Abu Dhabi, 21 November 2024 – The graduation ceremony for the 15ᵉ class of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) was held in the prestigious setting of the Emirates Palace Auditorium.
Held under the patronage of Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates and Chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, the ceremony honoured the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2024.
A milestone of academic excellence and cultural diversity
The Class of 2024, comprising 217 graduates, reflects Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi‘s commitment to academic excellence and cultural diversity. Degrees awarded include 146 bachelor’s degrees, 66 master’s degrees and 5 Continuing Education Centre (CEC) diplomas.
With 36 nationalities represented, this year’s intake highlights the university’s international identity. UAE students make up 51.6% of the graduating class, while international students from France, Egypt, Palestine, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Morocco and many other countries testify to SUAD’s global reach.
With 149 graduates (68.7%), women make up a significant majority, underlining the university’s commitment to equal opportunities.
The students in the Class of 2024 reflect the multidisciplinary richness of SUAD through its three schools:
- 91 graduates from the School of Law, Economics and Management,
- 81 graduates from the School of Arts and Humanities,
- 40 graduates from the School of Data, Science and Engineering.
The Continuing Education Centre also awarded diplomas in International Sports Management, reinforcing the innovative and dynamic nature of the university’s academic offering.
Among the outstanding graduates is Omar Al Marzouqi, who has a double degree in philosophy and sociology, and is a distinguished equestrian. The first Emirati to win a medal at the Youth Olympic Games, he also represented the Emirates at the Paris Games. He praised the support of the university, which has enabled him to successfully combine his sporting and academic ambitions.
Another emblematic figure was Amna Al Qubaisi, the first female Emirati pilot, who has a degree in Archives Management. Amna Al Qubaisi continues to break barriers in motor sport and will soon be taking part in the F1 Academy at the Formula 1 event in Qatar.
Speeches by inspirational leaders
The ceremony was marked by speeches from eminent figures including His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University; Professor Nathalie Drach-Temam, President of Sorbonne University and Vice-Chair of SUAD’s Board of Directors; and His Excellency Nicolas Niemtchinow, French Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
These speeches reaffirmed the importance of knowledge, diversity and global engagement, and invited the graduates to perpetuate the values of Sorbonne University.
The Class of 2024 embodies the core values of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi: academic excellence, cultural openness and sustainability. Professor Nathalie Drach-Temam hailed this diversity as ‘our greatest hope’, positioning SUAD as a bridge between civilisations and a key institution for tackling global challenges.
Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Vice-Chancellor of SUAD, also expressed her pride:
Today, our graduates represent future generations. Tomorrow, they will be decision-makers, visionaries and agents of change, building a legacy for a world that needs them more than ever.
Now members of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s global alumni network, the graduates of the Class of 2024 are ready to excel in their respective fields and contribute to the development of their communities. This ceremony, a celebration of academic rigour and cultural diversity, reaffirms SUAD’s commitment to providing a world-class education, preparing its students for global impact.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
