Dubai: At the University of Wollongong in Dubai's (UOWD) 21st graduation ceremony, 392 students received their degrees on Sunday in the presence of Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
This brings the total number of UOWD graduates to 6,000. More than 1,000 of these graduates are Emiratis officials said.
Newly appointed UOWD president Professor Gassan Aouad said the institution, since its establishment 20 years ago, has contributed to the prosperity of the UAE and Dubai in particular.
"Today, as new graduates, you will become a part of this university's proud history. In today's ceremony, you will not only be awarded your degrees but you will officially be welcomed into the Alumni organisation," said Aouad.
Achievers
Working mother Shurooq Hasan Al Taher was honoured as the top graduate who passed her masters degree in human resource management with distinction.
"It was certainly a challenge as a working mother to balance home and office. I could achieve this because of meticulous planning, prioritising, working hard, learning from mistakes and family support. My message to Emiratis is ‘follow your dreams, even if it means going through some nightmares,' as Paulo Coelho says."
Nineteen-year-old Emad Eslam Khan from India was the youngest graduate who passed his bachelors degree in business administration with distinction.
"I joined university when I was 15, after completing my O levels in Abu Dhabi. Because of my outstanding results, I got 40 per cent scholarship at UOWD. It has been a great journey of learning and I got my first job even before I completed my graduation," said Khan.
