The celebration marked the first visit to the UAE by The University of Manchester President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison
Dubai, UAE – November 28, 2025 – The University of Manchester - Dubai convened its annual graduation celebration at Jumeirah Emirates Towers on November 23, 2025, drawing together students, faculty, and dignitaries for an event that underlined both academic achievement and institutional progress in the region.
This year’s celebration was led by Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, marking his first visit to the United Arab Emirates. The occasion also coincided with the 60th anniversary of theAlliance Manchester Business School, adding historical resonance to the proceedings.
Other key participants in the programme included Richard Cotton, Director of Student Recruitment and International Development at The University of Manchester and the three Programme Directors - Xavier Duran, MBA Programmes Director; Professor Arif Khurshed, Programme Director for MSc Financial Management; and Dr. Paul Armstrong, Programme Director for MA Educational Leadership in Practice as well as several members of the Middle East Branch Team.
Professor Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, remarked: “Graduation is the most magical of days of any of our celebrations. We want our graduates to take what they learned and make a positive contribution, whether that’s to their companies, government, family or community. What defines a Manchester education is that combination of academic rigour and community impact and so I congratulate all of our Middle East graduates on their achievements.”
A total of 169 graduates from programmes including MBA, MSc Financial Management, and MA Educational Leadership in Practice were recognised for their academic achievements, having completed master’s studies through flexible learning while managing professional and personal responsibilities. This cohort included 57 female and 112 male graduates, with 41 receiving Distinction, 122 Merit, and 6 Pass awards—the highest number of Merit awards conferred to date. The highest GPA across all three programmes were achieved by female graduates. Additionally, a Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) student was among the group awarded Best Business Inquiry Group 2025.
The event was attended by Andrew Clark, His Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, who represented the British Embassy. Speakers addressed the assembled audience on topics ranging from the University’s strategic vision for 2035 (Manchester 2035 strategy) to the broader impact of higher education in the Middle East. Mazen Suleiman, the graduate representative offered reflections on the collective journey of the cohort and the significance of the Manchester experience.
Commenting on the event, Randa Bessiso, Founding Director, Middle East at The University of Manchester - Dubai, said: “Today’s graduates exemplify not only academic excellence, but also the resilience and leadership that will shape the future of our region. At The University of Manchester - Dubai, we remain steadfast in our commitment to cultivating an inclusive environment where talent knows no boundaries. The achievements of our graduates, especially the distinguished women among them demonstrate the enduring value of opportunity and lifelong learning. As we mark this milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering every student to contribute to the sustainable growth and innovation of the Middle East. Our alumni are well-prepared to lead the way forward.”
Graduates were acknowledged individually by senior faculty, with special commendations awarded for notable contributions to the university community, alongside recognition awards presented to Alumni ambassadors. The Celebration highlights included a Sandshow performance, a touching graduation video, and the formal presentation of academic awards and mementos.
The celebration also served to highlight recent institutional developments. The University of Manchester - Dubai has received Institutional Licensure from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, alongside full accreditation of its programmes by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation. These recognitions are expected to enhance career prospects for graduates across the UAE and the wider GCC.
As the University approaches its 20th anniversary in Dubai next year, the graduation ceremony reflected both the evolution of the institution and the expanding influence of its alumni network throughout the region.
