Sultan bin Ahmed attends UOS’s graduation ceremony

Ceremony highlights

The ceremony began with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by verses from the Holy Quran. Professor Dr Issam Al-Din Ibrahim Ajami , Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, delivered a speech expressing gratitude to Sultan bin Ahmed for his presence and ongoing support for the university and its students. He congratulated the graduates and their families, emphasising that this day is a celebration of their academic achievements, which resulted from their commitment to education and the support of their families and professors.
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Academic achievements

Dr Ajami noted that University of  Sharjah is celebrating the graduation of a distinguished group of female students from various colleges, representing the pillars of cultural development, national growth, and future excellence. He explained that this ceremony marks the conclusion of this year's graduation celebrations and highlighted key statistics achieved by the university since its founding by His Highness Sheikh D Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in 1997. Over 48,000 graduates have completed their studies, many of whom hold leadership positions and contribute to the development of their communities both within the UAE and abroad. He mentioned that 65% of the university's students and alumni are female, demonstrating the pivotal role and significant presence of women in the university's journey.

Dr Ajami stated that UOS coordinates constructively with higher education institutions in the emirate. The university actively contributes to achieving the vision of the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE by implementing developmental projects and activities, alongside close collaboration with relevant federal bodies and ministries. He emphasised the university's commitment to communication and cooperation with higher education and research institutions worldwide to ensure the excellence, quality, and modernity of its programmes and activities. This approach aims to keep pace with rapid developments and technologies, benefiting the community directly, contributing effectively to analyzing its issues, finding suitable solutions, and ensuring outstanding and sustainable performance.
Message to graduates

Dr Ajami addressed the graduates, stating, "Your journey at this university has been filled with knowledge and learning, characterized by determination and hard work, rooted in strong values of seeking knowledge, excellence, and ambition for a bright future. Your graduation today is not the end of the road but the beginning of a new era in which you will bear the responsibility of actively contributing to building the nation and elevating society. Each of your colleges has played an effective role in serving and developing the community in essential fields that any society cannot do without."

He added, "You are the mothers of the future and the educators of the coming generations. I congratulate you on this achievement and remind you of the greatest role that awaits you—the role of a mother, the creator of humanity, the educator of generations, and the guardian of values and meanings. An aware and educated mother is the cornerstone in building a generation capable of facing challenges, anchored in its values, open to the world, and committed to its identity."

Dr Ajami concluded his speech by expressing his gratitude and appreciation to the faculty for all they have provided in terms of knowledge and guidance, as well as the values and skills they have instilled in the students. He praised them as excellent role models and educators, praying to the Almighty to bless the graduates, guide their paths, and make this day the beginning of a continuous journey of giving, success, and excellence.
Graduate speech

Graduate Hafsa Abdul Nasser from the College of Engineering delivered the graduates' speech, beginning by praising God for enabling the students to stand as graduates today. She expressed her immense joy, which words cannot fully capture, noting that this moment is not just a fleeting one but a glorious memory etched in their lives, written on the pages of time with the ink of patience and struggle.

Hafsa emphasised that no matter how long the journey is, its end is light and glory worth pursuing. She congratulated her fellow graduates, who emerged with victorious hearts and spirits soaring to the sky, taking the stage that would not have been lit without the spark of beginnings and sleepless nights. She extended her sincere gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, who has been a father to knowledge and a guide to progress.

Hafsa praised the efforts of His Highness the President of Sharjah University, who sees not just buildings and classrooms, but a treasure trove of knowledge and a cradle of ambition. She remarked that His Highness's messages were exceptional, filled with joy and determination, commending his efforts that have allowed the university to compete with the best. She added, "You are our leader whose eyes never stray, and the support that never wanes."

Addressing her professors, Hafsa said, "On our first day in the university, we entered with hesitant steps, as if crossing a bridge into the unknown, carrying small wishes and weighed down by countless questions. But kind hands reached out, not just pointing to doors but holding our hands as if grasping all of life. Thank you for your efforts, which extended beyond mere knowledge transfer; you instilled in us a spirit of inquiry and criticism and opened horizons we once thought were distant. We see you in the classrooms and hallways, guiding and discussing. Thank you for your generous contributions."

Hafsa also acknowledged the efforts of parents throughout their educational journey, saying, "How many mothers stood watching their daughters take their first steps toward the gate, their eyes filled with prayers known only to their hearts? How many fathers held back their worries with beautiful patience, placing their hands on their sons' shoulders, saying, 'Go, for knowledge is a dignity that cannot be attained with hesitation, but must be seized'? Our mothers and fathers, you who planted the seeds of knowledge in us and watered them with your prayers, today we return to you with diplomas bearing your names, bestowing upon you pride and saying: Here we are; we have arrived, carrying your message like precious legacies in our hearts, never to fade or be forgotten, as we walk with it and raise it against life with determination."

Hafsa concluded her speech by recalling the moments spent within the university's walls, supporting each other, sharing laughter and tears, and holding each other's hands. She added, "We will leave the walls of this university, but we will not leave its message. We will carry it with us wherever we go, not just as graduates but as ambassadors of a promise fulfilled, and an extension of a story that began when this nation first saw the light from the sands. Let us be who we are, wherever we find ourselves—the voice of knowledge when ignorance falls silent, and the lantern of values when the path darkens."
Conclusion of the ceremony

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi presented the degrees to the graduates from all bachelor's programmes in the Colleges of Sharia and Islamic Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Law, Fine Arts and Design, Communication, Science, Computing and Informatics, and Public Policy. He congratulated the graduates and wished them success in their future endeavors.