Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, on Wednesday 22nd of April 2015, on the occasion of the celebrations of the UAE University, Zayed and the Higher Colleges of Technology of the graduation of a new batch of 296 distinguished female students, said in a recorded video:
“Your Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Parents, Graduating Daughters and Guests: It is a great honor for me to share with you this precious occasion, crowning your graduation with the honoring of H.H. Sheikha Fatima “Mother of the UAE”, who led the UAE’s cultural and social renaissance through her leading role in supporting UAE women, enabling them in the fields of science and education, and promoting women’s role in society. Thanks to Sheikha Fatima’s supreme guidance and constant encouragement, Emirati women have managed to occupy prestigious stature on the local, and Arab and international levels in various fields. Dear guests, Our wise leadership, represented by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, provided us with all the reasons for success and superiority, making the UAE’s name present and high, ranking it at the same level of states that seek to achieve progress and prosperity. I would also like express my thanks and gratitude to Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for his constructive initiatives and permanent encouragement, which led to UAE success, putting it on the same level as the developed countries in terms of global competitiveness I also want to thank Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates for their interest and support for the march of higher education and scientific research. I also extend my thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for his great support and his continuous keenness to achieve excellence in the UAE’s education and higher education institutions. I am pleased to congratulate you and your parents and guardians on this graduation which is the fruitful harvest of a large effort that was made and a proudly awaited moment for every student since the start of their educational journey, then reaching for higher education and entering the workplace to give back to their beloved country. Congratulations once again on your graduation, and I hope that the achievements of women in the country remains to be in your foresight and move towards the future with hope and optimism, the pursuit of innovation and creativity through this nation’s loyal sons and daughters which is a key tributary in advancing knowledge, development, and progress in all aspects witnessed by the UAE’s blessed renaissance.”