Middlesex University confers honorary doctorate on H.E. Sultan Bin Sulayem

This is the first Honorary Doctorate, the highest academic recognition, Middlesex University Dubai, the first overseas campus of the internationally renowned Middlesex University in London has awarded in the UAE.

The doctorate was presented to Mr. Bin Sulayem during the third graduation ceremony of the university on October 25 at Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort.

Academicians and dignitaries, including Middlesex University London Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Driscoll, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University International Dr. Terry Butland, Dubai campus Director Professor Raed Awamleh, government officials and senior executives from top multi-national companies, members of the faculty and students attended the grand ceremony.

Mr. Bin Sulayem thanked Middlesex University for the honour and attributed his achievements to the encouragement, support and trust of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"Sheikh Mohammed's vision for the glory of Dubai is the driving force behind all achievements in the emirate. This honour inspires me to work harder for a bigger, better future for our nation. It is a recognition of Dubai World's role as an engine of growth. Dubai World's success is a result of the team work of our excellent, deeply committed experts at all levels. Their success has contributed to my own achievements. I congratulate Middlesex University Dubai on the recognizable progress it has achieved in a short span of three years. I am confident that the university will continue to be an excellent source of talent for the country."

Mr. Bin Sulayem said.

Commenting on Mr. Bin Sulayem's selection, Professor Michael Driscoll Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University said:

"I can think of no one more suitable to receive a Middlesex Honorary Doctorate than Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. His exceptional talent for business and the ambition and success of his projects must surely be a real inspiration to our students in Dubai. Mr. Bin Sulayem's unparalleled experience and unwavering strive for excellence has helped secure Dubai's position as the commercial hub of the region. As one of Dubai's leading businessmen, his role and contributions through the various positions he holds, cannot go unnoticed."

"The Academic Board of Middlesex University awards honorary degrees in recognition of the recipient's commitment to social, economic and national causes, and support for cultural diversity. Comprehensive policies and stringent evaluation criteria guide the university's decision in approving all honorary degrees, and Mr. Bin Sulayem's achievements qualify him as the ideal recipient."

Professor Michael Driscoll added.

Middlesex University awards Honorary Degrees to recognize those who make exceptional contributions to their profession, community or directly to the university.

It has awarded a number of Honorary Doctorates in the UK and globally.

The university follows a highly selective award policy to ensure that it is given to the most deserving candidates, distinguished individuals who merit special recognition for genuine accomplishment and distinction in a field or activity consonant with its mission.

The ceremony witnessed the graduation of 158 students, who attended along with their friends, families and close relatives.

The number is considerably higher compared to the campus's first graduation in 2006 with only 8 graduates.

It rose to 48 students in 2007. The increasing numbers signify not only Middlesex University Dubai's rapid expansion and popularity, but also the increasing demand for higher education in the country.

The campus in Dubai, which opened in January 2005, now boasts a thousand students from 50 countries studying across 16 degree programmes ranging from the social sciences, arts, business, and information technology.

It is an integral part of Middlesex University London, subject to the same rigorous quality assurance procedures that have earned Middlesex the highest possible endorsement from the UK's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

The Platinum sponsor of the Graduation Ceremony and the strategic partner of Middlesex University Dubai "Snapshot training and consultancy" awarded the First Class honours students for their achievements in the academic years, as well as the sponsors Kanoo group and Team Power International who awarded the First Class graduates.