Humaid bin Rashid Confers an Honorary Doctorate upon Nahyan bin Mubarak and Attends Ajman University's "Proud of the UAE" Graduation Ceremony
His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, and His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Chairman of the Executive Council, and Chairman of Ajman University's Board of Trustees, attended on Tuesday the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of the 35th graduating class of Ajman University, the “Proud of the UAE” Class, held at the Sheikh Zayed Center for Conferences and Exhibitions on the University’s campus.
His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi conferred upon His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities—the first honorary doctorate awarded by the University in its history—in recognition of His distinguished national leadership and his decades-long contributions to advancing higher education, supporting scientific research, and establishing knowledge institutions that have had a profound impact on the comprehensive development journey of the United Arab Emirates.
The ceremony commenced with the arrival of His Highness the Ruler of Ajman and His Highness the Crown Prince, accompanied by their entourage, to the venue. The national anthem of the United Arab Emirates was played, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran.
His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi praised the sincere efforts of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, whose contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing the education sector and supporting knowledge-based and cultural initiatives that have strengthened the UAE’s position as a regional and global hub for knowledge and cultural openness.
His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi affirmed that His Excellency is among the distinguished national figures who have left a lasting imprint on the UAE’s human, cultural, and scientific development journey through his enduring contributions and unwavering dedication to serving the nation and society.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan stated that receiving the honorary degree from Ajman University is a source of immense pride and honour for him. He expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, for this recognition, which reflects His Highness’s appreciation for knowledge and education and their role in building individuals and society.
His Excellency affirmed that the honour carries profound significance, as it comes from a wise national leader and one of the pioneers of development and nation-building in the United Arab Emirates. He praised the great importance His Highness the Ruler of Ajman places on advancing society and promoting human development, both in the Emirate of Ajman and across the UAE, as well as his continued support for initiatives aimed at empowering the nation’s sons and daughters and enabling them to keep pace with the demands of the modern era and address future challenges with confidence and competence.
His Excellency added that the honorary degree would serve as an additional incentive for him to continue serving the beloved nation, strengthening his commitment to its national aspirations and loyalty to its wise leadership, and contributing actively to the country's ongoing journey of development and progress across various sectors. He also expressed his deep appreciation for the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi regarding both the present and the future, describing it as a model of wisdom, leadership, and visionary thinking.
His Excellency further noted that the honour carries special significance because of its national and humanitarian connotations and because it reflects the unwavering commitment of His Highness the Ruler of Ajman to education and its pivotal role in building societies and shaping the future. He affirmed that the United Arab Emirates presents to the world a pioneering civilisational model in investing in people and promoting the values of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development. He also prayed that Almighty God would grant His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi continued success and reward him abundantly for his tireless efforts and remarkable contributions in serving the nation and fulfilling its aspirations and ambitions.
His Excellency also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Chairman of the Executive Council, and Chairman of Ajman University’s Board of Trustees, commending His Highness’s tangible achievements in the fields of development and progress, both in the Emirate of Ajman and across the United Arab Emirates, as well as his continued support for education, innovation, and academic excellence. He likewise extended his thanks to Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department and Vice Chairman of Ajman University’s Board of Trustees, in recognition of his valuable contributions and continued efforts in advancing comprehensive development and serving the nation and society.
His Excellency affirmed that Ajman University has successfully consolidated its position as one of the leading academic institutions in the United Arab Emirates and the region. He noted that the University’s growth and achievements reflect its ambitious vision and pioneering educational mission, while also embodying the nation’s commitment to building a modern education system that keeps pace with global developments and meets the needs of the future. He expressed his delight at joining the University family through the conferment of this honorary degree and wished the institution continued success, leadership, and distinction across its academic, research, and community endeavours.
His Excellency stated that the achievements of Ajman University are aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who has consistently emphasised that education is a fundamental pillar of the UAE’s vision for the future. He noted that the UAE remains committed to further developing a modern education system that reinforces national identity and authentic Emirati values, serves development priorities, and provides future generations with full opportunities for excellence, creativity, and innovation.
His Excellency added that the United Arab Emirates, thanks to its wise leadership, views education as the true vessel through which society’s identity, national character, and enduring values are shaped, and through which national objectives are formed and major achievements are realised. He affirmed that the security, stability, and progress the country enjoys are the result of an exceptional leadership vision characterised by courage, decisiveness, and the ability to anticipate the future, confront challenges, and transform them into opportunities for success and achievement.
In his address to the graduates, His Excellency explained that celebrating them is, in essence, a celebration of the future itself, as they constitute the fundamental pillar of the nation’s development and progress in the years ahead. He emphasised that their national responsibility truly begins after graduation, through applying the knowledge and experience they have acquired in service of their country and society. He called on them to take pride in the United Arab Emirates, preserve its achievements, work with sincerity and dedication, redouble their efforts, assume responsibility, and take initiative in all that benefits the nation and the community.
His Excellency noted that the sense of ambition, confidence, and pride he observes among the graduates in their university and nation inspires optimism for a bright future. He affirmed his confidence in their ability to achieve accomplishments and contribute to enhancing the global standing of the United Arab Emirates across various fields, wishing them continued success and prosperity in their academic and professional journeys.
He concluded his speech by renewing his gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, for this honour, which he holds in high esteem. He praised His Highness’s continuous support for higher education and scientific research and his commitment to ensuring that Ajman University remains a leading national institution that serves the nation and contributes to its developmental goals. He affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, will continue its prosperous journey towards further progress, prosperity, and global leadership.
His Highness congratulated the students and their families, commending the effort and perseverance they demonstrated throughout their academic journey. He called on graduates to continue pursuing knowledge, further develop their capabilities, and apply their learning in support of the nation’s progress and development.
He also expressed his pride in Ajman University’s advanced academic and research standing, affirming its leading role in preparing qualified generations capable of contributing effectively to serving the nation across various sectors.
His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi stressed that investing in people is a fundamental pillar and a national priority that contributes to strengthening the country’s competitiveness and enhancing its readiness for the future.
For his part, His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi stated that conferring an honorary doctorate in Humanities upon His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan represents a well-deserved tribute to a national figure who has embedded the values of tolerance and coexistence within Emirati society and contributed to preparing generations of leaders equipped with knowledge and learning.
His Highness the Crown Prince of Ajman extended his congratulations to the graduates on this occasion, commending their dedication and contributions to their nation. He also congratulated the students’ families, describing them as true partners in the journey of effort and success.
In his address to the graduates, he said: “The stage of giving back to the homeland begins today as you enter the workforce. Your country has invested significantly in your preparation, believes in your potential, and looks forward to your contributions in continuing the journey of leadership and excellence.”
He affirmed that Ajman University has established itself as a leading academic and research beacon at the local and regional levels, offering high-quality academic programmes that align with the demands of the future and the labour market. He stressed that the University’s mission will remain focused on developing young minds and empowering them, as they are the strongest guarantee for a more prosperous and sustainable future.
During the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, honoured the graduates.
His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi also recognised a number of partners of giving and supporters of the University’s journey, in appreciation of their community contributions and their role in supporting educational and humanitarian initiatives, as well as in strengthening the academic and research environment that helps prepare qualified generations to serve the nation and society.
The honourees included Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani Group, Al Rostamani Group, Ajman Bank, Khatib & Alami, Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Mr. Sultan Rashid Al Dhaheri, Mr. Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda, Mr. Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Kanoo Group, Engineer Fathy Afana, and Al Bahri and Al Mazroei Company, in recognition of their continued contributions and support.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman and Vice Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, along with sheikhs, heads and directors of government departments, college deans and professors, parents of the graduating students, and distinguished guests of the University from senior officials and dignitaries.
Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, delivered a speech in which he extended his highest expressions of gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi for his continuous support of the University and its academic journey, and to His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi for his close follow-up and ongoing support for development and excellence.
He congratulated the graduates and their families, affirming that the “Proud of the UAE” cohort embodies a generation that carries the nation’s aspirations and values, and possesses the knowledge and skills that qualify it to contribute to the country’s development journey. He also noted the University’s commitment to continuing the development of its educational and research systems in line with global changes, while enhancing graduates’ readiness for future demands. He further expressed his gratitude to the partners of giving for their significant role in supporting the University’s journey.
Graduate Hamdan Jamal Khamis Al Shemaili also delivered the graduates’ speech, expressing the Class of 2026’s pride in belonging to Ajman University. He highlighted the supportive academic environment provided by the University and the integrated educational experience that helped build their knowledge, develop their skills, and strengthen their readiness to confidently transition into the next professional stage, enabling them to contribute positively to serving the nation and society.
