The United Arab Emirates University (VAEU) College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine organized a welcoming ceremony for the 2026 cohort of 31 veterinary students. Under the patronage of HE Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh – cultural advisor to SH the President of the UAE, Chancellor of the University of the UAE, and in the presence of Prof. Ghaleb Al Hadrami Al Breiki – Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of the UAE, Prof. Bhanu Chowdhary – Dean of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Arve Lee Willingham – Head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, as well as faculty members and students
For the first time in their academic life, the students received their “white coats” and their stethoscope. The white coat ceremony is the first ceremony to follow in the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the University of the United Arab Emirates. Its symbolic meaning lies in the fact that it represents the moment of the start of the veterinary program, which extends over the next five years of study and practice.
Prof. Ghaleb Al Hadrami Al Breiki, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of the United Arab Emirates, welcomed the students. He spoke on the importance of veterinary medicine in general and the role of the veterinarian in particular in maintaining the health and safety of the community through animal care and disease prevention, and maintaining food security and safety. He also said the university is supporting students as futuremakers and pioneers to take leadership roles in all areas and promote global practices that achieve the country’s strategy to achieve globalization in this vital and important discipline.
Prof. Bhanu Chowdhary, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, is delighted that a new group of veterinary medicine students is joining. He talked about his experiences and the challenges the students will face, but with their determination they will succeed. He also referred to the importance of scientific research and the involvement during the academic years in empirical research led by highly qualified lecturers.
Prof. Arve Lee Willingham – Head of the Veterinary Department gave an introduction to the Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine. He announced the imminent opening of the doctoral and master’s course at the faculty. He also urged students to participate after graduation and get a bachelor’s degree. He then gave a lecture on the facilities where students complete their practical training on and off the university campus. Dr. Hamda Al Alawi – a graduate of the 2019 Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine cohort, gave an inspiring speech to the new students and talked about the pleasant experiences during the academic years and her path with the field of veterinary medicine. Dr. Dhabia AlQubaisi – from the Emirates Veterinary Association, which deals with the profession of veterinary medicine and livestock husbandry in all its aspects, the 2020 UAEU graduate gave a welcoming speech to the students. She also emphasized the role of the veterinarian in educating society, protecting human and animal health and fighting all epidemics and common diseases.
© Press release 2021