H.E. Sheikh Saqr bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Ceramics, attended the graduation ceremony of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in Ras Al Khaimah for the Class of 2025, held under the theme “HCTians Go Beyond”. The event inaugurated this year’s nationwide graduation season, with 576 students completing their Applied Bachelor’s and Vocational Diploma programs, including 58 graduates who earned credentials with Distinction and Distinction with Honors.

In his speech, H.E. Sheikh Saqr bin Saud expressed his pride in celebrating the graduation of a new cohort of the nation’s sons and daughters, affirming that the youth of the UAE are a cornerstone of the country’s progress and development. He emphasized that fostering their academic potential and innovative skills is vital to building a prosperous and sustainable future.

His Excellency highlighted that, under the vision and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirate has made education a foremost priority. He noted that education serves as a pillar of human development, a foundation for preserving community values, and a key driver in enhancing Ras Al Khaimah’s competitiveness through the adoption of cutting-edge knowledge and technologies.

H.E. Sheikh Saqr praised HCT for its pivotal role in preparing highly qualified national cadres capable of contributing effectively to the UAE’s development. He described graduation as a significant milestone in students’ lives, marking the beginning of a new journey that requires perseverance and dedication. He stressed that the nation places great trust in their talents and looks to them to become pioneers in their fields and leaders of future progress.

He also commended the efforts of HCT’s academic staff in nurturing students’ skills and shaping their characters, acknowledging their role in preparing an ambitious generation ready for innovation and global competitiveness. He urged the graduates to pursue lifelong learning and work with dedication, becoming pillars of the UAE’s sustainable development.

The ceremony, held at the Al Hamra International Exhibition and Convention Centre, was attended by Dr. Faisal Alayyan, HCT President & CEO; Dr. Hassan Al Muhairi, Executive Director of HCT Ras Al Khaimah; along with dignitaries, senior officials, HCT academic and administrative staff, and graduates’ parents and families.

On behalf of the HCT Board of Trustees, Dr. Faisal Alayyan congratulated the graduates and extended his sincere gratitude to the UAE leadership, headed by UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; and H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for their unwavering and limitless support of HCT, which has empowered HCT to fulfill its mission of preparing highly skilled graduates in line with the UAE’s national ambitions and the evolving needs of the labor market.

Dr. Alayyan further praised the vision of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, which has guided Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to positioning education as a cornerstone of growth, prosperity, and sustainability. He noted that this vision has empowered HCT to produce highly competent Emirati professionals capable of leading development and driving ambitious projects in Ras Al Khaimah, an emirate witnessing rapid progress across diverse sectors.

Highlighting HCT’s strategic vision, Dr. Alayyan stressed its aspiration to be a leading institution in applied sciences and a model of Emirati excellence on the global stage. He underscored the importance of close collaboration with the labor market in shaping curricula and ensuring a dynamic educational system that meets future challenges with efficiency and adheres to world-class standards.

Dr. Alayyan then officially announced the graduation of 576 students from HCT-Ras Al Khaimah campuses across disciplines including Engineering, Health Sciences, Business, Computer Information Science, Applied Media, and Education.

In their acknowledgment speech, the graduates expressed immense pride in their achievements and extended their gratitude to the UAE leadership for their continuous and unwavering support. They highlighted the pivotal role of HCT in equipping them with the confidence and competence to embrace the future, and conveyed heartfelt appreciation to their parents for instilling in them national values and a love of knowledge and learning.

The ceremony concluded with H.E. Sheikh Saqr bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi presenting certificates to the graduates and joining them for a commemorative group photograph.