Canadian University Dubai displays images of its graduating class on Burj Khalifa

Canadian University Dubai (CUD) made history as it became the first university in the world to display images of its graduating class on the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. The ceremony was the leading Dubai-based university’s 10th graduation event, and recognised its class of 2020 by illuminating one of the most iconic buildings in the world with the faces of this year’s graduates.

The virtual graduation ceremony took place in the presence of Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, as well as the university’s chancellor, President, faculty members and students under the theme of ‘The Beauty of Endurance’, and was livestreamed on the university’s website through YouTube and Facebook.

A building known for being a symbol of infinite possibilities, Canadian University Dubai’s Burj Khalifa virtual graduation was a reminder to its 2020 graduates that the future is bright after the university had to postpone its graduation ceremony this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a way to bring its graduates together virtually after months of social distancing.

Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor, Canadian University Dubai, said: “Just a little over two months ago, we took the necessary steps to move to a virtual campus, and now we have hosted our first ever virtual graduation. These seamless digital changes prove the sheer determination, hard work and compassion to succeed from our students and faculty in this time of uncertainty.”

Dr Karim Chelli, President and Vice-Chancellor, Canadian University Dubai said: “This year represents the turn of a new decade, as well as unprecedented times that have challenged us and forced us to look at things differently. We have taught our latest graduates to go out into the world with optimism, ingenuity, compassion, and grit. Their next steps will be symbolic of this time and their vision and choices will mark a generation.”

Laith Wazani, 2020 Graduate of Canadian University Dubai commented: “It really has been a year to remember for the Canadian University Dubai faculty members and we wanted to join our students and celebrate together their graduation from afar. Together we have faced many challenges and had to learn new ways to adapt and change to deliver a healthy learning environment during a global pandemic but it is safe to say we have gone above and beyond and it is a pleasure to see the class of 2020 graduate in the most memorable way possible.”