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Guest invitations will be distributed on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Each graduate will receive four (4) guest invitations for family members/guests only.

Note: No additional guest invitations will be provided, as seating capacity is limited.

To get your graduation gown (cap & gown), you need to attend the Gown Fittings Day and collect it from the designated fitting/distribution location.

• Location: Building B
• Female students: Female Students Lounge
• Male students: Male Students Lounge
• Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
• Time: 09:00 AM – 02:00 PM (for both female and male students)

What happens on that day? You will do the gown fitting and receive the cap & gown during the distribution process.

All graduating students are required to attend the Gown Fittings Day to ensure correct sizing and proper preparation for the ceremony. Please note that all colleges will wear the same graduation robe; however, each college has a designated sash color.

• Wear smart/formal attire underneath the gown and adhere to a formal and modest dress code.
• Appropriate footwear is recommended, as you may need to walk up and down stairs and across the stage.

During Rehearsal 1, graduates’ names will be called out, and you will have the opportunity to confirm the correct pronunciation and spelling. Any required corrections must be communicated and finalized during Rehearsal 1.

Important: No name changes or corrections will be accepted during Rehearsal 2 or on the Ceremony Day.

Please only bring the essential items listed below. Kindly note that when you are called to cross the stage, you will not be allowed to carry any personal items with you.

If needed, we recommend bringing a small bag that you can safely leave at your seat while crossing the stage. Alternatively, you may leave your belongings with your guests before the ceremony begins.

Essential items to bring:

• Your seat number card
• University ID card or another valid photo ID (e.g., Emirates ID)
• Your invitation / guest invitations
• A mobile phone/camera (optional)

Kindly note: Flash photography may be restricted during the ceremony. Please be respectful and avoid obstructing the view of others.

All graduates must arrive before the ceremony begins, at exactly 1:00 PM on Thursday (Ceremony Day).

Arrival guidance (Guests): Guests arriving separately should arrive at least 45 minutes before the ceremony.

Please ensure that guests have their invitations ready.

Graduation is a formal occasion, so please ensure you are dressed to impress. Graduates are required to wear smart, formal, and modest attire, as your clothing may be visible underneath the graduation gown. Traditional/national dress is also welcomed.

Footwear: Please wear appropriate and comfortable footwear, as you will be walking up and down several steps and across the stage.

Not Allowed:

• Shorts
• Denim
• Trainers / Sports shoes

Get ready to strike a pose! Graduates will have the opportunity to take an official graduation photograph while wearing the gown, cap, and the college sash. This official photograph will be displayed on the screen when your name is called during the graduation ceremony.

Official Photography Date

Monday, February 9, 2026

A dedicated photography team will be available to assist you throughout the process.

All graduates must sit in their exact assigned numbered seat approximately 40 minutes before the ceremony start time, as indicated on the paper ticket/seat number provided on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. This is essential to ensure that graduates are called to the stage in the correct order.

• Graduates will be seated together in the designated graduate seating area.
• Guests will be seated separately in the guest seating area.

Please ensure that you are seated at least 40 minutes before the ceremony begins.

We know that walking across the stage can feel a little daunting but don’t worry! Our dedicated graduation team will guide you every step of the way. Below are our top tips to help you prepare for your special moment.

1. Choose safe and comfortable footwear: While it’s natural to want to look your best, we strongly recommend wearing comfortable and secure shoes. You will be walking up and down stairs and across the stage, so select footwear that allows you to move confidently and safely.
2. Wear smart, formal, and modest attire: Graduates are advised to wear smart/formal attire underneath the graduation gown and must adhere to a formal and modest dress code to ensure an appropriate and professional appearance.
3. Follow staff instructions at all times: Our graduation team will be positioned at key points to guide you throughout the process. Several staff members will support you, verify your name, and direct you where to go. Please listen carefully and follow instructions to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly. If you are unsure at any point, feel free to ask a staff member for help.
4. Sit in your assigned seat: Seating is carefully arranged to ensure names are called in the correct order. Please sit only in your assigned seat (as indicated in your ticket/seat plan). This helps ensure the correct flow of graduates to the stage.
5. Confirm your name when asked: You may be asked to confirm your name before going up to the stage. Please pay attention and confirm only when your name is called, so we can ensure each graduate is in the correct position and ready at the right time.
6. Do not carry personal items on stage: Avoid bringing phones, bags, wallets, or any personal items when stepping onto the stage. Keeping your hands free will help you feel more comfortable and prevents anything from falling during the walk.
7. Smile this is your moment! This is a proud and memorable achievement. Photographers will be positioned near the stage to capture your special moment, so take a deep breath, smile, and enjoy the experience.
8. Don’t be nervous celebrate your success! You have worked hard for this day. Walk with confidence, follow the team’s guidance, and enjoy the celebration. You may wave to your family and loved ones they will be cheering for you!

To ensure every graduate has their special moment, and to maintain the flow of the ceremony, we kindly ask all graduates to follow these guidelines:

• Do not carry any items onto the stage (including mobile phones, cameras, handbags, etc.).
• Selfies or filming while crossing the stage are strictly not allowed, as it disrupts the procession, delays the ceremony, and may affect other graduates’ experience.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us ensure a memorable ceremony for everyone.

Once the Platform Party has exited, graduates and guests will be guided to leave the auditorium in an organised manner.

The ceremony will last approximately 60 minutes.

For any inquiries regarding the graduation ceremony or this checklist, please contact us via email or the contact numbers below:

Email: sss@uaqu.ac.ae

Contact Numbers: 067069000 — 800 8278