Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Mheiri, Minister of State for Future Food Security, has hailed the role of education in producing great leaders.
Delivering the keynote address at the 34th graduation ceremony of the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), she commended the University for setting a great example of achieving success in the education sector and added that its success reflects the importance of partnership between the government and the private sector to empower a generation of knowledge and skilled leaders help find innovative solutions.
Her Excellency Mariam Al Mheiri said that every individual has a passion, knowledge and enthusiasm that should guide them on their journey through life and urged them to have the courage to take risks to pursue their dreams.
UOWD conferred degrees on 443 undergraduate and postgraduate students at the separate ceremonies held at the Le Meridien Hotel, Dubai. Mr Essam Al Tamimi, of Al Tamimi & Co, delivered the keynote address at the postgraduate segment.
The graduation ceremonies were also attended by Ian Halliday, Consul-General Dubai & General Manager, Middle East Africa, Austrade; Julie Shams, Chargé d’affaires, Australian Embassy; members of the UOWD Ltd Board, family, friends and guests of the graduating students.
In his opening speech, Professor Mohamed-Vall Salem ZEIN, President of UOWD said: “As pioneering, ambitious and well-rounded individuals, you will be making your mark across the globe and as a part of a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders, we look forward to see what you will achieve in the future”.
Amira Amanalla Kamali, a Doctor of Business Administration graduate and Mardeya Darwish Ahmad Mohammad AlBlooshi, a Doctor of Philosophy graduate were the first two female Emirati doctoral students to receive their degrees at the postgraduate ceremony. Abdulaziz Mustafa Karam, who successfully completed his doctoral defence in 2017, was also awarded the Doctor of Philosophy with commendation during the ceremony.
This year, the University also delivered its first cohort of Master of Engineering Asset Management graduates. The program, which was launched in 2016, saw the first group of graduates getting their degrees.
The stars of this year’s convocations included top MBA graduate, Ms Asma Farid Abdulla Al Nazari, who was also named Top Emirati graduate, Martina Morcos, Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Umayr Sheik, Bachelor of Information Technology, Nadia Szimhart, Master of International Studies and Fadi Al Jallad who were among the other top graduates.
Mr Essam Al Tamimi, delivering an inspirational speech at the postgraduate segment, said that training is essential to develop talent and urged the graduates to spend time to learn the basics which will lay the foundation for career growth. He also stated that alongside training, being ethical, professional and persistent are qualities that are well sought-after by organisations and recruiters,
The Vote of Thanks on behalf of the graduates was delivered by Jefin Joshy and Dr Amira Kamali.
Celebrating its 25th Year of Academic Excellence in the UAE, UOWD has awarded nearly 11,000 degrees, including four PhD and four DBA degrees.
The Graduation Ceremony concluded with a reception for all graduates and their guests, hosted by the University of Wollongong in Dubai. The celebrations concluded with a reception for all graduates and their guests, hosted by UOWD.
