Students stepped out of their cars individually to collect their certificates.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The RAK Academy, Ras Al Khaimah, organised its annual graduation ceremony late on Saturday in a completely different and innovative way, due to the virus outbreak. With everyone’s health and safety in mind, a drive-in ceremony took place to allow students to commemorate the completion of their school careers.

Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi delivered a graduation speech to RAK Academy’s Graduation Class 2020, who were watching in cars with their parents in the first event of its kind in the Emirate.

The ceremony was attended by Sheikha Amneh Bint Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Academy and Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Investment and Development Office.

Sheikh Saud told the students that the class of 2020 was unique because of the unprecedented circumstances they had to face during the course of their studies. He congratulated the students for “achieving their goals in the face of adversity”, in reference to the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

“It is my hope that you can turn these challenging circumstances into opportunities. I hope the challenge has inspired you and allowed you to discover your inner strength. This experience of hard work, of self-reliance and of self-discipline will help guide your future,” he said.

“I want you to remember that Ras Al Khaimah will always be a home for you. We would be proud to host you again and have you participate in building the Emirate’s bright future, as we will always need shining talent to lead the way,” Sheikh Saud told the student body, which comprises both Emirati and expatriates.

Students drove to pre-assigned parking spaces at Al Hamra International Conference and Exhibition Centre, facing a large, high imagery screen for the ceremony, which saw speeches and messages of goodwill played, culminating in students being called individually by name to step out of their cars to collect their certificates.

RAK Academy Executive Principal Steven Geraghty said, “This extraordinary graduation ceremony was the perfect send-off for the students who have faced a tough challenge due to the current situation but have persevered and excelled and now look forward to continuing their education at some of the best universities around the world.”