Law
College of Law
Islamic jurisprudence and legal studies with critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and practical application for legal practice.
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Proud of UAE
فخورين بالإمارات
The University of Khorfakkan (UKF) is dedicated to fostering innovation, research, and academic excellence. Join our vibrant community and embark on a journey to achieve your academic and professional aspirations.
Bachelor programs
9
Across five colleges
Colleges
5
Law • Business • Arts • Marine • Computing
Licensed
Commission for Academic Accreditation
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Upcoming event
Hosted by University of Khorfakkan, 15–17 September 2026. Theme: Strategies of Arab Universities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
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Programs across law, business, arts, marine sciences, and computing—guided by distinguished faculty and built for practical learning.
Islamic jurisprudence and legal studies with critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and practical application for legal practice.
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History, sociology, public relations, and communication with a broad foundation and room to specialize.
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Bachelor’s degree focused on practical learning and real-world applications in today’s business environment.
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Field-based study of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation with hands-on research opportunities.
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Applied AI, cybersecurity, game development, and software engineering pathways.
Explore tracksSMSRC
Field research, coastal monitoring, and hands-on marine training in partnership with UKF programs.
Explore SMSRCMerit- and need-based aid is available for eligible students. Review options and connect with admissions for guidance on the right package.
View scholarshipsAdvisors keep you on track—eligibility checks, document uploads, decisions, and scholarship reviews all in one place.
Track-based grades, English proficiency, prerequisite subjects.
Personal details, program selection, documents, scholarships.
Track progress online; connect with an advisor for next steps.
International engagement
University of Khorfakkan maintains active memberships and affiliations with internationally recognized organizations that support academic excellence, quality assurance, sustainability, and continuous institutional development.
Grounded in marine sciences, arts, business, and law, UKF advances cross-disciplinary learning and research that serves the region.
Vision
To position UKF as a leading institute for arts, sciences, marine, maritime research, innovation, and education programs, standing out among universities, research institutes, and industry.
Mission
Enhance, facilitate, and deliver internationally recognized, cross-disciplinary, high-impact research and education in arts, sciences, marine sciences, and ocean engineering.
Bachelor programs
9
Colleges
5
Campus pulse
Highlights, partnerships, and what’s happening next.
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Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and University of Khorfakkan (UKF) President, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, attended the graduation ceremony for the second cohort of University of Khorfakkan students, comprising 137 graduates, at the university’s theatre in Khorfakkan on Monday morning. His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, in his address at the ceremony, affirmed that Khorfakkan has a rich legacy of resilience and steadfastness. He recalled the city’s historic stand against invaders in 1507, when its people demonstrated unwavering determination and courage, making Khorfakkan a symbol of pride and belonging. His Highness noted that these values remain alive today among its people, who continue to build the future through knowledge, education, and insight. His Highness also conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and University of Khorfakkan (UKF) President, to the graduates, emphasising the special place that Khorfakkan and its university hold in the Ruler’s vision. He highlighted the city’s remarkable development and educational transformation, culminating in the establishment of a fully integrated academic institution that matches leading international universities and provides the region’s youth with outstanding opportunities for higher education and excellence. His Highness added: “His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah wanted his children to have an institution of learning that rivals the finest universities in the world. Look at what it once was and what it has become. The mother is Sharjah, and the daughter is graceful, adorned around her neck with the splendour of beauty.” His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah highlighted the rapid progress achieved by UKF in just a few years, driven by international academic partnerships and accreditations from specialised scientific institutions and organisations. He also referred to the university’s recent agreements, including its participation in the French Neptune Initiative, one of the world’s leading programmes dedicated to the protection of oceans and marine biodiversity, which strengthens the university’s role in marine sciences and environmental conservation. In addition, His Highness noted the signing of memoranda of understanding with Air Arabia and Sharjah Media City (Shams), which will provide students with broader opportunities for practical training, hands-on experience, and the development of their future career paths. His Highness congratulated the graduates and their families, praising the support and sacrifices of parents that had culminated in this achievement. He urged the graduates to carry their academic mission with pride, remain loyal to the university that helped shape their future, and serve as exemplary ambassadors for both their country and their alma mater. His Highness also encouraged them to continue their journey of learning, giving back, and contributing to society. His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah concluded his address with the following words: “The certificate you receive today bears the signature of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, who has made human development and the building of people the hallmark of every project in the emirate. Carry it with pride and live up to the confidence the Ruler of Sharjah has placed in you.” The graduation ceremony commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an. Dr Ali Hilal Al Naqbi, Chancellor of UKF, then delivered a speech in which he affirmed that, under the vision and support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, the university has, in a short period, established a strong academic and research standing at both the regional and international levels. He noted that the university has successfully built a growing network of specialised international partnerships and memberships, including affiliations with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), and the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI), reflecting its commitment to adopting international best practices and to advancing the quality of education and scientific research. Dr Ali Hilal Al Naqbi, Chancellor of the University of Khorfakkan, explained that the Sharjah Marine Sciences Research Centre has significantly strengthened the university’s global scientific and research profile. The centre has established research collaborations with scientists and researchers from 87 countries and published joint studies with more than 533 academic and research institutions worldwide. He added that the University of Khorfakkan is the first and only academic institution in the Gulf region to join the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO). It also hosts the UAE’s first advanced marine observatory on the country’s east coast, which serves as a specialised scientific platform for collecting marine data and supporting research on the marine environment. Al Naqbi noted that the University of Khorfakkan continues to implement the directives of His Highness the President of the University of Khorfakkan to strengthen its presence in international forums dedicated to marine sciences and sustainability. He highlighted the Sharjah Marine Sciences Research Centre’s participation in the Donors Conference for the Neptune Oceans Initiative, held in the French Republic, as well as the university’s preparations to take part in the preparatory meetings for the United Nations Ocean Conference and the Conference of the Parties (COP) for the Oceans. These efforts, he said, help showcase the roles of both the University of Khorfakkan and the Emirate of Sharjah in supporting international initiatives to protect the marine environment and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For his part, Jassim Mohammed Khalfan Al Naqbi, a graduate of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, expressed pride in representing his fellow graduates at the ceremony. He said the occasion marked the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, as well as the beginning of a new chapter of service and responsibility to the nation and society. He added that the University of Khorfakkan had been far more than an academic institution, describing it as a school of life that had played a vital role in shaping students’ personalities, developing their abilities, and instilling in them the values of excellence, determination, and perseverance. Al Naqbi expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his unwavering support for education and knowledge, affirming that His Highness’s vision has transformed Sharjah into a beacon of learning and culture. He added that this vision led to the establishment of the University of Khorfakkan as a leading academic institution dedicated to preparing future generations to play an active role in serving the nation while preserving its identity and cultural heritage. Jassim Al Naqbi also expressed his appreciation to the graduates’ parents, as well as to the University of Khorfakkan’s administration and its academic and administrative staff, for the support, guidance, and care they provided throughout the students’ academic journey. He noted that graduation marks not the end of the road but the beginning of a new chapter of achievement and contribution. Congratulating his fellow graduates, he affirmed that today’s accomplishment is an important step towards a brighter future for themselves, their nation, and the United Arab Emirates. His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah presented the graduates with their degree certificates, congratulated them on their graduation from the University of Khorfakkan, and wished them every success in their future professional, academic, and personal lives. A total of 137 students graduated from the University of Khorfakkan, comprising 119 from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, eight from the College of Law, and 10 from the College of Business Administration. The graduation ceremony was attended by His Highness alongside Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Chairman of the Ruler’s Office in Khorfakkan; Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; a number of senior officials; members of the Board of Trustees of the University of Khorfakkan; and the families of the graduates.
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His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed on Monday morning the signing of memoranda of understanding between the University of Khorfakkan (UKF) and the Mission Neptune, launched under the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, and between Sharjah Media City (Shams) and Air Arabia Group. The signing ceremony took place at the University of Khorfakkan. The memoranda were signed by Dr Ali Hilal Al Naqbi, Chancellor of the University of Khorfakkan; Dr Ashok Adiceam, Representative of the French President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mission Neptune; Rashid Abdullah Al Obad, Director General of Sharjah Media City (Shams); and Adel Abdullah Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia Group. The MoU between the University of Khorfakkan and the Mission Neptune aims to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation in ocean exploration and scientific research, and to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two parties. The partnership also covers collaboration in academic education, research fellowship programmes, the exchange of researchers and experts, the organisation of scientific events and conferences, and initiatives to promote ocean literacy and raise awareness of the importance of marine sustainability. The memorandum of understanding with the Mission Neptune reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to support science and scientific research and to strengthen the emirate’s position as a regional centre of excellence in marine sciences. Under the agreement, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah will serve as a High-Level Honorary Patron of the Mission Neptune, and the initiative will formally recognise the University of Khorfakkan as a Founding Partner in this international scientific endeavour. The memorandum of understanding between the University of Khorfakkan and Sharjah Media City (Shams) aims to strengthen cooperation between the two parties across areas of mutual interest, particularly in supporting and advancing the media and creative ecosystem in the Emirate of Sharjah. The agreement seeks to diversify channels for leveraging expertise and capabilities in planning, designing, and implementing awareness and development-focused media campaigns that serve the community and address its various issues. It also aims to enhance students’ academic and practical training by developing theoretical and applied learning tools in media studies, journalism, and television production. In addition, the memorandum provides for the mobilisation of resources and capabilities to support young talent by offering an integrated platform that empowers the next generation of creatives and innovators and opens up new opportunities for them within the media industry. The areas of cooperation with Sharjah Media City (Shams) include academic collaboration through the delivery of specialised course modules, the organisation of events and initiatives to identify and mentor emerging media talent, and joint applied research and studies on the media landscape in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in the Emirate of Sharjah, to advance both media knowledge and professional practice. The partnership also provides for the implementation of specialised media training programmes and courses for students and members of the community to enhance their skills and keep pace with developments in the media sector. It includes the exchange of visits and expertise among faculty members, students, and specialists from both institutions to foster professional development and knowledge sharing. In addition, the two parties will organise joint media conferences and forums to strengthen engagement between students and the wider media community, while exploring the establishment of a shared incubator or simulation and innovation laboratories dedicated to developing educational models in media and public relations. The MoU between the University of Khorfakkan and Air Arabia aims to enhance academic, practical, research, and professional capabilities while supporting the UAE’s national development efforts. The agreement also provides for the implementation of joint research projects and studies, the provision of technical and administrative consultancy on matters of mutual interest, and the delivery of practical, cooperative, and specialised training programmes designed to build capacity and promote the professional development of personnel from both organisations. In addition, the partnership seeks to establish programmes and initiatives that prepare and upskill national talent to meet labour market needs, and to organise community activities that foster a culture of social responsibility among members of both institutions. Under the memorandum, the areas of cooperation between the University of Khorfakkan and Air Arabia include exploring the establishment of a joint incubation centre or simulation and innovation laboratory dedicated to developing educational models for the tourism, aviation, and hospitality sectors, with the aim of training and preparing students for the industry. The partnership also covers organising field visits and joint courses and workshops to enhance students’ knowledge of tourism, hospitality, and aviation, and providing students with the opportunity to obtain a joint certification from the University of Khorfakkan and the Air Arabia Academy. In addition, the two parties will collaborate to organise events, forums, exhibitions, and gatherings related to the low-cost aviation sector; deliver specialised courses and training programmes through the University of Khorfakkan’s Skills Development Centre; offer internship opportunities for students; and give priority to the university’s graduates in Air Arabia’s recruitment programmes. The memorandum further provides for joint applied research in areas including tourism guidance, smart systems, operations management, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, and other fields of mutual interest. On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah toured an exhibition showcasing the University of Khorfakkan’s key achievements, areas of cooperation, and international partnerships with global organisations. His Highness was briefed on the university’s participation in the Neptune Forum in France, which aims to support scientific research, protect biodiversity, promote the blue economy, and strengthen the university’s presence and engagement in international forums. His Highness was also briefed on the University of Khorfakkan’s expanding research reach, spanning 87 countries and involving 533 institutions across six regions worldwide. The university was ranked among the world’s top 10 universities for the greatest geographic reach in research collaboration.
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University of Khorfakkan, represented by Sharjah Marine Sciences Research Center, has signed a cooperation agreement with Emirates Nature-WWF to strengthen collaboration in the fields of applied environmental research and support initiatives aimed at protecting marine biodiversity amid climate change challenges. The agreement was signed on behalf of the University by Prof. Stephen Widdicombe, Director of the Sharjah Marine Sciences Research Center, and on behalf of Emirates Nature-WWF by Mansour Al Ketbi, Senior Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising Advisor. The agreement reflects the shared vision of both parties to establish a strategic partnership that supports studies and research related to biodiversity and marine and coastal ecosystems, while promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise at both local and international levels. It also aims to enhance cooperation in joint environmental initiatives and organize events, awareness programs, and specialized workshops that contribute to national efforts toward environmental protection and sustainability. The signing ceremony was attended by several officials and specialists from both sides, reflecting their commitment to expanding scientific and environmental cooperation and unifying efforts toward the conservation of natural resources.
Read moreA curated set of UKF moments—events, student life, and research highlights.
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Khorfakkan University’s Participation in the United Nations Ocean Conference
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