President honours first graduating class at Zayed Military University

Sheikh Mohamed presents awards to high-achieving cadets at Abu Dhabi ceremony

President Sheikh Mohamed is saluted by a graduate at Zayed Military University. Photo: Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed on Thursday attended the graduation ceremony of the inaugural class of cadets from the Zayed Military University in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohamed presented certificates and awards to outstanding graduates in both academic and military performance, state news agency Wam reported.

The university was opened in January 2022 to provide a training ground for the UAE's next generation of armed forces officers. It was the first in the region to offer full undergraduate degrees to military students, officials said at the time. Specialised colleges for the army, air force and navy exist elsewhere in the Gulf.

The event began with a rendition of the national anthem and a recitation from the Quran.

Maj Gen Michael Simon John, president of Zayed Military University, said the graduation of the class reflected the institution's commitment to providing comprehensive military and academic education to its candidates.

He emphasised that high-quality, continuous education, combined with outstanding training in military and leadership skills, is fundamental to building the strength and effectiveness required to prepare officers to serve and protect the nation.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs also attended the ceremony.