The graduation ceremony for students at the Academy of Performing Arts was honored by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This event marked a significant milestone for the academy, as 52 graduates from the 2026 cohort celebrated their achievements in a vibrant and emotional atmosphere at the University of Arts in Sharjah.
On Sunday morning, His Highness was warmly received upon arrival by Sheikha Hour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the President of the University of Arts in Sharjah; Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation; Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality; along with several members of the University’s Board of Trustees.
The ceremony began with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by a stunning artistic performance by a group of students from the university. They showcased their musical skills using various instruments, including the piano, flute, and violin, reflecting their academic and practical training over the years. This harmonious presentation illustrated creative musicality and excellence in training.
Inspiring Speeches and a Bright Future
Sheikha Hour bint Sultan Al Qasimi expressed her pride in graduating the fourth cohort from the Academy of Performing Arts. In her speech, she emphasized that the graduates were taking their first steps toward professional life after years of academic study and artistic training. “They will be active contributors to enriching and evolving the cultural and artistic landscape,” she stated, underscoring the academy’s role in a new and essential phase of arts education in the Emirate. This phase involves a strategic integration between the Sharjah Academy of Performing Arts and the College of Fine Arts under the umbrella of the University of Arts in Sharjah.
She noted that Sharjah has made investing in human capital the cornerstone of its cultural project, drawing from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who has established the emirate as a hub for science, knowledge, and creativity, attracting artists and creators from around the globe. This approach has fostered an environment that nurtures talent and enables generations to develop their skills across various fields.
Acknowledging the Academy’s Achievements
Dr. Peter Barlow, Director of the Academy of Performing Arts, also addressed the audience, highlighting the significant strides the academy has made since its establishment. He remarked on the pioneering educational programs initiated, which are unique to the UAE and the region, including the graduation of the first cohort of master’s students in fine arts and the launch of scholarship programs in fields such as Arabic music and Western classical music.
“We have successfully positioned the academy as a leading institution in performing arts education, contributing to the preparation of generations of artists and creatives capable of steering the cultural and artistic scene,” he affirmed. Barlow expressed confidence in the graduates’ abilities to effectively apply their knowledge and skills to benefit their communities.
Words of Encouragement from Guests and Graduates
Special guest Yasmina Al-Abd congratulated the graduates, expressing joy at returning to the academy for this memorable occasion. She praised the students’ talent and passion, underscoring that performing arts involve not only skill development but also character building. “Art is a powerful tool for conveying emotions and connecting communities,” she said, encouraging graduates to remain committed to their dreams and continue cultivating their creativity.
During the ceremony, several graduates articulated their gratitude for the education and training received throughout their academic journey, noting that their experiences nurtured their personal and artistic growth. They emphasized how the diverse educational environment, which brought together students from various cultures and backgrounds, reinforced the values of dialogue and collaboration.
“Our academic journey extended beyond mere academic achievements; it became a pathway for personal and artistic development,” they reflected. Acknowledging their status as pioneers of the new academic programs at the University of Arts in Sharjah, they pledged to carry the values and knowledge gained into their professional lives and the artistic landscape.
Maed Al-Maaini, representing the alumni association, shared insights into the past four years filled with learning and hard work behind the scenes. He emphasized that resilience, dedication, and continuous pursuit of artistic expression were the keys to lasting success, urging his peers not to regard their degrees as mere certificates but as lifelong motivators toward meaningful contributions to society.
At the end of the ceremony, Sheikha Hour bint Sultan Al Qasimi presented the diplomas to the graduates, capturing memorable photos with them and offering her heartfelt congratulations on their success, wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.
The graduates of the Academy of Performing Arts, totaling 52 individuals, included: 4 recipients of the Master’s degree in Fine Arts specializing in Theater and Live Performance, 12 graduates from the Bachelor of Arts in Acting, 9 graduates from the Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre, 15 graduates from the Bachelor of Arts in Production Arts, and 12 graduates from the Level 6 Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance.