Universities faced major upheaval and uncertainty during the pandemic, UAE University chancellor Zaki Nusseibeh said on Sunday.
Mr Nusseibeh, in his convocation speech, reflected on the losses and the lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Minister of State and chancellor spoke to members of faculty and staff on Sunday to welcome them back for the new academic year.
Through the speech, Mr Nusseibeh encouraged people to remain united in the face of challenges.
UAE University chancellor
He said universities were a symbol of unity as they functioned as a community.
“The past 18 months have challenged this sense of unity and community,” said Mr Nusseibeh.
“There have been costs, there have been losses and hard lessons learnt. Many of us need time to recover and recoup our strength and spirits.
“It has been my pride and pleasure to witness staff, faculty, and students’ successful efforts to overcome the challenges to the community presented to us by our forced absence from campus.
“But I have seen that you do have the strength and spirit of unity, the unity that is the symbolic purpose of a university."
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Dr Fady Al Najjar and UAEU students with the emotional robots that are being developed at the Al Ain campus. Satish Kumar / The National -
Undergraduates are helping with a project, supervised by Dr David Thomson, associate professor at the biology section. Courtesy: UAE University -
UAEU is the first national university and one of the highest-ranked and largest higher education institutions in the country. Courtesy: UAEU -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, looks at a robots, during a visit to the United Arab Emirates University. Ryan Carter for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, visits United Arab Emirates University. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Dr Ayesha Al Dhaheri, chair of the nutrition and health department at UAEU’s College of Food and Agriculture. Courtesy: UAE College of Food and Agriculture
During the past year, the majority of students at the university studied remotely. Most students have returned for in-person learning this year.
UAE University was established by Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, in 1976.
Close to 13,000 Emirati and international students are enrolled there.
"Our approach is cautious, but we are certain of our ability to protect the wellbeing of all as we begin to enjoy each other’s company once again," said Mr Nusseibeh in the convocation speech.
"It is through coming together that we discover what we have to learn from each other."
Mr Nusseibeh said Expo 2020 Dubai would bring together nations for dialogue, learning and creating relationships and networks.
In October 2020, Mr Nusseibeh was appointed as UAE University’s chancellor.
He shared a message for the education community through his speech.
"My message to you on this opening of the academic year, is to enjoy the opportunities you have to come together on campus," said Mr Nusseibeh.
"They are treasured, important moments. I request that you maintain your efforts to sustain our community during those times when we must be absent from each other once more.
"I urge you to respect the measures and procedures in place to ensure our safety. By doing this you increase the likelihood that we will all be able to join together face-to-face much sooner."
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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, is greeted by a robot at UAE University. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, joined Sheikh Mohamed for the visit. All photos: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed is given a tour of the university. -
Sheikh Mohamed stands for a photograph with students at the university in Al Ain. -
The UAE leaders toured the campus, checking out facilities and speaking with students. -
Sheikh Mohamed rides in an electric car. -
Sheikh Mohamed visits a lab at the university. -
Sheikh Mohamed speaks with a student during the visit. -
Sheikh Mansour is a former student of UAE University. -
Sheikh Mohamed speaks with a student in the Innovation Hub. -
Sheikh Mohamed meets a student at the university. -
Sheikh Mohamed stands for a photograph with students. -
Sheikh Mansour and Ahmad Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, during the tour of the university. -
Sheikh Mansour meets students at a workshop. -
Sheikh Mohamed during the visit to the university. -
Sheikh Mohamed signs a portrait of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father. -
Sheikh Mohamed is shown various technologies during the tour. -
The UAE leaders were greeted by cheers as they moved from room to room, meeting students and asking them about their studies. -
Sheikh Mohamed is shown robotics during the tour.
