Dr. Al-Hourani Patronizes Amman Al Ahliyya University's Third Graduation Ceremony for the 33rd Cohort and Honors its Former President

Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amman Al Ahliyya University, patronized the University's third graduation ceremony for the second semester of the 2025/2026 academic year (33rd Cohort), held on the evening of Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Arena Theater. The ceremony celebrated graduates from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the Faculty of Information Technology, and the Faculty of Engineering. It was attended by Professor Dr. Sari Hamdan, University Advisor; Professor Dr. Ahmad Hamdan, Acting President of the University; Mr. Omar Al-Hourani, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors; members of the Board of Trustees; Professor Dr. Bashar Al-Tarawneh, Vice President of the University and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Technical Education; the deans of the University's faculties; faculty and administrative staff; and a large gathering of graduates' families and invited guests. The ceremony commenced with the Royal Anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by student Abdulaziz Hosni Ahmad from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology. Professor Dr. Mustafa Atiyat, Dean of Student Affairs, then delivered the University's address. He welcomed the patron of the ceremony, the University Advisor, the Acting President, members of the Board of Trustees, the deans, faculty and administrative staff, graduates, their families, and distinguished guests. He said: "On this momentous day, as the journey of dedication reaches its culmination and the fruits of perseverance and hard work are harvested, I am delighted to welcome you to your university—Amman Al Ahliyya University, the first private university in Jordan—to celebrate the graduation of an outstanding group of students from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the Faculty of Information Technology, and the Faculty of Engineering. Today marks the third consecutive day of celebrations for the graduates of the second semester of the 2025/2026 academic year, reflecting the University's continuous achievements and enduring commitment to excellence. On this occasion, we proudly remember the distinguished academic and humanitarian legacy of the University's founder, the late Dr. Ahmad Al-Hourani, may he rest in peace. Driven by a profound belief in education and a vision that placed people at the heart of development, he established the first private university in Jordan, which has since grown into a well-established academic institution, a beacon of knowledge, creativity, and excellence. The University continues its journey with an ambitious vision and a progressive approach under the leadership of Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, who has worked tirelessly to foster a culture of institutional excellence, accelerate development, and strengthen the University's presence in academic forums at the local, regional, and international levels." He added: "Amman Al Ahliyya University has firmly established its position among distinguished universities, achieving outstanding accomplishments nationally and internationally. The University ranked 643rd globally in the QS World University Rankings, placing first among Jordanian private universities and third among all Jordanian universities. It was also ranked among the world's top 401–500 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, leading all Jordanian universities. The University also maintained its outstanding performance in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, securing leading positions and ranking first in Jordan in several disciplines, including Computer Science, Education, Physical Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Engineering. Furthermore, it excelled among Jordanian private universities in Business and Economics, as well as Medicine and Health. As part of its ongoing commitment to development, the University maintained its excellence in Hospitality Management for the second consecutive year and ranked first among Jordanian private universities in the Webometrics Ranking, placing 41 among Arab universities, reflecting its growing international reputation and the confidence of the academic community. In line with the Royal directives supporting technical and vocational education, the University established the Faculty of Technical Education and introduced the Intermediate Diploma degree. It also received accreditation from Pearson to offer internationally recognized BTEC qualifications, ensuring that its academic programs meet labor market needs and enhance graduates' employment opportunities." Addressing the graduates, he said: "Our dear graduates, you have proven that determination leads to achievement and that ambition knows no limits. Congratulations on this remarkable day that crowns your years of hard work and perseverance. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to your parents and families, whose unwavering support, patience, and faith in you made this success possible." He concluded his remarks by saying: "From this platform, Amman Al Ahliyya University renews its commitment to remain faithful to its mission of developing capable individuals, promoting knowledge, and contributing effectively to the progress of our nation. May God continue to bless Jordan with prosperity and dignity under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II." Following the speech, Dr. Maher Al-Hourani honored Professor Dr. Sari Hamdan in recognition of his eight years of distinguished service as President of the University. Speaking extemporaneously at the conclusion of the recognition ceremony, Dr. Al-Hourani congratulated the graduates and their families, wishing them continued success in their professional lives. He said: "Professor Dr. Sari Hamdan is a brother, a friend, and a distinguished academic whose achievements we deeply value. He has not left us; he continues to serve the University as its Advisor." He added: "Dr. Sari Hamdan witnessed many of the University's milestones and possesses numerous admirable qualities, three of which stand out. First is his spirit of cooperation. He worked with love, respect, and sincerity, while mentoring and inspiring many others. Second is his wisdom. He dealt with everyone intelligently and diplomatically, ensuring that everyone left satisfied. Third is his remarkable patience in addressing challenges, overcoming obstacles, advancing the University, and implementing the strategic vision of the Board of Trustees." He continued: "Today, our University leads Jordanian universities in global rankings and has become one of the world's top 500 universities." He concluded by saying: "Professor Dr. Ahmad Hamdan is a worthy successor to an outstanding predecessor, although the remarkable achievements of Professor Dr. Sari Hamdan have undoubtedly set a very high standard for those who follow him." The recognition segment was presented by Roya TV presenter Mais Al-Noubani, who welcomed the patron of the ceremony, the University Advisor, the Acting President, and the distinguished audience. She said: "It is my pleasure to be with you today after being invited as a guest of honor to participate in honoring a man who has safeguarded the University's stature and values, dedicating his efforts, expertise, and commitment to making it more influential and impactful on every level." She added: "Today we celebrate a leader who made a real difference. Over the past eight years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in the University's journey, with its presence expanding both regionally and internationally. The University has also strengthened its role in community service and youth empowerment, becoming a genuine partner in building society and shaping the future, while securing a distinguished place among the world's leading universities. His appointment as University Advisor conveys an important message—that Amman Al Ahliyya University honors its people, values their loyalty, and continues to benefit from their expertise." She further noted that Professor Dr. Sari Hamdan had been instrumental in attracting outstanding athletes and supporting sporting excellence. As a token of appreciation, Jordanian champion Mohammad Al-Jaafari, who was awarded the Medal of Independence by His Majesty King Abdullah II, presented him with a commemorative gift on behalf of the University's distinguished athletes. Professor Dr. Sari Hamdan then addressed the audience, expressing his gratitude to everyone present. He said: "The success of the University is a success for all of us. Thanks to the unwavering support of Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, we have been able to achieve, innovate, and excel. I do not say farewell today, because we will always remain one family serving Amman Al Ahliyya University." The graduates' speech was delivered by Aya Ahmad Al-Kabariti from the Faculty of Information Technology. She welcomed the patron of the ceremony, the University Advisor, the Acting President, the deans, faculty members, distinguished guests, graduates, and their families before saying: "On behalf of myself and my fellow graduates, I am honored to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency Abdul Karim Al-Kabariti, Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees, in recognition of his generous support, noble contributions, and unwavering commitment. We pray that Almighty God grants him continued health and rewards him abundantly." She continued: "Today, we stand at the threshold of an extraordinary moment—a moment where achievement meets years of perseverance and determination. We have not gathered merely to celebrate a degree, but to honor a journey filled with challenges that taught us how determination and sincere ambition can transform dreams into reality. As we bid farewell to our beloved Amman Al Ahliyya University, we realize that the most precious thing we carry with us is not only knowledge, but also memories: the mornings we spent on campus, the laughter of friends that eased the hardships of the journey, the professors who taught us not only academic knowledge but also self-confidence, and the classmates with whom we shared dreams, hopes, and difficult moments. Although today is a day of farewell, there are places we never truly leave. They remain forever in our hearts, and every corner of this University will always hold memories that time can never erase." She added: "At this moment, I cannot help but remember the small details that gave me strength when I needed it most. I remember my father's advice, which always came at moments of weakness, restoring my confidence and filling me with hope. His words were always filled with wisdom, compassion, and encouragement. I also remember my mother's gentle touch and the warmth of her voice, which filled my heart with love and reassurance, reminding me that I was never alone on this journey. Today, I bow in gratitude for every strand of gray hair in my father's head and every wrinkle etched into my mother's hands. They are not merely signs of passing years; they are living testimonies of love, sacrifice, and endless devotion given for my sake. You were not only my companions throughout this journey—you were my refuge when I felt exhausted, my source of comfort in times of uncertainty, and the support from which I drew the strength to continue. This achievement I celebrate today is, above all, the fruit of your love, prayers, and sacrifices before it is the result of my own efforts." She concluded by addressing her fellow graduates: "Congratulations to all of us on this achievement. Congratulations to our families, and congratulations to our University, which has been a home of knowledge and a beacon of hope. We pray that the knowledge we have gained will become a source of الخير (goodness) and positive impact, and that God will grant us a future worthy of our ambitions, aspirations, and hard work." Professor Dr. Bashar Al-Tarawneh, Vice President of the University and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Technical Education, then read the official graduation declaration. He confirmed that the bachelor's and master's students from the faculties represented at the third graduation ceremony of the University's 33rd Cohort had successfully fulfilled all graduation requirements and were therefore entitled to receive their academic degrees. He then officially called for the conferral of their degrees and the presentation of their certificates. The ceremony was hosted by student Al-Ayham Mohammad Ali Shahada from the Faculty of Information Technology, who served as master of ceremonies and presented the program with eloquent and inspiring remarks that were warmly received by both the graduates and the audience. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, accompanied by the dean of each faculty as the names of its graduates were announced, presented the graduation certificates to the graduates and honored the outstanding students with certificates of excellence and commemorative awards.