Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai marked a major milestone with its annual Convocation Ceremony, held on 14–15 November 2025 at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. Over two days, the university conferred degrees on 722 graduates across 39 academic programs, expanding its alumni community to more than 10,000. This year’s ceremony held special significance as it coincided with MAHE Dubai’s 25th anniversary in the UAE, celebrating a quarter-century of academic excellence and leadership in higher education.
Established in 2000, MAHE Dubai has grown into one of the UAE’s leading universities, licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research and offering CAA-accredited programs across engineering, IT, business, life sciences, architecture, design, commerce, and liberal arts. Its commitment to innovation, industry integration, and student-centered learning has shaped thousands of graduates who now contribute across regional and global sectors.
The convocation brought together dignitaries, industry leaders, and education experts. Day 1 featured addresses by H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates; Dr. Shanila Laiju, Group CEO of Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres; and Mr. Bernard Martyris, Chief Culture Officer & Executive Board Member at VFS Global. Day 2 included a keynote by Prof. Dr. G. Jayakumar, Vice Chancellor of Manipal University College Malaysia. Senior leadership, including Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE; Dr. Sudhindra Shamanna, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE Dubai; and Mr. Niranjan Jayakumar, CEO of Manipal Education MENA, also attended.
In his address, Dr. Sudhindra Shamanna congratulated graduates and highlighted the milestone year, noting that MAHE Dubai’s next phase will focus on producing graduates who lead change rather than respond to it. He outlined the university’s strategic priorities: deepening industry partnerships, strengthening future-focused programs, and enhancing financial access to ensure talent is nurtured without barriers.
Reflecting on the India–UAE partnership, H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan described it as built on shared aspirations and mutual respect. He noted the UAE’s emergence as a global education hub, attracting talent from around the world, especially India, and emphasised that education strengthens cultural and economic ties between both nations.
Dr. Shanila Laiju, an alumna, delivered an emotional address urging graduates to embrace lifelong learning. She reminded them that the values, experiences, and relationships built at MAHE Dubai will guide their personal and professional journeys long after graduation. Mr. Bernard Martyris echoed this sentiment, quoting J.R.D. Tata: “True learning is reflected not in what you know, but in how you live.” He stressed that character, integrity, and purpose-driven leadership define true success.
This year’s ceremony also recognised exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements. Sunidhi Praveen Bolar received the prestigious Academic Excellence Award, while eight graduates were honoured for Outstanding Contributions within their respective schools. Special awards were presented to Devansh Kripalani for contributions to cultural events and Yuvraj Barua for excellence in sports. Program toppers across multiple disciplines were also celebrated for their academic distinction.
A highlight of the convocation was the recognition of scholars from MAHE Dubai’s Mahila Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan initiative—launched in 2015 with support from the Indian Embassy to fully fund the education of high-achieving Indian girls requiring financial assistance. To date, 19 young women have benefited from this initiative. This year’s new scholarship recipients included Anjali Jiju, Devanandana Aunippully Sajithan, and Minha Maryam, all of whom were honoured on stage for their achievements and potential.
One recipient remarked, “This scholarship means much more than financial support—it reminds me that my dreams are possible.”
The convocation concluded with the celebration of graduates who expressed gratitude to faculty, mentors, and families for supporting their academic journeys. As the institution enters its next chapter, MAHE Dubai reaffirms its mission to drive excellence, foster innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s growing knowledge economy.
Marking 25 years in the UAE, MAHE Dubai stands positioned for continued growth—committed to shaping thinkers, innovators, and future leaders who will define the region’s academic and economic landscape for decades to come.
