On Saturday night, 2nd of October 2004, Ahlia University held its annual Induction Day ceremony at the Awal Ballroom of the Gulf Hotel for incoming undergraduate students. Especially for Ahlia University (AU) students, Induction Day is always a special occasion and this year proved no exception as the annual Induction Day set the tone for the incoming students to pursue their education and career goals in the course of their first year at university level. In that respect, the AU’s annual Induction Day served and continues to serve as a backdrop to the ideal atmosphere AU provides for students to excel in terms of academic performance. In addition, the Induction Day provided an opportunity for undergraduate students, pursuing varied fields of study, to meet their peers attending programmes in different AU colleges and centres. Parents of students also enjoyed the opportunity to become further acquainted with Ahlia University.

Prof. Abdullah Y. Al-Hawaj, President, Ahlia University, opened the Induction Day with an inaugural address and welcomed the students. President Al-Hawaj underscored the progress that the university has made in the field of education and complimented the Ahlia Student Council, the elective body of student representatives in Ahlia, for its pivotal role in organizing the Induction Day.

A visiting delegation from Brunel University U.K. took an active part in the Induction Day ceremony. Dr. Zahir Irani, Visiting Professor and Dean of Mathematical Sciences & IT College, presided over this delegation. Dr. Don Lloyd, Head of the Business School at Brunel University, and Professor John Sharp, the external examiner of Brunel from Salford University, highlighted the growing importance of Brunel University’s multiplicitous academic collaborations and associations with Ahlia University.

Afterwards, introductions from Student Council members and faculty, sharing the podium alike, followed and festivities began in earnest… as can be seen from the beaming smiles of the Quiz-Night prize recipients.