H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, has witnessed the graduation ceremony of the fifth batch of students from the Dubai Silicon Oasis based Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai.

A total of 70 students across eight Bachelor degree programmes and four Master’s programmes received their certificates at the ceremony.

Applauding the efforts of educational institutions across the UAE for delivering exceptional programmes and interactive curricula, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said that these institutions play a vital role in graduating a generation of highly qualified individuals that demonstrate a significant level of preparedness in meeting workplace challenges and demands.

He added, "The sustained efforts of these institutions strengthen their position as leaders in shaping the educational landscape across the country. We share in their celebration of the success of their students and pray that these empowered youngsters will go on to achieve significant milestones in their life and career."

Held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, the ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the RIT Dubai Board of Directors, Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, as well as Dr. William Destler, President of Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Barbara Leaf, Ambassador of the United States to the United Arab Emirates, and senior officials and representatives from educational authorities and institutes across the country.

For his part, Dr Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, said, "The fifth batch of graduates from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai include undergraduate students in Management, International Business, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Marketing, and Finance. The graduates mostly span disciplines of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Service Leadership Innovation and Networking and System Administration."

He added, "Of the new graduates, 15 outstanding students - four of whom won international competitions - have been rewarded for their exceptional efforts throughout their academic tenure at RIT - Dubai."

The ceremony commenced with a welcome speech by Dr. Al Assaf who underlined the joy and pride of the institute, its faculty, and graduating class for the support and patronage of , Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

He also expressed his gratitude to the UAE leadership for its support to education and learning in the UAE as well as for the focus given to the younger generation and support provided to academic institutes in the country.

Dr. Al Assaf pointed out that only through leveraging this support are schools and universities able to graduate a new generation of individuals that elevates the UAE’s status as an educational hub of caliber on a regional and international level.

He said, "RIT fully supports Dubai’s efforts in transforming into a smart city in the near future. As part of our mandate, we have collaborated with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority in setting up a Smart City diploma programme. Through such cutting-edge programmes, RIT Dubai aims to create a significant impact on society and drive partnerships between the public and private sectors that integrate innovative thinking into the curriculum."

He added, "At present, there are 25 distinguished international and local and organisations that provide long term internship programs to our students. Many more have also expressed their readiness to provide specifically tailored training programs for our students. This training does give students the needed skills to be ready for employment upon graduation. Students not only don’t pay fees during this internship and also earns a rewarding salary from the companies providing them with internship."

Dr. Al Assaf stressed that the university benefits from the deep knowledge of business requirements in the local and international markets that these organizations bring in. In addition, the university is also coordinating with a number of large corporations to develop educational curriculums and training programs tailored to the needs of the market. Once formalised, an important outcome of this collaboration will include a continuous exchange of best practices and benefits among students, the university, and the corporate sector.

For his part, Dr. William Destler, President of Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, expressed his appreciation to the Dubai Government and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority for their sustained support to the university and its academic and training programmes that helps shape generations capable of facing global market challenges.

He added, "Rochester Institute of Technology – Dubai offers students a one-year free training programme, the longest at the university level in the UAE and the Middle East - which allows them to benefit from rich experiences as well as lucrative salaries as part of their internships with top companies".

Expressing their deep pride in the support of the wise leadership of the UAE for science and education, the graduates said that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has always been a role model and a major source of inspiration for them.

Source :WAM