Loading...

mosque
partly-cloudy
°C,

Sharjah Ruler attends graduation ceremony of SMA’s 2nd batch

June 19, 2025 / 4:06 PM
Sharjah Ruler attends graduation ceremony of SMA’s 2nd batch
download-img
Sharjah24: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and President of Sharjah Maritime Academy, attended on Thursday morning the graduation ceremony of the second batch of students from the Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA), totaling 23 male and female graduates. The ceremony took place at the Academy’s theater in the city of Khorfakkan.

In a speech delivered on this occasion, His Highness congratulated the parents and guardians of the graduates, saying: “Your joy today in your sons and daughters is matched by our joy, as we are the ones who have provided your beloved ones with beneficial knowledge. We take pride not only in the graduates but also in the parents who instilled trust in their children. The Academy specialised in maritime transport is unlike any other academy or university. University graduates usually stay confined to desks and offices, but these students have gained their knowledge in the depths of the seas, and in the farthest corners of the world. So how much patience must a mother have, and how much patience must a father have for their sons and daughters?”

His Highness, the President of the Sharjah Maritime Academy, spoke about the tremendous effort exerted by the male and female students during their practical training. His Highness noted that not a single complaint was received from this particular graduating batch while they were out at sea or navigating through maritime straits. He stated: “We were with them through our prayers and persistence, and through the means we requested from those institutions; because we placed them aboard ships among labour, sleepless nights, and dangers—and yet, they lived up to the trust placed in them.”

Training Success Commended

His Highness emphasised that the successful completion of the practical training by the Academy’s graduating students was the greatest achievement and a personal motivation for him. He expressed his confidence in the ability of his sons and daughters to overcome all challenges and hardships during their demanding training in the distant depths of the seas, thanks to the high-quality programs offered by the Academy. He said: “Many people fear even the sound of waves, let alone these young blossoms who bravely endured the sea. Our hearts are with them, our sons and daughters, in every training session. These graduates have been granted useful work and self-confidence, both from the professors and the administration of the Academy, and have now reached this remarkable level. Congratulations to you, to us, to your sons and daughters, and to our Academy which is now reaching the highest international standards.”

Graduates Impress Global Maritime Industry

His Highness also highlighted the exceptional competence of the Academy’s graduates, noting that leading maritime companies now take pride in employing them. His Highness stated:“This achievement does not come with a stroke of my pen or with money we spend, but from the foundation laid by each individual—from the mother, the father, and the teachers. Everyone has worked hard and contributed. Now, postgraduate programs including Master’s and PhD degrees will be added to the Academy.”

Global Collaboration Welcomed

His Highness expressed pride in the Academy’s openness to international academic cooperation, noting that its certificates are accredited by no fewer than ten global institutions. As a result, many countries have requested to send their students to train at the Academy.

“The doors are open to everyone—whether from the East, the West, or Africa,” he said, adding that this international recognition enhances the reputation of the Eastern Region cities: Khorfakkan, Kalba, and Dibba Al Hisn. He also noted that the Academy had previously been celebrated at the Seas Conference in the Republic of France, where there was common interest in collaboration and learning.

Sharjah’s Progress Rooted in Knowledge

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah concluded his speech by highlighting the significant development across all sectors in the Emirate of Sharjah, emphasizing its deep connection with science and knowledge throughout all regions. He noted that this progress is clearly reflected in both scientific and practical output, as well as in meaningful contributions to community life. His Highness stressed: “This advancement in standards is one of life’s greatest achievements.”

Ceremony Begins with National Anthem and Procession

The graduation ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran and the entrance of the graduates’ procession onto the graduation stage.

Academy Director Commends Vision

Dr. Hashem Abdullah bin Sarhan Al Zaabi, Director of Sharjah Maritime Academy, then delivered a speech in which he congratulated His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah on the graduation of the Academy’s second cohort. He described the occasion as a continuation of the Academy’s journey of excellence and leadership, built upon the insightful vision of His Highness since the inception of this pioneering academic project.

Commitment to Excellence and Opportunity

Dr. Al Zaabi highlighted the Academy’s mission to establish a distinguished maritime education that meets contemporary needs and prepares qualified national cadres capable of supporting the maritime and logistics sector both locally and regionally. He also emphasised the Academy’s commitment to developing its academic and training programs, reinforcing institutional quality standards, strengthening local and international partnerships, and expanding the scope of maritime training to meet evolving standards and enhance graduates’ opportunities in the job market.

Holistic Development Emphasised

Dr. Al Zaabi further highlighted the keen interest of His Highness, the President of Sharjah Maritime Academy, in nurturing all aspects of student development and shaping their personalities throughout their academic journey. He praised the outstanding caliber of the Academy’s students, stating:

“What we celebrate today is not merely a graduation ceremony, but the fruitful outcome of the blessed efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. His Highness instilled confidence in these students, provided them with a stimulating educational and training environment, and illuminated their path to excellence. He was their foremost source of inspiration—guiding, following up, and ensuring that each student receives from the Academy more than just knowledge, but true character development.”

Students Reflect Vision

He added:“This cohort of graduates stands as the best testament to His Highness’s far-sighted vision, sincere belief, and constant affirmation that building human potential is the first step toward building nations, and that education is the path to leadership.”

Director’s Message to Graduates

Dr. Al Zaabi delivered a heartfelt message to the graduates, stating: “What you have achieved today is the culmination of years of hard work and discipline, clearly demonstrating your readiness to enter the next stage, the phase of employment and active contribution to the development of the maritime transport sector in our beloved country. I encourage you to use this graduation as a springboard toward a future filled with responsibility and success. Let your future endeavors reflect everything you have learned at an academy designed to be a leader in training highly qualified maritime professionals.”

Closing Words of Gratitude

At the conclusion of his speech, the Director of Sharjah Maritime Academy extended his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the parents and guardians of the graduates, acknowledging their support as a fundamental pillar of this success. He also expressed deep gratitude to the academic and administrative staff for their sincere efforts over the past period in preparing this distinguished group of graduates. He also stated that the guardians represent a new generation that proudly carries forward the Academy’s path of excellence and leadership.

Graduate Delivers Heartfelt Address

Graduate Taif Al Raisi delivered a speech on behalf of her fellow graduates, expressing deep gratitude and appreciation to His Highness, the President of the Academy, for his unwavering support of education and his commitment to preparing students with the highest levels of knowledge and specialisation. Al Raisi further emphasized His Highness’ insightful vision in fostering education and promoting the love of learning across all disciplines.

Al Raisi also extended her thanks and appreciation to the professors who provided knowledge, guidance, and unwavering support. She thanked the parents of the graduates. She concluded her speech by congratulating her fellow graduates on their success, excellence, and determination to continue their path of learning.

Sharjah Ruler Presents Certificates to Graduates

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah graciously presented graduation certificates to 23 male and female students from the Bachelor’s programs in Marine Engineering Technology and Maritime Transport. He congratulated them on their success and academic excellence, wishing them continued success and prosperity in their professional futures.

Dignitaries Attend Ceremony

Attending the graduation ceremony alongside His Highness were Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority; Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Ruler’s Office in Khorfakkan; along with several senior officials, heads of government departments, members of the Academy’s Board of Trustees, and families of the graduates.

June 19, 2025 / 4:06 PM

More on this Topic

Rotate For an optimal experience, please
rotate your device to portrait mode.