Ras al khaimah: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) celebrated its 15th Commencement Ceremony, where 283 undergraduate and graduate students were honored.
According to Emirates News Agency, over 55% of the graduates were women, highlighting the increasing trend of women pursuing higher education and leadership roles. The ceremony also coincided with AURAK's rising prominence in global academics, with its Business and Management Studies program ranked among the top 450 globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, and its Computer Science and Information Systems program in the 701-750 band worldwide.
The Commencement Ceremony signified the readiness of a new generation of graduates to contribute to the knowledge economy. The Class of 2026 comprised professionals in high-demand sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Business Analytics, Renewable Energy, and various Engineering disciplines.
Guest of Honour, Dr. Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, emphasized the importance of perseverance, humility, and integrity in the face of technological advancements, sharing personal stories to underline these values. She reminded graduates that while their formal education concludes, their journey into the workforce has just begun.
Prof. Bassam Alameddine, President of AURAK, in his welcome speech, urged graduates to become 'critical thinkers, problem-solvers, innovators, and humane leaders' as they navigate a rapidly changing global workforce. He highlighted AURAK's progress in academic visibility, partnerships, and global recognition, which aligns with its efforts to create greater opportunities for students in learning, research, and academic mobility.
Degrees were conferred by Salem Ali Al Sharhan, Chairman of the AURAK Board of Trustees, and Prof. Alameddine, in the presence of dignitaries, including consul-generals from various nations.
Yassmin Gholam, representing the Master's programs as valedictorian, spoke of achieving her dreams and the challenges of balancing careers and studies. Hana Rahiman, the valedictorian for the undergraduate programs, shared how AURAK transformed her perception of success, emphasizing that failure is a stepping stone to success.
AURAK continues to position itself as a leading university in the region, supporting H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi's vision of making Ras Al Khaimah an innovation hub. The university hosts students from over 60 nationalities, showcasing its cultural diversity.