Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) on Wednesday celebrated the graduation of its 16th cohort during a ceremony held under the patronage of Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chair of the university's Board of Trustees, at Emirates Palace Auditorium.
The Class of 2025 included 223 master's and bachelor's graduates, across various disciplines, including 170 bachelor's and 53 master's degrees.
This year's graduating class reflected the university's multicultural environment and its commitment to nurturing Emirati talent. Emirati graduates constituted 63.2% of the class while international students represented 34 nationalities.
In his commencement address, Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE, encouraged graduates to become innovators and changemakers, stressing that the new generation must use their education not only as a gateway to professional success but also as a platform for global influence and sustainability, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of France to the UAE, highlighted the shared vision of the UAE and France in empowering youth and shaping the future through innovation.
Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, praised the graduates' resilience, saying that knowledge, reason and critical thinking are the true tools for overcoming global challenges.
The Class of 2025 included graduates from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi's three schools: 116 graduates from the School of Law, Economics & Business, 50 graduates from the School of Arts and Humanities and 57 graduates from the School of Data, Science and Engineering.
The French Ministry of Higher Education and Research recently commended Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi for its continued excellence, reaffirming the institution's role as a model of Franco-Emirati cooperation and a hub for academic innovation, sustainability and cultural exchange.
The university was established in 2006 through a partnership between Sorbonne University in Paris and the Government of Abu Dhabi, serving as a bridge between civilisations.
Speaking to Aletihad, the fresh graduates reflected on their academic journeys and future aspirations.
Nurturing Cultural Ambassadors
Maryam Alzaabi, a graduate with a Bachelor's in Business and Foreign Languages, and a person of determination, believes Sorbonne graduates bring "a multicultural lens" to the UAE's workforce, helping the nation build bridges across borders.
Looking ahead, she hopes to publish a book in French or German that reflects UAE society and values.
Ahmed Alameeri, author of seven books and a Business and Foreign Languages graduate, said that Sorbonne graduates stand out for their ability to merge critical thought with empathy.
"We are trained not only in knowledge but also in reflection; we understand that progress is not just technical but also humanistic," he said.
Aysha Shaaya, with a Bachelor's in Business and Foreign Languages, said Sorbonne University nurtures students to be cultural ambassadors.
Shaaya represented the UAE as a Youth Ambassador at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Her goal is to build intercultural initiatives that amplify the UAE's message globally. "I am exploring opportunities that combine my translation and communication skills with projects that strengthen ties between the UAE and other countries," Shaaya said.
Nicole Weber, from Switzerland and a sustainability and policy innovator, said she felt deeply inspired after three years of both academic and personal growth at Sorbonne University.
Weber is the co-author of Blooming Futures, an award-winning report with Greenpeace MENA, SUAD, and SEE Institute. Weber also represented SUAD at COP30 and was named Third Best Speaker at Youth COP.
She said Sorbonne graduates bring "cultural immersion, academic rigour, and multilingual mindset", adding that this helps them connect global perspectives to UAE needs.
