Development of society rests on education - Fatima

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Wife of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Chairperson of the General Women's Union, attended the first graduation ceremony of Zayed University yesterday.

Sheikha Fatima gave diplomas to 379 students at the ceremony held in Abu Dhabi National Theatre.

"This graduation is a historic occasion that signifies our confidence in the present and our optimism in the future," said Sheikha Fatima in a speech delivered on her behalf by Secretary General of Red Crescent Society Sanaa Darwish Al Koutbi.

"It is a further indication of the continued national progress towards more accomplishments and achievements in the important realm of higher education. We understand the importance of having well prepared university graduates for the continuing development of the country."

Sheikha Fatima expressed her strong conviction of the importance of higher education as a basis for a comprehensive development of society. She said it is a way to equip the UAE youth with the necessary skills to participate in the world development.

Sheikha Fatima also stressed upon the efforts provided by the universities and colleges of the country in providing education to women.

"I take this opportunity to reiterate that the present and future contributions of women in our society depend on education. Accordingly we do everything possible to enhance educational opportunities for women at all levels."

The graduates presented Sheikha Fatima with a gift, a shell with 379 pearls, representing each one of them as an expression of love and a symbol of the benevolence of Sheikha Fatima in supporting women issues.

On the occasion, a video speech by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the university, congratulating the students, was also transmitted.

Sheikh Nahyan in his speech praised Sheikha Fatima for her continual support of women's education and congratulated her for being presented with the Athena Foundation Award.

He expressed gratitude for the President of the UAE for the strong support to the university and his deep concern for its progress and development.

Sheikh Nahyan also thanked His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for their effort in supporting the university.

Addressing the university's faculty members and staff, he thanked them for their efforts and dedication and congratulated the students on their achievement.

He said: "I congratulate all the graduates who have attained their bachelors degree meritoriously. From now on each graduate must fulfil her duties and responsibilities towards her society and nation, as well as make and double her efforts to become a proud member of the society and the country."

The graduates comprised students from the Colleges of Art and Sciences, Business Sciences, Communications and Media Sciences, Education, Information Systems and Family Sciences.

Two students from Abu Dhabi and Dubai were honoured with the President's Award, the highest academic honour awarded by the university.

Ninety students were recognised for the outstanding academic achievement and 27 were honoured for selection for the Athena Society, an internationally chartered society which recognises qualities of leadership in students and provides training for future women leaders of the world.

Ten students were honoured as the university's first batch to become members of the Sheikha Fatima Honour Society. Only one graduating student per college is nominated by the dean of the college for membership in this exclusive academic honour society.