Female graduates outnumber males at AURAK event

Female graduates outnumbered males at the twin Commencement Ceremonies of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), while Artificial Intelligence (AI) took centre-stage with the number of graduates doubling in just one year.

The two graduation ceremonies, 13th and 14th, saw a total of 331 graduate and undergraduate students receive their degrees, of which 188 (56.8 per cent) were female, reflecting the growing trend of women aspiring for careers and entrepreneurship.

The second major takeaway was the rising prominence of AI in the career landscape. The ceremony saw the very first batch of the university’s Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence receive their degrees. AURAK’s Bachelor of Science in AI is a four-year programme that empowers students to design and develop computer systems and data models, using the latest advances in the field.

The 13th Graduation Ceremony (Class of 24) had extra significance attached to it, for these graduates had entered university in the thick of COVID-19 disruption, and had to navigate through the unknown territory of online classes.

AURAK, listed among Top 500 Universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and occupying the sixth position among UAE universities, honoured 68 graduates and 263 undergraduates at the two ceremonies held on successive days. Eight students earned the Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction) honour.

Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai, who delivered the Commencement Adress, hailed the resilience displayed by the COVID-impacted graduates of the Class of 2024, and urged them to draw inspiration from the Ghaf tree, whose roots go 60 metres into the soil.

“Remember your resilience. Remember that you can do this, whether you become scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists or diplomats. You’re entering a world that faces serious global challenges. You will need your resilience to survive and to succeed, and the world needs you to succeed. Second, I hope that you’ll remember the value and the importance of community... because it is your community that will nourish you as you grow,” Robert Raines remarked.

Dr David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, in his welcome address, said: “The world you are stepping into demands resilience, adaptability and vision. You’ve proven that you can navigate uncertainty and adapt to the unexpected. You’ve pursued knowledge, not at the absence of obstacles, but often in the face of them. As we confer your degrees, we do more than acknowledge your academic accomplishments, we affirm your readiness to lead and to shape the future.”

Prof Stephen C. Wilhite, D.Phil. Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success/Provost, urged the graduates to carry the legacy of appreciation for diversity and a commitment to promoting cultural understanding and to fostering civic responsibility.