Yesterday morning, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the graduation ceremony of the students of the Academy of Performing Arts at the University of the Arts in Sharjah – Class of 2026, numbering 52 male and female graduates, in the university’s theatre.
Upon his arrival, His Highness was received by Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the University of the Arts in Sharjah, Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Arts Foundation, Head of the Department of Ceremonies and Hospitality, Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, and a number of members of the Board of Trustees of the University of the Arts in Sharjah.
The ceremony began with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by an artistic performance presented by a group of students from the University of Arts, during which they demonstrated their artistic and musical skills using a variety of musical instruments, including the piano, flute and violin, reflecting the level of academic and practical qualifications they had acquired during their academic career, and presenting harmonious pieces that formed a creative musical palette.
Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi then gave a speech in which she expressed her pride in the graduation of the fourth batch from the Academy of Performing Arts, stressing that today the graduates are taking their first steps towards professional life after years of academic achievement and artistic and cognitive training, to be effective elements that contribute to enriching and developing the cultural and artistic scene, noting that this achievement coincides with a new and important stage in the process of artistic education in the emirate, represented by the strategic merger between the Sharjah Academy for Performing Arts and the College of Arts. The design is under the umbrella of the University of Arts in Sharjah.
She added that Sharjah has made investing in people a main focus of its cultural and civilizational project, based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who established the emirate’s position as an oasis of science and knowledge, a beacon of thought and creativity, and a center that attracts artists and creators from all over the world, pointing out that this approach contributed to building an environment supportive of creative talents and energies, and enabled new generations to develop their abilities and hone their skills.
She expressed her confidence in the graduates’ ability to employ the knowledge and experience they have acquired in serving society, enriching the cultural and artistic movement, and achieving their professional and creative ambitions, stressing that the future holds broad opportunities for them to leave their own mark in various artistic fields.
For his part, Majid Al-Muaini gave a speech about the Alumni Association of the University of Arts in Sharjah, in which he discussed the four-year journey of learning, experience, and hard work behind the scenes, stressing that art is not built by words, but by patience and sincerity of attempt, pointing out that winning various awards is evidence that honest work always finds its way.
He added that art requires awareness, commitment, and continuity, calling on graduates not to make the certificate just a pending memory, but rather a continuous motivation to experiment and leave a real impact on society.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi handed the male and female graduates their academic certificates, taking souvenir photos with them, congratulating them on their excellence and success, and wishing them success in their future professional lives.
Universal language
A number of graduates of the Class of 2026 at the Academy of Performing Arts at the University of the Arts in Sharjah expressed their pride and gratitude for the education and training they received during their career, stressing that the years of study constituted a rich experience that contributed to refining their skills and personalities. They pointed out that the diverse environment that brought together students from different cultures and nationalities enhanced the values of dialogue and cultural exchange, and established in them the conviction that art is a universal language capable of building bridges between peoples and enhancing human understanding. They added that their academic journey went beyond the limits of academic achievement to become a path for personal and creative growth, during which they learned that art is not just a means of expression, but rather a responsibility and a mission that contributes to making a positive impact on society. They expressed their pride in being among the first graduates of academic programs, stressing their determination to continue their professional and creative path, and to carry the values and knowledge they acquired to the fields of work.
Hoor Al Qasimi:
• We are confident in the ability of graduates to employ the knowledge and experience they have acquired in serving society, enriching the cultural and artistic movement, and achieving their professional and creative ambitions.
