* QU's 43rd graduation ceremony is on Sunday and Monday

A number of top officials at Qatar University have offered their congratulations for the Class of 2020. The 43rd graduation ceremony of the national university is scheduled for Sunday and Monday. The Class of 2020 has a total of 3,188 graduates — 2,455 of whom are females and 733 males.

Dr Omar al-Ansari, vice president for Academic Affairs: "My dear graduates, the stage that you have reached today in your academic journey reflects the quality of education provided to you by Qatar University. We are proud of you, what you have achieved and to be a part of your success. We wish you the best in achieving your future goals and ambitions."

Prof Ibrahim AlKaabi, dean, College of Arts and Sciences: "Our dear graduates, it is my pleasure to congratulate you on this occasion. I am immensely proud of your achievements and certain that the knowledge gained will render you ready and capable to serve the Qatar labour market. I would also like to thank your parents for supporting you throughout your journey."

Dr Ahmed al-Emadi, dean, College of Education: "Congratulations to our graduates. I urge them to take advantage of the College of Education’s academic offerings and its language classes. As part of the College of Education’s new plan, it has become more focused on community needs. Therefore, I urge the hundreds of students who have graduated this year to make use of all the opportunities available to them and strive in developing the community for future generations. The college, in order to fill gaps, shows great support and encouragement towards academic and English disciplines."

Dr Ibrahim al-Ansari, dean, College of Shariah and Islamic Studies: "Dear graduates, this is a very special time in your life as it represents the fruits of your labour. As you embark on a very important chapter in your life, I hope that the knowledge and experience that you have gained during your academic journey will enrich your professional and personal lives."

Dr Khalid al-Khater, vice president for Administration & Finance: "My sons and daughters, the graduates, it is my pleasure to offer you and your respective family’s sincere congratulations on one of the most beautiful occasions in your life. You have completed an important milestone in your life, and the future will only ask more from you as you begin your careers and serve this beloved country. My best wishes to you and I wish you all the success and happiness. "

Dr Eiman Mustafawi, vice president for Student Affairs: "Dear graduates, I would like to congratulate you. We are proud of all of you and wish you success in the next phase of your life, where you will undoubtedly excel in your careers. Qatar is proud of you and anticipates more from you and your service.

"I also urge you, as alumni, to maintain contact and to be a active participants in the University’s programmes, activities and events by joining over 40,000 graduates in the Qatar University Alumni Association. Students can take advantage of services provided by the Career Development Center, which assist and support through training and offers job opportunities."

Dr Khalid Mohamed al-Khanji, chief strategy and development officer: "We are here today to celebrate a very momentous occasion in the history of our nation and University and your individual lives, and as we graduate a new class, we bring forward a new impetus and a new hope to develop and advance.

"The graduation of the Class of 2020 is the payoff of years of hard work and labour by Qatar University, which has seen a number of significant rankings, locally and internationally. The colleges and programmes earned a number of accreditations and laboratories and theadministration obtained certificates from the International Organisation for Standardisation. These successes prove as a testimony to the excellence of our graduates, who will enrich the Qatar labour market."

Prof Mariam Ali al-Maadeed, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies: "Graduates of the Class of 2020, I congratulate you on this achievement and your successes despite the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. Qatar University is proud of you and shares your joy."

Dr Mohamed Diab, dean, College of Pharmacy: "In alliance with the College of Pharmacy and the Qatar University vision, we trust that we have graduated students able to provide optimal pharmaceutical care and advance healthcare outcomes in Qatar, the Middle East and the world.

"Class of 2020, with the College of Pharmacy ranked as one of the top pharmacy schools in the field of Pharmacy and Pharmacology as per QS World University Rankings 2021, you are now one of the best alumni, graduating from one of the best pharmacy schools in the world. The College of Pharmacy is very proud of your achievements."

Prof Mandeep Singh Duggal, dean, College of Dental Medicine: "A warm congratulations to our dear students for successfully graduating your second year. You are recognised as being a special group of students who faced a great challenge and through your hard work, dedication and perseverance you have done extremely well with your achievements this year. We are very proud of you and wish you continuous success for the coming years."

Dr Mohamed Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, dean, College of Law: "It is my pleasure to congratulate the new batch of graduates at Qatar University who have exerted tremendous effort to reach this point. Following years of hard work, they have exemplified qualities such as patience and perseverance and will now transition from receiving knowledge to being of service in the labour market. Our College of Law graduates will spread legal culture throughout the country."

Dr Hanan Abdul Rahim, dean, College of Health Sciences: "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2020 on reaching this momentous milestone. The last year and a half have been challenging, and they have tested our strength and resolve, but it is in times of challenge that we show our true character and our abilities.

"Graduates of the College of Health Sciences, and the graduates of all QU Health colleges, will now join the ranks of the healthcare providers who have been fighting the Covid-19 battle so ably and so well. I say to our graduates: you are ready, and I know that you will make us and the whole country very proud."

Dr Khalid Kamal Naji, dean, College of Engineering: "We are pleased to celebrate alongside our graduates on this important occasion and as they prepare to move forward with their professional lives. As Qatar University has adopted international academic standards, it has helped our students develop their skills and abilities to meet the labour market."

Prof Adam Mohamed Ali Fadlalla, dean, College of Business and Economics: "Our dear graduates, I extend my sincerest congratulations to you on the tremendous achievement. Qatar University has given you the tools required to face the next chapter of our lives. It is essential that you always remain connected with your University, and that you remain an active member of the University’s continuous development."

Dr Egon Toft, vice president for Medical and Health Sciences and dean of the College of Medicine: "This ceremony is a delightful occasion for each of you, and we could not have hoped for a more brilliant, hardworking group of graduates.

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Qatar University faculty for their amazing effort in helping all of you complete your studies in this pandemic. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!"