This came during His Highness’s speech, which he delivered, on Thursday, at the graduation ceremony of the first batch of students from the SMA, which included 31 male and female graduates, at the academy’s theatre in Khorfakkan.
His Highness said, "Today, we are happy with this achievement, the fruit of effort and hardship, and we will not let this fruit go to other places, as our embrace is warmer and more appropriate, and before leaving this hall, the jobs are available for them. Today, they will lead, first and foremost, the ports of Sharjah and the ports of the country, and we are proud that our sons and daughters are now at a high level of knowledge, training, efficiency, keenness and belonging to the United Arab Emirates, which they will represent with their good conduct."
His Highness the President of the SMA added that during their practical training, the male and female students reached the shores of Brazil, America and Singapore. Most of them are women, and the reports attest to their competence. Now that they have completed their studies, it is appropriate to grant them the certificate, reassured that they will live up to our trust in them.
His Highness thanked the fathers and mothers for their upbringing, perseverance and patience during the period of their sons and daughters’ studies and the challenges they faced, praising the male and female students who proved their courage in training and working in the high seas in the middle of the oceans, stressing His Highness’s constant follow-up of them and His Highness’s directives to provide special rooms and kitchens for the women, taking into account their privacy.
His Highness said, addressing the graduates, “This is the day of harvest and the beginning of the practical journey. We say to our sons and daughters, trust in yourselves. With this level and this news that has spread about you, joining the academy has become in demand in many countries. There are students who have joined the academy, male and female, and there are those who will join in the coming period.”
During his speech, His Highness reviewed the academy’s journey, which was launched in mid-December 2019 and actual studies began in January 2020 in cooperation with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, affiliated with the League of Arab States. Due to the failure to meet all the scientific and practical requirements to obtain academic accreditation before starting practical training on board ships during the year 2023, which coincided with the end of the contract period with the Arab Academy, the Sharjah Maritime Academy became independent. After that, great efforts were made by the academy’s administration, professors and government entities to advance the academy and achieve all the requirements that provide complete knowledge to students and provide them with practical training on ships in a manner that considers the needs of male and female students. After these efforts, accreditation was obtained, students were trained on ships and this graduation was achieved, which everyone is proud of and celebrates.
The graduation ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates and the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, after which the male and female graduates entered to the graduation platform.
Dr. Hashim Abdullah bin Sarhan Al Zaabi, Chancellor of the SMA, delivered a speech in which he congratulated His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah on the occasion of the graduation of the first batch of students from the academy, highlighting that this day represents a historic moment in the academy’s journey, as it not only represents the culmination of the efforts of male and female students, but also the embodiment of His Highness’s vision, which is based on the fact that education is the cornerstone in building societies.
Al Zaabi stated that His Highness realised the importance of the maritime sector as one of the main axes of sustainable development, and His Highness was the primary supporter of launching this unique educational edifice that enhances the position of the Emirate of Sharjah as a beacon of science and knowledge at the regional and international levels. Since the establishment of the academy, His Highness’s directives have focused on the fact that success can only be achieved through dedication and commitment to providing the best for our sons and daughters, the students of the academy. Thanks to His Highness’s unlimited support, the academy has been able to provide an integrated educational environment that combines the latest educational technologies and advanced training methods, making it an advanced scientific centre capable of preparing and qualifying distinguished maritime cadres capable of contributing to the development of the maritime sector at the regional and global levels.
The Chancellor of the SMA addressed the graduates, saying, “Today is the harvest day of years of hard work and diligence. You have proven that you are capable of facing challenges and difficulties. Success does not come by chance or without a shot. Today, you are on the threshold of a new phase in your lives, equipped with the knowledge and skills you have acquired at the Sharjah Maritime Academy.” Al Zaabi urged the graduates to continue their education, training and excellence in serving the nation, appreciating the efforts of parents and members of the teaching and administrative staff.
Graduate Noura Abdullah Al Balushi delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates, in which she praised the unlimited support and interest of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, who has provided all means to achieve the dreams and ambitions of his sons and daughters and provide them with knowledge in the best institutions.
Al Balushi said, “The years have passed and here we stand today at this pivotal moment to crown our efforts throughout our years of study at the academy by celebrating our graduation with you. Today is not just a celebration of obtaining a degree, but rather it is the crowning of effort and perseverance with success, good fortune and excellence. We have faced many difficulties, and our journey was full of challenges, during which we learned basic values such as teamwork, discipline and commitment. We have proven that we are able to adapt to difficult circumstances and work in diverse environments, and this is what we need as future leaders in the maritime field.”
Al Balushi concluded her speech by expressing her thanks and gratitude to the parents who supported the students during their studies. She also expressed her thanks and gratitude to the faculty members who spared no effort in providing useful knowledge and correct guidance to the male and female students.
The ceremony included a film screening that covered the students’ stages of study at the academy and their passing of the scientific and practical educational programmes.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah handed over certificates to 31 male and female graduates who completed the graduation requirements of the Bachelor’s programmes in Marine Engineering Technology and Maritime Transport, congratulating them on this achievement and wishing them success in their professional lives.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, Sheikh Khalid bin Isam Al Qasimi, Chairman of Department of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Department of Statistics and Community Development, Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of Sharjah Ruler’s Office Khorfakkan, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Sharjah Consultative Council, a number of senior officials, heads of government departments, members of the academy’s Board of Trustees and a group of graduates’ families.
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