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In light of our 20th Anniversary Celebrations, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ recently hosted its annual Distinction Ceremony, a highly anticipated event that celebrates and honours exceptional achievements in research, community service, and academic excellence among its students, faculty, and staff. This year’s ceremony was yet another testament to the University’s dedication to cultivating a vibrant community of scholars and visionaries committed to innovation and societal impact.

The ceremony began with uplifting speeches from prominent figures within the University. Ms Farida Mohamed Farid Khamis, Chair of the Board of Trustees, delivered opening remarks, commending the honourees for their dedication and resilience. She emphasised the University’s mission to not only cultivate academic talent but also to support character-building endeavours that create future leaders. Professor Mohamed Loutfi, President and Vice-Chancellor of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ, echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to empowering its members with the resources and opportunities needed to achieve excellence.

Adding to the gravitas of the event, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, Chancellor of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ, addressed the audience with a stirring speech, celebrating the accomplishments of students and faculty alike. Sir Magdi highlighted the importance of nurturing a global mindset and commended the University’s role in bridging knowledge with action, a critical approach to tackling both local and international challenges.

This year, the ceremony also featured two notable honorary doctorate recipients. Professor John Latham, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the Coventry University Group, attended in person and received his honorary degree in International Education, recognising his contributions to advancing educational standards and fostering international partnerships. Joining remotely, Professor Georges Abi-Saab, the esteemed Egyptian international lawyer and judge, was conferred an honorary doctorate in International Law. Known for his remarkable work in international jurisprudence, Professor Abi-Saab’s recognition highlights the University's admiration for thought leaders who influence global governance and human rights. The honorary doctorates were conferred in a heartening atmosphere filled with applause and admiration, further elevating the event.

The Triple B Awards—Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ Best and Brightest—were awarded during the ceremony, with Mohamed Loai Ali receiving this prestigious accolade for his continuous dedication to his studies and his notable contributions to the community. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ’s focus on nurturing student excellence, through both academic support and real-world opportunities, underscores the significance of this award. This vision aligns with the University's core mission to prepare future generations with both the knowledge and values needed to become transformative leaders in their fields.

The distinguished guests in attendance added a further level of prestige to the event. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ was honoured to welcome its Board of Trustees members, including Ambassador Francis Ricciardone, Professor Iwan Davies, Professor Riyad Hamzah, Baroness Pauline Perry, Professor Douglas Blackstock, Eng. Tarek Aboualam, and Dr. Ashraf Hatem. Also present were notable figures from international academia, such as Professor David Lock, Secretary General of Magna Charta Observatory, and Professor Alison Johns, Chief Executive of Advance HE. Their presence underscored the importance of global partnerships and collaborative academic standards, values that our University continually strives to uphold.

This year’s Distinction Ceremony was much more than an awards event—it was a vibrant celebration of brilliance, hard work, and the boundless potential that defines Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ community. Through such occasions, our University reaffirms its standing as a beacon for academic distinction, a home for innovative ideas, and a catalyst for positive change.