Sultan bin Ahmed attends UOS postgraduate graduation ceremony

Sharjah 24

12-06-2025

Commitment to Ongoing Achievement
In his speech at the ceremony, His Highness stated that each year, ahead of the graduation event, he is presented with reports detailing the university's accomplishments. He shared his recurring thought: "Will we be able to achieve new accomplishments next year after such an overwhelming number of achievements?" Yet, he added, he is consistently pleased to see that the UOS's journey never halts—it only deepens and expands.
Highlighting Major Achievements
His Highness, President of the University, outlined the accomplishments achieved by the university this year, affirming that excellence is not a destination but a continuous journey. He revealed that the university recorded 23 major achievements, alongside several others across different fields. Among these was the UOS receiving the Platinum Rating in the STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, with a perfect 100% score. This made the university the first in the Middle East to receive this prestigious recognition in sustainable education and research.
Additionally, the UOS topped UAE universities in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and the arts according to the latest 2025 rankings by the Times Higher Education.
Recognition in Governance, Sports, and Global Engagement
His Highness continued: 'The university also won the award for Best Entity in Governance Implementation in the Tamayuz Award.' On the student and sports level, the university's football and volleyball teams secured first place in the team sports championship, while the basketball team achieved second place. The squash team clinched the gold medal in the universities' championship. Furthermore, the university was selected to host the upcoming World University Powerlifting Championship in 2026.
He emphasised his commitment to ensuring that these achievements are not merely headlines or social media posts, but real, impactful milestones that are felt, translated into action, and invested in for the future.
Addressing the Graduates
Addressing the graduates, His Highness praised their knowledge, learning, and skills in their respective fields, describing them as the graduates of the UOS. A university that, since its founding, has been a beacon of knowledge and learning—guided by the wise vision and directives of its founder, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Appreciation for Faculty and Families
His Highness also addressed the university's faculty, saying: 'I reviewed your recent series of meetings, which you approached with seriousness and ambition, resulting in a group of projects that were approved yesterday by the Board of Trustees. These projects will serve as a roadmap for continued development at the university. You taught, guided, and helped shape these brilliant minds—thank you.'
He also appreciated the efforts of the graduates' families, noting that they deserve the greatest share of pride for their support, patience, and encouragement, which laid the foundation for this journey. He added, 'Today is not just your children's graduation day—it is the day your joy is fulfilled.'
Wishing Graduates Continued Success
His Highness concluded his speech by congratulating the graduates on their significant achievement, describing it as the fruit of years of perseverance and hard work. He wished them continued success as they embark on new journeys and pursue big dreams.
University Chancellor's Speech
The ceremony began with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. Professor Dr Issam Al-Din Ibrahim Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah (UOS), then gave a speech in which he expressed his joy and pride. He extended his gratitude to His Highness the President of the University for his patronage and for honouring the graduation of a new elite group of postgraduate degree holders.
Professor Dr Ajami congratulated the graduates and their families on this achievement, describing it as the result of their perseverance and determination, as well as their families' steadfast support. He expressed his deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and founder of the university, who laid the foundation for knowledge and made the UOS a proud institution that embraces ambition and celebrates success.
University Vision and Role of Graduates
The Chancellor emphasised that the university's various programmes are not merely advanced academic stages but are journeys of research, critical thinking, and reflection. These programmes prepare students to become leaders in their fields and active contributors to scientific progress and societal advancement. He described the graduates as bearers of the responsibility to develop knowledge, build innovation-based economies, guide evidence-based policies, and participate in creating a more sustainable and advanced future.
He stressed the importance of linking academic knowledge to societal needs, focusing on research for impact and development, and ensuring that university research outputs are transformed into practical solutions that improve human well-being and contribute to national growth.
Call to Action for Graduates
Professor Dr Ajami noted that the UOS is committed to ensuring its postgraduate graduates have a tangible impact on society through diverse research programmes, an outstanding faculty and administrative team, significant capabilities, and international partnerships. He called on the graduates to use their knowledge to address pressing issues, propose policies, foster a culture of innovation, and lead teams within their institutions. He expressed strong confidence in their deep knowledge, scientific methodology, and ethical commitment, asserting that they are thought leaders, knowledge pioneers, and carriers of a mission—leaders of change in fields such as education, economy, health, technology, and the environment.
He concluded his speech by promising that the university will remain a strong supporter of students and faculty, striving to provide an environment that fosters creativity and contribution. He urged graduates to continue their academic and professional journeys with the spirit of a researcher, the mind of a thinker, and the heart of a person devoted to excellence and service.
Graduates' Speech
On behalf of the graduates, Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi delivered a speech expressing their pride and joy in standing on the graduation stage, celebrating the end of an exceptional academic journey and the beginning of a new phase of giving and responsibility. He noted that they carried dreams, faced challenges, and now reap the fruits of their efforts at the UOS—a beacon of knowledge and thought founded by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. He praised the inspiring vision and continuous support of the university's President, who leads it toward global excellence and intellectual innovation across all disciplines.
Acknowledgment of Faculty and Families
Sheikh Dr Salem commended the efforts of the academic staff, highlighting their great impact in shaping minds, directing energies, honing skills, and enabling graduates to achieve this academic success. On behalf of his fellow graduates, he offered heartfelt thanks, saying: 'You taught us that knowledge is a mission, that ethics are inseparable from learning, and that a true researcher seeks truth, not praise—lessons we will carry with us for life. You have our prayers, our gratitude from the heart, and our eternal loyalty.'
He added: 'After the rights of God, your rights come next. You were the first to believe in us, stayed up when we slept, prayed when we were tired, and smiled at our success. On this graduation day, words fall short of expressing what you've given us in love and care. While we celebrate our achievement today, in truth, this is your achievement first. You planted, and we harvested.'
A Message to Fellow Graduates
Sheikh Dr Salem addressed his fellow graduates: 'Knowledge is the key to this world and the path to the hereafter. Whoever seeks worldly success must pursue knowledge, and whoever seeks the afterlife must pursue knowledge. Those who seek both must pursue knowledge. Seeking beneficial knowledge is the best effort a person can exert. Through knowledge, societies advance, civilisations are built, and achievements are realised. Walk swiftly toward progress, surpass others in excellence, and raise the stature of our homeland with your achievements. No nation has attained prominence without the pursuit of knowledge by its people. Be its present and future, its fortress and strength, its shield and protection.'
He concluded by citing the advice of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah: 'Continue scientific research, for it is the mission of the noble and the path of the learned.'
Distribution of Certificates and Closing
His Highness the President of the UOS then presented the graduation certificates to the male and female graduates, congratulating them on their achievement and excellence, and wishing them continued success in their future lives and in serving their homeland.
Graduates Across Academic Fields
The graduates were distributed across the university's various academic colleges, including: the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Business Administration, College of Engineering, College of Health Sciences, College of Law, College of Communication, College of Medicine, College of Dental Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Sciences, College of Computing and Informatics, and the College of Public Policy. The number of doctoral graduates reached 119, while 302 earned their master's degrees, and 16 completed the postgraduate diploma programme.
Ceremony Attendees
The graduation ceremony was attended by Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Salem Al Qasimi, Sheikh Saqr bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Chairman of the Smart Government Department in Umm Al Quwain, Sheikh Humaid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Head of the Umm Al Quwain Ruler's Office, as well as a number of senior officials, members of the UOS's Board of Trustees, and many parents of the graduates.