Abu Dhabi: Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) marked a significant achievement by celebrating its 15th graduation ceremony at the prestigious Emirates Palace’s Auditorium. The event, held under the patronage of Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chair of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Board of Trustees, honored the Class of 2024.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony celebrated the academic accomplishments of 217 graduates who received master’s, bachelor’s, and diploma degrees from a variety of disciplines. The graduates included 146 bachelor’s degree recipients, 66 master’s degree recipients, and 5 diploma holders from the Continuing Education Centre. The diverse graduating class represented 36 nationalities, with a majority of the graduates being female (149) and 68 male graduates. Emirati students made up 51.6% of the class, underscoring SUAD’s commitment to fostering local talent.
The international presence in the class was notable, with studen
ts hailing from countries including France, Egypt, Palestine, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Morocco, highlighting SUAD’s global academic environment. Prominent speakers at the ceremony included Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University; Professor Nathalie Drach-Temam, President of Sorbonne Université and Vice Chair of SUAD’s Board of Trustees; Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE; Professor Edouard Kaminski, President of Université Paris Cité; and Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Vice-Chancellor of SUAD. Graduates Lynda Rekiki and Omar Al Marzooqi also addressed the audience, sharing their educational journeys.
The graduates were distributed among SUAD’s three schools: 91 from the School of Law, Economics and Business, 81 from the School of Arts and Humanities, and 40 from the School of Data, Science and Engineering. Additionally, the Continuing Education Centre awarded five diplomas in International Sports Management, re
flecting SUAD’s multidisciplinary approach.
Among the notable graduates was Omar Al Marzouqi, an Emirati equestrian rider who earned a double bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Sociology. Al Marzouqi made history as the first UAE national to win a medal at the Youth Olympic Games and has represented the UAE at the Paris Olympics. Amna Al Qubaisi, the first female Emirati racing driver, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Records Management and Archival Science. She has achieved historic milestones in motorsport, including becoming the first woman to win in Formula 4 history.
In his address, Zaki Nusseibeh lauded the graduates for their hard work and dedication, encouraging them to use their education for personal development and societal service. Professor Nathalie Drach-Temam emphasized the importance of the diversity among graduates as a testament to SUAD’s commitment to fostering open-minded and culturally aware citizens ready to tackle global challenges.
Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz expressed pri
de in the graduates’ unity and collaboration, highlighting their potential to create a sustainable and innovative future. She noted that the graduates embody the values of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and are poised to become influential leaders and changemakers.
