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Sheikh Mohammed receives Secretary-General of the Arab League Dr Nabil Al Arabi at Al Marmum (Wam)
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received Secretary-General of the Arab League Dr Nabil Al Arabi at Al Marmum on Wednesday.
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed his guest, in presence of Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and discussed with him the current situation in the Arab world.
Stressing UAE’s stance and efforts in promoting stability, social justice and development in the Arab region, Sheikh Mohammed reviewed with the Arab League Secretary-General the Arab and international efforts to defuse the unrest in Syria.
Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted that it is the role of governments to work relentlessly in order to realise the ambitions and aspirations of their peoples in the fields of politics, economy, social justice and education.
The meeting was attended by President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Cabinet Affairs Minister Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Director of Dubai Ruler's Court Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shebani and Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman.
The ceremony, marking the graduation of more than 500 students in various disciplines, took place in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Shortly after entering Sheikh Rashid Hall, His Highness and the attendees listened to a rendition of the UAE and USA national anthems, followed by a speech from the AUD's Vice President, Elias Bou Saab.
In his speech, Bou Saab stresses the importance of seizing the opportunities available for graduates to achieve progress and meeting their goals.
He expressed the delight of the university community to live in a secure, stable and prosperous city ruler by a just and optimistic leader who is capable of facing the challenges and conquering the impossible.
At the conclusion of his speech, Bou Saab introduced the cermoney’s guest of honor, the US Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich who spoke on the occasion. He thanked the AUD for the invitation and hailed the comprehensive cultural renaissance experienced by the people of the UAE in various fields.
He says that Dubai as a global city enjoys a prestigious reputation and he stresses on the friendly relations existing between the UAE and the United States.
He also praised the level of education in the UAE and the AUD which can be compared to the prominent universities worldwide.
Following the speeches, Sheikh Mohammed distributed graduation certificates to great applause. His Highness shook hands with the graduating students and congratulated them on their success as they enter a new phase in their lives armed with knowledge, self confidence and openness.
Sheikh Mohammed said that the former graduates are occupying leading positions at the public and private entities in Dubai and UAE and they have proved their good merits in work.
Sheikh Mohammed then posed for the memorial photos with the graduates and faculty.
Speaking on behalf of her fellow students, this year's top graduate at AUD, Heba Abdel Jaber hailed the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum describing it as inspiring for her and her fellow students during their academic life and in facing challenges to meet their desired goals.
In remarks towards the end of the ceremony, AUD President Dr Lance de Masi thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his patronage and support of AUD and the education in UAE generally. He congratulated the students on their graduation and reaching this level that allows them to move to a new chapter in their life.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum left the ceremony hall ceremony surrounded by the graduates among applauses and cheers.
The graduation ceremony was attended also by Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Cabinet Affairs Minister Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami, senior officials, dignitaries, educational leaders and parents of the graduates.
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