The class of 2005 of Zayed University

The stage was awash with flowers, painted with colours. Students' faces radiated joy and excitement.

Laser beams danced with the rhythm of the music, writing a story of success and dreams.

Three hundred and fifty three students from Zayed University (ZU) marked the end of a four-year journey during a graduation ceremony last week in Abu Dhabi.

The university's third graduation was held at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre.
Thirty students from the two ZU campuses graduated with distinction.

Graduates Hind Saeed Qasimi from the college of business sciences in Abu Dhabi and Rushizamariam Jehanbakhsh Akbari from the college of information systems in Dubai received the President's Award, the university's highest prize.

It is usually presented to one graduate from each campus based on academic performance.

The ceremony featured poetry reading and the Flowering of The Desert Dream show, in which a number of primary school female students presented Shaikha Fatima with flowers.

"Nothing makes us happier than seeing our daughters in the UAE reach high positions and receive their college degrees with honours," said Sanaa Darwish Al Katbi, Secretary-General of the Red Crescent in the UAE.

She said that ZU, which followed the highest education standards since its establishment, was able to take its rightful place among other higher education institutes.

"Today holds within it the joy and hope of a better tomorrow and the confidence in our daughters' abilities to keep up with everything that is new at a time of globalisation and technological advances," Sanaa said.

Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Education and President of Zayed University, said in a televised message that the university was honoured by the presence of Shaikha Fatima, "the Mother of the Nation", and the role she is playing as a leader and a role model for women in the UAE.

He added, "We are aware of our responsibility to be worthy of our name. Zayed University is proud to personify all the values that Shaikh Zayed has articulated for our national institutions.

"Zayed University was able in its short history to establish itself as a university committed to international standards of quality."

Looking ahead

Graduates also expressed their joy. "This beautiful day is for us and one that is unlike any other we have ever seen," said Shamma Gobash in her valedictory.

"Today is our graduation day. The day in which we emerge into the practicalities of life, prepared to take up our tasks in the development of the country."

Shamma said that graduating is just the beginning.

"It is now up to us to work with all of our powers to meet the requirements of the life that lies ahead, serving our community through the jobs that we will now take up, as well as performing our duties and responsibilities as future mothers," she said.

Aisha Al Khaja, a business administration graduate, felt relieved that she has finished college.

"I loved the university and I think it is more fun than working. Still, I am happy that I do not have to worry about homework and studying at this stage," she said.

"I want to thank the university for doing its best to provide us with high quality education."

Aisha advised all high school students about the importance of pursuing their higher education.

"There are many people who stop studying after finishing high school. At this time and age it is really hard for anybody to succeed without a university degree," she said.

"I say that for all of you who do not want to complete your studies, you have nothing to lose. Go for a university education and help build this country."

‘Work hard to achieve your dreams'

Dina Al Mutawa, a communication and media sciences graduate, said that she's thrilled that she has finished college.

"It is hard to forget the rhythm of life at college. I am so happy that I graduated, still I miss it all," she said.

Dina worked for almost a year at a company in the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone while studying.

"College is totally different from work. Back at college, you can always go back to your professors for guidance. Now, it is all up to you to make it happen," she said.

Hana Al Marzouqi, a marketing graduate, said that she felt that she has achieved something in her life by finishing college.

She is planning to go for her masters degree in marketing at a later stage. She believes that it is always up to each person to work hard to achieve what he or she wants.

"It has to come from within. If you are a person who wants to reach a certain position it is always up to you to work on that and make your dream come true," Hana said.

During the graduation ceremony, each student placed a small crystal into a large crystal vase as each one of them approached Shaikha Fatima to receive her diploma.

The crystals from each college had their own distinct shape. In addition, graduates gave Shaikha Fatima a portrait of Shaikh Zayed in a silver frame.