Rafik Hariri University is proud to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 24th Annual Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. on the green grounds of the RHU campus in Mechref.

The Commencement Ceremony marks a significant milestone in the academic journey of our graduates and celebrates their perseverance, accomplishments, and readiness to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.

All eligible undergraduate and graduate candidates who have fulfilled their graduation requirements are expected to attend the ceremony and participate in this memorable occasion alongside their families, friends, faculty, and fellow graduates.

COMMENCEMENT 2026 HIGHLIGHTS

Theme 2026

Resilient Minds, Bold Spirits, and Limitless Achievers

Keynote Speaker

RHU is honored to welcome Dr. Antoine Sfeir, Advisor to the President of the Lebanese Republic on Constitutional and International Law, as the Keynote Speaker for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony.

A distinguished legal scholar and attorney with more than three decades of experience in constitutional and international law, Dr. Sfeir has built an accomplished career spanning the public and private sectors in Lebanon and internationally. His address will offer valuable insights and inspiration to the Class of 2026 as graduates prepare to embark on the next chapter of their personal and professional journeys.

Alumni Honors Program

As part of the Alumni Honors Program, RHU proudly recognizes Dr. Amani Alabed, PhD, Class of 2015, as the 2026 Alumni Honoree.

An Assistant Professor and AI researcher at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, Dr. Alabed has established herself as a leader in artificial intelligence, innovation, and research. Through her contributions to academia, industry, and emerging technology initiatives, she exemplifies the spirit of excellence, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership that defines the RHU alumni community.

Student Commencement Speakers

Representing the resilience, spirit, and promise of the Class of 2026, Ms. Dana Saba’Ayon and Ms. Jana Soussi will serve as the 2026 Student Commencement Speakers.

Ms. Saba’Ayon, a Marketing and Advertising graduate and recipient of the Nazek Rafik Hariri Graduate Study Award, and Ms. Soussi, a Graphic Design graduate with distinction, embody the values and aspirations of this year's graduating class. Together, they will deliver the student welcome address during the ceremony.

Attendance Confirmation

Graduation candidates are required to confirm their participation or absence no later than Friday, June 5, 2026.

To confirm your attendance, please send an email to registrar@rhu.edu.lb including:

• Full Name
• Student ID Number
• Confirmation of attendance or absence for both the rehearsal and commencement ceremony

Academic Attire

All graduates participating in the ceremony must wear the official RHU academic attire, including:

• Gown
• Cap
• Hood

Academic costumes will be available for collection in Room B105 from Tuesday, May 19 through Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Dress Code

To preserve the formality and dignity of the occasion, graduates are kindly requested to wear appropriate attire beneath their academic gowns.

For Male Graduates:

• Dark suit
• White shirt
• Plain-color necktie

For Female Graduates:

• White attire is preferred
• If white is not possible, a plain one-color dress is recommended

Tickets

• Guest tickets will be distributed by the Registrar's Office from Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 18, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Tickets will be provided to eligible candidates who have secured their academic attire and confirmed their attendance.
• Guests must present a valid ticket to access the designated seating area.

Commencement Rehearsal

• A mandatory rehearsal will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. on the RHU campus.
• All graduates participating in the academic procession are required to attend.

Academic Procession

• Graduates must gather next to the Student Affairs Office 90 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
• Candidates who are not present and in their designated place on time may not be permitted to join the procession or receive their diploma during the ceremony.
• Late arrivals will not be allowed to participate in the procession.
• Candidates are required to remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony and after all graduates have received their diplomas.

Ceremony Program

• The Commencement Ceremony includes:
• Faculty and Class of 2026 Procession
• Welcoming Address – Provost Dr. Mahmoud Halablab
• Lebanese National Anthem
• RHU Alma Mater
• RHU Address –President Dr. Said Ladki
• Class of 2026 Address
• Alumni Honors Program Address – Dr. Amani Imad Alabed
• Keynote Speaker Address – Dr. Antoine Sfeir
• Presentation of Mrs. Nazek Rafik Hariri Awards
• Presentation of Degrees
• Conferring of Degrees
• Faculty and Class of 2026 Recessional

Welcome to the RHU Alumni Community

Upon graduation, you become part of a growing network of RHU alumni who are making meaningful contributions across Lebanon and around the world.

The RHU Communication and Alumni Relations Office, in collaboration with the RHU Alumni Association, is committed to fostering lifelong connections, supporting alumni engagement, and creating opportunities for professional growth, networking, and continued involvement in university life.

We look forward to welcoming you to the RHU alumni community and celebrating your continued achievements in the years ahead.

Contact Information

For commencement-related inquiries, please contact:

Registrar's Office: registrar@rhu.edu.lb

For Alumni-related inquiries, please contact the RHU Communication and Alumni Relations Office: development@rhu.edu.lb