Sharjah — 15 December 2025
Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) enters a new phase of its institutional journey following the establishment of the University of the Arts Sharjah, under which SPAA will operate as the Academy of Performing Arts.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an Emiri Decree regarding the establishment of the University of the Arts Sharjah.
Under the decree, a non-profit academic institution named the University of the Arts Sharjah (UAS) is established in the emirate of Sharjah. The University shall enjoy full legal personality and the legal capacity necessary to achieve its objectives and exercise its mandates, and shall have financial and administrative independence.
As part of this transition, two administrative decisions have been issued to support the governance and academic leadership of the new University structure. The Board of Trustees of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy is dissolved, and a new Board of Trustees for the University of the Arts Sharjah has been formed, chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who also serves as President of the University.
Professor Peter Barlow will continue as Director of the Academy of Performing Arts at the University of the Arts Sharjah, ensuring continuity of academic leadership and artistic vision. Dr Nadia Mahdi Alhasani has been appointed Director of the Academy of Visual Arts at the University.
"This new chapter represents an important moment for Sharjah Performing Arts" - Peter Barlow
“This new chapter represents an important moment for Sharjah Performing Arts Academy,” said Professor Peter Barlow. “The establishment of the Colleges of Theatre, Music and Film at SPAA and the addition of Visual Arts into the new University will strenghthen collaboration opportunities across all art forms. Having all the arts under one umbrella institution provides international academic status, diverse arts education, and an environment which fosters imagination, creativity, and innovation. Our commitment to students, creative practice, and world-class conservatoire education is at the heart of everything we do.”
The decree also stipulates that the College of Fine Arts and Design affiliated with the University of Sharjah shall be transferred to the University of the Arts Sharjah. The transfer includes all accredited academic programmes and the college shall remain at its current location near the University of Sharjah in University City.