Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University Celebrates Graduation Of 270 Learners In Its 16Th Cohort

(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

The new cohort graduates are equipped to lead labour-market transformation and support the development of the knowledge economy

September, 2026: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and President of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), HBMSU held a graduation ceremony celebrating 270 learners from its 16th cohort across its academic programs. The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Governors of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University.

The new cohort graduates at a time of rapid transformation in education and the workplace, driven by technological advancements and artificial intelligence. These developments underscore the importance of preparing talents who combine academic knowledge with future-ready skills and can continuously learn, adapt, innovate, and help shape the future.

Several senior officials and dignitaries, including His Excellency Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of the University, members of the Board of Governors, academic and administrative leaders, faculty members, and the graduates' families attended the graduation ceremony.

The 16th cohort included graduates from a broad range of academic programs offered by the University, in addition to its research and doctoral programs, reflecting the diversity of its academic ecosystem and role in preparing talents capable of keeping pace with the rapid transformations shaping the labour market and the knowledge economy.

A New Generation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence:

Dr. Corrie Jonn Block delivered the keynote address, highlighting the transformations reshaping the future of education, work, and leadership. He noted how the modern generation is entering a new era in which technology is no longer merely used as a tool, adding that careers are now being built alongside artificial intelligence.

He also highlighted Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University's pioneering journey in adopting smart learning and discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in the future of leadership and work. He underlined the importance of balancing technological capabilities with indispensable human qualities, most notably being trust-building, human connection, courage, curiosity, the ability to inspire, and a strong sense of purpose.

He encouraged the graduates to continue learning and acquiring new skills beyond graduation, describing this stage as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and development.

Investing in People to Shape the Future:

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, said:“Guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the University continues to advance an innovative, future-focused educational model that places investment in people and the development of their capabilities at the heart of its priorities. The rapid changes taking place around the world, particularly the advances in artificial intelligence and progressing digital transformation, demand future generations to be equipped for what lies ahead. To build the knowledge economy and shape a sustainable future, tomorrow's professionals must combine academic knowledge with future-ready skills, possess the agility and capacity for innovation, as well as have a strong commitment to lifelong learning.”

His Excellency added:“The graduates of the 16th cohort represent a new generation of qualified national talents ready to contribute to the UAE's comprehensive development, transform the knowledge and skills they have acquired into meaningful achievements, and create a tangible, sustainable impact across their sectors and communities. We look forward to seeing the University's graduates become active partners in leading transformation by harnessing emerging technologies and innovation to develop solutions, create opportunities, and further strengthen the UAE's competitiveness and leadership in future-focused fields.”

Empowering National Talent through Knowledge and Innovation:

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg said:“The graduation of the 16th cohort embodies the outcome of an ambitious vision founded on the belief that building the future begins with empowering people through knowledge, skills, and values. It is an honour to attend this ceremony and share with our graduates and their families the joy of an achievement that marks the beginning of a new chapter of contribution, responsibility, and active participation in the UAE's comprehensive development journey.”

Her Excellency added:“We take pride in the University's graduates, who have demonstrated their ability to succeed within an innovative and flexible smart-learning model founded on innovation and lifelong learning. We are confident that the knowledge and skills they have acquired will help them navigate AI-driven transformations with awareness and competence. By turning challenges into opportunities and ideas into achievements, they will uplift their communities, enhance their nation's competitiveness, and contribute to shaping a more prosperous and sustainable future.”

Learning is a Lifelong Journey that Does Not End with Graduation:

His Excellency Dr. Mansoor Al Awar affirmed that the graduation of the 16th cohort marks the beginning of a new chapter in the graduates' journeys. He said:“In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping education and work, graduation no longer marks the end of learning. Similarly, the role of a university is no longer limited to transferring knowledge or awarding qualifications. Our responsibility today is to prepare individuals who can continue learning, adapt to transformation, use technology responsibly, and turn what they learn into value and impact.”

His Excellency added:“Since its establishment, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University has been guided by the belief that education must keep pace with the future rather than wait for it to change, and that learning is a continuous journey that does not end with earning a qualification. Today, given the possibilities offered by artificial intelligence, this approach is more important than ever. Our message to the graduates of the 16th cohort is that this day does not mark the end of their journey with the University or with knowledge; rather, it is the beginning of a new chapter of learning, skill development, and value creation for their nation and society.”

An Educational Model that Anticipates the Future:

The graduation of the 16th cohort reflects Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University's continued development of an advanced model for smart, flexible, and lifelong learning. This model focuses on building capabilities and future-ready skills, enhancing learners' ability to adapt to rapid transformations, and enabling them to benefit from emerging technologies.

This strategy represents the University's vision of education as a continuous pathway for building capabilities – one that extends beyond earning a qualification to empowering individuals to continue learning, develop their skills, and transform knowledge and technology into value and impact. By doing so, it helps prepare talents capable of participating effectively in the knowledge economy and supporting the UAE's aspirations for a more innovative, competitive, and sustainable future.

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