Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, attended the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the Master of Science in Media Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation programme the day before yesterday at the University of Barcelona. The programme is the first of its kind offered by the College of Communication at the University of Sharjah, in cooperation with the University of Barcelona and with strategic support from Sharjah Media City (Shams).
His Highness delivered a speech at the ceremony in which he expressed his joy at celebrating the graduates' achievement at the University of Barcelona, commending the established partnership between two distinguished universities united by a shared commitment to knowledge, excellence, and the promotion of global understanding. He affirmed that the graduation ceremony marks the beginning of a new journey for the graduates.
The President of the University of Sharjah noted that those who live in a coastal city understand an enduring truth: a ship may be safer when anchored in port, but that is not what it was built for. Ships are built to sail beyond the horizon, to embrace the unknown, and to discover new worlds before returning enriched by the experience of their voyage. He observed that today the graduates are leaving port, with a vast sea of opportunities, challenges, discoveries, and achievements before them, and that while no one can predict every current that may cross their path, all are certain that they possess the knowledge, resilience, and determination needed to navigate even the most difficult seas.
His Highness explained that the Master of Science in Media Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation programme, which connects Sharjah and Barcelona, is a contemporary expression of the same conviction held by our ancestors — a journey from port to port and from sea to sea. It is a programme that links two great institutions, two cultures, and two traditions rooted in excellence, and it has given students the opportunity to benefit from the intellectual and cultural wealth of both countries, equipping them not only to succeed in their professional careers but also to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
His Highness concluded his remarks by paying tribute to the families who attended and supported the graduates throughout their academic journey, as well as to the academic and administrative staff of both the University of Sharjah and the University of Barcelona for their dedication and commitment to excellence.
His Highness the President of the University of Sharjah presented certificates to the 24 graduates, congratulating them on their graduation and wishing them success in their future endeavours.
His Highness also visited the University of Barcelona library, which houses a large collection of books and specialised academic references across various fields that enrich the knowledge base of the university's students and researchers and support the conduct of research and scientific projects. He also received a detailed briefing on the most notable manuscripts and rare books held by the University of Barcelona.
Agreement
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Sharjah Media City (Shams) and the College of Communication at the University of Barcelona at the university's premises the day before yesterday.
The memorandum was signed by Rashid Abdullah Al Aoubd, Director General of Sharjah Media City (Shams), and Dr. Joan J. Burgueño, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Communication at the University of Barcelona.
The memorandum aims to establish a framework for cooperation between Shams and the College of Communication at the University of Barcelona in the fields of media, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific research, as well as academic and research collaboration in education and the creative industries. The memorandum will enhance the exchange of academic and professional expertise, the development of joint training programmes, and the organisation of conferences, seminars, and workshops that serve the media sector on both sides.
This memorandum opens new horizons for Sharjah Media City (Shams) and the College of Communication at the University of Barcelona to draw on best practices from both parties and strengthen cultural and academic exchange, thereby contributing to the development of national human resources and equipping them with the latest global skills and knowledge.