Princess Alia bint Al Hussein Patronizes Al-Ahliyya Amman University’s 33rd Summer Semester Graduation Ceremony

Her Royal Highness Princess Alia bint Al Hussein patronized Al-Ahliyya Amman University’s graduation ceremony for the Summer Semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, held on the evening of October 5, 2026, at the Arena Theatre. The ceremony celebrated the graduation of the university’s 33rd cohort across all faculties. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Chairman of the University’s Board of Directors; Professor Ahmad Hamdan, President of the University; Professor Sari Hamdan, University Advisor; Vice Presidents Professor Bashar Tarawneh and Professor Mustafa Al-Atyat; members of the Board of Trustees; deans; faculty members; administrative staff; and a large gathering of graduates’ families and invited guests. Following the Jordanian national anthem, the ceremony opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran delivered by Abdulaziz Hosni Ahmad, a student at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology. Professor Mustafa Al-Atyat, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, then delivered the university’s address. He welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Alia bint Al Hussein, the patron of the ceremony, along with Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Professor Ahmad Hamdan, President of the University; Professor Sari Hamdan, University Advisor; members of the Board of Trustees; deans; academic and administrative staff; graduates; their families; and all attendees. In his address, he said: “Today, we gather to share in the joy of celebrating the graduation of an outstanding group of students from all the university’s faculties, representing a diverse range of academic disciplines in the sciences, humanities, and other fields. “This auspicious ceremony brings us together on a joyous occasion to celebrate the graduation of students completing the Summer Semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. It reflects the university’s continuous achievements, its sustained commitment to excellence, and the dedication and hard work that have shaped its journey. “On this occasion, we recall with deep appreciation and pride the 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 the mission of education, he regarded people as both the cornerstone and ultimate goal of development. His pioneering initiative to establish the Kingdom’s first private university laid the foundation for what has become a well-established academic institution and a beacon of knowledge, creativity, and excellence. “Al-Ahliyya Amman University continues its distinguished journey, guided by an ambitious vision and an evolving approach under the leadership of Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Through his determination and strategic vision, he has worked to strengthen a culture of institutional excellence, advance development, and enhance the university’s presence at international academic forums. “Today, the university looks forward to a new chapter of achievement and leadership under the presidency of Professor Ahmad Hamdan, who is steering its academic course toward further progress, distinction, and excellence.” He went on to highlight the university’s continued efforts to consolidate its prestigious position at the forefront of higher education, achieving a series of significant and unprecedented accomplishments at both the national and international levels. Among these achievements was the university’s performance in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, in which it was placed in the 376–400 band globally. This achievement positioned it first among all Jordanian universities, both public and private, making it the first university in Jordan to enter the world’s top 400. The university also ranked 22nd globally in the International Outlook indicator. Its leadership continued in the Times Higher Education subject rankings, where it secured the top position nationally in Computer Science, Education Studies, Physical Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Engineering. It also distinguished itself among private universities in Business and Economics, as well as Medical and Health. These achievements were complemented by a significant advancement in the QS World University Rankings, where the university climbed 123 places to reach 643rd globally. This result reaffirmed its position as the top-ranked private university in Jordan and the third-ranked university nationally overall. In recognition of this progress, the university received the highest overall rating from the international QS Stars rating system, earning more than five stars and an “Outstanding” rating—the highest level in this independent assessment system for academic and institutional performance. At the level of specialized academic disciplines, the university achieved notable international recognition in the 2026 ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, placing in the 301–400 band worldwide in Artificial Intelligence and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, while leading Jordanian universities in these fields. These exceptional achievements reflect the results of rigorous, independent data collection and analysis, supported by strong institutional foundations and key performance indicators. These include the quality of teaching and scientific research, graduates’ high employability, international presence and reach, the quality of facilities and services, the adoption of governance and sustainable development standards, diversity, equity and inclusion, and the promotion of positive environmental impact. Addressing the graduating students, Professor Al-Atyat said: “Congratulations on this day, which marks the culmination of your hard work and dedication. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to your families, who have stood by you as a source of support and encouragement throughout this journey. Your success is the fruit of their sacrifices and their unwavering faith in you.” He concluded his address by saying: “From this platform, Al-Ahliyya Amman University renews its commitment to leadership and loyalty. We pledge to remain a steadfast guardian of our noble mission: empowering creative talent and nurturing capable individuals who can contribute, with vision and determination, to the advancement of our nation and the realization of its aspirations. “We reaffirm our profound sense of belonging and renew, with sincerity and reverence, our pledge of allegiance and enduring loyalty to the Hashemite Throne under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. May they remain a source of strength and support for our nation. May our beloved Jordan continue to stand proud and strong, a nation of dignity and resilience, and an oasis of security and stability.” Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, then presented Her Royal Highness Princess Alia bint Al Hussein with a commemorative university shield in appreciation of her presence and patronage of the graduation ceremony. The ceremony continued with an address delivered on behalf of the graduates by Jawad Sobhi Al-Duraidi, a graduate in Medical Laboratory Sciences. He began by welcoming Her Royal Highness Princess Alia bint Al Hussein, the patron of the ceremony, expressing his gratitude for her gracious presence, which had added distinction and grandeur to the occasion. He then welcomed Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Professor Ahmad Hamdan, President of the University; and all attendees. He also expressed his appreciation to the university’s administration, distinguished professors, deanships, faculties, departments, and centers for their support throughout the students’ academic journey. Reflecting on the university’s impact, he said: “From the very heart of this university, we were nurtured from our earliest beginnings and sent forth as beacons of light. It was more than an institution to us; it was a home that shaped our spirits through knowledge and enlightened our vision through humanity. We are grateful for the way it refined our abilities and prepared us to step into life as pioneers. “As the following verses remind us: Life passes, yet hopes endure; So look to your resolve and the work that occupies you. O seeker of knowledge, rejoice in learning; If you seek it for God’s sake and aspire to attain it. Therefore, my dear friend, turn humbly to the Lord of all dominion; Perhaps He will grant you what you seek. “At this moment, I would also like to offer a heartfelt tribute to my beloved mother, who endured hardships with the patience of a hero; to my brothers and sisters, who stood beside me when my strength began to fade; and to my father, may he rest in peace, who departed before witnessing the fruits of his efforts. His dream has remained a guiding light, illuminating my path. “I also extend my gratitude to the dear friends I have gained within the walls of this university. You have been the finest companions on the journey of knowledge and a source of invaluable support in times of challenge.” He concluded his address by saying: “Today, we leave with a solemn commitment to ourselves: to carry knowledge as a trust, to use it to build a future for our families and our nation, and never to settle for anything less than the highest standards of goodness and achievement.” Professor Bashar Tarawneh, Vice President of the University, then read the official graduation declaration, confirming that the students from the faculties of Graduate Studies, Pharmacy, Information Technology, Allied Medical Sciences, Engineering, Business, Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Law, Educational Sciences, and Nursing had fulfilled all requirements for their respective bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He then invited the patron of the ceremony and the University President to proceed with the presentation of the graduates’ degrees. Her Royal Highness Princess Alia bint Al Hussein, accompanied by Professor Ahmad Hamdan, President of the University, and the dean of each faculty, presented graduation certificates to the graduates and awards of distinction to outstanding students. The ceremony was hosted by Ali Zahi Ali Shibli, a Computer Science student at the Faculty of Information Technology, who skillfully introduced each segment of the program with thoughtful and meaningful remarks.