Sheikha Latifa Attends AUD Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), attended the graduation ceremony of the American University in Dubai (AUD) for its 29th graduating class, marking another milestone in the university’s nearly three decades of academic excellence in the region.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 445 graduates from 57 countries, reflecting AUD’s diverse international community and its role as a leading higher education institution in Dubai.

Ceremony Opens with National Anthems and Welcome Address

The event began with the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and the United States following the arrival of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa.

His Excellency Elias N. Bou Saab, Executive Vice President of the American University in Dubai, welcomed Her Highness and thanked her for attending the graduation ceremony.

During his speech, Bou Saab praised the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

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He said, “Their leadership has shown the world what happens when vision is matched with courage, determination, and action.”

AUD's Journey Inspired by Dubai's Vision

Bou Saab recalled the establishment of the American University in Dubai in 1995, saying the university was inspired by Dubai’s remarkable growth and the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who believes in empowering young people.

He stated, “His Highness has taught us that you should not wait for the future; you should create it, as the future belongs to those who imagine it, design it, and execute it. That is the Dubai story. And in many ways, it is also the AUD story.”

He also highlighted the work of the Dubai Future Foundation in promoting innovation and future-focused knowledge through initiatives including the annual Dubai Future Forum.

Speaking about the recently launched 'Dubai-it' initiative, Bou Saab said it is a platform where ideas are transformed into businesses, research becomes innovation, and ambition creates lasting impact.

Addressing the graduating Class of 2026, he concluded by saying, “You are not only prepared for the future. You are ready to shape it. Let’s Future It and Dubai It.”

Dubai Future Foundation CEO Addresses Graduates

His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation, delivered the keynote speech, encouraging graduates to value human connection, gratitude, and responsibility.

He praised the university for preparing generations of graduates who have contributed to Dubai’s development and told the Class of 2026 they were becoming part of that legacy.

Outstanding Graduates Receive Recognition

During the ceremony, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa presented awards to outstanding students in recognition of their exceptional academic performance.

She later joined the graduates for an official group photograph before degrees were formally awarded by the commencement speaker together with the university's senior leadership.

The celebrations concluded with a fireworks display that marked the graduation ceremony.

AUD President Encourages Independent Thinking

Dr. Kyle Long, President of the American University in Dubai, urged graduates to continue thinking independently despite the growing use of technology and automation.

He said that while technology can assist with many tasks, graduates should not lose the ability to think critically, create new ideas, and make their own judgments.

Dr. Long added that an AUD education equips students with the skills to combine knowledge from different fields, adapt to changing circumstances, and pursue their goals through informed decision-making.

Valedictorian Reflects on Diversity and Resilience

Representing the graduating class, Valedictorian Alice Zanini, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) summa cum laude with a Major in Finance, reflected on the diverse learning environment at AUD.

She said studying alongside students from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds had been one of the university’s greatest strengths.

Zanini also noted that her generation completed part of its education during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued learning through periods of regional tension. She said these experiences demonstrated that resilience and determination are key to overcoming challenges.

Graduates Join Global Alumni Network

The graduation ceremony ended with the traditional academic recessional, officially welcoming the Class of 2026 into the American University in Dubai's global alumni network, which now includes 10,000 graduates.