Our Chancellor, HRH The Earl of Wessex, hosted more than 100 University alumni, partners and friends on Sunday 24 March in Dubai.
The drinks reception at the Fairmont Palm was the first event the Chancellor has hosted in Dubai, and celebrated the links we have forged across the region.
Inspiring the next generation
A special invitation was extended to local students who hold a current offer to study at the University, and their families. It was also a particular honour to be joined on the evening by His Excellency Younis Al Khoori, UnderSecretary at the UAE Ministry of Finance.
Many of the prospective students were inspired by meeting guest Ritika Israni (MBA Full Time 2018). Since graduating, Ritika has been working with the School of Management as a student ambassador and this year was awarded the Association of MBAs' Student of the Year Award in recognition of her achievements whilst at Bath.
Ritika said: "It was absolutely wonderful to connect with our network in the Middle East. I look forward to attending such events across the globe in the future."
A warm welcome
The Chancellor welcomed the assembled guests and spoke about the successful careers our graduates have gone on to pursue in the region. He said: "Since the University was granted its Charter, over 1,000 students have come from across the Middle East to study at Bath. These students have gone on to work in senior roles in government, business, education and healthcare. The University is immensely proud of its graduates in the Middle East, and hopes that you all remain proud to be Bath alumni."
The Chancellor’s words were followed by those of His Excellency Khalil Foulathi (BSc Economics 1975, Hon LLD 2011), President of the Emirati alumni network and one of the most eminent members of our international community. He spoke about the value of what he had learned at Bath in his life, and of the strong connection alumni have with the University: "There is a powerful connection that exists between Bath alumni and our University, no matter where in the world we live."
Professor Jeremy Bradshaw. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International & Doctoral), wrapped up the evening’s speeches with thanks and an invitation for alumni to become ambassadors for the University. He said: "Tonight is a wonderful demonstration of the dedication and enthusiasm that our alumni hold for Bath. Please continue to be our champions, and share how wonderful it is to study at Bath with those you know and those you encounter."
Inspiring innovation through giving
The evening was also an occasion to recognise His Excellency as one of our most generous supporters. His donations established the Foulathi Entrepreneurship and Innovation Awards in 2016, which have, to date, helped 10 students and new graduates set up their own enterprises.
The Chancellor invited His Excellency to sign the Chancellor’s Roll of Honour, which is a lasting record of those who have made exceptional gifts to the University.
Ashton Clapp (BSc Computer Sciences 2016) shares how his Foulathi Award helped him launch a business in Bath.
James Courtney (BSc Business Administration 2016) discusses how he balanced his studies with launching his app, with help from a Foulathi Award.