On April 18, 2025, the Emirates University held a ceremony to honor outstanding students across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The event took place in the Hilal building and was attended by Dr. Ahmed Ali Al-Raisi, the university’s director by proxy, Dr. Saad Muhammad Al-Marzouqi, the associate partner for student affairs, along with several faculty and administrative staff.
Dr. Ahmed Ali Al-Raisi emphasized that this recognition is part of the university’s strategic approach to enhance academic excellence and instill values of diligence and innovation. He stated, "Honoring a selection of outstanding students is a tangible expression of the university's appreciation for hard work and perseverance, and strengthens our message in preparing a qualified academic generation that contributes to the nation's advancement and progress."
In her remarks, Dr. Saad Al-Marzouqi expressed pride in the honored students, commending their dedication to achieving excellence. The ceremony recognized 170 students who achieved outstanding academic performance. This included 61 bachelor’s students who completed over 50 credit hours, 56 master’s students who completed over 15 credit hours, and 53 doctoral students who completed over 20 credit hours.
The honored students expressed deep gratitude to Emirates University for its continuous academic and guidance support. They acknowledged the institution's role in facilitating their achievements and fostering an environment conducive to academic success.
In a related development, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi announced a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, New York University Abu Dhabi, and UAE University to bolster the health, medical, and life sciences sector (HELM) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
This new partnership, launched during the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week 2025, is expected to contribute over 94 billion dirhams to the local research and development ecosystem, creating more than 30,000 new job opportunities by 2045. The agreement aims to enhance innovation in life and medical technology, precision health, and to identify essential resources and infrastructure to elevate the ecosystem as a leading global center for innovation, research, development, manufacturing, and marketing in healthcare and life sciences.
Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, remarked, "Abu Dhabi's investments are not limited to the field of science, but we are working on a clear plan to develop the health sector. Through the establishment of the Health, Medical and Life Sciences Cluster (HELM), we are achieving integration between scientific research, regulatory frameworks, and practical applications, contributing to stimulating innovation and creating a tangible impact on people's lives."
Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, stated that this agreement reflects the commitment of academic, medical, and regulatory institutions in the emirate to enhance cooperation. He noted, "Through the Health, Medical and Life Sciences Cluster (HELM) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, we contribute to building a competitive base that enables innovation companies to access global markets and participate in building a sustainable system for life sciences that keeps pace with future developments."
Professor Yindrila Vintura, President of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, highlighted the center's excellence in research and development in cell therapies. He stated, "Our ability to translate scientific discoveries into practical treatments is enabled by a distinguished group of scientists and doctors working together to deliver innovations to patients. This cooperation will contribute to expanding our capabilities and strengthening our partnerships, contributing to Abu Dhabi's vision of being a leader in medical innovation on regional and global levels."
Fabio Piano, Vice-President of New York University Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of this partnership, saying, "This collaboration builds on a foundation of continuous cooperation over the years, paving the way for significant developments. We believe that attracting and retaining the best talents from around the world is essential in supporting health research and achieving a tangible impact on the future of the Emirates."
This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in developing the Health, Medical and Life Sciences Cluster (HELM), reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in scientific innovation, healthcare advancement, and knowledge-based economic growth. The Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week 2025 serves as a governmental initiative aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration within the health sector, with this year's theme focusing on "Towards a Long Life: A New Concept of Health and Wellness."
