Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani attending the the graduation ceremony of Qatar University's 45th batch at the QU Sport and Events Complex, yesterday.
Doha: Under the patronage of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar University (QU) celebrated the graduation ceremony of its 45th batch yesterday at the QU Sport and Events Complex. This year, 672 male graduates were celebrated in the Class of 2022 in the presence of the Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani. Graduates include 307 Qataris and 365 non-Qataris.
The Deputy Amir also honoured outstanding students.
In his speech, the President of QU H E Dr. Hassan bin Rashid Al Derham said: “Today, we celebrate the 45th batch of graduates from Qatar University, with 3,439 graduates to join the alumni of the University, it will exceed over 61,000. Qatar University, throughout its history, has had the honour of contributing to the goals of the country and the aspirations of its leaders through its research capabilities, expertise, and preparing generations of competencies.”
“This celebration is linked to an exceptional historical event hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. This batch will always have connotations linked to the year of this event, and will have great pride and remember it continuously for generations to come. This historic event represents a real addition to Qatar’s response to this challenge and demonstrates its ability to play a key role in the international arena.”
Dr. Al Derham said: “The University has begun its strategic mobility by developing an integrated strategy from 2018 to 2023. At the end of this academic year, we are pleased to see that the concerted efforts and cadres of the various sectors of the University have borne fruit and turned the strategy into reality. Looking at the strategic indicators, the proportion of Qatari students enrolled in the academic programmes in science, engineering, and mathematics is rising, with the index approaching 80 percent of the target. In addition, the research indicator has also achieved a value higher than the target. The student-to-faculty rate index places the University among the world’s elite universities.
“In the university rankings, QU has maintained its position in the top 250 universities in the QS World University Rankings. According to the Times Higher Education rankings, it is one of the top 350 universities internationally. QU also ranked second among Arab universities according to both ranking institutions.”
Dr. Al Derham added that QU is now working to achieve accreditation from the WSCUC organisation in terms of expansion and offering programmes that respond to the community’s needs. The University passed the first and second phases and is now working on the final stage, which is expected to be completed in February 2023.
Discussing the achievements of the medical and health sciences sector, Dr. Hassan said, “The University’s Board of Regents approved the establishment of the College of Nursing, which will begin in the Fall of 2022. This year, we are also witnessing the first batch of graduates from the physiotherapy programme, who will provide the labour market with graduates with a high level of professionalism and knowledge.”
“In the scientific research and scientific publication sector, the academic year was rich with achievements. Our researchers published more than 500 research papers in collaboration with researchers from more than 150 countries worldwide. Our scholars and faculty published more than 2,500 rigorous scientific researches this year alone. QU Press also released 34 new titles this year in various scientific disciplines, the crown of which was the publication of the ‘Encyclopedia of Occidentalism’ by the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, the first scientific work in the Islamic world of its kind,” he added.
Dr. Al Derham highlighted QU’s collaboration with Qatar Gas to transport a range of corals to a better marine area and its partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to build a sophisticated laboratory for rehabilitation and adaptation before returning them to their original environment. He also noted the UNESCO Chair in Desalination and Water Treatment, the first in the Gulf region.
The QU president said four new buildings were completed this year: the College of Law, Education, Engineering and the Student Affairs Building.
Addressing the Class of 2022 graduates, he said, “You are going through an important stage in your life where you are building your personalities and knowledge. You are on a new stage with challenges and aspirations. We are confident that your University has contributed to your preparation for this stage. I am sure you will realise that Qatar University has provided you with the tools and skills you need, and I trust that it will always be supportive and a reference to you. There is no doubt that the journey was long and arduous, and I hope it was enjoyable with all its obstacles, effort and hard work.”
The graduation ceremony of the Class of 2022 includes graduates (bachelors, diploma, masters and doctorate) of the following semesters: Fall 2021 and Winter 2022, in addition to those who are expected to graduate by the end of Spring 2022.
