AAU celebrates the graduation of its 19th cohort in the presence of Sheikh Dhiyab bin Tahnoun.
- Posted on:Oct 22, 2025
Under the patronage and in the presence of Sheikh Dhiyab bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al Ain University, the university celebrated the graduation of its 19th cohort during a ceremony held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony was attended by a number of high-ranking officials, ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in the UAE, representatives of government and private institutions, members of the University’s Board of Trustees, University Council, Deans Council, heads of units, departments, and centers, as well as the families of the graduates.
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan expressed his pride in witnessing a new group of young Emirati men and women taking their first steps into the future, armed with knowledge and education. He affirmed that investing in educated individuals is the cornerstone of the nation’s development journey under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him.
He also noted that over the past years, Al Ain University has succeeded in establishing a strong presence in the higher education sector through the quality of its academic programs and international accreditations, reflecting its commitment to preparing graduates who possess competence, responsibility, and dedication to their nation and community.
Sheikh Dhiyab congratulated the graduates and their families, urging them to continue learning, developing themselves, upholding ethical and national values, and to be the finest ambassadors of their university and country in their careers and responsibilities.
Dr. Noor Aldeen Atatreh, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al Ain University, stated that the graduation ceremony is a reflection of the university’s vision to graduate ambitious generations who possess knowledge, skills, and the ability to serve their homeland and meet its future needs. He explained that this achievement would not have been possible without the great support of the wise leadership, which believes that investment in education is the most valuable investment in building human capabilities and that universities are key partners in supporting the country's aspirations toward global leadership.
He added that Al Ain University has prioritized the development of its education and research system by attracting distinguished faculty, providing a smart learning environment, and strengthening partnerships with national and international institutions to enhance the quality of educational outcomes and align them with labor market requirements.
He further emphasized the university’s continued investment in human capital as the foundation of a knowledge-based society, stressing that the university is committed to empowering students, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and equipping them with the necessary skills to compete locally and globally.
In his speech during the ceremony, Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, President of Al Ain University, called on the graduates to continue expanding their knowledge to advance their personal and professional skills. He affirmed that the university is committed to providing an innovative learning environment that keeps pace with global developments through continuous updates to its academic programs, enhancement of scientific research, and providing opportunities for students to participate in local and international competitions and develop their leadership and innovation skills.
He added that Al Ain University is keen on supporting its graduates as ambassadors of the institution and strives to elevate the quality of education, maintaining international academic accreditations and global rankings that enhance the value of students’ academic degrees, creating wider employment opportunities, and strengthening graduates’ positions in the job market. He also praised the great efforts of the University’s Board of Trustees, chaired by Sheikh Dhiyab bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, as well as the academic and administrative staff, in providing a dynamic educational environment that keeps pace with future changes and supports innovation and scientific research.
The graduation ceremony honored graduates of the 19th cohort from various colleges, majors, and academic levels—bachelor’s, diploma, and master’s—who completed their graduation requirements during the 2024–2025 academic year from both Al Ain and Abu Dhabi campuses.
With the graduation of its 19th cohort, Al Ain University continues to strengthen its position in the higher education sector, building on its advanced academic and research achievements. Recently, the university advanced to 25th place in the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2026, adding to its list of local, regional, and global accomplishments. The university reaffirms its commitment to further developing its academic and research programs, supporting its graduates, and enhancing its role in community service in line with the UAE’s future priorities and national vision.
