His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Public Services Department, attended the graduation ceremony today of 253 male and female students from the Higher Colleges of Technology’s (HCT) Ras Al Khaimah Campuses, featuring 27 male and female graduates who were awarded credentials with Distinction, and Distinction with Honors.

The ceremony, for the Today's Leaders for Tomorrow cohort of 2023, was attended by Dr. Faisal Alayyan, HCT President & CEO; Dr. Yahya Al Ansaari, Executive Director of HCT-Ras Al Khaimah Campuses, as well as dignitaries, senior officials, HCT staff, and graduates’ parents and families.

The graduation ceremony commenced with Dr. Faisal Alayyan extending a warm welcome to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, expressing appreciation for his attendance at the HCT-RAK students' graduation event.

During his speech, on behalf of the HCT's Board of Trustees, Dr. Faisal Alayyan emphasized that the primary focus and aspiration of the UAE’s leadership has always been on human capital. He underscored that this perspective has been a longstanding national ideology and vision from the country's foundation to the present day, which has consistently empowered Emirati citizens to venture forward with confidence, determination, and an unwavering commitment to achieving remarkable feats. Their ambitions have no bounds, and they perceive no obstacles as insurmountable, Dr. Alayyan said.

He noted that HCT is celebrating the graduation of a fresh cohort of young Emirati citizens, taking great pride in readying these well-prepared individuals for diverse fields across the job market. These graduates are not only equipped with work-ready knowledge and skills but have also been nurtured to become entrepreneurs. He emphasized that today's graduates are our  future leaders and represent the generation that will shape a sustainable future.

On behalf of the HCT’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Alayyan announced the graduation of the 253 male and female students from the HCT-RAK Campuses, as part of the Today's Leaders for Tomorrow cohort of 2023, who successfully completed their studies and obtained their academic degrees with merit.

During this momentous occasion, Dr. Alayyan expressed his utmost appreciation and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; and His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in ensuring HCT’s successful journey.

Dr. Alayyan reiterated HCT's dedication to cultivating talented professionals in alignment with the evolving needs of the UAE’s job market. As a result, HCT has introduced new strategic transformations under the banner of Shaping the Future, reaffirming its leadership in applied education, with the transformations resting on two key pillars - inclusivity and integration.

Under the auspices of its education strategy, HCT will prepare and certify graduates with Applied Bachelor's and vocational diploma qualifications in vital sectors, while forging strategic partnerships with both public and private sectors,  to position its graduates as the preferred choice for the job market.

During the  acknowledgement speeches, graduates conveyed their profound happiness and pride on this momentous day, expressing their gratitude for the steadfast support and confidence of the UAE’s leadership and its people. They recognized the immense joy felt by their families and extended heartfelt appreciation to their teachers and all those who served as pillars of support on their path to success. The graduates underscored a  collective affection for their nation and a shared ambition to become the leaders of tomorrow, fueled by a resolute determination to make a positive impact and play a role in shaping the future.

Additionally, the celebration featured a video presentation entitled Shaping the Future, which demonstrated how HCT prepares its graduates to become leaders of tomorrow in their respective fields. The presentation also highlighted HCT's dedication to cultivating its graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to stand out as the preferred choice in the competitive job market.

The celebratory ceremony concluded with H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, accompanied by Dr. Faisal Alayyan, awarding graduates with their certificates, followed by a commemorative group photo.