Ahmed bin Saeed Celebrates Graduation of 394 Students at RIT Dubai, Strengthening UAE’s Knowledge Economy
Dubai: Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), the Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT Dubai) celebrated the graduation of its 15th cohort. The ceremony took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where 394 graduates were awarded degrees across 16 undergraduate and master’s programmes. This event marks a significant milestone for both the university and Dubai’s evolving educational landscape.
The graduation ceremony was attended by senior officials, academic leaders, and members of the diplomatic community, including His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, His Excellency Essa Kazim, US Consul General Robert Raines, and RIT Dubai President Dr. Yousef Al Assaf.
A Milestone in Advancing Future Talent
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed emphasized the critical role of education in realizing the UAE’s long-term vision. He stated that the graduation of this new cohort from RIT Dubai represents a pivotal step in cultivating talent capable of navigating future transformations and contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and advanced technologies. He noted that advanced education is central to enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness.
At DIEZ, advanced education is viewed as a vital enabler of Dubai’s competitiveness and future readiness. Sheikh Ahmed expressed pride in RIT Dubai’s growing role in preparing a generation that can translate knowledge into tangible economic and social impact. He expressed confidence that these graduates would contribute significantly to Dubai’s journey toward global leadership and excellence.
Strengthening Dubai’s Knowledge Economy
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, remarked that the partnership with RIT Dubai aligns with a broader strategy to build an integrated economic ecosystem. He noted that the graduation of this cohort reinforces DIEZ’s role, particularly through Dubai Silicon Oasis, as a specialized hub for knowledge and innovation, serving as an incubator for education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Al Zarooni added that the university plays a crucial role in equipping industries with highly skilled talent capable of leading digital transformation and enhancing productivity across key sectors.
Diverse Programmes Aligned with Future Sectors
The graduating class showcased a diverse range of disciplines aligned with future-focused industries. Students completed nine bachelor’s degrees in fields such as engineering, marketing, finance, cybersecurity, computing, and psychology, alongside seven master’s programmes in areas including data analytics, smart cities, futures foresight, and engineering.
This year’s ceremony was particularly significant as it marked the graduation of the first cohort of Psychology students, reflecting the university’s expansion into specialized academic fields.
A Platform for Knowledge and Innovation
Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, described the graduates as well-prepared to meet the demands of the modern workforce. He highlighted that the event celebrates an exceptional cohort from 16 academic programmes, demonstrating the university’s continued growth and its ability to adapt academic offerings to the rapidly evolving labour market.
Dr. Al Assaf emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering innovation through new programmes and research initiatives. He reiterated the institution’s dedication to creating an educational environment that encourages research, experimentation, and innovation, reinforcing its role as a platform for developing talent capable of serving Dubai, the UAE, and the wider region.
Continued Growth and New Academic Pathways
Since its establishment in 2010, RIT Dubai has graduated over 2,490 students, underscoring its expanding contribution to the UAE’s higher education and talent development ecosystem. The university continues to introduce new programmes, including undergraduate degrees in Management Information Systems and Advertising and Public Relations, as well as micro-master’s programmes in Health Informatics and Futures Foresight.
Additionally, RIT Dubai has launched a dual-degree engineering programme designed to enable students to complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shorter timeframe.
Supporting Dubai’s Future Vision
RIT Dubai operates as a branch of the Rochester Institute of Technology, offering accredited American programmes within Dubai Silicon Oasis, a hub dedicated to knowledge and innovation. Through its academic offerings and partnerships, the university actively supports Dubai’s vision of building a diversified, innovation-driven, and sustainable knowledge-based economy.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-05-20 17:31:00 • By the Editorial Desk
