CBE Holds Inaugural DBA Gala

The UAEU College of Business and Economics (CBE) hosted its first Inaugural Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) Gala on Sunday, 22 May 2016, at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Abu Dhabi.  The event marked the first time all six active cohorts of the DBA Program have come together as a group along with members of the newest seventh cohort scheduled to begin the program in Fall 2016.

Dr. Rihab Khalifa, DBA Program Coordinator, welcomed the attendees and provided opening remarks focusing on the importance of networking and the significance of alumni engagement for the program.  She also introduced Dr. Nadya Shafeeq Al Mannaee, the first DBA graduate, as the host for the evening.  

His Excellency Hussain J. AlNowais, Chairman of AlNowais Investments, Waha Capital, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, and SENAAT presented the keynote address.  He encouraged attendees to have passion, commitment, and leadership in whatever they do and never give up on their dreams.

Professor Nagi Wakim, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, also addressed the group to provide input on the role of graduate studies in the educational process.  Professor Tauno Kekäle, the President of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, was recognized as a special guest for the event.

Professor Geralyn McClure Franklin, Dean of the CBE, then gave her remarks on the importance of this special occasion.  She borrowed an adage as follows and urged all to:  Work for a cause, not for applause.  Live life to express, not to impress.  Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.

Various awards were presented to DBA Program graduates, DBA Program faculty, and others who have been instrumental in the success of the program.  Special recognition was given to the Fall 2015 DBA graduates, including Dr. Nadya, Dr. Safa Maatoug Al Mohana, and Dr. Ahmed Abdul Fattah Odeh.  In addition, Dr. Mohamed Salem Aldhaheri and Dr. Tareq Al Ameri, students who have just completed their DBA dissertation defenses successfully in Spring 2016 were recognized.  Dr Rihab also congratulated Dr Safa, the first DBA graduate with an article publication in a ranked academic journal.

The event concluded with the cutting of a cake to commemorate the success of the program’s graduates and cohort members.  Guests also enjoyed a night of socializing and networking with one another over dinner.  The Second DBA Gala is scheduled for May 2017.