Convocation staged under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan
May 17, 2025, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has staged its 14th graduation ceremony at Dubai World Trade Centre, celebrating the achievements of the class of 2025 and honoring the national Thank You Sheikha Hind campaign. The convocation was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who awarded certificates to the 500 graduates.
This year’s graduating class drew its name and inspiration from the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to pay tribute to Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. The ceremony also acknowledged the UAE Year of Community and Sheikha Hind’s leadership in advocating the values of social unity, compassion, education, and family.
The graduation conferred degrees across the university’s five schools of Management; Engineering, Applied Science and Technology; Architecture and Interior Design; Communication and Creative Industries; and Health Sciences and Psychology. Presiding over the ceremony were the University Chancellor and Chair of the University Board of Trustees, Mr. Buti Saeed Al Ghandi; President and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Karim Chelli; alongside other members of the Canadian University Dubai Board of Trustees. The University Mace was carried by the Honorable John Baird, and the event welcomed distinguished guests, Mr. Charles Falzon, Dean of The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University and Dr. Hossam Hassanein, Professor and Director of the School of Computing at Queen’s University.
In his graduation address, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan paid tribute to the leadership of the UAE, saying, “This graduation ceremony serves as a reminder of the continued progress and unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated by Canadian University Dubai. It stands today as a leading model of a prestigious institution that serves its students, society, and humanity at large; an institution that actively contributes to the advancement and prosperity of the UAE’s knowledge-based society. Today’s celebration is also a tribute to the visionary leadership of our nation and their steadfast support for higher education institutions across the UAE. It reflects our shared pride in the UAE’s journey of growth and development, a nation that strides confidently toward the future, grounded in unity between its people and its leadership, and founded on stability, security, and a deep investment in education and human development”.
University Chancellor, Mr. Buti Al Ghandi expressed his gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan for his guidance and leadership in promoting excellence in higher education and spoke about the foundations of the UAE as a catalyst for ambition and progress. He said, “UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have created a country and a platform for inclusion and tolerance; a country where dreams can come true if you commit the effort. Canadian University Dubai is a reflection of that, we needed the UAE leadership to make this a success.”
Addressing the Class Thank You Sheikha Hind, Prof. Chelli said, “With your academic knowledge, and the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that this university has instilled, you now have the power to shape the future. Do not be afraid to dream big. Whatever path you choose, I urge you to move forward with courage and ambition; play your part in building a future of peace, coexistence and coprosperity. Do not only dream of seeking a job, but aspire to be job creators.”
Delivering the speech on behalf of the students was MBA graduate, Mr. Jummah Buti Al Ghandi. He said, “Our degrees are not the end, they are the beginning. They’re not just certificates; they are keys. But it’s up to us to use them. To open new doors. To question boldly. To build what doesn’t yet exist. And to leave things better than we found them.” He concluded, “Let’s remember, what’s next will demand even more. More courage, more adaptability, and more purpose. The world moves faster than you think, and what’s ahead belongs to those who respond to change first. So, let’s meet that future together.”
The graduation ceremony also featured a moving cultural tribute celebrating Her Highness Sheikha Hind. In a heartfelt homage to her legacy, the event included a special performance of the poem ‘Ya Hind’, written by the esteemed Poet of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima bint Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The poem was brought to life in a powerful rendition by acclaimed Emirati artist Hamad Al Ameri.
This performance echoed the emotional resonance of the 2001 verses by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who wrote ‘Enti Mithl Ma Enti, Ghala El Koun Killo’ – ‘You are, as you are, the dearest in the universe’ – in admiration of Her Highness. Years later, in 2015, Sheikha Fatima concluded her poem ‘Ya Hind’ with the very same line, underscoring the timeless affection and reverence for Sheikha Hind.
In recognition of Her Highness’ gracious acceptance to name this cohort in her honor, Canadian University Dubai proudly presented the performance as a tribute to her lasting impact, her embodiment of compassion and unity, and her unwavering commitment to empowering future generations. The ceremony also featured a special poetic performance by renowned Emirati poet Al-Mayidiya Rayana Al-Oud, whose verses beautifully captured the spirit of pride, unity, and celebration, adding a cultural depth to the occasion.
The CUD Awards also formed part of the proceedings, to recognize the talent and achievements of the university’s faculty and support teams across various academic and engagement activities.
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