Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, graced the University of Barcelona with his presence at the graduation ceremony of the inaugural cohort of the Master of Science in Media Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation programme. This unique programme is a collaboration between the University of Sharjah's College of Communication and the University of Barcelona, with strategic support from Sharjah Media City (Shams).
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Sultan expressed his joy in celebrating the accomplishments of these graduates, emphasizing the strong partnership between the two distinguished universities. He highlighted that graduation is just the beginning of a new journey for the students. The President of the University of Sharjah drew a parallel between the graduates and ships setting sail from a harbour, prepared to face a sea of opportunities and challenges armed with knowledge and resilience.
Sheikh Sultan reflected on the historical significance of ports for the people of the United Arab Emirates, noting that those who venture beyond familiar shores gain access to the world's wonders. He described the joint programme as a symbol of a shared belief in the value of global engagement and the exchange of knowledge between Sharjah and Barcelona. The programme provides students the opportunity to benefit from the intellectual and cultural wealth of both cities, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected world.
Addressing the graduates, Sheikh Sultan remarked on the vital role of media entrepreneurship and digital innovation in today's digital age. He urged them to navigate this landscape with humility, integrity, and discernment, as their work in media will reach global audiences at unprecedented speeds. The programme, supported by Sharjah Media City (Shams), offers students the chance to engage with industry challenges and develop practical skills through a collaboration between academia, industry, and the creative economy.
Miquel Soriano, Director-General of Universities in the Government of Catalonia, underscored the significance of the joint master's programme as the first of its kind between a Spanish university and the University of Sharjah. He emphasized the role of universities in fostering innovation and international collaboration, stating that the partnership between the University of Barcelona and the University of Sharjah is a testament to the power of cross-cultural academic cooperation.
Dr. Soriano Abadal, Vice-Rector of the University of Barcelona, provided an overview of the university's storied history and its commitment to global collaboration. He emphasized the role of universities as places for dialogue and reflection, where scholars from around the world come together to exchange ideas and knowledge.
Dr. Joan G. Burguera, Dean of the Faculty of Philology and Communication at the University of Barcelona, highlighted the graduation ceremony as a testament to the success of the strategic partnership between the two universities. He called upon the graduates to lead the next phase of digital transformation, focusing on responsible and effective innovation.
Graduate Mahra Al Amiri expressed her gratitude for the unique academic journey provided by the programme, highlighting the enriching experience of studying at two prestigious institutions. She thanked His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and the administrations of both universities for their continuous support and dedication.
The ceremony concluded with His Highness presenting certificates to the 24 graduates and a musical performance celebrating the achievements of the first cohort. The event was attended by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Rashid Abdullah Al Obad, Professor Dr. Issam Al-Din Ibrahim Ajami, and several senior officials from both universities.