Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, expressed his pride in the graduates’ talent and dedication during a ceremony held at the academy on Saturday morning. Welcoming graduates from across the Arab world, from Mauritania to Oman, Sheikh Sultan praised their artistic and academic achievements and acknowledged the unwavering support of the academy’s staff.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Sultan announced the launch of a new College of Music starting this September, affirming Sharjah’s continued commitment to nurturing talent from the region. He also unveiled plans to establish a new filmmaking programme, which will mark the completion of the academy’s three-pillar focus: Theatre, Music, and Cinema. He stated that the development of such initiatives reflects Sharjah’s mission to uplift creative communities and offer transformative learning opportunities. Sheikh Sultan congratulated the graduates and their families on this milestone.
Peter Barlow, Executive Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, welcomed Sheikh Sultan and the attendees. He highlighted the Ruler of Sharjah’s vision and enduring support for the academy, which has advanced the arts, strengthened education, and inspired thousands across the emirate. Barlow described Sharjah as a model of academic excellence, home to a university city with over 40,000 students and a comprehensive education system from preschool to postgraduate levels. He noted that education in Sharjah focuses not only on academic achievement, but also on cultivating creativity, curiosity, and responsibility in young people.
Barlow also highlighted the academy’s successes, noting that 90 percent of its graduates are currently employed in creative sectors locally and internationally. He credited this achievement to strong institutional support, expert faculty, and a learning environment that fosters ethical and visionary leaders in the arts. Addressing the graduates, he praised their transformation from newcomers into skilled professionals, emphasizing the resilience and talent they have discovered along the way.
Guest of honour, artist Zainab Al Askari, gave a heartfelt speech, expressing her happiness at being part of the celebration and her appreciation for the Ruler of Sharjah’s support for artists. She described the academy as a dream realized, enabling artists to refine their skills and communicate powerful messages to society in an evolving artistic landscape. Al Askari praised the academy’s role in preparing future generations of performers and expressed gratitude for the hospitality and dedication shown by the organisers.
Sheikh Sultan concluded the ceremony by distributing graduation certificates to the students, joining them for a group photo as their families looked on with pride.