Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance and President of Zayed University, honored Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Honorary Chairman of the Zayed University Alumni Association Board, at Zayed University in Dubai campus on Monday in the presence of senior representatives, distinguished guests and ZU alumni.

This came during the third annual alumni reunion, which was organized by the Office of Alumni Affairs at Zayed University in collaboration with the Dubai International Writers’ Center (DIWC) to celebrate the outstanding achievements and legacy of Zayed University graduates, marking the 10-year anniversary since their graduation in 2005.

Dr. Marilyn Roberts, Acting Provost at Zayed University, Dr. Fatima AlDarmaki, Assistant Provost for Student Affairs, Shamsa Al Taie and Fathiya AlKhamiri, Directors of Student Affairs at Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses also attended the Zayed University third alumni reunion.

The Ceremony started with the UAE national anthem, followed by a short video recognizing the outstanding work and professional accomplishments of Zayed University alumni after graduation, and a keynote speech by Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna, who confirmed that under the UAE wise leadership and clear vision, our nation will continue to prosper and develop.

During her address, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna pointed out that every step we take forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better and a step toward higher goals and accomplishments.

“As we take steps, future steps become clear and we, daughters of Sheikh Zayed, become effective and influential leaders, who contribute to the national development process and secure UAE’s position among other civilized nations,” Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna said.

“The UAE’s position gets stronger everyday on both regional and international levels thanks to the wise vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and dynamic, effective and successful policies and strategies that have strengthened its presence. The UAE also surprised the world with its massive development, which helped it attain prominence among the world’s most advanced nations,” Her Excellency added.  

In her welcoming remarks, Her Excellency said: “For the first time, the world hears about a government that enacts a national charter for happiness and positivity, a government that promises to create an appropriate environment for the happiness of individuals, families and the community with positivity as its essential value to achieve dreams.”

“For the first time, the world hears about a ministry of tolerance that reflects tolerance, inclusion and benevolence values, which are integral to all of us. The UAE sets a shining model for promoting openness, acceptance and tolerance all over the world and upholds the value of a moderate nation, based on the principles of wisdom, ethics and a peaceful approach,” Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna added.  

During her speech, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna also highlighted the UAE government’s critical commitment to empower Emirati women and provide them with equal opportunities.

“The status of women within the UAE has flourished with the country’s growth. It is evident across the UAE that women today constitute a vital part of the nation’s workforce and actively contribute to the country’s government and economy. Emirati women hold important portfolios in the Federal Cabinet. They have become ministers and joined the federal government in the biggest reshuffle in its history,” she added.

Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna concluded her speech by saying: “Zayed University is proud to have a strong alumni network. Zayed University succeeded in keeping close contact with its alumni, and continuing to recognize them for their excellence and outstanding achievements is one of the best ways to both cultivate their community and motivate them for success and distinction.”

The alumni gathering has also saw the presence of Hend Saeed, Project Manager at DIWC, who gave a presentation on the Center’s diverse programs and activities that bring together people of various backgrounds, cultures and interests.

“The Center is also an international hub for writers, providing a space for visiting writers and writers-in-residence to share knowledge and expertise with locally-based writers and users of the Center,” Hend said.

During her speech, Hend also shed light on the newly-launched program ‘Mother and Toddler Reading Group’.

“The latest new initiative will focus on Emirati mothers and their pre-school children. The weekly session will be run entirely by Emirati Reading Ambassadors who have undergone a course at the Center given by a specialist in Arabic and Early Learning. Our Reading Ambassadors have been trained on the latest methods to communicate with children and use new educational techniques that will prompt their love of reading, creativity, learning and most of all, love for the Arabic language,” she added.

The alumni gathering concluded with recognizing and honoring 126 graduates, the fourth batch that graduated from Zayed University.

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