Abu Dhabi University honors 100 faculty & staff during its 10th Anniversary Commemoration Gala Dinner

Under the theme Celebrating A Decade of Excellence, Abu Dhabi University recently concluded its 10^th anniversary celebrations by honoring 100 members of its faculty and staff for their contribution to the University’s advancement in administrative and academic fields, and supporting its mission in education, scientific research and community service since its inception in 2003. During ADU’s Annual Commemoration Gala Dinner, more than 550 of the University’s staff and faculty from both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain campuses attended the celebrations that reflected on the University’s achievements over the past decade, in the presence of H.E Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri Chairman of Abu Dhabi University’s Executive Board and Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University. 

Addressing the gathering, H.E Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri Chairman of Abu Dhabi University’s Board of Directors said: “When I think back to the initial idea in 2001 of opening a strong, private university that would serve the needs of Abu Dhabi, UAE and the region, and would also carry the name of Abu Dhabi, it seemed like an overwhelming task, such was the scale of the work involved. None the less, a group of determined individuals gathered in 2003 in a temporary campus in Umm al Nar and also in Al Ain and so Abu Dhabi University took its first tentative steps, opening its doors to 800 students. At times, it seemed like an impossible task and there were many challenges and obstacles along the way, but all good things have to start somewhere. At each stage in the long journey to where we find ourselves today, there have been dedicated, loyal and hardworking people who have become lifelong members of the ADU family”. 

Bin Harmal added: “I am extremely proud of how far Abu Dhabi University has come and how the ADU family has grown and developed. Our achievements are many. In 10 short years we have made remarkable progress establishing Abu Dhabi University as a mature and well respected tertiary education institution in the UAE, and indeed, the entire region.  We have expanded physically, from our early days in a small temporary campus to a purpose built, state of the art campus in Abu Dhabi, while our Al Ain campus has gone from strength to strength. Our student population has grown from 800 to over 6,000 embracing over 60 nationalities, and we have expanded our academic offerings from 7 undergraduate programs to 24 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate programs. Furthermore, we take great pride in the fact that over 90% of our students find employment within 12 months of graduation, while our internship placement rate is a remarkable 100%, and last but not least we have become the youngest university in the world to be included in the QS rankings of elite centers of academic excellence”. 

“However, what makes ADU such a wonderful place to work, learn and grow, is the people who make up Abu Dhabi University - the faculty, the staff, and the students. I am grateful to have an extraordinary group of academic and administrative leaders, faculty and staff who help run the university and help steer and guide it through many challenges. Sincerely, I thank you - for your commitment and your professional contributions towards the realization of this dream and the dreams of the many graduates who have passed through our doors”, asserted Bin Harmal.  

ADU’s Chairman of the Board of Directors also explained that the University is an achievement that has not only touched the lives of graduates, their employers and families, and the faculty who have taught them. “This University has also had a real effect on the development of Abu Dhabi and the UAE and we are proud to have played our part. We are proactively supporting Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 by nurturing socially responsible, competitive and creative citizens who will make significant contributions towards the diversification of our economy and the development of our nation.  ADU has grown into a patriotic, culturally adventurous and diverse, globally competitive well-respected institution. In the past decade, we have faced many challenges and it is inevitable that we will face countless challenges in the future as well. It is critical that we transform these challenges into opportunities and look towards the future. As we build on the experience and wisdom we have gained during these last 10 years we can only grow in excellence and influence. We will continue to write the history of Abu Dhabi University together”, concluded Bin Harmal.    

On his part, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University explained that the University’s success during its relatively young history could not have been possible without the enthusiasm and perseverance of each member of its faculty and staff in various aspects of their work. “Your strong will, eagerness to succeed and the determination to overcome different obstacles and achieve excellence is the key to the University’s success and will lead us to achieve academic and institutional excellence at all levels”, said Dr. Ibrahim. 

The celebration also included a video documentary entitled 10 years of Excellence, during which members of staff and faculty reflected on the accomplishments they witnessed throughout ADU’s history, after which 100 members of ADUs family who distinguished themselves in their work throughout the past academic year or contributed to the growth and prosperity of the University over 10 years were honored for their efforts.

ADU’s 10th Anniversary Commemoration Gala Dinner was sponsored by Abu Dhabi Motors, and Citibank, with the participation of Air Arabia, Centerpoint, Homes R US, Al Dhabi Travel, Atlantis, iStyle, Dalma Mall, World Trade Center Mall, La Brioche, Al Jaber Travel, One to One Hotels, Aloft Hotel, and Al Wurud Flowers.