Dubai His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, conferred bachelor's and master's degrees upon 500 graduates of the American University in Dubai (AUD) at the Dubai World Trade Centre Wednesday.
In an event filled with joy, cheer and applause, Shaikh Mohammad shook hands with graduating students and congratulated them on their success as they move into a new phase in their lives armed with knowledge, self confidence and openness.
Shaikh Mohammad said AUD alumni currently occupy leading positions in UAE's public and private sector earned from good merit and hard work.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, were also present.
Elias Bou Sa'ab, Vice President of AUD stressed the importance of seizing the opportunities available to graduates to achieve progress and meet their goals.
Bou Sa'ab praised the university's community spirit which enables students to live in a secure, stable and prosperous city ruled by a just and optimistic leader capable of facing the challenges and conquering the impossible.
15th ceremony
The level of higher education in the UAE and specifically at the American University in Dubai (AUD) is on par with other worldwide institutions, graduates at the 15th AUD graduation ceremony heard yesterday.
Top graduate Heba Abdul Jaber spoke on behalf of her fellow graduates in praising Shaikh Mohammad's vision and describing it as an inspiration to herself and her peers during their academic years.
Guest speaker Dennis Kucinich, a Congressman in the US House of Representatives praised the level of education at AUD and said it is comparable to many prestigious institutions worldwide.
He added that Dubai as a global city enjoys a prestigious reputation as he stressed the friendly relationship enjoyed by the UAE and the United States; admiring the cultural renaissance experienced by the people of the UAE in various fields.
