Dubai Women's College handed out certificates to 388 graduates at a ceremony yesterday, which was patronised by Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma'a Al Maktoum, Wife of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence.

The ceremony, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was also attended by Sheikha Sheikha bint Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Wife of Sheikh Al Mur bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; Sheikha Hessa bint Maktoum bin Juma'a Al Maktoum; Sheikha Aminah bint Humaid Al Tayer, Wife of Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; and Sheikha Mariam bint Hasher Al Maktoum. It was also attended by the wives of dignitaries and other guests.

In her speech, Sheikha Hind said that the best investment was in building a future generation that is highly educated.

"That is why the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, pays so much attention to educating their citizens," she said.

Sheikha Hind also praised the efforts of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry; General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of UAE University and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).

She praised the graduates and encouraged them to stand side by side with their male counterparts to contribute to the building of the UAE and help push it to the forefront of nations.

"Under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed, women of the UAE have been encouraged and nurtured to take their rightful role in society. Women have now become an essential part of the working force in the UAE," she pointed out.

Sheikha Hind added that the scope of the UAE woman's ambition has widened, hopefully, it will lead to a greater role for women in the political arena.

The UAE's educational policy was formulated based on the needs of the country's development.

Sheikha Hind advised the graduates to try and keep on par with the developments that are taking place.

She concluded her speech by applauding the efforts of Palestinian women in the occupied territories.

"They are a symbol of resistance, valour and bravery in their fight against the Zionist forces. I salute the Palestinian woman in her heroic stance because she wants a better future for Arabs," she said.

Sheikha Wafaa bint Hasher Al Maktoum, who spoke on behalf of the graduates, thanked the leadership of the country for providing them with an opportunity for higher education.

"Our labours have born fruit," she said. "After spending so many nights studying, we now have our certificates."