His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah presided over the University’s Spring 2025 graduation ceremony for graduate students. The event, held Thursday morning at University City Hall, celebrated the accomplishments of 437 graduates across various academic disciplines.

In his keynote address, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed reflected on the University’s remarkable journey. “Every year, just before the graduation ceremony, I am presented with reports detailing the University of Sharjah’s achievements,” he said. “And each year I ask myself, can we surpass these accomplishments next year?” With satisfaction, he affirmed, “Every time, the University proves that its momentum has not only continued but deepened and expanded.”

Highlighting a year marked by distinction, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi revealed that the University had recorded no fewer than 23 major achievements. Among the most notable was the University of Sharjah becoming the first institution in the Middle East to earn a platinum rating with a perfect 100% score on the STARS sustainability rating system, administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). UoS also topped national rankings in the social sciences, humanities, and arts according to the Times Higher Education 2025 rankings.

Beyond academics, the University was awarded the “Tamayuz” prize for best governance practices and achieved top placements in student athletics: first place in both football and volleyball, second in basketball, and a gold medal in squash. It also secured the bid to host the World University Powerlifting Championship in 2026.

“These are not accomplishments we announce just for headlines or social media,” Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi emphasized. “These are real, tangible milestones that pave the way for a brighter future.”

Addressing the graduates, he praised their expertise, perseverance, and intellectual development. “You are graduates of a university that was founded to be a beacon of knowledge and wisdom under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah,” he said.

He extended heartfelt thanks to UoS faculty, acknowledging their recent initiatives and to the University’s Board of Trustees who has approved several new unique academic projects proposed by the colleges. “You have taught, mentored, and molded brilliant minds. Thank you,” he said. Parents, too, received a special tribute for their unwavering support. “Today is not just the graduation of your children. It is the culmination of your dreams and sacrifices,” Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi remarked, congratulating families on their shared success. And, in a warm closing, the University President congratulated the graduates, calling their degrees “the harvest of years of dedication and resilience,” and wished them success as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Earlier in the ceremony, His Excellency Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, expressed pride in the graduates' hard work and perseverance. He extended special thanks to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the University’s founder, for his steadfast vision in shaping the institution into a hub of knowledge and innovation. Prof. Agamy also underscored that graduate studies are not merely academic milestones but transformative journeys of critical thinking, research, and leadership. “Our graduates are poised to become innovators and policy-shapers,” he said, emphasizing their role in building a more sustainable and knowledge-driven future. He also noted the University’s ongoing commitment to societal impact, encouraging graduates to apply their expertise to solve pressing issues, foster innovation, and lead change in fields ranging from education and health to technology and the environment.

Representing the graduates, Sheikh Dr. Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi delivered a heartfelt speech. “Today marks not just the end of an exceptional academic journey, but the beginning of a new era of responsibility and contribution,” he said. Expressing profound gratitude to faculty and parents alike, he emphasized that their love, mentorship, and sacrifices were integral to the students’ achievements. He reminded fellow graduates of the power of knowledge. “Science is the key to progress and civilization,” he said. “Our nation can only rise through our excellence. Be its present and future, its shield and strength.” He concluded his speech by echoing the words of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah: “Continue your journey in scientific research. This is the path of the noble and the pursuit of the enlightened.”

At the close of the event, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi conferred diplomas upon the graduates, congratulating them on their remarkable accomplishments and wishing them success in their professional paths and contributions to society.

The graduating class of 437 students included 119 doctoral, 302 master’s, and 16 postgraduate diploma recipients across colleges ranging from Medicine, Engineering, and Law to Business, Arts, and Public Policy.

The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Salem Al Qasimi, Sheikh Saqr bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Head of the Smart Government Department in Umm Al Quwain, Sheikh Hamid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Head of the Ruler's Office in Umm Al Quwain, and several senior officials, trustees, faculty, and proud families.