Petrofac's IT division. These internships will provide students with hands-on experience, enabling them to sharpen their technical skills, gain industry insights and apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. By immersing themselves in Petrofac's dynamic IT environment, students will be exposed to the latest technologies, methodologies and trends, preparing them for future IT careers.

Petrofac and AUS recognize the need to bridge the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and are committed to empowering women in technology. In line with this vision, female members of Petrofac’s IT team will serve as mentors to female AUS students, guiding and inspiring them to pursue their ambitions in STEM-related fields. Through this mentorship program, female AUS students will benefit from personalized guidance, invaluable industry insights and the opportunity to connect with successful women in IT, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse IT landscape.

In alignment with their shared goals, Petrofac will actively engage with AUS in designing and implementing IT-related final-year curriculum projects. By aligning academic coursework with real-world challenges and industry demands, students will be equipped with practical skills and a deep understanding of how IT solutions can address complex business needs. This collaborative approach will foster a seamless transition from academia to industry, ensuring AUS graduates possess the technical skills and problem-solving abilities to excel in the IT sector.

The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the College of Engineering (CEN) at AUS; Dr. Mohamed El Tarhuni, Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer at AUS; George Eapen, Group Chief Information Officer at Petrofac; Elie Lahoud, Chief Operating Officer - Engineering and Construction at Petrofac; Ali A. Abdullah, UAE Country Chair at Petrofac; and other senior officials from the two institutions.

"This strategic partnership between the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program and Petrofac sets a remarkable precedent in our ongoing efforts to shape the future of technology and cultivate a new generation of IT professionals who will drive advancements in this dynamic field," said Dr. Aloul.

He added: "Through this collaboration with Petrofac, a renowned industry leader, we not only bridge the gap between academia and industry but also empower women in engineering by providing them with unwavering opportunities for practical application, mentorship and knowledge sharing."

“At Petrofac we are strong supporters of STEM education at all levels, seeking to improve educational access and the employability of people across our communities. We have successfully collaborated with AUS for many years, so I’m delighted that we are able to build on this to help develop the technology skills and innovation needed across the industry through this latest partnership,” said George Eapen.

The AUS College of Engineering (CEN) offers bachelor’s degrees in computer science and computer engineering, as well as a master’s degree in computer engineering. The college has recently revamped its undergraduate and graduate programs and implemented other improvements across 

the college. Based on a comprehensive benchmarking exercise for all seven CEN undergraduate programs, the recently launched CEN 2.0 initiative aims to provide students with an education that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice. Through strategic partnerships with companies like Petrofac, CEN is enhancing opportunities for students to gain valuable practical skills and industry connections.