Under the patronage and in the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Dubai, UAE – 23 January 2018 — HBMSU Celebrates Graduation of 396 Learners Under the Patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed
Under the patronage and in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), the University celebrated the graduation of the seventh and eighth cohorts of undergraduate and postgraduate learners.
The ceremony took place at the Dubai World Trade Center and honored graduates from the School of Business and Quality Management, School of e-Education, and School of Health and Environmental Studies. A total of 396 graduates attended the ceremony, which welcomed distinguished guests including H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation; H.E. Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai and Chairman of HBMSU’s Board of Governors; members of the Board of Governors; Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU; faculty members; administrative leaders; parents; and learners.
Academic Excellence Reflects HBMSU’s Smart Learning Model
The ceremony celebrated the graduation of 26 learners with first-class honors, 30 with second-class honors, and 42 with third-class honors. These achievements reflect HBMSU’s success in adopting innovative, technology-driven learning approaches that redefine higher education and prepare qualified national talents to lead the UAE’s ambitious development journey.
Sheikh Hamdan Meets Graduate Entrepreneurs and Innovators
During the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with a select group of HBMSU learners and alumni who have launched entrepreneurial ventures. He expressed pride in the graduates as role models for young Emirati talents equipped with knowledge, innovation, and determination, capable of shaping the nation’s future under the guidance of the UAE’s wise leadership.
Graduates presented innovative ideas that have evolved into promising projects contributing to the national economy, reinforcing HBMSU’s mission to graduate entrepreneurs rather than job seekers and create opportunities aligned with 21st-century challenges.
Dhahi Khalfan: Graduates Drive National Development and Innovation
H.E. Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim highlighted that the graduation marks a new phase in the graduates’ journey as they apply their ideas to support social progress, economic growth, and technological advancement. He praised the graduates for joining the ranks of the UAE’s ambitious and promising youth.
“Under the unlimited support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HBMSU continues to graduate entrepreneurs rather than job seekers,” he said. “The University raises the quality of scientific research, entrepreneurship, and innovation while enriching knowledge and advancing the smart education sector.”
He added that HBMSU’s 2018–2020 strategic plan supports UAE Vision 2021 by building a competitive, knowledge-based economy led by innovative Emiratis, and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to re-engineering higher education locally, regionally, and globally.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar Launches Zayed Cyber Palm for Education
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar inaugurated the graduation ceremony by announcing transformative initiatives aimed at redefining global higher education, most notably the “Zayed Cyber Palm for Education”. The initiative honors the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose visionary leadership established enduring foundations of giving and progress.
Dr. Al Awar explained that the initiative aligns with the declaration of 2018 as the Year of Zayed and reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, who stated in 2002: “I want the University to be a solid foundation for future institutes and universities.”
HBMSU Expands Smart Education Through Cloud-Based Platforms
Dr. Al Awar emphasized that HBMSU is entering a new phase of global engagement in higher education. The University aims to support emerging smart universities by offering expertise and a comprehensive cloud-based ecosystem, including:
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Student Portal and Student Information System
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Virtual classrooms
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Online payment systems
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Technical support services
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Cloud-based school establishment and delivery
These platforms enable world-class smart education and accelerate digital transformation across the higher education sector.
HBMSU Launches School of Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Al Awar also announced the launch of the School of Artificial Intelligence, a strategic initiative designed to advance AI knowledge through research, innovation, and application. The school supports the UAE’s ambition to become a global AI hub and aligns with the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The school will offer advanced programs, including:
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MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Engineering
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MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Game Design
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MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Computational Data Science
These programs aim to create positive social and economic impact at both local and international levels.
Graduating Entrepreneurs, Not Job Seekers
Dr. Al Awar noted that this graduation coincides with the Year of Zayed, commemorating the centennial of Sheikh Zayed’s birth and honoring his transformative vision for education. He highlighted HBMSU’s success in re-engineering education through fully online accredited programs, including the Master of Science in Change Management and Creativity.
“Today, we witness the results of our unique educational approach,” Dr. Al Awar said. “Instead of producing job seekers, HBMSU graduates entrepreneurs. More than 70 alumni have launched their own businesses, each with investments worth millions, contributing directly to the UAE’s economy.”
He concluded by expressing confidence that HBMSU graduates will continue their journey of scientific and professional excellence while maintaining strong ties with the University for ongoing support.