Dubai: The American University in the Emirates (AUE) conferred degrees on 900 students for its 5th and 6th commencement, Graduation Day, held under the patronage of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.
At a packed Shaikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Center, on Sunday (June 5), students received their graduation certificates as family and friends applauded their accomplishments at a show stopping ceremony.
The ceremony included a powerful and moving speech by Shaikh Nahyan in which he congratulated AUE graduates on the vital step they had reached in life by noting that, “The University (AUE) is a great contributor to the development of the beloved United Arab Emirates (UAE).”
He also stressed the importance of education by adding, “Learning and teaching is in the hands of the country and its people.”
AUE Faculty Members were sitting beside their students on a stage design of skyscraper books and wooden Islamic engravings.
AUE President and CEO, Professor Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, who is well loved by his students, was in an emotional mood to see graduates start on a new leaf in life.
AUE provost, Professor Nabeel Jurdi, who has greatly contributed to the unique programs at AUE, said of the memorable day: “It is my pleasure to see this number of students graduate. Graduation day is a once in a lifetime experience for both students and educators.
Boasting six colleges — Media and Mass Communication (CMMC), Computer Information Technology (CCIT), Business Administration (COBA), Fine Arts and Design (CFAD), Education (CEDU) and Law (CLAW) — and with various undergraduate and graduate programs and specializations, some even unique to the region, AUE showcased a strong foundation for graduates to spring from and use throughout their future achievements.
Dr Arafat Al Naim, Dean of CFAD, said of the triumphant day: “For an educator, today is a day of harvest, where all efforts come to a fruitful end. We are happy to see an extension of ourselves in our students."
AUE graduates were treated to a special speech by Sara Amiri, Head of the UAE Council of Scientists, who reminded them not to limit themselves and to always try to surprise themselves in order to reach new heights.
A shock surprise was in store for the graduation day with an uplifting performance of AUE and UAE flag waving with bursts of fireworks symbolizing the strength gained by being a graduate of such a forward thinking university in the hub of innovation like the UAE.
Graduation day has been an anticipated day for AUE as it strives to build new ways of learning and teaching and educating everyone that nothing is impossible.
