Birzeit alumni reunion in Dubai honors graduates’ achievements

“Birzeit University realizes that our students and alumni are our ambassadors inside and outside Palestine. There is nothing more rewarding for us than to see our alumni flourish; we take pride when you contribute meaningfully to the building of successful institutions and to sustainable development in the places where you now live,” the President of Birzeit University Abdullatif Abuhijleh told the university’s alumni in a reunion held the United Arab Emirates. Around 350 alumni attended the ceremony, organized by the Advancement Department in Dubai.

Abuhijleh added, “The success of this reunion has motivated us to establish an alumni club or society in the UAE. We are now preparing for its establishment and welcome all thoughts and contributions from our alumni, through contacting the Alumni Engagement Unit.”

Out of Birzeit University’s desire to foster connections with its alumni and between the alumni themselves, the university’s Advancement Office has inaugurated the Alumni Engagement Unit, Abuhijleh revealed. “Through this unit, we will be able to witness and follow up on the incredible successes of our alumni and to inspire current students to carve their own paths to greatness,” he explained, adding, “We aim to maintain not only personal relationships but also academic and professional connections.”

In the spotlight of the event was Sadeq Jarrar, a Birzeit University graduate of the class of 2002, now the head of the public affairs and government communication department at APCO Worldwide-Dubai and a former head of communications and public relations at Sky News Arabia, who talked about his experiences while attending Birzeit University from 1998 to 2002.

The reunion featured a special stand-up performance by Palestinian comedian Alaa’ Abu Diab and included other entertainment and networking activities.