Sheikh Mohammed tells UAE graduates a bright future lies ahead

Vice President and Ruler of Dubai gives speech while attending remote graduation ceremony for UAE University students

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, virtually attends the graduation ceremony of more than 2,000 people at UAE University. Dubai Media Office

A greater and brighter future lies ahead and we should all be optimistic, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid told thousands of new graduates on Tuesday.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai made his remarks while virtually attending a graduation ceremony for 2,294 students of UAE University.

Sheikh Mohammed typically attends the graduation ceremony and helps hand out the diplomas, but this year the outbreak of coronavirus led to the closure of the university campus in Al Ain and the event was held online instead.

Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the graduates on their success, saying he wished he could shake their hands in person today.

“Every year, I am keen to be with graduates at the headquarters of our national university, to honour them and personally salute them. However, the circumstances are different this year, and I am not able to be personally present. I assure you that I know the students of UAEU and their potential, and I know some of its graduates who now hold senior and prominent positions in the country’s ministries and authorities,” he said.

“My sons and daughters, you are shaping the future, and what we are going through now is temporary. Be optimistic, the future will be better and your country is great and will be greater day after day. We have not and will not stop, as the UAE is great due to the graduates who are building the nation. I wish you luck and success.”

Saeed Ghobbash, the university’s president, also gave a speech urging the graduates to contemplate their experience and pay tribute to the parents and teachers who supported them throughout their undergraduate study.

“Today you are more powerful than you can imagine. Today, you embrace life with hope, energy and good vision in facing a new stage in your life. The country is proud that among its pioneers is this group of graduates,” he said.