Abu Dhabi University holds virtual graduation ceremony for 2020 cohort

Under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) celebrated the graduation of its 14th cohort in a virtual ceremony that welcomed 1,679 graduates, 725 of which were graduates from undergraduate programs and 954 from postgraduate programs.

This year’s graduation ceremony, held virtually for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was also attended by His Excellency Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of ADU’s Board of Directors, Professor Waqar Ahmad, Chancellor of ADU, Salem Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Community Relations, the University’s college Deans, faculty members and staff, and families of the graduates.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said, “This is a momentous occasion to celebrate our graduates. We are proud to see them carry ADU’s name as a badge of honor as they enter their next chapter. Although we are celebrating this year’s cohort differently thanks to technology, we remain confident that the world will overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Our ability to hold this ceremony virtually is a testament to our beloved country’s commitment and sheer determination to work together in pursuit of success.”

His Excellency continued, “Abu Dhabi University's annual graduation ceremony presents us with a special opportunity to extend our sincerest gratitude and highest respect to the leaders of our nation. We are especially proud of the wise vision that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, advocates. It is a vision that underscores the role of education in developing our youth and enabling them to contribute to the sustainable development of the UAE.”

“We would also like to take this opportunity to express our pride in following the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of ADU's Board of Trustees. We celebrate his vision today and value his directives that have empowered Abu Dhabi University to play an integral role in teaching, research, and community service according to the best international standards,” His Excellency added.

“We would be remiss, of course, not to acknowledge the hard work of ADU’s senior management, as well as faculty and staff members. We offer our congratulations to the parents of the graduates and appreciate the effort and the care they have provided to their children. Today, brothers and sisters, we can all be proud of the accomplishments of Abu Dhabi University and its prominent position regionally and globally as a higher education institution of note. We continue to welcome more students each year, with a new campus recently opened in Al Ain. To date we have over 15,000 proud ADU alumni,” he added.

His Excellency concluded by saying, “ADU is committed to continuously achieving excellence across the board and has attained international academic accreditations for its programs. The University consistently climbs regional and international rankings, making a name for itself as a top university. The University is also committed to providing quality education to develop graduates that will become contributors to the UAE and beyond. In addition, ADU has made great strides in academic scientific research, maintained solid ties with universities worldwide, and continues to work closely with different institutions in several fields.”

His Excellency Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of ADU’s Board of Directors, extended his gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for attending the graduation ceremony and expressed his pride in Abu Dhabi University’s commitment to boosting the intellectual development of students who will graduate to be leaders and positive contributors to society.

He said, “ADU was named among the world’s top 150 young universities by the prestigious and internationally recognized QS rankings. It has embarked on a journey of quality assurance for its educational process, keeping pace with a fast-evolving and knowledge-based era to help graduates adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Artificial Intelligence, and other scientific developments.”

On behalf of his fellow graduates, Saud Al Shamsi, ADU graduate, gave his valedictorian speech, saying, “2020 has proven to be one of the most challenging years my generation has ever encountered. And yet, despite the obstacles that have appeared, the ADU community has come together, as always, as a strong, united family overcoming the difficulties that have come our way.”

He added, “ADU has truly been with us every step of the way, and we thank the faculty and administration staff for guiding us throughout our academic journey. On behalf of my fellow graduates, we look forward to contributing to our society, the country we live in, and giving back to the wise leadership that has provided us with the tools we need to succeed.”

During the ceremony, ADU presented its most prominent initiatives and the latest developments in response to Covid-19, including the implementation of distance learning, which was put in place to safeguard the health and safety of students. It also highlighted the unique experiences of some of its students throughout their academic journey.