SHARJAH— Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah (UOS), on Thursday attended the University of Sharjah’s spring 2026 graduation ceremony at University City Hall, where 426 postgraduate students received their degrees.
In his address, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed urged graduates to continue their pursuit of knowledge with determination and perseverance, drawing inspiration from earlier generations who served their societies through learning and exploration.
Recalling the maritime heritage of the Arabian Gulf, he said that early traders once navigated the seas guided only by stars, enduring hardship not for ease but for purpose, and returning home to strengthen their communities. “Today, you are the continuation of that legacy,” he told graduates, adding that they return “not to the shore, but to the society that awaits you.”
He said postgraduate qualifications should be viewed not as academic milestones alone, but as practical tools that shape decision-making and policy. “Knowledge without action is like an archer without a bow,” he said, noting that many graduates already serve in key national sectors where their learning would translate directly into impact.
Highlighting the university’s academic development, he said the University of Sharjah defines itself not by infrastructure but by intellectual output and innovation. He pointed to its expanding academic offerings, rising international recognition, and growing student body, which includes more than 21,000 students of 111 nationalities.
He also praised the university’s faculty and researchers for developing 158 academic programmes, and expressed pride in its graduates working across sectors including government, engineering, medicine and public service.
Addressing families, he paid tribute to their support throughout the students’ academic journey. “Behind every graduate stands a father who worked in silence, a mother who prayed before dawn, and a family that believed in the future,” he said.
He also thanked faculty and staff for their role in guiding students, saying their efforts had helped shape graduates equipped to serve society and contribute to development.
Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed urged graduates to focus on contribution over recognition. “The difference is not made by those who know more, but by those who give more,” he said, adding that lasting legacy is built through impact rather than achievement alone.
The ceremony opened with the UAE national anthem and verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a speech from University of Sharjah Chancellor Professor Issam Al Din Ibrahim Ajami, who thanked the leadership for attending and congratulated graduates on their achievement.
Ajami said postgraduate education represents a shift from receiving knowledge to producing it, and from accepting ideas to critically engaging with them. He highlighted the university’s growing international standing and said its achievements reflect a strong academic and research ecosystem.
Speaking on behalf of graduates, Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi expressed pride in completing his studies, thanking the university leadership, faculty and families for their support, and encouraging graduates to pursue lifelong learning.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed presented certificates to graduates and congratulated them on their success.
The event was attended by senior officials, members of the university’s board of trustees, and families of graduates.- WAM
