LUMS Alumni in UAE Come Together for Exciting Reunion

The UAE Alumni Chapter hosted a successful reunion in Dubai on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The event celebrated the LUMS community in the UAE and brought together nearly 150 alumni and their families. Distinguished guests, including H.E. Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan Ambassador to UAE, Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor, LUMS, and Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost, graced the occasion with their presence.

The evening commenced with networking activities, with Ms. Eesha Imtiaz (BSc 2015), General Secretary, UAE Chapter, and Mr. Mudassir Sheikh (BSc 2007), Vice President, Abu Dhabi, UAE Chapter, leading the proceedings as Masters of Ceremony.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the outgoing Chapter board, with special appreciation for Mr. Shahzad Bashir (MBA 1998), former UAE Chapter President who generously served the alumni community for the past 12 years. Outgoing ambassadors that were thanked for their years of service also included Mr. Mudassir Sheikh (BSc 2007), and Mr. Usman Alvi (MBA 2012), Vice President of Dubai and Northern Emirates, UAE Chapter. Mr. Bashir addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of maintaining connections within the alumni network. In recognition of their efforts, dedication, and contributions to the UAE Alumni Chapter, Dr. Cheema presented Mr. Bashir, Mr. Sheikh, and Mr. Alvi with tokens of appreciation.

The event also introduced the newly elected UAE Alumni Chapter members, with Mr. Sheikh and Mr. Alvi elected again to the new board, Imtiaz welcomed as a new ambassador, and Mr. Abeer Hamid (MBA 2012) assuming the role of President. Mr. Hamid stressed the importance of networking and outlined the Chapter's plans to support alumni in the UAE. Awards were also presented to alumni for their outstanding contributions to the community.

During his address, Dr. Cheema spoke about LUMS as a trailblazer in education, noting the remarkable achievements of LUMS students and the transformative leadership exhibited by LUMS alumni. He also reflected on the world-class faculty at LUMS and the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Dr. Cheema invited the alumni to be part of the University's efforts to support talented students affected by stagflation, encouraging them to provide mentorship and advice to these students and help raise funds to make education accessible for deserving scholars.

While speaking at the event, Mr. Tirmizi commended the positive image of Pakistani universities in the UAE and praised LUMS for its academic excellence and ethical standards.

The event concluded with a dynamic speed networking session organised by Mr. Amer Qureshi, a former LUMS professor, and a captivating musical performance by Ms. Sana Riaz (BSc 2006). The evening ended on a high note with a group photo capturing the spirit of camaraderie among the attendees, followed by a delicious dinner.