Dubai: Heriot-Watt University honoured the first Emirati student with an award for ‘Best Performing MSc Real Estate Management & Development Student’ on Tuesday during the university’s graduation ceremony.
Ahmad Sami Fakhr Al Deen, 35, who works at the Director of Development at Jumeirah Group- Dubai Holding- for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, was also the first student to complete the programme with distinction.
Despite having a full-time job, the student, said he was able to graduate with flying colours by organising his time schedule.
“It was tough at times, I remember once I had to fly early morning to attend a meeting then come back at 4pm to the UAE to sit in for an exam. I was lucky to have a supportive company; I couldn’t have done it without their encouragement.”
After completing the programme, Fakhr Al Deen now has a total of three master degrees.
The exceptional student also believes that one should not only pursue education without enhancing their skill, which is why he started working at the young age of 16.
“My first job was as a waiter. I worked while pursuing my higher education at the American University in Dubai, and earned Dh1,800 a month. I worked at a relatively low salary not because I needed the money but because I believe that you should not take education without enhancing your skill.”
He also wanted to prove to himself and others that there is no shame in work no matter how low the salary is. Because of hard work from a relatively young age, he managed to become the youngest manager at his company, at the age of 24.
Speaking on his achievements Fakhr Al Deen said: “On the occasion of UAE’s 43rd National Day, I would like to dedicate the achievement to our beloved UAE’s Leaders and Citizens, who only deserve and aim to be number one”.
More than 615 students graduated from Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus on Tuesday.
Professor Ammar Kaka, Vice-principal and Head of Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus said the university has a “significant numbers of exceptional performing students this year and it has been testament to the additional programmes and opportunities.
“We will have even more new programmes to announce in the coming weeks and we hope this will attract more students in the Middle East for future years as Heriot-Watt’s Dubai Campus continues to expand its presence in the region.”
