smart Partners with American University of Sharjah for ‘Get Active for Education' Walkathon to Fuel Scholarships
smart's AED 100-per-finisher pledge raises AED 10,000 for AUS scholarships
smart drives campus engagement with 500+ through EV test drives and community games
Sharjah, UAE –May 2025 – smart, the contemporary sustainable-mobility brand presented by AW Rostamani Group in the UAE, proudly partnered with the American University of Sharjah (AUS) as the official mobility partner for the three-day 'Get Active for Education' initiative (April 8–10, 2025). Blending healthy competition with charitable giving, the event raised critical funds for AUS's scholarship programme – empowering students facing economic barriers and students of determination to pursue their studies.
During the three-day event, the first 100 finishers of the 2K walkathon triggered smart's AED 100 donation per participant, generating at least AED 10,000 for the AUS scholarship fund. More than 500 faculty, students and local businesses competed in the Corporate and Student Games semi-finals and finals, fostering teamwork, promoting healthy lifestyles and nurturing an inclusive spirit. Attendees also had the chance to test-drive smart's cutting-edge electric vehicles on campus, experiencing firsthand the brand's leadership in sustainable mobility.
'Our collaboration with AUS on Get Active for Education exemplifies smart's vision to lead with purpose,' said Roberto Colucci, Director of Electric Vehicles at AW Rostamani Group. 'Through combining physical activity with a scholarship drive, we're advancing sustainable transport while investing in the future of students who face social or financial barriers. Together with the AUS community, we're driving toward a more inclusive, forward-thinking tomorrow. We're excited to see the continued impact of this partnership and look forward to future collaborations that build on its success.'
This partnership directly supports the UAE's Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to triple the contribution of renewable energy and achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. smart's presence on campus demonstrated how electric mobility solutions can reduce carbon footprints, accelerate the transition to green energy, and engage communities in sustainability practices.
At the closing ceremony, AUS presented smart with a commemorative plaque in recognition of its generous support and for raising awareness around accessibility in education. This accolade underscores the power of purpose-driven collaboration between industry leaders and academic institutions.
The success of Get Active for Education highlights how sustainable-mobility companies can serve as catalysts for social progress – providing educational opportunities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering environmental stewardship. Building on this momentum, smart looks forward to deepening its partnership with AUS and launching new initiatives that unite innovation with inclusivity.
About smart:
Since its inception in the 1990s, smart has pioneered urban electric mobility. In 2019, smart Automobile Co., Ltd. was established, adopting a 'China-Europe dual-home' strategy to become a world-leading, all-electric, new-premium brand. A joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, smart combines cutting-edge R&D with sustainable production to deliver compact EVs designed for modern cities.
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