AUS Partners with Mapei to Cultivate Next-Generation Engineering Talent for UAE’s Construction Sector
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Mapei, a global leader in construction chemical products, to advance talent development and strengthen industry-academia collaboration in the UAE’s construction sector.
Under the partnership — part of the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program — Mapei will provide structured internships, field visits, and knowledge-sharing opportunities to help engineering students gain hands-on experience aligned with industry standards and sustainability goals.
Building Pathways from Campus to Construction Sites
The agreement connects AUS coursework with real-world practice. Each year, Mapei will host AUS students in immersive internships within its operational teams and laboratories. Faculty members and Mapei specialists will also co-supervise capstone and research projects, enabling students to work on applied solutions that address current construction challenges.
Students will participate in field visits to Mapei’s manufacturing facilities, project sites, and laboratories, gaining exposure to modern construction techniques, quality systems, and safety protocols. Both institutions will also collaborate on R&D projects targeting UAE’s sectoral priorities in innovation, sustainability, and advanced materials.
Leaders Speak
“This collaboration is designed for outcomes you can measure in skill, confidence, and employability,” said Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering. “By connecting our students to Mapei’s teams, facilities, and project environments, we are creating an applied learning loop that starts with a question on campus and ends with a solution on site.”
Giuseppe Castelli, Corporate HR and Organization Director at Mapei, added:
“Investing in young people means investing in the future of the region and its communities. Our collaboration with AUS builds a bridge between university and business — fostering the professional and personal growth of emerging talent.”
Strengthening the Engineering Al Nukhba Program
This partnership reinforces the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Program’s mission to cultivate industry-ready engineers through strategic partnerships with leading firms. With a growing network of 18 industry collaborators, the program continues to expand experiential learning, research collaboration, and skill development opportunities that respond to evolving market needs.
