Thursday, May 26, 2011
Gulf News
Dubai The Rashid Award for Academic Excellence was yesterday conferred on 145 Emirati PhD holders who received their degrees between 2008 and 2010.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the PhD holders in a ceremony held at the Dubai Culture and Scientific Association yesterday.
Emiratis who hold a professor’s rank were honoured for the first time by the award with a woman among 15 individuals chosen for the tribute.
The PhD holders received their certificates from Shaikh Mohammad, while Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, presented certificates to the professors.
Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was also present at the ceremony.
Shaikh Mohammad congratulated the awardees, who boast doctorates in various fields from renowned Arab and international universities, and wished them success in serving their nation as he called on them to seek the best way to do so.
Encouraging the youth
Shaikh Mohammad urged the winners to use their mental and academic capabilities to support the UAE’s development march and to shape the younger generation by training and encouraging the youth.
During the ceremony, Ali Obaid Al Hamily, member of the board of the Dubai Culture and Scientific Association, said education enjoys a high place in the UAE’s priorities.
He said the award had honoured thousands of PhD holders since its establishment.
The Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association established the Rashid Award for Academic Excellence in 1988. The annual awards are also presented to UAE students who have achieved outstanding results at their respective academic levels.
The Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association nominates and selects each year’s winners from among UAE nationals who may range from holders of Masters and PhD degrees to outstanding students from the UAE’s universities, higher learning centres and secondary schools.
Staff Report
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