October 10, 2019,

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) hosted its 8^th Commencement Ceremony in the presence of the emirate’s Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

The event started with the arrival of the Crown Prince and the recitation of the Holy Quran by Mr. Ali Rizwan Ullah.

AURAK President, Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, delivered his welcome speech in which he emphasized the quest for excellence, the accreditations the university has gained and the progress it has made.

“AURAK has also embarked on developing 10 new academic programs on both undergraduate and graduate levels in several areas including cyber security, sustainability, big data, artificial intelligence, robotics, forensic science, tourism, business analytics, law, education and other areas,” he said. “Our global and national labor market studies have revealed a dire need for these programs to cater to the emerging workforce needs.”

He added that the university has established new administrative and school buildings for business programs and a modern library, and has also approved plans for construction of a school for arts and science.

“The AURAK experience is also international in focus; not only in the students we bring to the campus, but in terms of our programs that provide study abroad experiences and exchanges with partner universities in the United States of America and Europe,” Professor Hassan said.

Dr. Jillian Kinzie, Associate Director, Center for Postsecondary Research and the National Survey of Student Engagement Institute, Indiana University School of Education, made the commencement speech, offering advice about going on adventures, dealing with relationships and asking for help.

She told attendees they can learn a lot about themselves if they seek out and take on a challenging adventure, citing her experiences kayaking in Alaska.

Miss Shaza Mouhib Hammoud, AURAK’s Valedictorian for the class of 2019, also spoke.

The Crown Prince then awarded the graduates with their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent, public, state-owned, non-profit, coeducational institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. AURAK is an institution of higher education providing comprehensive academic programs based on the North American model and the cultural characteristics of the Gulf region, committed to the highest standards of teaching, research, ethics, and service to the community.