ADU’s Alumni Homecoming and Reunion calls for activation of alumni associations’ role in Arab countries

Under the patronage of H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, “Mother of the Nation”, more than 700 alumni of Abu Dhabi University’s undergraduate and postgraduate programs since its inception in 2003 convened recently at St. Regis Hotel Abu Dhabi for “ADU’s Alumni Homecoming and Reunion 2015”. The celebration was witnessed by H.E Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi Director General at the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), H.E Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri Chairman of Abu Dhabi University’s Executive Board, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim ADU’s Chancellor, H.E Ahmed Shabib Al Dhaheri President of ADU’s Alumni Association as well as Board members of the University’s Alumni Association, University Deans and Heads of Departments.

Commenting on the celebration, H.E Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi Director General at the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) stressed Abu Dhabi Government’s interest in developing education to fulfill the goals of the economic and social development process of the Emirate. Especially as the higher education sector occupies a great importance in the preparation of qualified human resources that can fulfil the vision of the nation’s wise leadership and the Government’s Economic Vision 2030, and its efforts of building a knowledge-based and sustainable economy. H.E Dr. Al Qubaisi pointed out that ADEC is also working on developing programs that enhance students’ skills and abilities to ensure their academic success throughout various higher education institutions, while focusing on scientific research and innovation, to ensure the availability of unique education services in all educational institutions in accordance with the best international practices.

H.E Dr. Al Qubaisi commended Abu Dhabi University’s role in providing the economy with specialized graduates in various disciplines and enhancing communications with its alumni as well as honoring successful and creative graduates and utilizing their expertise and practical skills for the benefit of the community. 

Chairman of Abu Dhabi University’s Executive Board, H.E Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri expressed the University’s gratitude and appreciation for the generous patronage of H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak “Mother of the Nation” of ADU’s Alumni Homecoming and Reunion 2015, which brought together more than 700 of ADU’s alumni. “It is indicative of the trust and confidence that Her Highness has in the capabilities of our alumni to always be role models in hard work and commitment by giving back to their beloved nation, and embodying the University’s values and mission in meeting the needs of the policy agenda of Abu Dhabi’s Government and its Economic Vision 2030. We always look forward to this annual celebration as it serves as a platform of communication with our alumni who are the University’s best ambassadors with their dedication, ethics, and participation in the nation’s development process, all of which represent their alma mater’s values and traditions in teaching, scientific research and community service”, said Bin Harmal.

On his part, Chancellor of ADU, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim explained that the celebration also allowed the University to express its pride in its alumni and the various successes they have achieved as well as introduce them to their alma maters’ most recent accomplishments including receiving AACSB accreditation for all undergraduate and postgraduate business administration programs, as well as earning ABET accreditation for three of the engineering programs.

H.E Ahmed Shabib Al Dhaheri, President of Abu Dhabi University’s Alumni Association pointed out that the annual celebration’s significance is derived from its effectiveness in building a cohesive relationship between the University and its graduates and to benefit from their expertise and skills in supporting the University’s academic, social and cultural initiatives. “Perhaps one of the most important topics that takes center stage during these annual gatherings is the absence of the effective role of Alumni Associations in the Arab world. Despite their importance, the concept is not correctly applied in many higher education institutions in the region, therefore we encourage other alumni associations to reactivate their part in reconnecting with their graduates and bring back alumni to their respective alma maters and benefit from their capabilities and experiences as well as connect with other alumni associations”, concluded Al Dhaheri. 

This year’s Alumni Homecoming and Reunion also recognized some of the University’s all-star alumni, whose success stories earned them a place in ADU’s newly launched “Alumni Hall of Fame”. The celebration was sponsored by: Etihad Airways, Zone Waste Management & Recycling, Al Masaood Automobiles, Fine Home International Group, Mohammed Rasool Khoory & Sons, Lulu Hypermarket, Tadweer- The Center of Waste Management – AD, Vertex, Salem Travel Agency, French Dental & Aesthetic Center (FDAC), Air Arabia, AlBadyea Eyes For Tourism, Dye & Dry Saloon, Lumiere Skin Clinic, Al Madar Medical Center, Blue Sea Diving Center, Hotel Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet, Royal Palace Oud, Alhan Restaurant, Tarbouche Al Basha Restaurant, Lousian Flowers and Gifts, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Zaatar w Zeit, School-Solutions International- Jostens, Ayla Bawadi Hotel, Danat Al Ain Resort, Grand Millennium Al-Wahda Hotel, Sound Stars For Event Management, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and One to One Hotel.