People who work hard shall enjoy a happy life

Abu Dhabi / WAM

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, attended the Zayed University 2016 graduation ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).
Present were Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance and President of Zayed University, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Saqr bin Ghubash Saeed Ghubash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, Dr. Ahmad bin Abdulla Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education, Ahmed Juma Al Za’abi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs, diplomats and dignitaries.
HH Sheikh Abdullah presented the degrees in a glittering ceremony to a total of 1,464 male and female undergraduate and graduate candidates (1,250 holders of BA and 214 holders of master’s degrees) Class of 2014-2015.
Out of the 1,464 Zayed University students, 102 female and male graduates (88 holders of master’s degree and 14 holders of BA) achieved distinction and high distinction during their tenure at Zayed University.
Additionally, out of the 1,464 awarded graduates, 39 males students are enrolling in the national mandatory military service.
Since its inception in 1998, Zayed University now has a pool of 9,563 graduates, 8,016 of them are BA holders and 1,547 are master’s degree holders.
At the outset of the ceremony, the Abu Dhabi Police Music Band played the National Anthem, followed by a short video that featured major achievements of Zayed University, commemorative events, ceremonies, and milestones witnessed since its inception until the present time.
After that, Sheikh Abdullah gave an opening speech saying: “The most fascinating success in life is when a person becomes a source of giving; for giving is not only material, but also spiritual and cognitive. To be able to put a smile on people’s faces, this means to teach them something new, renew their faith and strength in themselves to achieve what they need to attain.”
“People who work hard with faithfulness and diligence on this land shall enjoy a good and happy life, regardless of their origin or personal beliefs. The UAE does not differentiate between people but only by their devotion and dedication to their work.”
He said: “I am quite sure that each one of you has his or her own dream and ambition to achieve in life after they graduate. Let me assure you that you live in a country that is used to realize people’s dreams.”
Addressing the graduates in a packed auditorium filled with families, friends, and well-wishers, Sheikh Abdullah said: “Life has taught me that the biggest obstacle to achieving your dreams is the dreams themselves; I will tell how: the first set of dreams represent one’s aspirations and ambitions, which shall not be realized unless we set clear objectives and dedicate our life to achieve; while the second ones are when we indulge in hoping to realize our ambitions but sit still motionless, putting no effort, no training, no reading, not willing to exert any effort; we only sit and dream of ourselves being just better.”
Sheikh Abdullah then added, “Another major factor that can hinder your dreams from being actualized is to rush their success, for success is cumulative, and is never achieved on a platter of gold. It takes us a whole set of failures to get to the height you desire in life, to savour the sweetness of our success, and feel that we have really made it, worthily and well-deserved.”
Sheikh Abdullah concluded his speech by saying: “If any graduate would ask me today about the most meaningful lesson of life that I have so far learned, I would say: There are two types of people: First, people who are busy rectifying themselves and striving to correct their defects; and second, people who are busy snooping others’ defects; the first ones have become a source of inspiration and role models to follow in life, engraved in history; while the others have their names greyed out.”
Sheikh Abdullah has also extended his thankfulness to Zayed University’s faculty members, academic administrators, and staff for their exerted efforts and praised their support in preparing highly qualified graduates. And then, he applauded graduates for their hard work and addressed Zayed University community by saying: “I am sure that you are proud of them. You, respected and distinguished faculty members, should be proud of your outcome. They will definitely guarantee a bright future for this country.”
Addressing families of graduates, Sheikh Abdullah said: “There is no doubt that you have provided a lot for your children. I am very confident that you are proud of them just as the country is extremely proud of you.”
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi said in her speech, “As we celebrate these precious memorial moments in the life of each graduate, we hail with pride and gratitude the far-sighted efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, for the boundless care Her Highness continues to bestow on the graduates of the nation, and her dedicated follow up to their education development at all stages, as well as Her Highness’s keenness to endorse the success and excellence of our distinguished graduates every year to Her Highness we reiterate our utmost gratitude and appreciation.”
Sheikha Lubna said, “Our UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has recently initiated his directive for the inception of legislations towards enforcing the “Law of Reading” which aims to ensure the Government’s sustainable efforts to consolidate Reading as a pillar in the UAE. This is indeed a giant leap forward in the advancement and progress of our nation that will mirror its presence on the global competiveness level, and will foster a culture of which we shall definitely be proud in face of the other developed and historical nations of the
universe.”
At the end of the ceremony, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi presented a souvenir to Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and they took picture with graduates present at the ceremony.