A Quarter Century of Building Bridges for Arab Science
"When 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."
Dr. Abdalla Abdulaziz Alnajjar Alhammadi, Chairman of ASTF since 2000
President of ASTF since 2000
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The Founding Story — As Told by Dr. Abdalla Abdulaziz Alnajjar Alhammadi
A personal account of how ASTF was born
April 24, 2000 — A Day That Changed History
"I did not realize, as I entered the conference hall on the morning of April 24, 2000, that I was about to witness a moment that would change the future of science in the Arab world. The scene was magnificent; the conference hall was filled to capacity, with His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and His Crown Prince in the forefront. It was a moment where feelings of pride mixed with awe, as if history itself stood among us watching what we would do. I felt we were not attending an ordinary conference, but standing at the threshold of something great being born... something like a renaissance."
425 Scientists United by a Dream
"The scene was truly magnificent: 425 scientists and researchers from the Arab world and diaspora, gathered under one roof. Each one carried an unquenchable passion and a sincere desire to see this nation in the place it deserves. Each one dreaming of being a building block to restore the great edifice of a nation that once led the world, carrying this hope with Arab blood flowing in their veins. They sat before me with eyes gleaming with ambition, as if each one came to place a small stone in the wall of the coming renaissance."
The Dinner That Changed Everything — April 25, 2000
"I was then Director of the Research Center at the University of Sharjah and Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee. During the scientific sessions by day, and the friendly gatherings in the evening, I could see something taking shape... something bigger than a conference, deeper than mere exchange of scientific papers. A new spirit was being born among the scientists, a spirit that said: The time has come for something different... something lasting."
"Why don't we establish an entity that unites us? An independent entity, not subject to politics, party, or faction... an entity that works only for science and for this nation."
The Vision of Sheikh Sultan — A Leader Who Believes in Science
"The idea reached His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Supreme President of the University of Sharjah. As soon as he learned of our desire, he strongly supported it, as if he had been waiting for this voice to emerge from the scientists themselves. And that is not surprising for a man who combined agricultural engineering and history, merging the two sciences in a single vision that sees the future as much as it recalls the past. How could it be otherwise, for he is a man of history who understood through his knowledge the bright history of this nation, and that there is no life and no return to its glory except through science and scientists. His trust in scientists had a profound impact on the launch of this journey, and it is a favor that can never be forgotten."
October 2000 — The Group of 55 Architects
"Then came the next pivotal step: the meeting of the Group of 55 scientists and Arab officials in October 2000. They faithfully and sincerely established the Foundation's statute and drew up its framework of operation. To all of them, I extend my highest expressions of thanks and appreciation; for they are the ones who formulated the first building blocks of this edifice."
The UAE's Embrace
"The UAE was not distant from this scientific movement; rather, it was at its heart. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan — then Minister of Higher Education and President of UAE University — received the Group of 55, expressing his joy at the Foundation's birth, providing great moral support that strengthened our confidence that we were on the right path."
"The encouragement and support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan — Minister of Foreign Affairs — also had a profound impact when he received the Foundation's Board of Directors, emphasizing the importance of the role it could play in serving the region."
Amiri Decree
Formally established by Amiri Decree No. 8 of 2000, granting ASTF official status and independence.
420 Founding Scientists
Distinguished researchers from across the Arab world united to form the foundation's initial membership.
Sharjah Headquarters
Established in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE, with a mandate to expand across Arab and international capitals.
Moments That Define Us
A visual journey through 25 years of conferences, initiatives, and scientific achievements.
The Vision That Drives Us
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—in universities, research centers, and industries—often disconnected from their homeland and from each other.
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.
Our Core Beliefs
- Science knows no borders—Arab talent spans the globe and must be connected.
- Research must serve society—innovations must reach those who need them.
- Youth are the future—empowering young researchers is our greatest investment.
- Collaboration multiplies impact—together we achieve what none can alone.
Our Collective Impact
Numbers tell a story, but behind each figure are lives transformed and futures shaped.
25+
Years of Service
70K+
Network Members
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Arab Countries
100+
Conferences & Forums
"Over these twenty-five years, I have witnessed something remarkable: the transformation of scattered individual efforts into a powerful collective movement. Every young researcher we mentor, every connection we facilitate, every innovation we support—these are the building blocks of Arab scientific renaissance. The numbers are impressive, but what moves me most are the personal stories: the student who discovered her calling at one of our conferences, the researcher who found collaborators across borders, the entrepreneur whose idea became reality through our networks."
— Dr. Abdalla Abdulaziz Alnajjar Alhammadi
Looking to the Future
As we enter our next quarter century, our commitment only deepens. The challenges facing our region—from climate change to healthcare, from food security to digital transformation—demand bold scientific solutions. ASTF stands ready, with an expanded network, renewed partnerships, and an unwavering belief in Arab scientific potential.
Innovation Hubs
Expanding iHub centers across the Arab world to transform research into real-world solutions.
Global Partnerships
Strengthening ties with international scientific bodies to amplify Arab research on the world stage.
Next Generation
Investing in youth programs to ensure the continuity of Arab scientific excellence for generations.