Under the patronage of Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Khalifa University holds inaugural graduation ceremony

Under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman to the Board of Trustees of Khalifa University, and in the presence of HH Sheikh Hamed bin Nahyan, Deputy Chairman to the Board of Trustees of the University, Khalifa University, today held its inaugural graduation ceremony at the Emirates Palace.

H.H Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated at the event, "The UAE is United under the leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, "May God Protect Him", under his direction of the educational system in the Emirate, Education has been highlighted as a key point for the sustainable development of the Emirate and for the progress of the UAE."

HH added, "Under the patronage and attention of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the process of continuous output and development comes from the concern to continue in building a modern country, which is based on education and knowledge and to supply the market with able professionals that are capable to compete in the market and meet the challenges of the age of information communications technology."

He declared, "the expansion of the Higher Education sector is a significant component in the process of achieving growth and future development of the UAE. Therefore Khalifa University offers courses which are comprehensive and current in their nature, providing real opportunities for the young generation who want to complete their education, which will contribute to achieving the goals of Abu Dhabi's Vision 2030.

A total of one hundred and fifty four students from four different batches, were conferred at Sunday's ceremony. Out of the graduating students, one hundred and forty five graduates were awarded B.Sc Degrees, nine were awarded Masters Degree, and three students were awarded Doctoral Degrees.

Khalifa University President, Professor Tod A. Laursen, commenting after his inaugural address at the graduation ceremony remarked, "At Khalifa University we insist upon the highest world class standards of academic excellence. On this momentous occasion we were privileged to be surrounded by a group of world class graduates who I know will go on to serve as ambassadors, for Khalifa University and indeed for the UAE."

He continued, "Furthermore, here in Abu Dhabi, the multi-faceted 2030 Vision lays out very well a set of development priorities for the emirate, and spells out with unusual clarity the opportunity and obligation that higher education has to contribute to the success of this plan. We are dedicated to helping our students attain the skills and leadership qualities necessary to make this vision come to fruition, ultimately benefitting the UAE nation and its future generations as a united whole."

Dr. Arif sultan Al Hamadi, Executive vice president of Khalifa University: "You are the leaders of tomorrow and you represent our highest achievement to-date. You are the ambassadors for Khalifa University and indeed for the UAE. You are the ones who will carry the torch of success, excellence, progress and prosperity; leading to a brighter future and blessed future for the UAE, its people and its residents. Regardless of world class facilities, Khalifa University's major success depends on you and your achievements in the future. We put high hopes on you and we understand your true potential."

And he added: "We are implementing strategic plans which are enabling our university to achieve the highest levels of distinction; by securing and understanding our vital role in the UAE and indeed all over the world. We were the first National University to offer Master's and Doctorate degrees in various engineering fields. We seek to anticipate the needs of the labor market by focusing on providing these needs to the labor market. This has been proven by the high employment percentage of Khalifa University graduates and students. Our rate of employment standing at 100 % is indicative of the opportunities which can be achieved with an education at Khalifa University."

Student Issa Ba Saeed, the PHD student expressed his feelings during the ceremony "I am moved with pride and honour to be able to celebrate this day with my classmates in the presence of H.H Sheikh Hamed bin Nahyan. I am truly honoured that he attended our graduation ceremony and I would like to praise H.H. President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed and H.H. Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayad Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Khalifa University, for their continued commitment to education in the founding of this University. I am marching forward in my professional career with the business acumen, the academic know-how to achieve and succeed professional and educational future."