Graduation Day

For education graduates Zulaikha Mohammad and Kaltham Saeed of the British University in Dubai, it was a dream come true last week when they received their masters degrees from Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman of Emirates Group and Chancellor of the university.

Along with 19 fellow graduates, they received their degrees in education, information technology and management at a ceremony in Dubai Knowledge Village.

"The last time I went to school and got a degree was in 1983. I have been wanting to do my masters for so long and I am happy my dream has finally come true," said Saeed.

Mohammad, who gave the gradation speech, said that she had been looking for a university to continuing her studies in education, and her search came to an end at BUiD.

"I wanted to move into education after I received a bachelor degree in Arabic. Now I know I will be able to make a difference," she said.

Dr Abdullah Al Shamsi, vice-chancellor of the university, said the graduation ceremony is a recognition of student achievement.

He said: "Today we recognise out graduates, families and our partners. We congratulate them for their appetite to learn, energy and hard work."

Dr Abdullah Al Karam, CEO of Dubai Knowledge Village, and Dr Ayoub Kazim, executive director of DKV were also present.
Founders of the university and partners were recognised at the end of the ceremony.

What we heard:

"Now a masters degree is the minimum requirement for any job. Nobody should be satisfied by just getting their undergraduate degree.

The last time I went to school and got a degree was in 1983. I have been wanting do my masters for 20 years now, and I am happy my dream has finally come true. Now I am looking forward to getting a PhD."
Kaltham Salim Kenaid, masters in education, international management and policy

"Getting a masters degree is very essential now. I was born in Dubai and lived all my life here. I wasn't planning on studying for my postgraduate degree here, but now there are so many opportunities."
Kiran Khan, masters in education, international management and policy

"There is no end to education. You cannot get a bachelor degree and just stop learning. This is my second masters degree, and believe me I came out with two different experiences. When it comes to education try and grab as much as you can. My specialty has been dealing with children with autism and the inclusion of those with William Syndrome [a genetic condition that causes medical and developmental problems]."
Hanadi Al Ja'Afari, masters in education, special education

"I am the only UAE national man in the education programmes. Not many Emirati men are really interested in the field and I don't know why. I am working with the Armed Forces and education has been an interest of mine for so long. I do not look at masters degrees as a means to better job opportunities, but more as a way to increase our knowledge and hone our skills."
Hassan Mohammad Al Obaidli, masters in education, international management and policy

"I used to be a pharmacist and I have decided that it is time to move on. I wanted to learn more about special needs and education so I made the shift in career. It is important to know that even when you are doing something you are not 100 per cent happy with, there is always a chance to move and do something else. This degree has added a lot to me personally and professionally."
Gada Hamoud, masters in education, special education