His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, President of University of Khorfakkan (UOK), attended the graduation ceremony of the university’s first cohort of students, comprising 114 male and female graduates, held at the university theatre in Khorfakkan City. His Highness directed that the graduates of the first cohort be employed, each according to their respective city.
Sharjah Ruler’s address to graduates
During the ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah delivered a speech in which he expressed his happiness and pride in graduating the first cohort of University of Khorfakkanstudents, celebrating their achievement and congratulating them on their graduation. He urged them to be ambassadors of knowledge and learning, and to carry the message of University of Khorfakkan in serving the beloved nation and the world at large.
Establishment and academic vision of UOK
His Highness noted that Khorfakkan University was established in 2022 to be a pioneering academic institution inspired by its distinctive natural marine environment. It offers diverse academic and research programmes, including specialised programmes in marine sciences, serving primarily the people of Khorfakkan and contributing to the exploration of coastal and marine environments and the management of marine resources. The university also contributes to addressing global challenges such as climate change, in order to preserve the sustainability of oceans and their resources.
Academic accreditation and global research recognition
His Highness added: “The university is progressing towards achieving our ambitious vision of building a high-quality educational system. It has completed the requirements for academic accreditation and continues its systematic progress towards joining global ranking systems. University of Khorfakkan has established a distinguished presence in the academic and research fields, with around 5% of its faculty members ranked among the world’s top 2% of researchers, according to Stanford University rankings. This is a highly competitive achievement for a university in its foundational stages. The university has also achieved a distinguished rate of specialised scientific publication in ocean sciences, reflecting the strength of its international academic and research presence.”
Scientific partnership with the University of Exeter
Regarding academic partnership with the University of Exeter, His Highness said: “Within the framework of its global partnerships, University of Khorfakkan collaborates with the prestigious British University of Exeter. Students specialising in Marine Sciences spend their fourth academic year studying at the University of Exeter, enabling graduates to obtain two independent degrees: one from University of Khorfakkan and another from the University of Exeter.”
Growth in student numbers
His Highness pointed out that the number of students at University of Khorfakkan has grown to 1,800 male and female students, compared to 360 students at the time of its establishment, reflecting the growing confidence in the quality of its academic programmes.
Sharjah Centre for Marine Sciences Research
In the field of scientific research, His Highness, President of University of Khorfakkan, stated: “The Sharjah Centre for Marine Sciences Research has been inaugurated as an advanced research centre affiliated with University of Khorfakkan. It includes advanced scientific infrastructure, specialised laboratories, and marine facilities to support research and education in ocean sciences and the preservation of the marine environment. The centre represents a unique window on the Indian Ocean for ocean data and serves as an important hub of cooperation with relevant entities in environmental protection and coral reef cultivation, thereby strengthening efforts to preserve marine biodiversity and environmental sustainability.”
International presence and global initiatives
On the university’s international engagement, His Highness said: “University of Khorfakkancontinues to enhance its regional and international presence through active participation in scientific initiatives and global events, and by expanding its academic and research partnerships with prestigious institutions. Among these is its upcoming participation in the launch conference of the French ‘Neptune Initiative’ in New York City in September 2026, a global initiative aimed at strengthening the university’s presence in scientific conferences that contribute to the exploration of seas and oceans and the promotion of their sustainable governance.”
Hosting UN Ocean Conference Coordination Meeting
His Highness further noted the university’s ambition for Khorfakkan City to host the coordination meeting of parties for the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2027, with its outcomes forming part of the official discussions of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Korea in 2028, affirming Sharjah’s commitment to supporting international dialogue on ocean issues and sustainability.
Future vision and postgraduate programmes
His Highness explained that the university’s future vision is based on integrating applied research related to marine environments, biodiversity protection, and sustainability into its academic and research outputs, ensuring tangible impact on society and the environment. The university is also working on developing specialised postgraduate programmes in the coming years to keep pace with scientific developments and future professional needs.
Expanding global rankings and strategic partnerships
His Highness added that the university continues its systematic progress towards inclusion in global ranking systems, in line with its commitment to academic quality and research excellence at the regional and international levels. It also aims to increase strategic partnerships with leading global institutions to expand academic and research cooperation and provide outstanding educational and training opportunities for students and faculty members.
Congratulations to parents of graduates
His Highness concluded his speech by congratulating the fathers and mothers of the graduates on their sons and daughters achieving top positions among the first cohort of University of Khorfakkan graduates.
Ceremony opening and speech of the University Director
The ceremony began with the UAE national anthem, followed by recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Dr Ali Hilal Al Naqbi, Director of University of Khorfakkan, then delivered a speech expressing his deepest gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his unlimited support and continuous follow-up of the university since its establishment until the graduation of its first cohort. He noted the symbolic significance of the ceremony being held on 25 January, coinciding with the anniversary of His Highness assuming the rule, reflecting a journey rooted in building human capital and knowledge.
Al Naqbi’s address on the historic moment
Al Naqbi said: “This morning, Khorfakkan stands in joy at a historic moment — the graduation of the first cohort of University of Khorfakkan, this academic edifice that emerged from an enlightened vision into a living reality of knowledge and hope. University of Khorfakkan was not merely an educational institution; it was a sincere promise to the sons and daughters of this city, a homeland for knowledge, and a bridge through which they cross into a broad future. Today, we are not merely celebrating certificates, but celebrating the fruits of a vision that believed in people, a city that grew through knowledge, and sons and daughters who carried the message of responsibility alongside their passion for learning.”
Quoting the Ruler’s vision for education in Khorfakkan
The Director recalled a statement by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah: “In every home in Khorfakkan, the father, the mother, the son and the daughter will be educated,”
noting that this vision has been realised, as today fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters are all seated in classrooms.
Academic development and global transition
Al Naqbi stated that within a few years, University of Khorfakkan succeeded in establishing an integrated academic system, offering high-quality programmes, blended learning methods, and qualified academic staff, alongside active participation in scientific conferences regionally and internationally. The university is transitioning from establishment to empowerment, from academic accreditation to global ranking horizons, and from building partnerships to achieving global recognition.
Performance indicators and research leadership
He added: “In a short period not exceeding four years since its establishment, University of Khorfakkan recorded tangible progress in academic performance indicators, including growth exceeding 70% in student applications, and an increase in research output averaging three scientific papers per faculty member, the highest globally. This was accompanied by an increase in the percentage of academics included in Stanford’s list of the world’s top 2% of scientists, and the university’s global leadership in scientific publishing in the field of marine sciences.”
Appreciation of trustees, Faculty and administrative staff
Al Naqbi praised the efforts of the Board of Trustees in supporting the university’s mission and development, and expressed his deep gratitude to the academic staff who sincerely carried the message of knowledge, as well as the administrative staff whose dedication contributed to the university’s success.
Message to graduates
Addressing the graduates, Al Naqbi said: “You are today the embodiment of this pride, the first to inscribe the name of University of Khorfakkan in the register of graduates. You carry the honour of leadership before the certificate, and the responsibility of being role models for those who come after you. You have left the classroom seats, but the message of knowledge never leaves its bearer. Be ambassadors for this university through your knowledge, morals and belonging, and make the knowledge you gained a contribution to your nation and loyalty to the vision that believed in you.”
Graduate speech by Hajer Al Raisi
Graduate Hajer Al Raisi, from the Radio and Television specialisation, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates. She expressed profound gratitude to His Highness, President of University of Khorfakkan, for establishing the university and for his continuous support as the caring father of the academic journey. Through his visionary leadership, this day became a reality, where graduates celebrate and receive their degrees from His Highness.
She expressed her and her colleagues’ happiness at this historic moment, which represents a collective joy and the beginning of a new journey. She recalled the announcement of the university’s opening as joyful news for the people of Khorfakkan, noting her honour in being among the first students to enrol and to graduate in the first cohort, reaping the rewards of years of diligence, perseverance, and overcoming challenges.
Personal Journey and Tribute to Parents
Al Raisi spoke about her journey entering the university, her academic experience, and the challenges she faced, highlighting the profound impact of her father’s support, prayers, and encouragement. She explained how she balanced family and academic responsibilities to achieve her graduation. She prayed for mercy upon her father, who was unable to witness this achievement, though he was part of its foundation, and she praised the vital role of all parents of the graduates.
Sharjah Ruler presents degrees to graduates
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah graciously presented the graduates with their certificates, congratulating them on their graduation from University of Khorfakkan and wishing them success in their future professional, academic and social lives.
Graduate numbers and specialisations
The number of graduates reached 114, distributed across the following specialisations: Arts in Public Relations; Communication (Radio and Television specialisation); Sociology; History and Islamic Civilisation (Tourist Guidance track).
Attendees at the ceremony
Attending the ceremony alongside His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah were: Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikh Saeed bin SaqrAl Qasimi, Deputy Chairman of the Ruler’s Office in Khorfakkan; His Excellency Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council ;A number of senior officials, heads of government departments; Members of the Board of Trustees of University of Khorfakkan and a large gathering of parents of the graduates.
