The Dubai Opera was filled with joy and celebration as the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) commemorated the graduation of the Class of 2023 in a magnificent ceremony.
With Emirati nationals comprising 35 percent of the cohort, the event showcased the growing interest in pursuing medical education in the UAE. The ceremony was held under the patronage and presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, MBRU Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DAHC), alongside the attendance of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of DAHC.
The Class of 2023 consisted of 136 graduates representing 29 different nationalities, reflecting MBRU’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence in healthcare education. The graduates hailed from various healthcare professions, including the Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, the College of Nursing and Midwifery, the College of Medicine, and the Deanship of Postgraduate Medical Education.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the graduation of all postgraduate specialty programs offered at the Dubai Academic Health Corporation. It recognized the achievements of graduates from 56 medical residency and 18 fellowship programs, with an impressive 78 percent of the cohort comprising accomplished female learners.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum congratulated the graduates and expressed his admiration for their dedication and commitment to excellence. He commended MBRU for its remarkable progress since its establishment, emphasizing its role in nurturing aspiring professionals and contributing to Dubai’s medical talent and expertise. He reiterated that MBRU’s dedication aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the city as a thriving global hub for education and healthcare.
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid acknowledged MBRU’s invaluable contribution to preparing qualified healthcare professionals who serve patients with sincerity and commitment. He emphasized the importance of putting the patient first and urged the graduates to continue their passion for healing, while adapting to future challenges.
The ceremony’s guest of honor was Sultan Al Neyadi, the first Arab astronaut to walk in space, who delivered a captivating commencement address from the International Space Station (ISS). Al Neyadi highlighted the interconnectedness of medicine and space exploration, emphasizing the need for comprehensive medical preparation in advancing humanity’s knowledge and benefiting from technology. He expressed his collaboration with local universities such as MBRU in conducting medical experiments during his time on the ISS.
Dr. Amer Sharif, President of MBRU and CEO of DAHC, expressed gratitude to the visionary leadership for their trust and exceptional support, which has played a vital role in the university’s development and growth. He thanked the families of the graduates for their unwavering support throughout the academic journey. Dr. Sharif also extended appreciation to MBRU’s partners, supporters, and dedicated staff for their integral role in shaping the educational experience of the graduates.
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Sharif emphasized their unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and profound passion for healthcare and humanity. He urged them to uphold MBRU’s core values of respect, excellence, teamwork, integrity, and empathy, with the primary value of “Patient First” always in their minds.
Celebrating its seventh anniversary since its establishment, MBRU proudly stands among the six universities in the UAE that have received high-confidence accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE). The university has made significant contributions to the