Dubai, March 8, 2015: The 6th Annual Alumni Homecoming event of the University of Dubai was organised under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, on March 7, 2015, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. The event, sponsored by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), celebrated the achievements of the Universityís alumni and their contributions to the country. In a key note speech on the occasion, H. H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: ìOur country has always stressed economic, technological and human development and innovation as the foundation for sustained progress and prosperity.† In a very short time, our wise leaders have guided the United Arab Emirates to a prominent global position by developing a knowledge-based economy and society. Our country requires graduates who can make a difference through contributions that can improve the quality of life and prosperity of its citizens.î Commending the University of Dubai for creating an excellent Alumni Association that has enriched the lives of its graduates, H. H. Sheikh Nahyan said: ìAn active alumni association reflects the maturity of a university.† I note with admiration the establishment of the annual Alumni-Student Mentoring Program that offers career support through a variety of activities, making available the use of university facilities, and providing corporate partnerships that provides opportunities for UD alumni.î Present on the occasion were Mohammed Al Murr, Speaker of the Federal National Council, H.E. Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber, Majed Hamad Al Shamsi, Chairman, Board of Trustees of University of Dubai, and Dr. Easa M. Al Bastaki, President of University of Dubai, as well as a number of representatives from government departments and large number of students of the university. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Al Bastaki described Sheikh Nahyan as the ìGodfather of Higher Education in UAE.î He said: ìOur distinguished alumni have been an integral part of the university through various efforts to support activities organised for the university students. The UD Alumni Association focuses on supporting activities and educational programmes of the university and the graduates who have gone on to achieve great success, occupying high positions in the UAE and contributing to the countryís economic and social development.î The 6th Annual Alumni Homecoming event recognize the most successful and supportive UD alumni and honored outstanding Alumni professionals and their achievements.