Zayed University (ZU) and the College of Archeology and Cultural Heritage at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) – Egypt signed an Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in the field of research in archaeology and cultural heritage between the two institutions.

Commenting on the agreement, which was signed at Zayed University’s Abu Dhabi campus, Dr. Michael Allen, Acting Provost and Chief Academic Officer at ZU, said: “AASTMT is an established leader in this field and our new collaboration will enable our students and faculty to drive forward research in the cultural heritage of the UAE and the wider GCC area. This is an important joint project for us and demonstrates our strategic shift towards research projects aligned with national priorities.”

As part of the new agreement both parties will organize joint symposia, lectures, seminars, training courses and exchange experiences between faculty and students.  Both parties also agreed to work together with the Union of Arab Archaeologists Journal and the Arab League on issuing research papers on vital thematic topics. In addition, they will establish summer schools in archaeology and cultural heritage, and apply for joint funding in research projects of interest for both institutions.

Dr. Monica Hanna, Acting Dean, College of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, AASTMT, said: “This is a major step for students, as it allows them to enroll in other than their original universities abroad to study, and work with people from other cultures. The student-exchange opportunity contributes to developing their personal, professional, and academic skills, and enriches their experience with educational experiences on an international level.” She futher added that “The AASTMT, and for the first time in Egypt and the Middle East, offers a bachelor’s degree in archeology and cultural heritage together through the Faculty of Archeology and Cultural Heritage at the Academy’s South Valley campus in Aswan.”

This agreement aims to strengthen bilateral ties in various scientific and academic fields, and to discuss means of developing joint plans for student exchange and academic programs, and discover ways to enrich research and academic scientific publishing in the field of humanities. Both parties discussed joint master’s degrees grants in the field of economic development and entrepreneurship in cultural heritage and cultural activities for both sides, with the support of The League of Arab States, which made tremendous efforts in the region, more than half a century ago, with the aim of joint Arab actions towards education. 

The MoU was signed by Dr. Eric Staples, Assistant Professor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zayed University, and Dr. Monica Hanna, Acting Dean, College of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, in the presence of Dr. Michael Allen, Acting Provost and Chief Academic Officer at ZU, Dr. Ahmed Salem – Associate Dean In-Charge, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (ZU), Dr. Hala Thabet – Associate Professor, Chair of International Affairs and Social Science Dept. (ZU), Dr. Ximena Cordova – Assistant Professor, College of Interdisciplinary Studies (ZU).