UDST holds graduation ceremony for 861 students

Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) held a graduation ceremony for 861 students Wednesday.

The ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre had former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah as the guest speaker. HE the Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabar al-Nuaimi, a number of other ministers, UDST board of trustees chairman HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, board members; president Dr Salem al-Naemi and other dignitaries, staff and faculty, and graduates’ families were present.

UDST’s third graduation ceremony marked the commencement of the Class of 2024 which included 297 students from the College of Business, 127 from the College of Computing and Information Technology, 303 from the College of Engineering and Technology, and 134 from the College of Health Sciences. UDST offers 70 programmes tailored to the needs of Qatar’s economy.

The ceremony started with the parchments’ distribution and a congratulatory message from Dr al-Naemi, who expressed his pride in the graduates and their commitment to learning and perseverance.

"Since its establishment, the university has strived to carve out a distinguished position among higher education institutions in Qatar. Therefore, allow me to start with expressing our gratitude and appreciation to our wise leadership, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, our esteemed government led by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, and to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education led by HE Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabar al-Nuaimi, for the guidance, care, and support that have contributed to enhancing the University's journey filled with achievements, development, and leadership.

"As we prepare our graduates to lead the future, and in light of Qatar's diligent efforts to accelerate digital transformation and enhance the technological system, UDST is committed to building strategic partnerships to be at the forefront of adopting, adapting, and developing the latest scientific technologies. Our goal is to innovate, improve educational efficiency, solidify concepts, and contribute to the implementation of the state's third national development strategy."

Dr al-Naemi concluded with words of advice to the graduates: "The awaited day has come for you to reap the fruits of years of hard work and dedication. I congratulate you on reaching this significant milestone in your professional lives, where you are now capable of choosing a path that applies the knowledge and skills you have acquired to serve the community, the nation, and the world at large. Regardless of the different pursuits you aim to achieve, I wish you a successful and prosperous start. Remember, you now carry the name of your university wherever you go, and we are confident that you will represent it well."

HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah addressed the graduates, and said: “In 1992, I was appointed Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman of Qatar Petroleum with the support of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. This support motivated me to put all the experience I had gained into this position, where I was entrusted with the launch of the state's vital energy sector. Despite all the crises the country has gone through, we were able to overcome difficulties and continue working, implementing major projects that achieved what we call the economic miracle of Qatar, under the insightful vision of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.

"I see you today as young men and women graduating with full readiness to embark on your careers. Strive for achievement and excellence, and don't just dream but work towards realizing those dreams. Perseverance is not only about doing your job to the best of your ability but also about not compromising on your goals and continuing to progress despite all challenges until you reach your aspirations. Be proud that you are graduates of this national educational institution that has given you so much, just as this nation gives us, supports us, and believes in our abilities. Work to serve it and always carry it in your hearts wherever life's paths may take you."

The Class of 2024 valedictorian, Homoud al-Dosari, recipient of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence expressed his happiness to be representing his fellow graduates during the ceremony. He said: “I am pleased to stand before you today with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, determined to serve my country, Qatar, its leadership, and its people. I aim to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained towards economic and social development and to contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. Today, we embark on a journey toward broad horizons and endless opportunities, armed with a wealth of knowledge and technology. Let us harness this knowledge for development, modernisation, and building. Let us build a promising future that makes us proud of this educational institution that has placed its hopes in us, and proud of a nation that has fulfilled its promise to us. Let us make our promise to it unwavering.”

During the ceremony, 11 holders of the “Graduate with Highest Honors” who maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout their programme, were honoured by HE Buthaina al-Nuaimi.

On the sideline of the ceremony, Faisal Saleh al-Sulaiti, a graduate of Bachelor of Communications Engineering, spoke to Gulf Times and said: “The period of study passed with its difficulties and its good days. Today I am proud of this achievement and this is a day for me that means a lot after five years of hard work. This feeling comes once in a lifetime. Frankly, I am happy. I don't know how to express it. In the future, I intend to complete a master's degree and a doctorate in my specialty, which is part of electrical engineering. I think that I will register for an MBA to get ready for the managerial level.”

Kyra, a Business Administration and Human Resources Management graduate said: “After four years, I graduated as the President’s Awardee, I have also achieved the highest honours of our batch, and I am the top one for the HR programme. I had a good experience with my work term experience with the university and the partnership that I had with a company. I also had a good experience with a bank. I am looking forward to put my knowledge to good use.”