Under the patronage of UAE president His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai attended the 32nd male cohorts graduation ceremony of 436 students, of which 69 are postgraduates of masters and PhD programs in various specialties, from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) on June 5.
The convocation was held at the new UAEU campus in Al Ain and was conducted in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, H.E. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chancellor of UAEU and H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice-Chancellor of UAEU together with many distinguished guests, senior academic staff, faculty and the students' families.
This convocation was extra special as the first cohort (1980/1981) of UAEU were also in attendance. This included 192 male and 50 female alumni, some of whom hold key leadership position in the country such as His Excellency Humaid Moh'd Al Qutami, Minister of Education and Her Excellency Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs. The ceremony began shortly after the arrival of Sheikh Mohammed who stood for a rendition of the national anthem.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the former Chancellor of UAEU delivered an address in which he welcomed the guests and expressed his appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for his commitment to making UAEU an integrated part of the development in UAE led by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President. "The success of UAEU was not a coincidence, it is however an outcome of the outstanding work done by many loyal employees. I'm very grateful to have worked with them during my thirteen years at the University, achieving enormous goals and raising the University's status. My attendance and participation in this event today is evidence to our graduates that the position doesn't create the committed and creative citizen, it is him who spreads energy and enthusiasm in all his work and raises the nation's standing. We are all ready to serve the nation, obtain its goals and achieve its ambition."
Sheikh Nahyan pointed out that UAEU has a worldwide reputation, and provides all means of success to citizens, contributing to the provision of scientific research to serve the environment and society.
Sheikh Nahyan concluded by saying that the University, since its inception 37 years ago, has seen the graduation of around 60,000 students who contribute to the process of construction and sustainable development of the country.
Following Sheikh Nahyan's speech, Nahayan Al Mansouri, Master of Ceremony and a student at UAEU, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates. He said the graduates express their gratitude to the UAE leadership and the University, and stated, "Our outstanding University not only educated us to the highest level, but also equipped us with the skills to become future leaders. This group of graduates will join the development drive in our dear homeland, stressing on our commitment and insistence to face challenges in order to form and secure the future of our society which is famous for prosperity, guided by our wise leadership."
Dr. Al Noaimi, assured that UAEU succeeded to become an integrated pioneer University in Higher Education and Scientific Research in UAE. "Today UAEU provides the job market with a new group of graduates to join their brothers in serving the nation and applying their valuable skills."
He congratulated the graduates and said, "The knowledge and experiences you acquire during your study at the University will qualify and assist you in achieving your ambitions."
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak, expressed his appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai for their unlimited support and generous sponsorship for the Higher Education in general and UAEU in particular.
H.H. the Minister also conveyed his regards to H.H. Lieutenant General/ Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for his great role, interest and commitment to prepare the young National cadre to join the National development march and confront the future challenges.
H.H. added, "We should all strive in our efforts to advance the national development with a strong cohesion derived from the genuineness of our country using the national and historical heritage as motivation to work hard for our generous homeland."
Concluding the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed, along with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak and Dr. Al Noaimi distributed the certificates to the graduates, congratulating them on their success and urging them to continue in their pursuit of knowledge.
Sheikh Mohammed praised the high standards set by UAEU and its dedication towards producing future leaders and advancing the nation.
Sheikh Mohammed was presented with a gift from UAEU and also greeted the first cohort before exiting the ceremony.
-Ends-
About the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) - The National University
Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAEU is a comprehensive, research-intensive university enrolling about 14,000 Emirati and international students. As the UAE's flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine Colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Food and Agriculture; Humanities and Social Sciences; IT; Law; Medicine and Health Sciences; and Science. With a distinguished international faculty, state-of-the art new campus, and full range of student support services, UAEU offers a living-learning environment that is unmatched in the UAE.
As a research-intensive university of international stature, UAEU works with its partners in industry to provide research solutions to challenges faced by the nation, the region, and the world. The University has established research centers of strategic importance to the country and the region which are advancing knowledge in critical areas ranging from water resources to cancer treatments. UAEU is currently ranked the number one research university in the GCC, number two in the Arab World, and #370 globally.
UAEU's academic programs have been developed in partnership with employers, so our graduates are in high demand. UAEU alumni hold key positions in industry, commerce, and government throughout the region. Our continuing investments in facilities, services, and staff ensure that UAEU will continue to serve as a model of innovation and excellence.
For further information contact:
Jean O' Neill, Communications & Marketing Manager
Tel: +971 (0)3 7135906
Email: media_enquiries@uaeu.ac.ae
© Press Release 2013
