Six Degrees graduation showcase celebrates a year of student creativity and achievement
Sharjah, UAE – The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) presented its highly anticipated annual graduation exhibition, Six Degrees, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, attended the opening and officially inaugurated the exhibit.
Six Degrees Graduate Showcase
In its 15th year, the exhibition brought together the work of graduating students across CAAD's diverse degree programs—architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication and urban planning. The opening ceremony was open to the public and served as an important platform for connecting emerging talent from CAAD with representatives from the design professions in the UAE.
'For each student, Six Degrees represents the culmination of four or five years of rigorous studio practice, creative exploration and growth. It offers our community a moment of celebration, reflection and pride,' said Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of CAAD. 'The show has grown significantly over the years, and, as I mark my final year as dean, I am deeply grateful to those at CAAD who work tirelessly to bring it to life. I feel fortunate to have witnessed so many generations of CAAD graduates launch their professional journeys through this platform.'
'We are proud to host Six Degrees at SRTIP, a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the exceptional talent nurtured at the American University of Sharjah. This exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to bridging academia and industry, and to empowering the next generation of designers and architects who will shape more sustainable, human-centered cities and products for the future,' said H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park.
The event also included the CAAD annual awards ceremony. This year, 28 outstanding students and faculty were recognized for their exceptional academic performance, creative accomplishments, leadership and service to the university community.
' Six Degrees has always been more than just a showcase—it's a celebration of transformation. Year after year, it captures the evolution of creative thought, the courage to challenge convention and the spirit of design that defines CAAD. Returning to the show is a reminder of the energy and imagination that first shaped me as a student and now fuels my work as a professional,' said CAAD alumna Tala Alnounou.
CAAD is widely recognized for its distinctive studio-based education model and interdisciplinary approach to design. As the top-ranked school (tied) for architecture and the built environment in the UAE and among the top 260 schools globally for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), CAAD offers creatively-gifted students a dynamic environment in which to sharpen their creative skills and make their mark in the world of design.
AUS Artist-in-Residence showcase
This year's Six Degrees showcase was accompanied by Najat Makki, Artist in Residence, 2024–25, a special exhibition of selected works by pioneering Emirati visual artist Dr. Najat Makki, developed during her residency at AUS. Dr. Makki's exhibited works explore transitions in time and place through layered color, ornamentation and abstraction—offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant reflection on memory, heritage and modernity.
Dr. Makki's residency at AUS was part of a broader vision championed by Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, to position creative practice as a central pillar of academic life.
Exhibition Details: The Six Degrees showcase and Najat Makki Artist in Residence 2024–25 are part of the same exhibition space at SRTIP.
Dates and Open times: From June 1, the exhibition will be open to public from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain open until June 6.
Location: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park
bit.ly/SRTIP_Pin
For more information, please contact, caadcomms@aus.edu.
Video: https://we.tl/t-9MelpQIm31
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
5 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE grants music management licence as streaming market tipped to hit $2.3bn
The UAE Ministry of Economy granted its second collective music management licence to Music Nation during a ceremony held at its headquarters in Dubai. The licence authorises the organisation to manage the distribution of rights on behalf of music creators and performers, while also ensuring nationwide compliance among music platforms. It comes as the streaming market is tipped to hit $2.3bn by 2030 and musical artists and producers in the region look to monetise works. UAE music management The announcement was made during an event attended by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, and Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Under-Secretary for Intellectual Property. The Ministry confirmed that the licence was issued in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 concerning copyright and related rights. It marks the continuation of the Ministry's efforts to strengthen intellectual property frameworks in the UAE, following the first collective management licence awarded to the Emirates Music Rights Association in April 2025. Al Saleh said: 'Under the vision of our wise leadership, the UAE has placed strategic emphasis on enhancing the competitiveness of its cultural and creative industries, driving their growth both regionally and globally. 'Recognising their vital role in national economic growth, we are committed to fostering public-private collaboration to cultivate an enabling environment for talent and innovation. 'By elevating the creative economy's legislative framework to world-class standards, we aim to expand the private sector's participation in it, in line with the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries 2031.' The Under-Secretary said: 'The Ministry remains committed to establishing a world-class copyright governance system, drawing on international best practices. We are achieving this through strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, fostering investment in creative sectors, and implementing robust collective management systems. 'These measures safeguard intellectual property rights while building creators' trust in the nation's creative ecosystem.' 'The collective music management licence serves as a catalyst for cultural innovation while safeguarding artists' intellectual property rights. Through establishing transparent revenue distribution systems and fair compensation mechanisms, it elevates the UAE's music industry – enhancing its global competitiveness and positioning our nation as a premier hub for creative enterprises'. Al Saleh emphasised that awarding the licence to Music Nation marks a strategic milestone in the UAE's commitment to fostering creativity. The initiative unlocks new opportunities for artists, writers, and producers while strengthening rights protection and leveraging creative-economy tools – ultimately positioning the sector as a key driver of national economic growth. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini said: 'Our music industry is witnessing remarkable growth, fuelled by an expanding ecosystem of creative enterprises and world-class events. Dubai alone boasts 350 live music venues, while the national streaming market generated $841.9m in 2024 – projected to nearly triple to $2.3bn by 2030. 'To sustain this momentum, the Ministry of Economy is prioritising robust legislative frameworks that will further catalyse the creative economy and foster artistic innovation. 'Building on last month's inaugural licence granted to the Emirates Music Rights Association, today marks another significant milestone with the official authorisation of Music Nation. 'We are actively collaborating with local and global partners, including industry associations and legal experts, to share best practices that drive sector growth. 'In tandem, we're expanding awareness initiatives to ensure artists, composers, and producers fully leverage these licences to protect both their creative works and financial interests.' Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Music Nation, said: 'Today marks a pivotal moment for the UAE and Music Nation. After years of careful planning, Music Nation is positioned to become a cornerstone of music licensing, empowering the Emirates' vibrant creative industry. ''As an Emarati, I am honoured to establish a world-class music rights infrastructure that not only elevates local artists to greater heights, but also showcases our rich musical heritage and cultural traditions to the world. 'In partnership with industry leaders BMI and SoundExchange, our cutting-edge technology and services will protect music rights holders and propel the UAE's music economy to new frontiers'.
The National
8 hours ago
- The National
TÜV Rheinland announces key regulatory update under Iraq's ICIGI programme
TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in quality, safety and certification services, announces a critical regulatory update mandated by Iraq's Central Organisation for Standardisation and Quality Control (COSQC). Effective June 17, 2025, an updated list of product standards will be applicable under the ICIGI Programme (Pre-Import Inspection, Testing and Certification Programme for Goods Entering Iraq). These revisions impact key sectors, including construction materials, food products, cosmetics and steel manufacturing, ensuring alignment with evolving Iraqi and international standards. The revised standards include, but are not limited to: Construction and Industrial Materials: IQS 1980:2024 (Heat-insulating clay bricks), IQS 5264-1:2024 (steel bars for concrete reinforcement – smooth bars), ENG 92:2024 (Steel bars for concrete reinforcement) Food and Consumer Goods: IQS 2245:2024 (sugar), IQS 15:2024 (olive oil and olive pomace oil) Dental and Speciality Products: IQS 2300:2024 (gypsum products for dental medicine) This update ensures alignment with evolving compliance requirements for goods entering the Republic of Iraq. Importers and manufacturers must adhere to the revised standards to obtain a Certificate of Conformity, mandatory for customs clearance. The updated list underscores COSQC's commitment to enhancing product safety and regulatory efficiency. In line with this regulatory development, TÜV Rheinland reaffirms its authorisation by COSQC (under Iraq's Ministry of Planning) to issue Certificates of Conformity for regulated goods, effective March 1, 2025. The scope includes inspection, testing and certification across sectors such as food, construction, engineering, chemicals and textiles to ensure compliance with Iraqi and international standards. Fares Naouri, senior vice president, said: 'Iraq's growing demand for compliant infrastructure and products requires rigorous oversight. Our COC services, backed by advanced laboratories, expert teams, and streamlined processes, help prevent substandard goods from entering the market while accelerating customs clearance.' Issa Alaydie, general manager for government inspections and international trade, said: 'This accreditation reflects COSQC's vision that all regulated products entering the Iraqi market comply with the applicable Iraqi standards. Through document verification, testing and shipment validation, we ensure a transparent and efficient pathway for imports.' From TÜV Rheinland's scope, the key programme details encompass the following critical components. A full list of updated products is available here. link.
Khaleej Times
8 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's powerhouse stable Godolphin takes aim at flat racing's biggest week
The first weekend of June launched a high-stakes two weeks for UAE-linked stables across Europe and the UK with Godolphin's Cualificar setting the stage after a valiant run in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly on Sunday. Trained by the legendary André Fabre, the son of Lope de Vega came within striking distance of Classic Glory, only to be edged out by Camille Pissarro in the closing strides of the 1m2½f contest. Ridden with tactical precision by Godolphin's retained jockey William Buick, Cualificar raced prominently in third before mounting a determined challenge in the straight, eventually finishing just half a length behind the Aidan O'Brien-trained winner, Camille Pissarro. Arc On the Radar 'Cualificar put up a very solid effort,' said Buick. ' I thought we ended up in a nice position and he did everything that I asked of him. The winner is a good horse, but I think that Cualificar will possibly get a bit further. He may get an Arc prep now and he doesn't lack for quality. It was a very good run.' It was a performance worthy of his lineage, echoing the class of sire Lope de Vega and grandsire Shamardal, both Prix du Jockey Club winners themselves, the latter having won the race in Godolphin blue in 2005 with Frankie Dettori aboard. While a French Derby win proved elusive this year it was a reassuring performance for the global racing powerhouse built by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Godolphin now turns its full focus to an explosive Derby weekend at Epsom Downs, followed by major American targets on the horizon. With Cualificar potentially aimed at the G1 Grand Prix de Paris next, the spotlight now turns to a formidable lineup of Classic contenders poised to take on the biggest races of the season. On Friday at Epsom, Desert Flower, an unbeaten daughter of Night Of Thunder, bids to become the 50th filly in history to complete the 1,000 Guineas–Oaks double, following her commanding display at Newmarket. Also undefeated, Good Cheer heads back into battle in the G1 Acorn Stakes at Belmont on the same day. The Kentucky Oaks winner has dismantled every challenge so far and remains one of the standout fillies in North America. Sovereignty Aims at Belmont Stakes Saturday brings the most ambitious targets yet. Sovereignty, Godolphin's Kentucky Derby hero, eyes a historic run in the G1 Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the US Triple Crown, where he will once again face Journalism, his nearest rival at Churchill Downs. In the UK, Ruling Court seeks to emulate Camelot (2012) as the first horse since to win both the 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, with support from stablemate Tornado Alert, who was fourth at Newmarket and is expected to improve. This surge of Classic contenders is a nod to the legacy of Sheikh Mohammed, whose famous maroon silks won the French Derby in 1989 with Old Vic, trained by the late-great Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Steve Cauthen - a moment that predates the arrival of the Godolphin stable but helped lay the foundation for its birth. With their horses now spread across continents and firing in every Classic division it's another reminder of Godolphin's vast influence and unwavering pursuit of excellence across borders.
