Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, attended the 27th commencement ceremony of the American University in Dubai (AUD), honoring the achievements of the Class of 2024 and conferring degrees upon graduates of the University’s six academic schools.
This year, over 3,000 guests, including representatives from the AUD Board of Governors, esteemed guests, faculty, staff, as well as family and friends of the graduates, accompanied the 317 graduates.
The keynote address at this year’s commencement ceremony was delivered by Moaza Saeed Al Marri, Executive Director of the Director General’s Office at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, and graduate of the university’s Bachelor in Fashion Design & Marketing, and Master of Business Administration programmes.
Addressing the graduates, Al Marri reflected on her own experience at the university, saying, “Having been one of the recipients of AUD’s prestigious Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum scholarship is a privilege I do not bear lightly. It is our responsibility to give back to a land that has offered us so much. Today, in my current role within the government, I am blessed with the opportunity to give back to our community in a tangible and impactful manner.”
Inspiring the graduates to use their education to contribute to the advancement of Dubai, Al Marri further said, “Together, we have the opportunity to leave our mark on this vibrant city, shaping its future with our dedication and collective efforts. The UAE’s transformation serves as a beacon of inspiration; its proof that dreams, no matter how ambitious, can be realised.”
Welcoming the audience, Bou Saab, AUD Executive Vice President, spoke of the importance of education in promoting mutual understanding and dialogue for the preservation and progress of society, and paid tribute to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for his leadership in this domain.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering major, and recipient of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum valedictorian scholarship, Thea Bechara, then took to the stage to deliver her address. Expressing her heartfelt thanks, Bechara said, “It is a privilege to represent such a talented and diverse group of individuals, each of whom has left a lasting mark on our school and community.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Bechara said, “We have taken on the challenges of university life growing brave, critical, and thoughtful. Now, we are ready to set forth confidently and embrace the unknown with open arms while staying true to ourselves. In a constantly changing world, our values will guide us through decisions and obstacles. Let us also carry with us the lessons we have learned, the friendships we have forged, and the memories we have created. Let us approach the future with optimism, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in our ability to shape our own destiny. Above all, let us never forget the power we possess to make a difference in the world. Each of us has the power to leave a lasting impact on others’ lives.”
AUD President, Dr. Lance de Masi, ended the ceremony by paying tribute to the graduates as the symbol of sustainability for the future of society, equipped to adapt to change and empowered to combine advancing technology with humanity and imagination to create innovation for a better world.
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