23 universities, academic and institutional entities take part in a six-day event featuring 36 sessions and workshops
Eman Bushlaibi: The exhibition helped students understand their options and make informed decisions about their university majors
Sharjah, October 1, 2026 : Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) recently concluded the eighth University Majors Exhibition after welcoming 7,200 visitors over six days. The exhibition gave students the opportunity to explore university options, admission requirements, scholarships, and academic programmes; assess their interests and skills; and learn about university and working life.
Held at Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) headquarters under the theme “Path to the Future: Where Ambition Meets Achievement”, the exhibition brought together 23 universities and academic and institutional entities. Its programme featured 36 sessions and workshops across the “Future Dialogues” and “Pulse of the Major” tracks, along with new tools to help students assess and compare their options.
Clearer options, more informed decisions
Eman Bushulaibi, Director of SPL, said: “The turnout at the eighth edition shows that students and their families need access to the information and guidance that can help them choose a university major. We measure the exhibition’s success not only by visitor numbers but by the experience it offers. Students could speak directly with universities, compare programmes, admission requirements and scholarships, explore their skills and interests, and gain a clearer sense of the options that suit them.”
She added: “We want students to select their majors based on knowledge and understanding. This year, we went beyond introducing university programmes to help students consider how what they study relates to what they may do in the future, particularly as professions and skills continue to change. Their engagement with universities, sessions and new tools shows the value of continuing to develop the exhibition to help students understand their options and make informed decisions.”
Skills and study opportunities
The final day featured six English-language sessions across the “Future Dialogues” and “Pulse of the Major” tracks, as well as visits from students from international schools.
Under “Future Dialogues”, “The Road to Success” explored goal-setting and the habits and skills that support academic and personal progress. “Admission Interviews and Scholarships” focused on preparing for interviews and presenting students’ abilities and ambitions, while “Skills Beyond School” addressed the skills needed for the transition to university and working life.
The “Pulse of the Major” sessions, “Discover What Lies Beyond the Classroom,” and “Start Where Others Succeeded” explored the broader university experience and how students can learn from others as they shape their academic and career choices. The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation also presented “Journey to a Scholarship: Where Do You Start?”, covering the transition to university, educational and scholarship opportunities, study habits, engagement with professors, and how to make the most of university life.
Attendance has risen since the University Majors Exhibition launched in 2018, with 683 visitors. It reached 3,133 in 2023, 4,530 in 2024, and 6,000 in 2025.
New tools for students
The eighth edition introduced “Miqyas”, an interactive assessment that helps students explore their skills and interests and suggests relevant academic majors and career options. It also launched the “Future Dialogues” and “Pulse of the Major” tracks, featuring 36 sessions and workshops.
The electronic Visitor Guide included a map of stands and services, along with questions to help students compare their options. SPL also showcased its books, digital resources, databases and study spaces, and offered a 50% discount on membership fees during the exhibition.
