May 7th, 2015: His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chief of the National Service and Reserve Staff, has addressed the 5th convocation of Canadian University Dubai (CUD) in a grand ceremony that saw 380 graduates awarded their degree certificates in front of a full-house at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development was in attendance at the ceremony, which saw Canadian Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Mr. Arif Lalani awarded honorary doctorate degrees.
University Chancellor, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Karim Chelli, honorable guest, Veronica Lacey OC, and the CUD Board of Trustees presided over the graduation, which also witnessed the award of the University's 2000th degree.
The celebration coincided with the 39th anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces Unification Day. Addressing the graduates, HE Sheikh Ahmed said, "This country will remain a strong supporter of your ambitions and aspirations. Whether these ambitions pertain to enrolling in higher studies or employment, many of you will be joining the National Service program, marking a new chapter in your lives."
He continued, "I urge all those who will be joining the National Service to do so proudly, with their heads held high, faces smiling and with strong confidence, believing that what you are doing is a supreme form of worship and an unmatched honor, responsibility and trusteeship."
Speaking of the increasing role of females in the military services, HE Sheikh Ahmed said, "I also would like to say that training of our sisters in using weapons has made us proud and assured that the national role of women is no less than that of men."
These were inspiring words for MBA graduate Suhaila Alwali who hopes to join the National Service after graduation. Currently working as an engineer for telecoms company du, and with an undergraduate degree in technology, Suhaila is certain of women's importance to the Service.
She said, "I firmly believe that women have a role to play in every aspect of our society and the military is no different. My program taught me some very important lessons, like the difference between being a manager and a leader, and how to apply best practice in everything I do. I am very proud of my nationality, and I want to use these lessons to help serve my country."
For fellow MBA graduate Alia AlNoobi, her aspiration to join the National Service stems from her undergraduate studies in Canada, and the inspiration she takes from her aunt, Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, a notable commentator on women's empowerment in the UAE.
She explained, "Studying abroad was an invaluable experience. It taught me the importance of independence and self-reliance, and opened my eyes to the world. I want to take the opportunity to give something back for the investment made in my education and for the support and protection I received throughout, and the best way I can do that is to use the skills and attributes I developed in my studies to help protect my country."
Before conferring degrees upon graduates from CUD's six academic schools, HE Sheikh Nahyan lauded the achievements of the students, who he said will make an important contribution to the growth of this country in the coming years, maintaining the momentum of societal development that was envisioned by the Founding Father of the nation, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
HE Arif Lalani echoed Sheikh Nayhan's words telling the graduates that they would be vital in shaping the future of the modern world. Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi and Dr. Karim Chelli also spoke, paying tribute to the efforts and achievements of the graduates and the entire University community.
Speaking on behalf of the students at the ceremony, Ghaith Matar bin Mazaina thanked the University faculty and leadership for their constant support, and encouraged his fellow graduates to take the initiative, seek out opportunities and make the most of what their degree has taught them, saying, "Don't wait for the chance to talk about your achievements. Make the chance, and let your achievements talk. This is the key to success."
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