'He Was Counting The Days': Father Mourns Son Who Died Days Before Graduation In UAE

2026-02-06 11:39:17

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

At home, Ali spoke often about the ceremony as he imagined wearing the graduation gown, standing alongside his classmates and seeing his parents watching proudly from the audience

PUBLISHED: Sat 7 Feb 2026, 8:20 AM

By:
Afkar Ali Ahmed

What was meant to be a moment of pride and celebration at Ajman University ended in heartbreak for the famil of a young student who died just days before his graduation.

Ali Magdy Omran Muhssein, 22 years old, was due to attend his graduation ceremony on February 5. He lost his life four days earlier, on Sunday, February 1.

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Ali had been counting down to graduation, a moment he saw as the reward for years of study and sacrifice.

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“He was counting the days,” his father, Magdy Omran Muhssein, said.“Graduation was all he talked about.”

Ali was preparing to take his place among classmates who, like him, had worked hard to reach the finish line. The family was ready to celebrate the end of a long academic journey.

That dream was cut short on Sunday, February 1, when Ali was killed in a motorcycle accident in Sharjah. Police said the crash occurred in the afternoon when the motorcycle he was riding hit a road barrier on a bridge. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The timing of the loss made it especially painful for the family. Ali was due to attend his graduation ceremony just days later, on February 5.

“He waited so long for this moment,” his father said.“From school to secondary, then university, almost every month he would say, 'Soon, I will graduate.'”

At home, Ali spoke often about the ceremony. He imagined wearing the graduation gown, standing alongside his classmates and seeing his parents watching proudly from the audience.

“He was proud,” his father said.“He believed this day was his reward.”

Beyond his academic success, Ali was remembered by his family as a young man of good character and quiet responsibility. His father said his son was never a burden on his parents, either emotionally or financially.

“He never complained,” he said.“He never asked for more than we could give.”

Ali was careful with expenses and mindful of the sacrifices made for his education. Even during difficult times, his father said, his son remained patient and grateful.

“He would always say, 'Alhamdulillah, I am fine,'” he said.

Those qualities earned Ali respect wherever he went, whether at home, in the neighbourhood or at university.

“Everyone who knew him speaks well of him,” his father said.“Teachers, classmates, even people who met him briefly.”

To the father, that reputation mattered more than the degree his son never lived to collect.

“His good behaviour meant more to me than the certificate,” he said.

During the graduation ceremony, Ali's name was called. Instead of a young man stepping forward, his father was invited to the stage to receive the degree on his son's behalf.

“I never imagined this would be my walk,” he said.“My son dreamed of walking that stage. I walked it without him.”

The moment left the hall silent.

The family, who have lived in the UAE for more than 20 years, said the compassion they received following the tragedy helped them endure their loss.

“We never felt like strangers here,” the father said.“In our hardest moment, we felt humanity and kindness.”

During the ceremony, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, ordered the refund of all tuition fees paid by the student.

The father expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership and people, offering prayers for the country's continued safety and stability.

“I pray this land is always blessed with peace,” he said.“May God forgive my son and reward everyone who stood with us.”

Ali never lived to attend his graduation. But his family say he left behind something more lasting than a degree: a memory of humility, patience and good character that will remain long after the ceremony ended.