Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim; Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi; Chairperson of Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; UDST Board of Trustees’ Chairman H E Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and UDST President Dr. Salem Al Naemi with students at the ceremony.
The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) yesterday held its graduation ceremony as 781 students graduated from Qatar’s first applied university at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
UDST’s second graduation as an applied state university was attended by the Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim; Chairperson of Qatar Museums and guest speaker H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; UDST Board of Trustees’ Chairman H E Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada; and the board members, ministers, UDST President Dr. Salem Al Naemi, the university’s staff and faculty, and graduates’ families.
According to UDST, the number of graduates saw a 68% increase compared to last year. On the other hand, 222 students graduated from Business Management, 78 from Computing and Information Technology, 267 from Engineering Technology and 214 from Health Sciences.
While addressing the students, Sheikha Al Mayassa told them to implement their creativity and innovation expertise. She alluded to the rapid development of technology and the importance of consistent research in making technology practical and accessible, especially in supporting Qatar’s goal to evolve from not just a technology-consuming nation but to a producing and exporting country.
Speaking at the graduation, Dr. Al Naemi highlighted UDST’s transformation into an applied university and its commitment to excellence and meeting the nation’s needs following the Qatar National Vision 2030. UDST offers 64 programmes to its students.
“Under the wise leadership of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the support the education sector has received from the government, the University of Doha for Science and Technology was able to thrive and achieve its national mission.
“UDST’s educational approach aligns with the national strategies and plans and considers the needs of the fourth industrial revolution, particularly the surge of Artificial Intelligence. Our purpose is to develop skilled professionals that are needed across different sectors and who can easily lead in the market and become an integral part of delivering Qatar National Vision 2030,” Dr. Al Naemi said.
He added that the university has partnered with leading entities in the government and private sectors to implement many essential projects and advisory committees, bringing top expertise and unique skills to the school. According to him, the committees help UDST navigate the ever-changing market conditions, which has led to eight new programmes to meet this demand.
“The new programmes cover marine engineering, smart manufacturing, software engineering, neonatal intensive care, midwifery, sustainable tourism, TVET, and STEM education,” Dr. Al Naemi disclosed.
Speaking to the graduates, Dr. Al Naemi encouraged them to continue learning and stay relevant in an ever-changing labour market. He urged them to be creators and exemplary and represent the institution as good ambassadors. During the ceremony, 14 holders of the ‘Graduation Class Honor Society Award’ were honoured.
The Class of 2023 valedictorian, Abdullah Ahmadi, holder of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, said: “UDST was the university of choice for us. This is where we learn in an applied environment and acquire knowledge and skills that prepare us to lead the future. This campus offered us the support we needed to learn and grow, shape our personalities, and develop. Our graduation is only the beginning, the learning never stops, and it is our time to shine with the spirit of UDST and give back to the community and Qatar.”
UDST has graduated more than 7400 students dedicated to serving Qatar locally and internationally. UDST hosts more than 7,000 students across its five Colleges, representing more than 70 nationalities.
