Dubai: Some 33 dental students from the Hamdan Bin Mohammad College of Dental Medicine (HBMCDM) which is part of the Mohammad Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) comprised the first batch to be awarded graduation degrees in a ceremony on Monday.

The graduating batch included 25 males and seven female students.

The ceremony was held at MBRU campus inthe Dubai Health Care City (DHCC) in the presence of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman and chief executive of the Emirates airline and Group and Chancellor of MBRU; Dr Ahmad Belhoul, Minister of State for Higher Education; members of the University’s Board of Trustees; dignitaries, faculty, dental residents, medical students, families of students, and the MBRU family, and officials from Dubai Healthcare City Authority and other authorities attended the ceremony.

In his keynote address, Shaikh Ahmad said, “The MBRU has remained committed to achieving its objectives to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leader in the fields of education, medicine and health sciences in line with the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”

Shaikh Ahmad praised the university for its scientific and academic excellence and commended its efforts towards building health care capacity that will make a difference to the lives of people here. He added: “MBRU is raising the bar and improving the level of medical care in the region through the graduation of doctors with high degrees of skill and competence.”

Shaikh Ahmad honoured the graduates, presented them with Masters’ degree certificates, and wished them continued success. He urged them to continue their efforts in scientific research, education and continuous improvement to lead and excel by applying the latest innovations and scientific techniques.

Dr Belhoul, congratulated the graduating class and commended MBRU for its role in providing a strong intellectual and scientific environment in the UAE. He said, “Education is a priority for the UAE Government and our leadership gives this sector the required care and attention. Higher education plays an important role in the UAE’s development in areas of enhanced information exchange, scientific knowledge, research capacity, and human resources needed for professional and community service. As more and more students graduate, the country is equipped with the necessary skills and ompetencies for the advancement of the nation.”

Dr Amer Ahmad Sharif, Vice-Chancellor, MBRU, delivered the welcome speech, in which he expressed his gratitude to all those who support MBRU students and congratulated the students and academic and administrative staff, and thanked them for placing their trust in the university.

On behalf of the graduating class, Dr Eman Al Nuaimi, former president of the Resident Council, from HBMCDM, delivered the student’s speech.