Under the patronage and the presence of HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development in the UAE, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi organized a graduation ceremony for the 7th batch of its students at the university’s campus in Al Reem Island. 266 students graduated from bachelors and masters programmes as well as the holders of the Executive Certificate in Sports Management and the French as a Foreign Language (FLE) Diploma. The batch included Emirati and expats students.
The graduation ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council and a member of the Executive Council, H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of Health Authority – Abu Dhabi and the Vice President of the Management Council of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi , as well as representatives from Paris Sorbonne, Paris Descartes University and Pierre and Marie Curie University and from the French embassy in the UAE, besides a large number of ambassadors and public figures along with the university’s faculty, students and parents.
On this occasion, Prof. Eric Fouache, Vice-Chancellor at Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi said: “Today marks an important day in the lives of our students who have successfully completed their studies and benefitted from its resources and knowledge. We wish them success in their future journey and we hope that they keep on shining in all the coming phases of their lives, armed with the education and tolerance they have experienced in our prestigious University; that has bought together, since its establishment in Abu Dhabi ten years ago, more than 77 nationalities and cultures in an ideal environment of cooperation and cohesion”.
For her part, Dr. Fatima Saeed Al Shamsi, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administrative Affairs at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi expressed her pleasure on this occasion and added: “We are very proud to share this special day with our students who are getting honored for their hard work, perseverance and commitment during their academic journey. They are also our source of pride that reflects the cooperation’s spirit that exist in our university. Moreover, they form a strong and the main base for our society as they confidently walk towards their future through implementing the knowledge acquired at the university. I wish our students all the best and may they shine and excel in their professional lives”.
Saleh Al Muharrami, graduate student from the Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Planning at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi said: “This day is a turning point in my life. I have worked hard with the support of the faculty that equipped me with the needed learning tools and skills that helped me in completing my education from a prestigious university like Sorbonne Abu Dhabi”.
Asma Al Khuwaiter, graduate student from the Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Planning at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi expressed her pleasure to be graduating and said: “I would like to extend my gratitude to my parents and to all those who have supported me through my studies in Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, to complete this phase that will prepare me for my professional life”.
The graduation ceremony started with the National Anthems of the UAE and France before the graduates walked on stage. HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development in the UAE delivered a speech, then distributed the certificates to the graduates and congratulated them on completing their education, wishing them further success and progress. Prof. Barthelemy Jobert, President of Paris-Sorbonne and Chancellor of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi delivered a speech and thanked HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan for attending the graduation of the 7th batch of Sorbonne Abu Dhabi’s students.
In conclusion, sponsors and friends of the Sorbonne Abu Dhabi were recognized for their continuous support of the University, and its endeavor to provide a leading experience to its students. Also, a number of employees who have been with the University since its establishment ten years ago, were recognized. At the end of the ceremony, an official group photo was taken on stage with HE Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, graduates, staff and faculty.