In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chancellor of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, MBRU today celebrated the first graduation of 33 postgraduate dental students from its Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine (HBMCDM).

The ceremony was held at the MBRU campus in Dubai in the presence of His Excellency Dr Ahmad Belhoul, Minister of State for Higher Education; members of the University’s Board of Trustees; dignitaries, faculty, dental residents, medical students, families of students, and the MBRU family, and officials from Dubai Healthcare City Authority and other authorities.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said, “The MBRU has remained committed to achieving its objectives to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leader in the fields of education, medicine and health sciences in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed praised the university for its scientific and academic excellence and commended its efforts towards building healthcare capacity that will make a difference in people’s lives. His Highness said, “MBRU is raising the bar and improving the level of medical care in the region through the graduation of doctors with high degrees of skill and competence.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed honored the graduates, presented them with Masters’ Degree Certificates, and wished them continued success. He urged them to continue their efforts in scientific research, education and continuous improvement to lead and excel by applying the latest innovations and scientific techniques.

HE Dr Ahmad Belhoul, Minister of State for Higher Education, congratulated the graduating class and commended MBRU for its role in providing a strong intellectual and scientific environment in the UAE. He said, “Education is a priority for the UAE Government and our leadership gives this sector the required care and attention. Higher education plays an important role in the UAE’s development in areas of enhanced information exchange, scientific knowledge, research capacity, and human resources needed for professional and community service. As more and more students graduate, the country is equipped with the necessary skills and competencies for the advancement of the nation.”

During the ceremony, Dr Amer Ahmad Sharif, Vice-Chancellor, MBRU, delivered the welcome speech, in which he expressed his gratitude to all those who support MBRU students and congratulated the students and academic and administrative staff, and thanked them for placing their trust in the university.

On behalf of the graduating class, Dr Eman Al Nuaimi, former President of the Resident Council, from HBMCDM, delivered the student speech. She said, “Our graduation is just the beginning of new challenges ahead. Recently, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Hope Makers initiative to rekindle hope in the Arab world and improve lives. We, as dental specialists, carry the responsibility of giving hope to all our patients – reconstructing their smiles, making them happy and improving the quality of life in the society.”

Al Nuaimi praised MBRU’s administration and thanked the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Health Authority of Abu Dhabi; Ministry of Higher Education, UAE Armed Forces, and Al Jalila Foundation, for the contribution towards the 1st graduating group, which included 25 male and female Emirati graduates who specialized in Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.

MBRU selected March 20 to celebrate the graduation as the day coincides with two global observances – International Day of Happiness and World Oral Health Day. These observances signify how oral health is an important component of public health and the role of dentists in contributing to patient happiness and wellbeing.

MBRU aims to develop human capacity by training students and healthcare professionals to the highest levels of skill and expertise and by encouraging excellence in scientific research. MBRU’s Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine collaborates with the UK-based Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for affiliated programs and membership examinations.