Dubai - MENA Herald: Middlesex University Dubai celebrates the academic success of over 800 students at its annual Graduation Ceremony today. Graduates hailing from over 90 nationalities were awarded their degrees in front of family, VIP guests and the Middlesex University teaching faculty at the event which took place at Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s Safinah Ballroom.
As the first overseas campus of the UK’s highly-regarded Middlesex University, Middlesex University Dubai opened its doors in the emirate in 2005. Now in its 11th year, students at today’s graduation ceremony were awarded degrees across the wide range of disciplines offered by the University, including business, IT, computer engineering, media, HR and psychology.
This year’s ceremony also honoured two key figures for their outstanding contributions to UAE society. Each year, Middlesex University Dubai bestows an honorary degree on those who it deems to have made a major impact through their vocation or through their activities, such as education, business, culture, creative works or services to the public. This year, Honorary Doctorates of the University (DUniv) were awarded to Dr. B.R. Shetty Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NMC Healthcare, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the healthcare industry in the UAE, and Mr. Gerald Lawless, Chairman, World Travel & Tourism Council and Head of Tourism and Hospitality at Dubai Holding, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry, both in the UAE and globally.
Guests of honour at the graduation include Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrea D’Laska and Ms. Anna Kyprianou, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean, Faculty of Professional Studies and officials from KHDA, TECOM, Business and Government Organisations.
“Congratulations to all of our graduates at Middlesex University Dubai for their hard work, resilience and continued motivation throughout their studies,” said Dr. Cedwyn Fernandes, Director of Middlesex University Dubai.
“The success of Middlesex University Dubai is interlinked with the rise of the UAE as a dynamic, forward looking economy and society.”
“Now in our 11th year of operations here in Dubai, each graduation ceremony represents all that our students have achieved during their academic journey with us. We wish them every success for the future as they move forward with a new set of skills and qualifications to take the next step in their chosen careers.”
“I am very grateful for the many opportunities that the UAE has given me since I arrived here in 1973,” said Dr. B.R. Shetty. “I believe that giving back is just as important as succeeding and I feel honoured that my efforts have been recognised by Middlesex University Dubai.”
“I have worked in the hospitality industry for four decades, and it feels like a great honour to be recognised by such a prestigious institution as Middlesex University Dubai for my involvement in the evolution of Dubai’s hospitality and tourism sector into the international hub it is today,” said Mr. Lawless.
