Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT Dubai), located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, celebrated the graduation of its 15th batch under the patronage and presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).

The graduation ceremony was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and honoured 394 graduates from 16 undergraduate and master’s programmes.

The event was attended by several senior officials including Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Essa Kazim, US Consul General Robert Raines, and Dr. Yousef Al Assaf.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the graduation reflects Dubai’s commitment to preparing future-ready talent that can support innovation, advanced technologies, and the growth of a knowledge-based economy. He added that education plays an important role in strengthening Dubai’s global competitiveness and future ambitions under the UAE Centennial 2071 and “We the UAE 2031” vision.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni said the partnership between DIEZ and RIT Dubai helps create an integrated economic ecosystem focused on innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth. He highlighted the university’s role in preparing skilled professionals for future-focused industries and supporting Dubai’s digital transformation goals.

RIT Dubai President Dr. Yousef Al Assaf said the university continues to expand its academic programmes to meet the changing needs of the global job market. He noted that this year marked the graduation of the university’s first Psychology batch, alongside the continued development of research centres focused on sustainability, smart cities, advanced manufacturing, energy, and future studies.

The 15th graduating batch included students from nine bachelor’s degree programmes in electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering, marketing, finance, global business management, cybersecurity, psychology, and computing and information technologies.

Students also graduated from seven master’s programmes, including data analytics, cybersecurity, smart cities, futures foresight and planning, engineering management, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Since its launch in 2010, RIT Dubai has graduated more than 2,490 students across bachelor’s, master’s, and diploma programmes, strengthening its position within Dubai’s higher education and innovation sector.

This year, the university introduced new undergraduate programmes in Management Information Systems and Advertising & Public Relations. It also launched accredited micro-master’s programmes in Health Informatics and Futures Foresight, offering students more flexible pathways for higher education and professional development.

RIT Dubai also announced a new dual-degree engineering programme that allows students to complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shorter time and at a lower cost.

Future academic plans include launching a master’s programme in Integrated Design, a bachelor’s programme in Computer Engineering, and micro-programmes in Accounting and Financial Analytics. The university is also preparing a media design programme dedicated to People of Determination.

RIT Dubai, a branch of the Rochester Institute of Technology, continues to strengthen its role as a centre for innovation and advanced education in the UAE through specialised programmes and partnerships with government and private sector organisations.