Sharjah: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah (UoS), attended the graduation ceremony for the fifth cohort of students in the Emirati Future Leaders Initiative (EFLI) on Wednesday morning. The event took place at the University of Sharjah's Student Forum.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a speech from Professor Dr Issam Al-Din Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah. Dr Ajami expressed gratitude to His Highness the President of the University of Sharjah for his continued support for young people and for honouring the graduates. He emphasized that such support contributes to achieving the objectives of the initiative and preparing students for future leadership roles.
Dr Ajami further stated that the University of Sharjah remains committed to equipping generations with the knowledge, skills, and capacity to lead and innovate, enabling them to contribute effectively to the country's sustainable development. He stressed that young people are not only leaders of tomorrow but also partners in shaping the present and architects of the future.
During the event, students Fares Al Malek and Shamma Al Shehi delivered a presentation titled 'Lessons Learned from the Emirati Leadership Camp in Singapore.' They shared their experiences and insights gained from the camp, highlighting Singapore's practices in artificial intelligence and technological innovation. The camp was part of the Emirati Future Leaders Initiative, organised by the University of Sharjah in Singapore.
The six-month initiative included training, workshops, and lectures delivered by the Institute of Leadership in Higher Education at the University of Sharjah. Attendees watched a video featuring graduates from previous cohorts who spoke about the initiative's impact on their academic, professional, and personal development.
Graduates presented three innovative projects focusing on digital transformation in government healthcare, community behaviour towards recycling in Sharjah, and AI-powered water management for the UAE's housing sector. These projects demonstrated the skills acquired through the initiative, including leadership, research, innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honoured 27 graduates of the Emirati Future Leaders Initiative, recognising their achievements and contributions. The initiative aims to build the professional capabilities of students, equipping them with the skills needed for the labour market and supporting the UAE's Emiratization agenda.