The British University in Dubai holds major graduation ceremony

The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation; Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group and Chancellor of The British University in Dubai.

One of the most striking achievements of the University has been encouraging a high proportion of UAE nationals - particularly UAE national women - to pursue further education.

Over 60% of the graduating class of 2008 are women, while the majority of students awarded Distinction were female.

Employers are increasingly looking to recruit graduates with Masters degrees for senior entry-level positions, and BUiD's focus upon original research has proven extremely valuable for a number of local enterprises.

Dr. Abdullah Alshamsi, Vice-Chancellor of BUiD, said: "We are very proud of the extent of the University's progress, as demonstrated by today's graduation ceremony. In addition to the highest number of graduating students, this class of 2008 includes the widest range of disciplines in our history, as well as the highest number of Distinctions".

"The success of The British University in Dubai in pioneering research-based postgraduate study in the region has been achieved through the vision of the governing council, under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and with the full support of our Founders, Contributors and UK University Partners," he added.

In total, six students in the graduating class of 2008 passed with Distinction, the highest available award for Masters Degree students.

For the Masters of Education, Cerlea Saayman and Nathalie Parazhang were awarded Distinction in International Management and Policy, along with Pauline Keith with Distinction in English Language Teaching.

Among the Masters of Science graduates, Bita Banihashemi graduated with Distinction in Knowledge and Data Management, while Hafsa Raza and Ma'ad Shatnawi achieved Distinction in Speech and Language Engineering.

In total, 36 students graduated as part of the 2008 class, up from 14 Masters students in 2007.

BUiD is the Middle East's first research-based, postgraduate university and each of the graduating students has completed a study on a subject with strong social or economic importance for UAE and the wider region.

"We would like to thank our founders, the Al Maktoum Foundation, British Business Group, Dubai Development & Investment Authority, National Bank of Dubai and Rolls-Royce for their ongoing support for the University's goals," concluded Alshamsi.

Companies that sponsored employees to undertake such research at BUiD include Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Atkins, Dubai Police, Dubai World Trade Centre, Lloyds TSB Bank, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corp., and TECOM.