Under the patronage and in the presence of Lt General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Zayed University celebrated the graduation of the Future Makers Class of 2024. His Highness attended the final day of the ceremony and witnessed the graduation of 368 students from seven colleges, including those who earned honours and distinction in their bachelor's and postgraduate studies.
In total, 2,086 students graduated as part of the Class of 2024 across the three-day event, which included the 22nd cohort of female students and the 12th cohort of male students. The 2024 ceremony was held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 4-6 June 2024. It was attended on all three days by Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development and Chairperson of Zayed University Board of Trustees, alongside guests of honour, members of the university's Board of Trustees, faculty and administrative staff, prominent figures, and the families of the graduates.
His Highness congratulated the graduates on their efforts and their success, wishing them a prosperous future. He urged them to utilise the skills and knowledge they acquired in service to the leadership, the nation, and the community, contributing to shaping a bright future for the UAE.
At the end of the ceremony, His Highness received a gift – a sculpture made by Zayed University graduate Narjes Noor for the graduation of the Class of 2024. The artwork echoes verses from the poetry of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: "O youth of Ghatareef, embrace this joyful time. Rise with wisdom and sound judgment, carrying culture, knowledge, and perfection with you."
Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei expressed her gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan for attending the graduation ceremony, noting that his presence represents the wisdom of the leadership and its support, care, and pride for the graduates of Zayed University.
Her Excellency congratulated the graduates and their families on their well-deserved success, describing the graduation ceremony as the beginning of a new journey, which they have been fully prepared for by Zayed University, not only on an academic level but also with instilled values of perseverance and determination to succeed. She urged the graduates to embark on this journey with a passion for learning and experimentation, viewing every challenge as an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and building a meaningful life that positively impacts others, extending the legacy of Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, and contributes to the nation's growth and prosperity.
Addressing the graduates, Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei said: “A person's values are what truly represent them, beyond any external appearances or titles. This is evident in our leaders, who exemplify the highest moral standards, their extreme sense of integrity, dedication to serving the nation, pride in our Emirati traditions, mutual support, and their mentality of abundance.
"Hold on to your authenticity, be yourselves, and become the best version of yourself. Seize these moments in your lives to leave a lasting impact that lives up to the UAE standards and mirrors its love to all of you. The future of the UAE lies in your hands.”
His Excellency Dr Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, who delivered the previous year’s graduation speech from the International Space Station, addressed the 2024 graduating cohort via a virtual message. He expressed his warm wishes to the graduates and emphasised their important roles in shaping the UAE’s future.
His Excellency Dr Sultan Saif Al Neyadi said: “Congratulation to the Class of 2024 on your graduation. You’re the future makers and the key influencer in the future job market. I extend my congratulations to the academic and administrative staff, as well as the graduates’ families, who have worked hard over the years to help shape your future. This is not the end, and you have a lot of work to accomplish in your future. I remember sending my message to you from space last year. Today, we stand alongside you to continue the UAE’s mission. Congratulations once again, and we wish you all the success always and forever.”
During her graduation speech, Sheikha Almansoori, the first Student of Determination with total visual impairment to graduate from the College of Education at Zayed University, expressed her pride in joining the 2024 cohort.
Sheikha Almansoori said: "On behalf of myself and my fellow graduates, I would like to express my deep gratitude and pride for the university's leadership and our professors who have been a source of support and encouragement throughout our academic journey. With them, we persevered, excelled, and raised our spirits, carrying the passion for learning and the light of knowledge to persist on the paths of success.
"I was told that Zayed University shines today in its finest form. Who said ‘I don't see it’? But I see its beauty with a different vision, and I feel the joy of this day in every corner and detail. Zayed University has been and will remain a beacon that gives light to the future generations."
Rawda bint Tamim, speaking on behalf of the graduate students, said: "We take pride in graduating from this university that bears the name of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – may his soul rest in peace – who said: ‘The true wealth and real asset of the nation lie in the youth equipped with knowledge and science, which are the means through which this nation is built.’"
Rawda bint Tamim expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the faculty members for their continuous support, to the students' parents for their patience and perseverance, and to everyone who contributed to their academic journey, enabling them to complete their graduation.
The graduation ceremony highlighted Zayed University's dedication to fostering and empowering talent to lead their communities, embracing diversity, and creating a dynamic intellectual environment, which align seamlessly with the national goals of UAE Centennial 2071. The university is committed to offering world-class education, encouraging innovation, and developing the leaders of tomorrow.
