emirates7 - His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, expressed his pride in the dedication and talent of the academy’s graduates during a ceremony held Saturday morning.
Welcoming students from across the Arab world—from Mauritania to Oman—Sheikh Sultan commended their academic and artistic accomplishments and praised the commitment of the academy’s faculty and staff.
He also announced the establishment of a new College of Music, set to open this September, reaffirming Sharjah’s dedication to supporting regional talent. In addition, he revealed plans for a new filmmaking programme, completing the academy’s triad of specialisations in Theatre, Music, and Cinema. These initiatives, he said, reflect Sharjah’s broader mission to elevate the creative arts and provide transformative educational experiences.
“This knowledge has the power to correct mistakes—whether personal or national,” Sheikh Sultan remarked. “We move forward deliberately, avoiding missteps and focusing on reform through educated individuals who carry this responsibility.”
He congratulated the graduates and their families on reaching this significant milestone.
Peter Barlow, Executive Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, welcomed His Highness and the guests, emphasising the Ruler’s visionary leadership and continued support. He highlighted the academy’s role in promoting the arts, enhancing education, and inspiring thousands throughout the emirate.
Describing Sharjah as a hub of educational excellence, Barlow noted its university city with over 40,000 students and an inclusive educational framework spanning from early childhood to postgraduate studies. He stressed that the educational approach in Sharjah fosters not just academic achievement, but also creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility.
Barlow pointed out that 90% of the academy’s graduates are now employed in the creative industries, both locally and internationally. He attributed this success to the academy’s strong institutional backing, skilled instructors, and a nurturing environment that produces ethical and visionary leaders in the arts.
In his address to the graduates, he said: “You’ve grown from aspiring students into professionals. You've faced setbacks and doubt, but also discovered strength and potential. You’ve evolved in an environment that champions excellence.”
He encouraged them to embrace the uncertainty ahead: “You’re stepping into an unpredictable world—not to fear it, but to learn from it. There are no guaranteed paths, only the creative challenge of making something meaningful. Be flexible, imaginative, and determined. Let go of limitations, forgive often, and stay hopeful.”
Guest of honour, artist Zainab Al Askari, shared her joy in being part of the occasion and her deep appreciation for Sheikh Sultan’s unwavering support of the arts. She called the academy a dream fulfilled, enabling artists to develop their talents and communicate vital messages to society.
She also commended the academy’s role in shaping the next generation of performers and thanked the organisers for their warm hospitality and professionalism.
The ceremony concluded with Sheikh Sultan presenting graduation certificates to the students and posing for a group photo, as proud families looked on.
Welcoming students from across the Arab world—from Mauritania to Oman—Sheikh Sultan commended their academic and artistic accomplishments and praised the commitment of the academy’s faculty and staff.
He also announced the establishment of a new College of Music, set to open this September, reaffirming Sharjah’s dedication to supporting regional talent. In addition, he revealed plans for a new filmmaking programme, completing the academy’s triad of specialisations in Theatre, Music, and Cinema. These initiatives, he said, reflect Sharjah’s broader mission to elevate the creative arts and provide transformative educational experiences.
“This knowledge has the power to correct mistakes—whether personal or national,” Sheikh Sultan remarked. “We move forward deliberately, avoiding missteps and focusing on reform through educated individuals who carry this responsibility.”
He congratulated the graduates and their families on reaching this significant milestone.
Peter Barlow, Executive Director of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, welcomed His Highness and the guests, emphasising the Ruler’s visionary leadership and continued support. He highlighted the academy’s role in promoting the arts, enhancing education, and inspiring thousands throughout the emirate.
Describing Sharjah as a hub of educational excellence, Barlow noted its university city with over 40,000 students and an inclusive educational framework spanning from early childhood to postgraduate studies. He stressed that the educational approach in Sharjah fosters not just academic achievement, but also creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility.
Barlow pointed out that 90% of the academy’s graduates are now employed in the creative industries, both locally and internationally. He attributed this success to the academy’s strong institutional backing, skilled instructors, and a nurturing environment that produces ethical and visionary leaders in the arts.
In his address to the graduates, he said: “You’ve grown from aspiring students into professionals. You've faced setbacks and doubt, but also discovered strength and potential. You’ve evolved in an environment that champions excellence.”
He encouraged them to embrace the uncertainty ahead: “You’re stepping into an unpredictable world—not to fear it, but to learn from it. There are no guaranteed paths, only the creative challenge of making something meaningful. Be flexible, imaginative, and determined. Let go of limitations, forgive often, and stay hopeful.”
Guest of honour, artist Zainab Al Askari, shared her joy in being part of the occasion and her deep appreciation for Sheikh Sultan’s unwavering support of the arts. She called the academy a dream fulfilled, enabling artists to develop their talents and communicate vital messages to society.
She also commended the academy’s role in shaping the next generation of performers and thanked the organisers for their warm hospitality and professionalism.
The ceremony concluded with Sheikh Sultan presenting graduation certificates to the students and posing for a group photo, as proud families looked on.