Sharjah Ruler mandates AUS to become leading research university in the Arab World

American University of Sharjah (AUS) graduates have an excellent reputation among employers in the region and beyond, which testifies to the university's excellence and strength, said His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), at the AUS Fall 2016 graduation ceremony held today, December 22, at University City Hall, Sharjah.

A total of 545 undergraduate and graduate candidates were conferred degrees in the Fall 2016 commencement ceremony.

Congratulating the Class of Fall 2016, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah said in his opening speech, "You are standing here today for a well-deserved honor, and your graduation from AUS will support the development of your future careers. I must also congratulate your families and faculty members for the support they gave towards your achievements."

His Highness also shared the university's development in education and research as well as its expansion in doctoral programs. "The university has prepared a strategic research plan, which will make AUS known as a top research university in the Arab World within five years. However, in doing so, the quality of the undergraduate programs will still continue to become better," said Sheikh Dr. Sultan. "I am glad to inform you that both the doctoral program in engineering systems management and the master's degree program in biomedical engineering have recently undergone Ministry review for accreditation and are expected to be launched during the next academic year."

His Highness also stressed on the importance of the Sharjah Executive Council's decision to impose a local fee on government transactions to support scientific research, which will help fund AUS's quest to become the leading university in the Arab World in the next few years. "It is hoped that this decision will support the development of the AUS Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Park," said His Highness.

He concluded his speech by thanking members of the Board of Trustees, the faculty members and the university's administration for their sincere efforts and their contributions in developing the university.

During his opening remarks, AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve said, "As an institution of higher learning based in one of the region's major centers of culture and art, we are cognizant of the great responsibility we have in continuing this legacy."

"Inspired by the environment of enquiry and research that was prevalent throughout the Golden Age of Islam, we, at AUS, have embarked upon a course that will make us one of the region's premier centers of research and innovation, as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan," said Dr. Kjerfve. "With an eye on the future, AUS is committed to deliver excellent education as a part in the nation's ongoing efforts to create and sustain a knowledge economy," he added.

"Graduates, you are now a part of the AUS alumni family. I encourage you to keep in touch with your alma mater and offer your support to those students who will follow you at AUS in the years to come. I would like to convey my congratulations, once again, to you and your families on your success and wish you the very best in your future endeavors," concluded Chancellor Kjerfve.

The breakdown of the graduates is as follows:

• Total number of graduating students: 545 
• Number of undergraduate students receiving degrees: 486
• Number of graduate students receiving degrees: 59
• Number of male graduates: 270
• Number of female graduates: 275
• Total number of UAE nationals graduating: 96

A breakdown of the graduating class by college/school is as follows:

• College of Architecture, Art and Design: 22 undergraduate and 16 graduate 
• College of Arts and Sciences: 73 undergraduate and 17 graduate 
• College of Engineering: 241 undergraduate and 16 graduate 
• School of Business Administration: 150 undergraduate and 10 graduate

The student speaker at the ceremony, Deema AlShamsi, expressed her gratitude towards the efforts of the graduating batch to finally celebrate this day and said, "This dream has become a reality for many of us present here. Our hard work and determination have paid off. Today, you and I, my dear graduates, have become the graduating class of Fall 2016. We, the warriors of knowledge, have spent sleepless nights to become the people we are today. It has not been easy, but every step of the way was worth it."

AlShamsi, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, also thanked His Highness, parents and faculty members for supporting the students in their academic journey.

Founded in 1997, AUS has fulfilled His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan's vision of a quality institution catering to the aspirations and needs of the UAE and the wider Gulf community as a whole. Over the past decade, the student body increased considerably, necessitating the launch of two graduation ceremonies per year.