Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Celebrates 15th Graduation Ceremony
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) proudly celebrated the graduation of its 15th cohort in a ceremony held at Emirates Palace’s Auditorium in Abu Dhabi on November 20th under the patronage of Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chair of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Board of Trustees.
The Class of 2024 honoured 217 master’s and bachelor’s graduates, marking a milestone of academic success and multicultural achievement. Degrees were awarded across various disciplines, including 146 bachelor’s degrees, 66 master’s degrees and 5 diplomas from the Continuing Education Centre.
This year’s graduating class exemplifies Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s diversity, with 149 female (68.7%) and 68 male graduates representing 36 nationalities. Emirati graduates represent 51.6% of the Class of 2024, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to nurturing local talent. Whilst international students hailed from France, Egypt, Palestine, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Morocco and other countries highlighting SUAD’s role as a global academic institution.
The ceremony included addresses from His Excellence Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University; Professor Nathalie Drach-Temam, President of Sorbonne Université & Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees; His Excellence Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE; Professor Edouard Kaminski, President of Université Paris Cité; and Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Vice-Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Graduates Lynda Rekiki and Omar Al Marzooqi took the stage to share reflections and insights from their journey at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, followed by the formal conferral of degrees.
The Class of 2024 included graduates from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s three schools: 91 graduates from the School of Law, Economics & Business, 81 graduates from the School of Arts and Humanities and 40 graduates from the School of Data, Science and Engineering. Additionally, the Continuing Education Centre (CEC) awarded diplomas in International Sports Management to five graduates. These various programmes contribute to SUAD’s multidisciplinary approach, preparing graduates to excel in various fields within the global job market.
In addition, Emirati equestrian rider, Omar Al Marzouqi, graduated this year with a double bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Sociology. He made history as the first UAE national to win a medal at the Youth Olympic Games and the youngest Arab to qualify for the Olympics. Ranked in the global Top 20 under 25, he represented the UAE at the Paris Olympics, carrying the flag and finishing in the Top 20 in show jumping. Commenting on balancing his studies with participating in the Paris Olympics, he said: “Finding a balance between my academic and athletic commitments has not always been easy, but the support from my university has allowed me to pursue both successfully.”
Another standout graduate is Amna Al Qubaisi, the first female Emirati racing driver, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Records Management and Archival Science. Known for her trailblazing achievements, Amna made history as the first woman to win in Formula 4 history in 2019, the first female Arab to be a Formula E test driver in 2018, and now races in the F1 Academy with Red Bull behind the wheel of a Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) and she is set to race next week in F1 Academy in Qatar during the Formula 1 event.
In his commencement address, HE Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE, congratulated the graduates and said: “Today, you reap the reward of your hard work, patience and dedication. It is not the end, but rather the onset of a new journey that will shape your future and the future of the world you are living in. Hold onto the greatest tools: knowledge and a constant passion for learning. Always bear in mind that your education is not only for the development of your personal life but also for the service of society as a whole and our beloved country. Go forth with confidence, knowing that you possess the knowledge and positive values that will help you make a profound impact on other people’s lives. I wish you a future filled with achievements, excellence, and limitless opportunities.”
Professor Nathalie Drach-Temam, President of Sorbonne Université & Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “In the face of events transforming our world, the diversity of our graduates stands as our greatest hope, a testament to openness and mutual understanding. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, rooted in a centuries-old legacy and driven by a forward-looking vision, continues to serve as a bridge between civilisations, molding enlightened citizens prepared to tackle global challenges. This year’s graduates embody the distinctive cultural identity of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, shaped by academic excellence, cultural openness, and a commitment to sustainability. As ambassadors of this unique institution, they will carry forward its values of academic freedom, integrity, and equality, illuminating societies and inspiring future generations.”
Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Vice-Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, shared her pride in the graduating class: “Seeing each of our students, from different corners of the world, work together with such unity is truly inspiring. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is honoured to offer an environment where collaboration, respect and openness come naturally to them. It fills me with hope for a future where our graduates are not just skilled but deeply connected to the values of peace, sustainability and global understanding. The pressing need for actionable solutions for our planet’s future has never been more evident and our graduates hold the potential to shape a sustainable, innovative world. Today, they stand as representatives of future generations. Tomorrow, they will be the decision-makers, the visionaries and the changemakers, building a legacy for a world that needs them more than ever. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and to each graduate who has demonstrated resilience, dedication and a commitment to learning – we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their careers and communities. They embody the values and legacy of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and will be outstanding ambassadors for the UAE and beyond.”
The 2024 graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of students and faculty, highlighting Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s commitment to world-class education. The Class of 2024, reflecting the university’s global perspective, is now part of SUAD’s alumni network, ready to contribute to their fields and communities worldwide.
Last Updated on 3 weeks by News Desk 1
