{"id":72,"date":"2026-03-18T08:46:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T08:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/mission\/"},"modified":"2026-03-18T08:46:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T08:46:31","slug":"mission","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/mission\/","title":{"rendered":"Mission"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n Mission
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\n To champion Arab excellence in science and technology by fostering meaningful connections between researchers, funders, and communities. We unite Arab scientific expertise globally, advocate for the region\u2019s collective interests in scientific advancement, and drive sustainable social and economic impact by aligning stakeholders around ambitious innovation and development goals that reflect the aspirations of the Arab world.\n <\/p>\n

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\n Discover Programs<\/span>
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\n Join the Network<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n \"A\n <\/div>\n
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\n Guiding the Arab world\u2019s collective scientific ambitions.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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\n The ASTF Story<\/span>\n

A Quarter Century of Building Bridges for Arab Science<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \"Dr.\n <\/div>\n

Dr. Abdalla Abdulaziz Alnajjar Alhammadi<\/p>\n

President of ASTF since 2000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWhen we gathered in Sharjah in the year 2000, we were not merely founding an organization. We were planting seeds for a scientific renaissance that would connect Arab minds across continents and generations.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Where It All Began<\/h3>\n

\n In April 2000, the University of Sharjah hosted a landmark gathering that would reshape the landscape of Arab science. The \u201cScientific Research Outlook and Technology Development in the Arab World\u201d symposium brought together 425 distinguished scientists from across the Arab world and the diaspora. For three transformative days\u2014from April 24 to 26\u2014these minds converged with a shared dream: to create a unified platform for Arab scientific excellence.\n <\/p>\n

\n The symposium\u2019s recommendations were bold and visionary. They called for the establishment of an independent foundation that would transcend borders, unite researchers, and channel the collective genius of Arab scientists toward solving the region\u2019s most pressing challenges.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \u201cThe moment His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah, announced the establishment of ASTF during the closing session, I felt the weight of responsibility\u2014but more than that, I felt immense hope. Here was a leader who truly believed in the power of science to transform our region.\u201d\n <\/p>\n

\u2014 Dr. Abdalla Abdulaziz Alnajjar Alhammadi<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Amiri Decree<\/h4>\n

Formally established by Amiri Decree No. 8 of 2000, granting ASTF official status and independence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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425 Founding Scientists<\/h4>\n

Distinguished researchers from across the Arab world united to form the foundation\u2019s initial membership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Sharjah Headquarters<\/h4>\n

Established in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE, with a mandate to expand across Arab and international capitals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Vision That Drives Us<\/h3>\n

\n From the very first day, our vision has been clear: to bridge the gap between Arab scientific potential and its realization. We saw countless brilliant minds scattered across the globe\u2014in universities, research centers, and industries\u2014often disconnected from their homeland and from each other.\n <\/p>\n

\n ASTF was created to be that bridge. Not merely a membership organization, but a living network that would amplify collective impact, transfer knowledge, and empower the next generation of Arab scientists and innovators.\n <\/p>\n

Our Core Beliefs<\/h4>\n