Dubai, a leading city of opportunity: US consul

• Shaikh Mohammed created a platform to transform Dubai into a 'Smart City'. It is his vision to change the way of life in Dubai.

Dubai skyline. KT file photo

Dubai – Dubai has become a leading city of opportunities for millions of young people here in the UAE and the broader world just as America remains the land of opportunity for 300 million citizens and millions more around the world. 
This was said by Rob Waller, US Consul General to Dubai at the 4th commencement ceremony of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT Dubai) late on Monday. It celebrated the achievements of 35 remarkable students, including the first group graduating with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. 
Dubai is an ideal crucible for combining the intellectual skills of an American education and the values of RIT with the innovative talents of a new generation to faction business and technology, he added. 
“The mutual respect, team work, and innovation the graduates have learnt in RIT Dubai are the building blocks not only of just an academic career but rather of a successful life. The skills of critical thinking, problem solving and creativity you have learnt are in demand in today’s world, and will be in tomorrow as well.” 

Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of RIT Dubai Board of Directors highlighted the importance of the journey itself, as opposed to achieving the various career milestones. 
“Life is full of milestones that one needs to challenge and overcome. However, we should not be fixated on them alone.” It is the journey that everybody has to enjoy, he added. “To have a degree or even a job is not the end. It is a means to be happy ad satisfied with life.” 
Mohammed Sharaf – Group CEO, DP World, said in the environment of global competition and unstable economy there is a need to have a certain attitude that can create an environment of collaborate innovation in order to succeed. 
“RIT Dubai graduates are well equipped to take on those new challenges. I have never imagined I would take on such a distinguished position at DP World but if you can dream it, you can do it.” 
Dr Jeremy Haefner, Provost and Senior VP for Academic Affairs from the main campus in New York, said RIT Dubai graduates are now part of a network of over 115,000 Alumni from all RIT campuses all over the world. “We know you will go out and change the world on behalf of RIT.” 
RIT Dubai President Dr Yousef Al-Assaf told Khaleej Times RIT Dubai is committed to being unique. “We do not believe in simply giving students some books, tests, and then handing out their diplomas. We believe in focusing our energy on engagement, interaction with the community, and creating relationships with local industries.” 
In 2014, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, created a platform to transform Dubai into a 'Smart City'. It is his vision to change the way of life in Dubai. 
“RIT Dubai was the first university to immediately respond to his call by creating a professional diploma in Smart City and the first batch of participants received their professional diplomas during the ceremony after six months of course work.” 

The graduate address was delivered by Fouzana Feroze who also won this year’s Valedictorian Cup. “I now feel ready to face all challenges that await me at the competitive work environment worldwide.”

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