Sunday 29 June 2014
UAE NDC celebrates the ceremony of issuing its graduates degrees and course badges at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony was commenced by the national anthem followed by a speech delivered by Dr. John Ballard, Assistant Commandant for Academic Affairs. Dr. Ballard expressed his gratitude to Major General Staff Pilot Rashad Mohammed Al-Saadi, the UAE NDC Commandant, for his relentless efforts, and praised the high level of knowledge the participant-students gained during the course program.
He in brief explored the course syllabus and themes taught to students wishing them, in his closing remarks, more success in their education to serve their country more. “The MA Degree in Strategic and Security Studies granted to participant-students is a rare degree that is equivalent to the MA Degree in Public Policy, International Relations or International Political Studies granted by a number of educational institutions worldwide” he said. Addressing the graduates, Dr. Ballard, said "Today you have brought a number of exceptional skills to your work and now you are leaving the college holding in your hands a robust knowledge base which I hope it includes a comprehensive vision to the strategic security environment. I trust that you are lucky having this immense knowledge that you will positively employ in your careers”.
At the closing remarks of the ceremony, certificates and course badges were granted to the graduates by the College Commandant. The UAE NDC graduation ceremony took place in 5th of June, 2014 under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice-President of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior.