Latifa bint Mohammed witnesses the graduation ceremony of the 29th batch of students at the American University in Dubai

DUBAI, 30 JUNE / WAM / Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), witnessed the graduation ceremony of the 29th batch of students from the American University in Dubai (AUD), which constitutes a prominent historical milestone in celebration of 30 years of academic excellence and global leadership in the region.

This exceptional event witnessed the graduation of a diverse class of 445 male and female students representing 57 countries, confirming the status of the American University in Dubai as a leading center for international education.

Immediately upon the arrival of Her Highness and the playing of the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, the ceremony began with a welcome speech delivered by His Excellency Elias Bou Saab, Executive Vice President of the American University in Dubai, in which he thanked Her Highness for honoring the ceremony with her patronage and presence.

His Excellency Elias Bou Saab, recalling the inspiring vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, “may God protect him,” affirmed that their leadership constituted a global model in transforming ambitions into tangible achievements. He said: Their Highnesses’ leadership has proven to the entire world what can be achieved when vision is combined with courage, determination, and actual action.

His Excellency told the story of the founding of the American University in Dubai in 1995, which was inspired by the success of Dubai and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a leader who believes in the capabilities of youth and their role in creating the future, noting that: His Highness taught us not to wait for the future, but rather to create it, because the future is for those who imagine it, design it, and implement it; This is the story of Dubai, and in many ways, the story of the American University in Dubai as well.

His Excellency also highlighted the role of the Dubai Future Foundation in consolidating Dubai’s position as a global platform for future knowledge and a leading center for innovation through prominent initiatives such as the annual “Dubai Future Forum.”

Referring to the recently launched “Dubai It” initiative, His Excellency said: It is the place where ideas turn into projects, research into innovations, and ambitions into real and sustainable impact.

He concluded his speech by sending an inspiring message to the graduates of the Class of 2026, saying: You are not only preparing for the future, but you are the ones who will create and reshape it. Let’s turn the future into reality, and embody the spirit of Dubai in everything we accomplish (Let’s Future It. Let’s Dubai It).

His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, gave a speech in which he stressed that the real secret to making an impact lies in human communication, gratitude, and responsibility. He said: When I look at this university and the competencies it has refined, I do not see just promising potential, but rather I see real achievements. Therefore, we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the American University in Dubai for preparing generations of graduates who have contributed to Dubai’s success, and our warm congratulations to all of you, as today you become part of this exceptional legacy.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum kindly honored a number of the university’s graduates and distributed prizes to them, in recognition of their distinguished academic achievements. This was followed by taking an official group photo of the graduates with Her Highness in commemoration of this distinguished event.

After that, certificates were officially handed over to the graduates, and the celebration ceremony concluded with a dazzling visual display of fireworks that lit up the hall, adding a distinctive festive atmosphere to this exceptional occasion.

Addressing the graduates, Dr. Kyle Long, President of the American University in Dubai, said: Over three decades, this university has served as a platform for refining energies and preparing competencies in the heart of the UAE. It is true that artificial intelligence has become capable of improving writing, organizing tasks, and expanding the horizons of knowledge, but critical thinking and innovation will remain the basic pillars of excellence and success. Your education at the American University in Dubai has provided you with the ability to link various specializations, adapt to changes, and transform your ambitions into tangible achievements through a clear vision and thoughtful steps.

Valedictorian Alice Zanini, who holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with first class honors and specializes in finance, said: One of the greatest privileges we have had during our studies at the American University in Dubai is learning side by side with people from all over the world. We have come with different languages, traditions and beliefs, which has made diversity not just a statistic, but an essential part of our daily experience.

The evening concluded with the traditional academic procession, marking the graduates’ official joining of the global university’s alumni group, which includes more than 10,000 graduates around the world. The atmosphere of joy and celebration continued after the ceremony ended, as families and friends gathered throughout the campus to exchange congratulations and document this exceptional occasion.

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