The University of Sharjah (UOS) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Binance Academy, the educational arm of Binance, the world’s largest blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider. The agreement sets the stage for long-term collaboration in blockchain research, education, talent development, and innovation.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, vice chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies at UOS, and Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer at Binance. Both institutions share a vision of equipping students and researchers with the expertise and exposure needed to lead in the evolving blockchain and Web3 landscape.
As part of the partnership, the two entities will work together on a range of initiatives, including joint academic programmes, research collaborations, industry-led workshops, and blockchain-focused hackathons. The MoU also facilitates internship placements for students, supports startup incubation, and encourages expert exchange and mentorship programmes.
“This partnership reinforces the University of Sharjah’s commitment to empowering students and researchers with cutting-edge tools and real-world insights. Collaborating with Binance allows us to integrate global industry expertise into our innovation ecosystem and prepare our graduates to lead in the fast-evolving blockchain sector,” said Prof. Maamar Bettayeb.
Rachel Conlan added: “We’re proud to partner with the University of Sharjah to strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional hub for blockchain innovation. Through this collaboration, we aim to support the country’s vision for digital transformation by investing in local talent, research, and education. With over 280 million users globally, Binance brings world-class expertise to help shape the future of Web3 in the UAE and the wider region.”
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Dr. Mohamed Al Hemairy, head of the technology transfer office at UOS, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership: “Blockchain and emerging technologies, particularly Web3, are of strategic interest to the University of Sharjah. This collaboration with Binance sets the stage for a new wave of innovation-driven projects that will be launched in the coming period. We look forward to translating this partnership into tangible outcomes that empower our students, researchers, and the wider community.”
With over 20,000 students from more than 100 nationalities, UOS is one of the UAE’s most diverse academic institutions. In the 2024–2025 US News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings, the university is ranked first in the UAE, fourth in the Arab region, and 261st globally. It also ranks fourth worldwide in Green and Sustainable Science and Technology, 18th in Energy and Fuels, and 53rd in Engineering. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 places UOS in the 301–350 global band, with additional recognition for research quality and performance in young university categories.
Bader Kalooti, regional growth lead at Binance, said: “This partnership between Binance Academy and the University of Sharjah represents a transformative step in advancing blockchain education and innovation in the UAE and beyond. By combining excellence, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs can thrive in the Web 3 era. Together, we will empower the next generation of blockchain leaders, driving both technological progress and economic growth in the region.”
The MoU aligns with UOS’s broader strategy to position Sharjah as a regional centre for advanced technologies and digital transformation. The agreement reinforces the role of academia in enabling national innovation agendas through meaningful partnerships with global tech leaders.
The agreement is now in effect, with implementation of joint activities set to begin in the upcoming academic year.
