American University of Sharjah, AUS, graduates have an excellent reputation among employers in the region and beyond, which testifies to the university’s excellence and strength, said H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS) at the AUS Fall 2016 graduation ceremony held today at University City Hall, Sharjah.

A total of 545 undergraduate and graduate students were conferred degrees in the Fall 2016 commencement ceremony.

Congratulating the students, the Ruler of Sharjah in his opening speech said, "You are standing here today for a well-deserved honour, and your graduation from AUS will support the development of your future careers. I must also congratulate your families and faculty members for the support they gave towards your achievements."

Sheikh Sultan also shared the university’s development in education and research as well as its expansion in doctoral programmes. "The university has prepared a strategic research plan, which will make AUS known as a top research university in the Arab World within five years. However, in doing so, the quality of the undergraduate programs will still continue to become better," said Dr. Sheikh Sultan. "I am glad to inform you that both the doctoral programme in engineering systems management and the master’s degree programme in biomedical engineering have recently undergone Ministry review for accreditation and are expected to be launched during the next academic year."

He also stressed on the importance of the Sharjah Executive Council’s decision to impose a local fee on government transactions to support scientific research, which will help fund AUS’s quest to become the leading university in the Arab world in the next few years. "It is hoped that this decision will support the development of the AUS Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Park," he said.

He concluded his speech by thanking members of the Board of Trustees, the faculty members and the university’s administration for their sincere efforts and their contributions in developing the university.

During his opening remarks, AUS Chancellor Dr. Bjorn Kjerfve said, "As an institution of higher learning based in one of the region’s major centers of culture and art, we are cognizant of the great responsibility we have in continuing this legacy."

"Inspired by the environment of enquiry and research that was prevalent throughout the Golden Age of Islam, we, at AUS, have embarked upon a course that will make us one of the region’s premier centers of research and innovation, as envisioned by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan," said Dr. Kjerfve. "With an eye on the future, AUS is committed to deliver excellent education as a part in the nation’s ongoing efforts to create and sustain a knowledge economy," he added.