The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) bestowed its first honorary doctorate on Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, at its summer graduation ceremony last week.
UOWD Chancellor Michael Codd admitted Shaikh Nahyan to the Degree of Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) at the event.
UOWD president Prof Rob Whelan commented: "Universities have a long history of awarding honorary doctoral degrees to recognise outstanding contributions to a specific field and to society in general. For the UOWD & this is a momentous occasion, because today we bestow our first honorary doctorate. It is a matter of great pride that this award is to Shaikh Nahyan, especially as he himself studied at Magdalen College, Oxford."
Whelan described Shaikh Nahyan as a "visionary leader who has made, and continues to make, an outstanding contribution to the development of higher education and research in the UAE, to a great many areas of this society".
Speaking at the first of this year's two graduation ceremonies Shaikh Nahyan reassured the 284 graduating students that the current economic recession would be short-lived. He went on to speak of the graduates' responsibility to ensure a prosperous economic future for all, not just a select few.
"I strongly believe that the energy, education, vitality and enthusiasm of young people can and will move the global community to focus on issues of common concern and to seek solutions to the most important problems of our time," he said.
Tackling world issues
UOWD was the first foreign academic institution to open its doors in the UAE 16 years ago and now has more than 3,700 alumni. Whelan said the institution's vision aligns with Shakih Nahyan's plan for research and higher education to prepare the UAE for a knowledge-based future. This has been demonstrated most recently by developing a proposal for accredited doctoral programmes at the institution.
Shaikh Nahyan said the UAE shares common challenges with global communities regarding economic development, health, the environment, education, international peace, the upholding of human dignity and the nurture of understanding.
"The UAE is a microcosm of what the new world order is all about&we recognise that from these challenges arise a plethora of new opportunities to shape the future of our planet," said Shaikh Nahyan, stressing his strong interest in the success of the young generation.
Entering a world of uncertainty
Armed with a masters degree in Applied Finance and Banking, new graduate Yaser Ghazzan Al Yaish believes graduating amidst the global financial crisis is a tremendous achievement. "[It feels like] we are the currently the super-heroes of the world, [and] that we can do things. By holding this degree in our hands it literally gives us a chance to solve things," said Al Yaish.
Fresh BComm Marketing graduate Sehrish Ansari, 22, is relieved yet apprehensive about leaving university. She has already faced difficulties entering the workforce during such economically unstable times. "We have been graduates since December, so we actually know what the situation is like. It's kind of frustrating because I want to work," she said.
Mungida Rustom who received a masters degree in International Business, said her degree will help advance her existing career as a technical support assistant at Tawan Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
"I feel that I now have an open mind," and widened scopes. "I feel that now I can work in many fields not just information technology."
Saniya Malik Ravid was awarded a Bachelor's of Business Administration and felt "elated" on the day but added most graduates were struggling to find employment in the current circumstances.
"It's a relief to graduate," said Ali Taheri, a BComm Marketing graduate. "I've already started working, so this is just a final confirmation that I'm done," he said. He now works in public relations as an account executive.
