Sheikh Ahmed Hands Out Degrees to RIT Dubai Graduates

Sheikh Ahmed Hands Out Degrees to RIT Dubai Graduates

 Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai (RIT Dubai), a world-class educational university established in partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), yesterday celebrated the graduation of its fourth batch of Masters’ students and the participants of a Leadership Development programme.

The event was conducted under the patronage and presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority . The event also witnessed the presence of Sheikh Khalid Bin Zayed Bin Saqer Al Nahyan, Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority , Dr. Bill Destler, President of the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, and Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President, RIT Dubai.

During the ceremony that was held at the Intercontinental Festival City, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed congratulated the postgraduates and handed out degrees in Electrical Engineering, Networking and System Administration, Service Leadership and Innovation, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as certificates to the participants of a leadership development programme.

On the sidelines of the graduation ceremony, RIT Dubai signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Society of Engineers – UAE. The agreement acknowledges the intent of both organizations to recognize and promote closer relations through cooperation on technical issues, exchange of experiences, preparation of information activities, and joint initiatives.

Commenting on the proceedings, Dr. Al Zarooni said: “We have all been looking forward to this ceremony with much anticipation. The event marks another step forward in DSO’s vision to become a leading global center for innovation, design and electronic projects. Today more than ever, our priority to shape a sustainable environment at DSO with education as one of the hi-tech park’s pillars has become a reality. We are proud to host an internationally recognized leader in professional and technology-orientated education such as RIT Dubai, which will continue to inject qualified individuals into the UAE labour market.”

Acknowledging the on-going support extended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed al Maktoum and Dr. Al Zarooni, Dr. Yousef Al Assaf said: “We are honoured by the presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed and the continuous support we receive from DSOA. From the outset, the authority has been committed to supporting the creation of a talent pool that is required in the field of advanced technology – this MoU signed here today is another example of our ongoing commitment to working with external bodies and organisation’s to enhance the student offering. RIT Dubai is an extension of RIT New York, an institution that offers international standards and confidently caters to the holistic needs of its student body. We are happy to note the rising popularity that the RIT Masters’ program enjoys amongst our student community, judging by the increased enrolments we continue to receive year-on-year.”

Addressing the students, Dr. Destler referred to 2008 when RIT inaugurated its campus in Dubai, and said: “In a span of five years, RIT Dubai has grown to mirror the RIT culture that has guided us since 1885 when our New York campus graduated its first batch of students. I am proud to note that the outgoing batch is a continuation of that legacy, and I wish every individual the very best as they set out to realise their aspirations.”

The Rochester Institute of Technology established a Dubai campus at Dubai Silicon Oasis in 2008. The university offers bachelors’ programmes in a range of subjects including electrical and mechanical engineering, business administration management and marketing. Postgraduate courses are also available across service leadership, innovation, networking systems and administration, as well as electrical and mechanical engineering.

RIT, with its home campus in Rochester, New York, is currently ranked seventh in the Northeast quadrant of the United States. Its colleges of business, fine arts, and engineering are among the top 100 in the US. Additionally, RIT is licensed by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, while its business and engineering programs are accredited by AACSB and ABET respectively.

RIT Dubai currently offers master’s degrees in business administration, mechanical and electrical engineering, service leadership and innovation, as well as networking and systems administration.

In addition to its current programs, RIT Dubai is set to introduce new degrees in International Business, Information Security Forensics, and Applied Networking and System Administration. RIT Dubai awards a degree from New York that is internationally recognized and accredited in the UAE.