H.E. Sheikh Nahayan hails Australia's culture of tolerance as key factor behind UOWD's success

319 graduating students, including 2 doctorate awardees, receive their degrees at 35th UOWD graduation ceremony

Dubai, May 15, 2019:   Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, while lauding the achievements of University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) at its 35th Graduation Ceremony recently, attributed its remarkable success to Australia's culture of tolerance that is similar to that of the UAE.
 
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan commented: “The University of Wollongong in Dubai is now one of the largest independent universities in the country, with more than 100 nationalities making it one of the most culturally diverse.  The accomplishments of the University over the past 25 years have been remarkable, as   reflected in the several, high quality academic programs it offers.

"Why has UOWD been so successful here in Dubai? Of course, the quality of faculty and courses play a role, but there is something more profound than that; it holds an ethos that has impacted the culture of UOWD, which has helped contribute to its success. I believe it has to do with the role of tolerance in the culture of Australia that is similar to that of the UAE.” 

Top graduates and two Doctorate awardees from a batch of 319 had the honour of receiving their degrees from His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, and His Excellency Arthur Spyrou, Australian Ambassador to the UAE.

Professor Mohamed-Vall M. Salem ZEIN, President of UOWD, commented, “It was an honour to welcome His Excellency, Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, as our distinguished guest at our 35th Graduation Ceremony; his exceptional leadership has made a significant impact on higher education in the UAE. On this occasion we also looked back on the work and dedication of Ms Jullian Broadbent, a visionary businesswoman, who led a role as Chancellor of UOW Australia, overseeing the expansion of the University’s research activity and its ties to the worlds of arts and business. 

“Following our 25th year milestone in 2018, we are even more committed to launching innovative programs that will enable our graduates to contribute to the growth of the country, the region and the global economy. Two new programmes will launch later this year, followed by the inauguration of a brand new campus in 2020.” 

The graduation ceremony was also attended by top officials from the University, including Professor Paul Wellings CBE, Vice-Chanceller of UOW, Ms Marisa Mastroianni, Group CEO and Managing Director, UOW Global Enterprises as well as some distinguished guests, including Mr Ghassan Aboud, Founder of Ghassan Aboud Group.

Ms. Jillian Broadbent AC, Chancellor of UOW, Australia was awarded with the University Fellowship in recognition of her contributions to the establishment and to the Australian community; marking her retirement from her role as Chancellor. 

Established in 1993, UOWD is one of the UAE’s first international universities, and over the past 25 years it has earned a strong reputation and high recognition across the Gulf region the Indian subcontinent and internationally. To know more about the University of Wollongong in Dubai, follow @uowdubai on social media or visit the website www.uowdubai.ac.ae.