Drones to hand over degrees at AUE ceremony
Graduation may be one for the records
Imagine being part of a drive-in graduation ceremony, with your degree certificate being handed over to you by a drone?
Well, that is precisely what a well-known university in Dubai is planning for its 2020 Class of Hope next month.
In what will be a first-of-its-kind graduation ceremony in the UAE — and perhaps the world — the American University in the Emirates (AUE), on July 15, will be drawing on the drive-in cinema concept for its event.
FM radio channel
Students will arrive at the campus car park and settle in pre-assigned slots, two metres from each other’s vehicle. They will immediately be able to access an FM radio channel to follow the ceremony which will be chaired by Maj-Gen Dr Ahmad Nasseer Al Raisi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the University’s President Professor Muthanna Abdul Razzaq.
Once a graduate’s name is called out, a drone will carry the certificate and delivery it to the student’s parked car. Muthanna told a virtual press conference, “It’s a simple idea, but it’s very much in keeping with the way we at the AUE think. It’s creative, innovative and safe. We believe that it’s the first-of-its-kind in the region and maybe also the world.”
“We also chose July 15 to hold the ceremony as it coincides with the birthday of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Muthanna said the team is in touch with Guinness World Records to discuss a world record attempt.