Nahayan declares the graduation of 1080 students from Abu Dhabi University’s 10th cohort

Under the patronage of 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 Regents, Abu Dhabi University recently celebrated the graduation of 1080 undergraduate and postgraduate students of its tenth graduating class. This new cohort of ADU graduates includes 640 undergraduate students, 251 postgraduate students, as well as ADU’s second cohorts of Doctor of Business Administration graduates and 189 cadets from the University’s military programs. The 10^th graduating cohort also includes. The tenth graduating class also includes 297 honor graduates, 27 from the College of Arts and Sciences, 141 from the College of Business Administration and 105 from the College of Engineering, in addition to 24 cadets graduating with honors from the University’s military programs.

H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Vice-President of Abu Dhabi University’s Board of Regents inaugurated the ceremony, in the presence of: H.E Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, H.E. Saeed Eid Al Ghafli Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs, H.E Nasser Ahmad Al Suwaidi Chairman of the Energy Authority, H.E Dr. Hadef Bin Jua'an Al Daheri, H.E Hadi bin Nasser Mansour al-Hajri, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the UAE, H.E Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri Abu Dhabi Education Council’s Executive Director of School Operations, H.E Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri Chairman of Abu Dhabi University’s Executive Board, H.E Ahmed Shabib Al Dhaheri, President of Abu Dhabi University’s Alumni Association, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Chancellor of ADU, and members of ADU’s faculty and staff as well as the graduates families.

During his speech, H.E Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan said: “This recurring occasion always receives the generous patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, and President of Board of Regents as an expression of his great support of this University which became, a significant part of the educational system in the UAE. The graduation ceremony is always a joyous occasion on which we express our appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his efforts towards the progress of this University. I say to His Excellency, this graduation ceremony at the University is also a celebration of his insightful vision and an occasion for all of us to take pride in the university’s achievements and look forward to its future with confidence and determination. This graduation ceremony is always a paramount event, in which we express, our sincere congratulations to the graduates for their success in obtaining their University degrees as we look forward to their achievements and contributions which –God Willing- will reinforce Abu Dhabi University’s good reputation and outstanding stature as an advanced University that fosters innovation and creativity and contributes to the development of education in the UAE, the region and worldwide”. 

H.E Sheikh Nahayan pointed out: “Today, Abu Dhabi University stands tall and firm thanks to its achievements, since its inception, and thanks to all the components of excellence, growth and elevation available at its disposal. ADU today offers 23 undergraduate programs and 15 postgraduate programs graduating until now over 9000 students. This tenth class includes new specializations such as the first class of the Persian Language program as well as graduates sponsored by “Etihad Airways” graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation. ADU is advancing firmly to achieve the highest levels of quality in education: the College of Business Administration and College of Engineering have received international accreditation, whereas, the entire University moves forward towards achieving international academic accreditation as one integrated institution. As a result, your University has joined the elite international universities that have met all requirements of quality and excellence, as well as enjoys an international trust in its ability to offer quality education programs, scientific research and community service that follow international standards”.

His Excellency added: “Abu Dhabi University is advancing in accordance with clear strategic plans designed for continuing development and constant enhancement within a framework of objective evaluation of its journey, ensuring that it is always worthy of carrying the name of Abu Dhabi and be a leading example, and a role model for a promising and committed national institution. All of this would have not been achieved without the patronage of our leadership and their keenness to support all educational institutions as well as their constant assertion of the paramount importance of preparing the nation’s sons and daughters to truly participate in the nation’s development. Today, we express our sincere gratitude, appreciation and respect to the leader of the march of progress and development, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. We are tremendously proud of His Highness’s strong support, which is a motivation for all of us to ensure that ADU remains among the prestigious universities in the region and worldwide. On this occasion, I would like also to extend my great thanks and sincere appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. We are extremely proud of His Highness’s efforts and his generous, fruitful initiatives towards the development of all aspects of life in the UAE as well as his keenness to elevate education and take advantage of the world’s best knowledge and experiences. We always remember His Highness saying that the sons and daughters of the nation are its true fortune whom we have to prepare, qualify, develop their abilities to achieve excellence, innovation and creativity and provide them with all opportunities to participate in the progress and development of society”. 

H.E Sheikh Nahayan went on to announce the graduation of ADU’s 10^th graduate class: “On behalf of the Abu Dhabi University’s Board of Regents I am pleased the graduation of 1080 graduates; 640 undergraduate students and 251 postgraduate students. In addition to 189 students graduating from the Military programs which presents an outstanding example of the fruitful cooperation between the University and the UAE’s Armed Forces, as it prepares the sons and daughters of our nation to perform their national roles and responsibilities to serve successfully in all fields. All those graduates completed their studies successfully and obtained their degrees competently. On this occasion, I extend my thanks to those who contributed in the students’ preparation and graduation, particularly, members of Abu Dhabi University’s family and all collaborating community partners”. 

Addressing the graduates, His Excellency concluded: “Move forward with Allah’s blessings, with sincere understanding and commitment towards your country and nation and let your work always be a true and sincere reflection of what this University stands for as well as this generous country. We stand behind you, watching you, with confidence, optimism and serenity. We will observe you on the path of giving and achievement, with certainty, that by joining this class of graduates from this University you will support the community’s march and elevate the stature of our beloved nation”.

On her part, Amna Al Nammi, a graduate of Computer Engineering from ADU’s College of Engineering and valedictorian of ADU’s tenth graduating class, said: “On behalf of all the graduates, I would like extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to our beloved nation’s wise leadership for their directives and unlimited support of the massive development witnessed in our country in various fields. Their support of higher education in the UAE and pioneering effort and vision has made higher education in the UAE a regional and international model”. 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, H.E Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, presented the graduates with their degrees, after which H.E. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri presented His Excellency with a gift as a humble token of Abu Dhabi University’s heartfelt appreciation and gratitude which cannot be expressed in mere words.