31st May 2023, Wednesday

The Graduation Day of the University of West London RAK Branch Campus was commemorated at the JW Marriot Marquis Hotel in Dubai, UAE. The UAE Branch Campus of the University of West London, located at the Academic Zone in Ras Al Khaimah, joyfully celebrated its third graduation ceremony. The event honored the students who successfully completed their degrees in various programs, including MBA, MSc Cybersecurity, MSc Artificial Intelligence, BA (Hon) Business Studies, and BA (Hon) Accounting & Finance.

Prof. Anthony Woodman, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of West London in the United Kingdom and Chairperson of the University of West London RAK Branch Campus, presided over the momentous Graduation Ceremony. The esteemed guest of honor was Dr. Steven Reissig, the Head of RAKEZ Academic Zone.

The program commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. Muhammad Shameem, the Deputy Dean of Computing & Engineering at the University of West London RAK Branch Campus. This was followed by insightful speeches from distinguished individuals, including Prof. Anthony Woodman, Ahmed Rafi B Ferry, the CEO of UWL RAK Branch Campus and Managing Director of Wisdom Education Group, Dr. Steven Reissig, the Head of RAKEZ Academic Zone, Mr. Zubair Ibrahim, the Chairman of Wisdom Education RAKEZ and Director of PACE Group, Prof. Muraleedharan, the Academic Dean of Business & Management Studies, Dr. Syed Abbas, the Academic Dean of Computing & Engineering, and Prof. Mohan Agarwal, the Deputy Dean of the Department of Business & Management Studies, UWL RAK Branch Campus.

During his address to the graduating class, Professor Anthony Woodman expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates for their accomplishments, which represent years of hard work and unwavering commitment. He extended his best wishes for their future endeavors, hoping that they find immense success and fulfillment in their chosen paths. Additionally, Professor Woodman conveyed the University of West London's joy in providing wholehearted support to the Branch Campus in Ras Al Khaimah. He emphasized the university's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of education and highlighted that this partnership signifies their commitment to excellence and global educational outreach.

Mr. Ahmed Rafi B Ferry, the CEO of the University of West London RAK Branch Campus, acknowledged that the success of the Branch Campus is a result of the unwavering dedication and hard work of the Academic Deans, namely Prof. Muraleedharan and Prof. Syed Abbas, as well as the Deputy Deans, Prof. Mohanlal Agarwal and Prof. Muhammad Shameem. He also expressed gratitude to the strong team of faculty members, supported by the Operations & Professional Services team led by Mr. Sajesh Nambiar and Mr. Shameel Moidu. Furthermore, Mr. Ferry announced that due to the anticipated increase in new enrollments for the current academic year, the Campus will once again undergo expansion to accommodate the growing number of students.

Dr. Steven Reissig, Head of RAKEZ Academic Zone offered all support to the University of West London RAK Branch Campus during his speech to ensure quality course delivery and infrastructure development.

Mr. Zubair Ibrahim, the Chairman of Wisdom Education RAKEZ and Director of PACE Group, emphasized the equal importance of becoming a good human being alongside obtaining a degree. He also expressed profound sadness over the unfortunate passing of Dr. PA Ibrahim Haji, the former Co-Chairman of the University of West London RAK Branch Campus. Mr. Ibrahim acknowledged Dr. Haji's significant role as a source of energy and a pillar of strength during challenging times, and he reassured that Dr. Haji's legacy and vision will continue to guide the way forward.

During the Graduation Ceremony, a total of 100 students were honored with the prestigious undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of West London in the UK. The event reached its conclusion with an inspiring valedictorian speech delivered by Mr. Ammar Shariq. Following this, Dr. Sunayna Iqbal, Senior Lecturer at UWL RAK Branch Campus, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude on behalf of the institution.