Ar-Rasheed Smart University celebrates the graduation of its first batch of students – the 'Elite of Ar-Rasheed."

“From here we began… and to greatness we soared” — with this phrase that embodied a dream turned into reality, Ar-Rasheed Smart University celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of students — the “Elite of Ar-Rasheed” — on the morning of Monday, June 23, 2025, in a grand ceremony held at Al-Qasr Hall in the capital, Sana’a.

وقد The event was attended by a number of academic and administrative figures, led by the University’s Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors of the owning company (Deep Learning for Higher Education and Medical Services), university leadership including deans and heads of department, as well as the graduates’ families, in an atmosphere filled with pride and joy.

The ceremony began with a blessed recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by the entrance of the organizing committee accompanied by Mr. Faisal Al-Zubairi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Prof. Abdullatif Haidar, the rector of the University; and Mr. Mohammed Abdulsalam Mansour, Board Member, to cut the ribbon and officially open the event.

The program continued with a welcome speech by the graduating students, who introduced their academic disciplines. This was followed by the entrance of the graduates’ procession, the professional oath, and the national anthems of Yemen and Palestine.

In his speech, Mr. Mohammed Abdulsalam Mansour expressed his deep pride in this historic occasion, affirming that the graduation of the first cohort is the fruit of an ambitious vision for which the university exerted tremendous effort. He said: “Today, our graduates leave not only with academic degrees, but with a vision, a mission, and a spirit of change. They are the vanguard of building a modern Yemen and a source of pride for all who believe that education is the path to progress.”

He concluded with a message to the graduates: “Go forward with confidence, armed with knowledge, and be—as we have always known you—an elite worthy of Al-Rasheed and of this nation.”

The rector of the University Prof. Abdullatif Haidar also expressed his great joy at the graduation of this cohort, noting that it represents “the first page in the book of glory, and the mirror by which this university will be measured.” He added: “Our university does not produce knowledge for accumulation, but to shape individuals and uplift society. You are not just graduates—you are ambassadors of the university’s values and principles. Don’t settle for career success alone—be transformative figures in your communities.”

He concluded: “Pave your path into the future not just in pursuit of jobs, but in pursuit of impact. Don’t just seek success—be success itself.”

Student Marwan Jahlan, head of the preparatory committee, delivered the graduates’ speech, saying: “We are not here merely to celebrate, but to declare that this moment marks the beginning of a long journey toward impact and making a difference. We are the generation that doesn’t wait for opportunity—we create it.”

He added: “‘Elite of Al-Rasheed’ was not just a title—it was a journey full of challenges that transformed us from within and forged our determination.”

The ceremony included honoring the top students from various disciplines, as well as all graduates. There was also a poetry performance and a documentary film showcasing the university’s journey and achievements. The university also honored members of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors, college deans, and department heads.

In a touching gesture of loyalty, the university dedicated a segment to honor the late Mohammed Mohammed Al-Wazir—one of the generous figures who played a significant role in supporting the university’s founding journey. His noble spirit and lasting impact were remembered, as he was one of those whose physical presence may be gone, but whose memory lives on in every corner of Al-Rasheed.

The ceremony concluded with commemorative photos of the graduates with the academic staff—a moment that captured the university’s pride in its first milestone and its celebration of a new generation carrying its name forward on the path to leadership.

Ar-Rasheed Smart University was not built to be just another name on the map of education—but to be a lasting impact on the map of the future.