{"id":8,"date":"2026-03-18T08:45:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T08:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/about\/"},"modified":"2026-03-18T08:45:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T08:45:54","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"<body><p><\/p>\n<section class=\"section animated-gradient\" id=\"hero\">\n<div class=\"container hero-grid\">\n<div>\n<h1 class=\"page-title\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.heroTitle\">\n              About the Arab Science &amp; Technology Foundation<br>\n            <\/h1>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"margin-top: 1.2rem; max-width: 36rem;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.heroDesc\">\n              ASTF is an independent, non-profit NGO uniting Arab scientists, technologists, and partners worldwide to catalyze investment in science and technology for regional development and global progress.\n            <\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 1.6rem; display: flex; gap: 0.75rem; flex-wrap: wrap;\">\n              <a href=\"\/new\/\/\" class=\"btn btn-primary\"><br>\n                <span data-i18n=\"hero.explorePrograms\">Explore Programs<\/span><br>\n                <i data-lucide=\"arrow-right\" class=\"icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><br>\n              <\/a><br>\n              <a href=\"\/new\/membership\/\" class=\"btn btn-outline\" data-i18n=\"hero.joinNetwork\">Join the Network<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hero-media\">\n<div class=\"hero-illustration\" style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: min(280px, 100%); height: auto; aspect-ratio: 1; background: #ffffff;\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/astf.net\/images\/ASTF-Logo-1.png\" alt=\"ASTF Logo\" style=\"width: 220px; height: 220px; object-fit: contain;\">\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"bg-light section\" id=\"overview\">\n<div class=\"stack-lg container\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.2vw, 2.4rem);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.overviewTitle\">Overview<\/h2>\n<div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.desc1\">\n              The Arab Science &amp; Technology Foundation (ASTF) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that operates regionally and internationally to encourage investment in science and technology. ASTF emerged from the recommendations of 425 scientists from within and outside the Arab world who attended the Scientific Research Outlook and Technology Development in the Arab World symposium hosted by Sharjah University on 24?26 April 2000. The Foundation was formally announced during the closing session at the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah.\n            <\/p>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink); margin-top: 1rem;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.desc2\">\n              ASTF\u2019s Board of Directors and advisory board comprise renowned Arab scientists whose achievements are celebrated nationally and internationally. Today, the Foundation is working to establish branches in other Arab and international capitals where scientific centers and organizations are keen to collaborate with ASTF in advancing its mission.\n            <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"bg-light section\" id=\"mission\">\n<div class=\"container\" style=\"display: grid; gap: 2rem;\">\n<div>\n<h2 style=\"font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.2vw, 2.4rem); margin-bottom: 0.75rem;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.missionTitle\">Mission<\/h2>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.missionSubtitle\">\n              ASTF\u2019s mission is rooted in five complementary commitments that ensure science and technology serve people across the Arab world.\n            <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-2\">\n<div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar1Title\">Champion Excellence in Research<\/h3>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar1Text\">\n                Identify, support, and promote standout scientific research in every field of science and technology taking place across Arab nations.\n              <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar2Title\">Bridge Innovators and Beneficiaries<\/h3>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar2Text\">\n                Act as a trusted mediator connecting researchers, funders, industry, and communities so scientific breakthroughs reach those who need them most.\n              <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar3Title\">Unite Global Arab Talent<\/h3>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar3Text\">\n                Convene scientists from inside and outside the Arab region, aligning local and expatriate expertise in service of humanity and shared prosperity.\n              <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar4Title\">Lead Scientific Program Delivery<\/h3>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar4Text\">\n                Serve as the central platform for designing and executing impactful scientific programs while championing the Arab world\u2019s role in global progress.\n              <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar5Title\">Represent a Shared Heritage<\/h3>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar5Text\">\n                Advocate for the interests of a community bound by language, history, and traditions, spanning from the Atlantic coast of North Africa to the Arabian Gulf.\n              <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"section\" id=\"vision\">\n<div class=\"content-narrow container\">\n<div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n<h2 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.visionTitle\">Vision<\/h2>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.visionDesc1\">\n              ASTF reflects the aspirations of Arab youth to reclaim their historical role in enriching global science. The Foundation develops national programs and projects capable of assimilating 21st-century advances while engaging constructively with Eastern and Western scientific experiences.\n            <\/p>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink); margin-top: 1rem;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.visionDesc2\">\n              ASTF aspires to be an influential Arab and international entity that supports researchers, safeguards the region\u2019s interests in science and technology, and helps protect humanity from the negative impacts of technological change. The Foundation strengthens ties between universities and research centers worldwide through joint initiatives, and it attracts businesses, institutions, and individuals to endow critical research positions across the Arab world.\n            <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"bg-light section\" id=\"engage\">\n<div class=\"container split\">\n<div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.collaborateTitle\">Collaborate with ASTF<\/h3>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.collaborateDesc\">\n              Partner with us to launch joint programs, scale regional innovation hubs, and co-fund research that tackles the Arab world\u2019s most urgent challenges.\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <a href=\"\/new\/collaborators\/\" class=\"btn btn-secondary\" style=\"margin-top: 1rem; width: fit-content; color: #0F172A;\"><br>\n              <i data-lucide=\"heart-handshake\" class=\"icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"color: #0F172A;\"><\/i><br>\n              <span data-i18n=\"pages.about.explorePartnerships\" style=\"color: #0F172A;\">Explore Partnerships<\/span><br>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.joinCommunityTitle\">Join the Community<\/h3>\n<p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.joinCommunityDesc\">\n              Become part of a vibrant network of scientists, technologists, investors, and supporters advancing socio-economic development through science and technology.\n            <\/p>\n<p>            <a href=\"\/new\/membership\/\" class=\"btn btn-primary\" style=\"margin-top: 1rem; width: fit-content;\"><br>\n              <i data-lucide=\"users-2\" class=\"icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><br>\n              <span data-i18n=\"pages.about.viewMembership\">View Membership<\/span><br>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About the Arab Science &amp; Technology Foundation ASTF is an independent, non-profit NGO uniting Arab scientists, technologists, and partners worldwide to catalyze investment in science and technology for regional development and global progress. Explore Programs Join the Network Overview The Arab Science &amp; Technology Foundation (ASTF) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that operates regionally [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"[pl_section el_id=\"astf-main\"][pl_col pagelayer-id=\"col1\" stretch=\"auto\" col_style=\"default\"][pl_raw_html]\n<section class=\"section animated-gradient\" id=\"hero\">\n        <div class=\"container hero-grid\">\n          <div>\n            <h1 class=\"page-title\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.heroTitle\">\n              About the Arab Science &amp; Technology Foundation\n            <\/h1>\n            <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"margin-top: 1.2rem; max-width: 36rem;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.heroDesc\">\n              ASTF is an independent, non-profit NGO uniting Arab scientists, technologists, and partners worldwide to catalyze investment in science and technology for regional development and global progress.\n            <\/p>\n            <div style=\"margin-top: 1.6rem; display: flex; gap: 0.75rem; flex-wrap: wrap;\">\n              <a href=\"\/new\/\/\" class=\"btn btn-primary\">\n                <span data-i18n=\"hero.explorePrograms\">Explore Programs<\/span>\n                <i data-lucide=\"arrow-right\" class=\"icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n              <\/a>\n              <a href=\"\/new\/membership\/\" class=\"btn btn-outline\" data-i18n=\"hero.joinNetwork\">Join the Network<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n          <div class=\"hero-media\">\n            <div class=\"hero-illustration\" style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: min(280px, 100%); height: auto; aspect-ratio: 1; background: #ffffff;\">\n              <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/astf.net\/images\/ASTF-Logo-1.png\" alt=\"ASTF Logo\" style=\"width: 220px; height: 220px; object-fit: contain;\">\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/section>\n\n      <section class=\"bg-light section\" id=\"overview\">\n        <div class=\"stack-lg container\">\n          <h2 style=\"font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.2vw, 2.4rem);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.overviewTitle\">Overview<\/h2>\n          <div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n            <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.desc1\">\n              The Arab Science &amp; Technology Foundation (ASTF) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization that operates regionally and internationally to encourage investment in science and technology. ASTF emerged from the recommendations of 425 scientists from within and outside the Arab world who attended the Scientific Research Outlook and Technology Development in the Arab World symposium hosted by Sharjah University on 24?26 April 2000. The Foundation was formally announced during the closing session at the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah.\n            <\/p>\n            <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink); margin-top: 1rem;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.desc2\">\n              ASTF's Board of Directors and advisory board comprise renowned Arab scientists whose achievements are celebrated nationally and internationally. Today, the Foundation is working to establish branches in other Arab and international capitals where scientific centers and organizations are keen to collaborate with ASTF in advancing its mission.\n            <\/p>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/section>\n\n      <section class=\"bg-light section\" id=\"mission\">\n        <div class=\"container\" style=\"display: grid; gap: 2rem;\">\n          <div>\n            <h2 style=\"font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.2vw, 2.4rem); margin-bottom: 0.75rem;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.missionTitle\">Mission<\/h2>\n            <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.missionSubtitle\">\n              ASTF's mission is rooted in five complementary commitments that ensure science and technology serve people across the Arab world.\n            <\/p>\n          <\/div>\n\n          <div class=\"grid grid-2\">\n            <div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n              <h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar1Title\">Champion Excellence in Research<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar1Text\">\n                Identify, support, and promote standout scientific research in every field of science and technology taking place across Arab nations.\n              <\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n              <h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar2Title\">Bridge Innovators and Beneficiaries<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar2Text\">\n                Act as a trusted mediator connecting researchers, funders, industry, and communities so scientific breakthroughs reach those who need them most.\n              <\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n              <h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar3Title\">Unite Global Arab Talent<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar3Text\">\n                Convene scientists from inside and outside the Arab region, aligning local and expatriate expertise in service of humanity and shared prosperity.\n              <\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n              <h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar4Title\">Lead Scientific Program Delivery<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar4Text\">\n                Serve as the central platform for designing and executing impactful scientific programs while championing the Arab world's role in global progress.\n              <\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n              <h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar5Title\">Represent a Shared Heritage<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.pillar5Text\">\n                Advocate for the interests of a community bound by language, history, and traditions, spanning from the Atlantic coast of North Africa to the Arabian Gulf.\n              <\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/section>\n\n      <section class=\"section\" id=\"vision\">\n        <div class=\"content-narrow container\">\n          <div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n            <h2 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.visionTitle\">Vision<\/h2>\n            <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.visionDesc1\">\n              ASTF reflects the aspirations of Arab youth to reclaim their historical role in enriching global science. The Foundation develops national programs and projects capable of assimilating 21st-century advances while engaging constructively with Eastern and Western scientific experiences.\n            <\/p>\n            <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink); margin-top: 1rem;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.visionDesc2\">\n              ASTF aspires to be an influential Arab and international entity that supports researchers, safeguards the region's interests in science and technology, and helps protect humanity from the negative impacts of technological change. The Foundation strengthens ties between universities and research centers worldwide through joint initiatives, and it attracts businesses, institutions, and individuals to endow critical research positions across the Arab world.\n            <\/p>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/section>\n\n      <section class=\"bg-light section\" id=\"engage\">\n        <div class=\"container split\">\n          <div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n            <h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.collaborateTitle\">Collaborate with ASTF<\/h3>\n            <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.collaborateDesc\">\n              Partner with us to launch joint programs, scale regional innovation hubs, and co-fund research that tackles the Arab world's most urgent challenges.\n            <\/p>\n            <a href=\"\/new\/collaborators\/\" class=\"btn btn-secondary\" style=\"margin-top: 1rem; width: fit-content; color: #0F172A;\">\n              <i data-lucide=\"heart-handshake\" class=\"icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"color: #0F172A;\"><\/i>\n              <span data-i18n=\"pages.about.explorePartnerships\" style=\"color: #0F172A;\">Explore Partnerships<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n          <div class=\"card reveal-up\">\n            <h3 style=\"margin-top: 0;\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.joinCommunityTitle\">Join the Community<\/h3>\n            <p class=\"subtle\" style=\"color: var(--brand-ink);\" data-i18n=\"pages.about.joinCommunityDesc\">\n              Become part of a vibrant network of scientists, technologists, investors, and supporters advancing socio-economic development through science and technology.\n            <\/p>\n            <a href=\"\/new\/membership\/\" class=\"btn btn-primary\" style=\"margin-top: 1rem; width: fit-content;\">\n              <i data-lucide=\"users-2\" class=\"icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n              <span data-i18n=\"pages.about.viewMembership\">View Membership<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/section>\n[\/pl_raw_html][\/pl_col][\/pl_section]","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9,"href":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8\/revisions\/9"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/astf.net\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}