MAHE Dubai held a two-day convocation ceremony at the JW Marriott Marquis, where 722 graduates from 43 cohorts walked the stage. Diplomas were awarded across 39 academic programs, turning the event into a double celebration – the ceremony coincided with the university’s 25th anniversary in the UAE.
When the first graduate stepped forward, MAHE officially crossed a symbolic milestone: 10,000 alums since opening its doors. Over a quarter of a century, the institution has grown from a small academic centre into a fully accredited university licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education, offering programs in engineering, computer science, business, architecture, design and the humanities.
The ceremony brought together India’s Ambassador Satish Kumar Sivan, healthcare executive Shanila Laiju, VFS Global’s Chief Culture Officer Bernard Martyris and the pro-vice-chancellor of Manipal’s Malaysia campus. Representing the university were Vice-Chancellor Lt. Gen. Venkatesh and CEO of Manipal Education MENA, Niranjan Jayakumar.
India’s ambassador spoke about how education bridges nations
Satish Kumar Sivan opened his speech with a reflection on India–UAE relations. He spoke not about politics or trade but about people – students who arrive for their degrees and later build their lives in the emirate. Education, he said, has become a magnet drawing youth from all over the world, especially from India. He emphasised that the UAE’s leadership in education comes not from grand promises but from consistent investment in quality.
Bernard Martyris shared a story that stayed with him for decades. He quoted J. R. D. Tata on the difference between what you learn at university and how you apply it. Knowledge is only part of the equation, he said. Values, daily decisions and the ability to turn ideas into action reveal what education truly means. You see real education not in what a person knows, but in how they live and what they choose to prioritise.
Shanila Laiju returned to her alma mater as the head of a major healthcare organisation. For her, coming back was not a nostalgic visit but a return to the place where she was shaped as a person. She thanked the leadership for fostering graduates capable of compassion and decisive action. She reminded students that education does not end on graduation day – it is a lifelong process of growth and deeper understanding.
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MAHE’s strategy: graduates who lead change, not just adapt to it
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sudhindra Shamanna outlined the university’s vision for the coming years. MAHE aims to graduate people who do more than adapt to change – people who guide it. He emphasised the need to strengthen industry partnerships and launch programs that speak to the future, not the past. Above all, he said, MAHE wants to remove financial barriers for talented students so every graduate leaves campus feeling ready to create value in business, science, public administration or any other field.
Prof. Jayakumar from Malaysia shared his own journey of setbacks and triumphs, noting that failures often taught him more than success. His message was simple: education is not about passing exams, it is about learning to live consciously, making meaningful choices and becoming a version of yourself you can be proud of.
Awards were presented to top students, plus scholarships for young women
The university awarded the Dr. Ramdas M. Pai Excellence Awards. The top honour went to Sunidhi Praveen Bolar for outstanding academic achievement. When her name was announced, the hall rose to its feet. She later said that studying at MAHE changed her sense of what she could achieve, powered by constant support from faculty and family. Eight other graduates were recognised for exceptional contributions to their schools:
- Sreya Bino contributed to school life
- Aswathi P K demonstrated leadership
- Zaina Ahmed showed outstanding initiative
- Vishwanath Kudva strengthened student projects
- Amina Syed supported classmates
- Annie Ann Manu engaged deeply in community work
- Vaishali Om Prakash enriched cultural programs
- Diyaa Naimatullah Khan was active in university life
Meanwhile, Dubai marina real estate news today reflects rising interest from families of students seeking accommodation close to educational centres. Parents are increasingly searching for apartments within a short commute from campuses, boosting demand in surrounding districts.
The Mahila Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan scholarship program for young women began in 2015 with support from the Indian Embassy. Its purpose is straightforward: fund higher education for talented Indian female students under 21 who scored 80 percent or higher and need financial assistance. In ten years, 21 students have received full scholarships. This year three new scholars joined: Anjali Jiju, Devanandana Aunippully Sajithan and Minha Maryam.
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One of them shared her feelings: for her, the scholarship is more than financial support – it is proof that dreams are real. The university’s trust gave her the confidence to pursue her goals and the responsibility to help others one day.
At the same time, the electricity price residential Dubai per kwh remains one of the factors families consider when choosing housing near educational institutions. Combined with tuition fees, it shapes the overall family budget and pushes many parents to seek discounts or scholarships for their children.
A quarter century in the region has taught MAHE how to read the moment. Its graduates now work in hospitals, startups, government, tech companies. They return as professors, investors and leaders. The network grows organically, transforming the university into an ecosystem that stays connected to its people. This is what Shamanna meant by the next chapter – supporting graduates not just on the day of convocation, but throughout their lives.
