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 a milestone—its 14th graduation ceremony. This event, held in the heart of Dubai Silicon Oasis, witnessed over 300 students graduating across 15 bachelor’s and master’s programs, showcasing the institute’s commitment to fostering skill development and empowerment.
Generations Shaping the Future
In his address, Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the significance of this day as a pivotal moment for graduates stepping confidently into their futures. He articulated the importance of equipping young minds with knowledge and skills, essential for thriving in a rapidly changing world. “Investing in human capital,” he noted, “is a cornerstone in achieving the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071 and positions Dubai among the world’s leading cities for living, working, and innovating.”
He further commended RIT Dubai for its excellence and its role as a model for effective collaboration between academic institutions and economic zones, underlining its importance in nurturing an educational environment geared toward Dubai’s future economic vision.
Advancing High-Quality Education and Innovation in Knowledge
His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of RIT Dubai, highlighted that the institution is committed to providing a world-class educational environment, essential in positioning Dubai as a prominent regional hub for higher education. He discussed how academic programs are crafted in alignment with the evolving job market, emphasizing sustainable economic and social development.
“Today, RIT Dubai represents a comprehensive ecosystem for talent development,” he stated, reinforcing its role as a pillar supporting Dubai’s long-term aspirations toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy fueled by advanced technologies.
Fostering an Education-Based Economy
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, remarked on the significance of the partnership between DIEZ and RIT Dubai as a cornerstone of their strategy to cultivate a leading economic and knowledge-driven ecosystem. He asserted that this collaboration is vital for creating opportunities and empowering future leaders and innovators.
Describing RIT Dubai as an essential part of the long-term economic infrastructure, he underscored its mission in fostering entrepreneurial ideas and driving a culture of research and development, aligning with Dubai’s strategic priorities in digital transformation and sustainable urban development.
Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf, President of RIT Dubai, added, “RIT Dubai continues its growth as a center of educational excellence, fostering creativity and collaboration in research across various sectors.” His statement reflected the institute’s commitment to provide an academic environment conducive to innovative thinking and research.
Moreover, Dr. Al-Assaf announced plans for new academic programs focusing on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, health informatics, and digital advertising, reaffirming RIT Dubai’s dedication to innovation and responsiveness to market demands.
Sustained Academic Growth and Excellence
This year’s graduating class reflects a diverse range of achievements, with degrees awarded in eight undergraduate and seven postgraduate programs, encompassing disciplines from engineering to business and cybersecurity. Since its establishment in 2010, RIT Dubai has proudly graduated over 2,100 students, helping create a skilled workforce ready for the challenges of the future.
As part of its continuous evolution, RIT Dubai introduced a new bachelor’s program in modern media design, enhancing its academic offerings aimed at skill development in cutting-edge sectors.
A significant development is the recent approval of the second phase of RIT Dubai’s campus expansion project, valued at AED 313 million. This initiative will expand the campus footprint significantly, enhancing the institution’s capacity to accommodate approximately 4,500 students and incorporating advanced learning facilities.
Implementation of this ambitious project is scheduled in two phases, culminating in a campus that embodies innovation and advanced educational facilities, further elevating RIT Dubai’s global standing.
Advanced Academic Destination
As a proud extension of the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York, RIT Dubai draws on nearly 200 years of academic excellence. Offering specialized programs in engineering, IT, and business administration, the institute maintains a reputation as a top educational hub, with degrees accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education.
Students have the unique opportunity to enrich their academic experience by studying at RIT’s main campus in New York or any of its international branches, broadening their educational horizons and global opportunities.
Driving Employment Opportunities
Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to pioneering research in various innovative fields, RIT Dubai is committed to expanding its role as a center for advanced technology and innovation. The Institute places great emphasis on developing forward-thinking educational programs aligned with Dubai’s ambition to be a global leader in the knowledge and digital economy, ensuring that its graduates are prepared to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
