ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi University on Monday celebrated the graduation of 990 undergraduate and postgraduate students of its seventh graduating class, including 130 graduates from the University?s military programs which are offered in collaboration with the General Command of the Armed Forces.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development, Vice-President of Abu Dhabi University?s Board of Trustees, under the patronage H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler?s Representative in the Western Region and President of Abu Dhabi University?s Board of Trustees.

In a speech, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan stressed that this renewed annual ceremony allows us to celebrate Abu Dhabi University?s numerous achievements since its inception.

He pointed out that the University enjoys a good reputation as a successful institution of higher education in the country driven in its journey by the wise directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness?s emphasis on the importance of education and its present and future role in realizing the successful community development.

"We are proud that the wise directives of His Highness take their precise and vibrant role in developing and exerting all efforts towards achieving our desired goals and objectives which embody the University?s mission and elevate it constantly", said Sheikh Nahyan.

He extended "the deepest gratitude and appreciation, and sincere loyalty and respect to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He also extended great appreciation to His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and expressed deep gratitude for His Highness's untiring support and guidance for higher education institutions in the country and constant focus on excellent preparation of graduates enabling them to be highly qualified and contribute in the global development and interact positively and objectively with issues of the present and challenges of the future.

He also expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler?s Representative in the Western Region and President of Abu Dhabi University?s Board of Trustees for his constant patronage of this University and for his efforts to elevate it to so it is always an ideal example of an educational institution that is committed and successful in achieving its mission and goals of serving the UAE", added Sheikh Nahyan.

Sheikh Nahyan explained that although its relatively short history, Abu Dhabi University has graduated seven classes from its undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, in addition to having an advanced rank amongst universities in the UAE and the world. H. E added: "It is also such a pleasure that this batch of graduates includes 142 graduates from the University?s military programs, which are offered in collaboration with the General Command of the Armed Forces. 130 of those military graduates have completed their Bachelor of Military Science and Administration, in addition to 12 graduates who completed the Master of Science in Human Resources Management. All this adds great value to the mutual collaboration between the University and the General Command of the Armed Forces".

Addressing the graduates, he pointed out that they should consider this graduation as a new beginning and as a vital phase in their lives. "They should be highly prepared and commit themselves to taking responsibility and strive hard to reach what they hope and aspire. They should know well that their nation and community need them and that their future endeavors should be striving to serve this nation with relentless persistence towards its progress and prosperity," concluded Sheikh Nahyan.

Giving the commencement address on behalf of the graduating class, Nora Al Hosani, a graduate of Landscape Architecture from Abu Dhabi University?s College of Engineering and Computer Science extended sincere gratitude and appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, their brothers, Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, and His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Education Council, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler?s Representative in the Western Region and President of Abu Dhabi University?s Board of Trustees, for their directives and unlimited support of the massive development witnessed in our country in the various fields".

"We are proud of the knowledge that the University has provided us with, not only in classrooms and labs, but also through internship opportunities and training with business institutions in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We are also proud of the skills we have developed at this University of national repute, which embodies hope and a bright future, taking us towards an education that keeps pace with modernity and interacts with new technologies and sciences. Abu Dhabi University is, and always will be, committed to fostering a learning environment that is in line with the highest international standards, making the learning process a model for multiculturalism, multi-intellectuality and cultural interaction and communication among values and traditions across the world", concluded Al Hosani.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan presented the graduates with their degrees, during which Sheikh Zeyab Bin Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a graduation certificate on behalf of his wife, Sheikha Latifa Bint Hamdan, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences.

In attendance were Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed, Sheikh Zeyab Bin Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hazaa Bin Hamdan, Sheikh Yas Bin Hamdan, Sheikh Shakboot Bin Nahyan, Sheikh Mubarak Bin Nahyan, Dr. Maitha Al-Shamsi UAE Minister of State and a member of ADU?s Board of trustees, Dr. Mugheer Al-Khaili Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council, Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri Chairman of Abu Dhabi University?s Executive Board, General Staff Pilot Rashad Mohammed Salem Al Saadi, Commander of the National Defense College, members of ADU?s faculty and staff of and the graduates' families.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.