Sharjah’s campus was awash with pride on Sunday morning as His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, President of the University of Sharjah, presided over the graduation ceremony for the class of spring 2025. The event, held at the Sharjah University City Hall, saw 284 bachelor’s degree graduates honored for their academic achievements.

The ceremony opened with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. Following, His Excellency Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University, welcomed His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and the distinguished guests, extending heartfelt congratulations to the graduates. He lauded their academic excellence and promising character, underscoring the collective pride felt by faculty, families, and the wider university community. In addition, Prof. Agamy paid tribute to the parents and guardians of the graduates whose unwavering support and care had guided the graduates to this milestone. He also thanked the faculty for being beacons of knowledge and inspiration and expressed deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, President of the University of Sharjah for his steadfast commitment to the University’s mission as he highlighted the President’s vision in cultivating an educational environment that harmonizes tradition with modernity.

Reflecting on the University’s founding, Prof. Agamy noted that His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, established the institution on solid foundations. Today, the University of Sharjah stands as one of the nation’s most comprehensive universities, home to the largest array of colleges and disciplines in the UAE. Prof. Agamy emphasized the personal involvement of the His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in shaping the University’s academic programs and unique architecture, fostering a vibrant, multicultural environment with students from over 95 nationalities.

To add, His Excellency Prof. Agamy celebrated UoS’s journey, noting the distinctive academic paths of each college and their active role in community service and development. He recognized the colleges’ contributions to preserving cultural values and identity, teaching leadership and strategic decision-making, and preparing graduates to build a brighter future. He stressed the importance of equipping students with knowledge, legal understanding, social justice, and adaptability in a rapidly changing world, while embracing discovery and the digital revolution in both scientific research and advanced industries.

Addressing the graduates, Prof. Agamy expressed the University’s pride in this exceptional cohort, equipped with knowledge and a strong sense of responsibility. He called on them to be agents of progress in their fields, contributing to the growth of their nations and societies, and leading the way toward a more prosperous future. The Chancelor also affirmed that UoS had prepared its graduates to meet contemporary challenges with critical thinking and innovation, ready to shape a future worthy of their skills and values. He concluded his address by urging the graduates to embrace collaboration, openness, and lifelong learning, and to remain committed to social responsibility, leadership, and creativity. He encouraged them to pursue projects and research that bring real value to their communities, country, and the world.

The ceremony also featured a touching address from graduate Saleh Mohammed Al Jasmi of the College of Law, who spoke on behalf of the graduating class. Al Jasmi expressed the graduates’ deep pride and appreciation, praising the Ruler of Sharjah for his visionary leadership in founding the University. “Your Highness, you are an exceptional leader who has dedicated your mind, heart, and time to building a civilization rooted in knowledge, culture, and justice,” he said.

Al Jasmi highlighted the personal support offered by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, recalling how the President shared in the students’ milestones and celebrations, despite his many responsibilities. “Thank you for being with us. Thank you for being our role model. Thank you for the vision, determination, and confidence you instilled in us. Today, these have blossomed into knowledge, thought, and a society proud of its roots,” he said, offering gratitude that he described as unending.

Al Jasmi also paid tribute to the parents, describing them as a homeland before the concept was even understood, a steadfast support in uncertain times, and a guiding light through life’s challenges. “To the mothers who carried life’s burdens with love, and to the fathers whose hard work became our bridge to tomorrow, we say: thank you, until gratitude itself is exhausted. What you planted has borne fruit,” he added.

Al Jasmi reminisced about the shared memories of university life, from parking struggles and lecture halls to exam papers and early mornings. “Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter of our lives, holding certificates in our hands, stories in our hearts, and tears in our eyes that refuse to fall out of respect for this moment and the beauty of these memories,” he reflected. He thanked the faculty, saying, “To our esteemed professors, we tip our hats. You are the true meaning of every success. You supported us, shaped our dreams, and left indelible marks on our hearts that we will carry wherever we go.”

The ceremony concluded with His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi personally presenting degrees to graduates from all bachelor’s programs, including Sharia and Islamic Studies, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Law, Fine Arts and Design, Communication, Sciences, Computing and Informatics, and Public Policy. He extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.