The College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine at the United Arab Emirates University organized a welcoming ceremony for the 2024-2025 cohort of Veterinary Medicine students, titled the "White Coat Ceremony." The event was attended by H.E. Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor; Dr. Mohammed Abdul Muhsen Alyafei, Acting Dean of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Mona Al Shara, Board Member of the Emirates Veterinary Association; along with several academic leaders, faculty members, and students’ families. The ceremony took place at the Crescent Building on campus.

During the welcoming ceremony, the new students, numbering 61, received their "White Coats," along with stethoscopes and took the veterinary oath, symbolizing their entry into the veterinary care community and affirming their commitment to serving the community and safeguarding public health through animal care and food safety.

In his speech, H.E. Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor, stated that the United Arab Emirates aims to lead the Global Food Security Index by 2050, emphasizing that the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal by graduating qualified national cadres and engaging in research and development. He also affirmed the college's commitment to enhancing education and scientific research in line with the country's aspirations by involving youth and developing Emirati expertise in agriculture, food science, and veterinary medicine. Additionally, the college aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the food and agriculture sectors, stressing the importance of innovation as a key element for the future of these sectors. The college works to motivate students and faculty members to provide innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of the Emirati and global communities, encouraging them to develop business ideas in sustainable agriculture, healthy food production, and advanced veterinary medicine.

Dr. Mohammed Abdul Muhsen Alyafei, Acting Dean of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, highlighted the vital role of veterinarians in maintaining public health and safety. He explained that the college aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary in the fields of plant and animal health and production, focusing on preparing them to become leaders and experts in these critical disciplines. He also noted that the college offers diverse programs in agriculture and veterinary medicine, contributing to ensuring food security, safety, and sustainability in the country, as well as serving undergraduate and graduate students in various bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, which enhances its status as a leading educational institution in developing the food, agriculture, and veterinary medicine sectors.

Prof. Arve Lee Willingham, Chair of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, presented a comprehensive presentation of the Bachelor’s program in Veterinary Medicine and the significance of the White Coat Ceremony in the students' academic journey, showcasing their experiences in various scientific fields related to veterinary medicine. He also presented a short video about the college, the majors available to students, and future job and education opportunities in the latest facilities related to veterinary medicine.