Qatar University (QU) is fully prepared to welcome students for the Fall 2026 semester, with academic, administrative and support services in place to ensure a smooth start and support students' academic success and university experience, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Mohammed Diab said. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Diab said the university currently has 30,000 students enrolled, with the number expected to rise as admission and registration for the Fall 2026 semester are completed. He said the university, its colleges and its administrative and support units are ready for the start of the new academic year. Dr. Diab said student success and empowerment are among the university's top priorities, backed by a comprehensive range of academic, psychological and social support services. These include academic advising, student counseling, learning support and career development programs designed to strengthen students' skills and prepare them for academic and professional success. He also outlined efforts to enhance the university's academic programs and align them with the evolving needs of the labor market, alongside preparations covering student services and facilities, as well as activities and programs tailored to new students. As part of those preparations, classrooms, laboratories and other facilities have been equipped with the latest technologies, Dr. Diab said. Staff have also finalized class schedules and ensured that facilities are ready to support teaching and learning and provide a conducive environment for students. He said all colleges and administrative and support units are ready for a smooth start to the semester, with particular attention to new students. Academic registration is available through the university's website, he added, urging students to consult their academic advisors and choose their courses carefully to stay on track in their studies.The university is also placing particular emphasis on helping new students settle into university life through "Hayyakum - Fall 2026," an orientation event designed to familiarize them with academic and administrative services, university regulations and available resources, Dr. Diab said. The event is intended to help students make a confident start to university life. He said the event brings together various university support and service units under one roof, allowing students to meet academic advisors and learn about available services. It also features orientation workshops on university regulations and policies, digital platforms, academic success strategies and adapting to university life, as well as campus tours and interactive activities aimed at helping students integrate into the university community and develop a sense of belonging from the outset. Dr. Diab also highlighted Qatar University's Open Day, which gives students from public and private schools and their parents an opportunity to explore university life and learn about the academic majors and programs on offer. The event enables prospective students and their families to meet representatives of various colleges and university units and learn about available student services, helping them make informed decisions about their academic choices and gain a clearer picture of life at Qatar University. Dr. Diab stressed that student success and empowerment remain central to the university's priorities, supported by a comprehensive range of academic, psychological and social services. These include the Academic Advising Center, Student Learning Support Center and Student Counseling Center, as well as specialized centers focused on developing students' skills and preparing them for the workplace, including the Career Development Center. Dr. Diab urged students to complete their registration, familiarize themselves with their class schedules and lecture locations ahead of the start of the semester, attend classes regularly, and take an active part in university activities to ensure a successful start to their university experience.On the university's curriculum development plans, he said QU is continuously updating its academic programs to meet the needs of the Qatari labor market and support national development goals. Over the past year and during the current academic year, the university has revised its curricula and introduced specialized courses in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence and the creative industries.He said the aim is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the demands of the modern labor market, stressing that the university's mission extends beyond classroom education. It also seeks to help students make informed choices about fields of study that are in demand in Qatar and offer strong career prospects.He added that the Student Affairs sector, through its various student support centers, organizes career fairs and offers programs and training courses to help students understand the Qatari labor market and develop the skills needed to succeed in it. These efforts complement the work of the university's academic and research units in supporting the needs of the labor market, he said.He said these efforts are aligned with Qatar's national development priorities, as the university continues to advance its academic and research activities in support of national goals and seeks to contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy.Regarding expected enrollment, Dr. Diab said demand for Qatar University's academic programs continues to grow each year. Admission and registration figures for the 2026/2027 academic year indicate continued strong interest across a range of programs, he added.On facilities, services and student activities, Dr. Diab said the university is committed to providing an environment that supports students' academic and personal development through a wide range of facilities, services and activities. He described the Student Affairs Building as a central hub for student services, bringing together admissions and registration, the Integrated Services Center, academic advising, psychological support and career development services under one roof.The building also houses facilities for student, recreational, sports and cultural activities, as well as programs providing financial assistance and textbooks, in addition to student leadership and community service programs, he said.Turning to student housing, Dr. Diab said the Student Housing and Residential Life Department is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for international students and those living on campus. From safety and security services to social activities, the university seeks to ensure that student housing is a positive and supportive part of campus life, he said.He noted that on-campus housing also gives students convenient access to classrooms, laboratories, libraries and sports facilities, as well as a range of food and dining outlets. This proximity provides students with greater convenience and helps them save time and effort while pursuing their studies.The university also organizes a wide range of events throughout the year, which Dr. Diab described as an important part of student life. He said the events give students opportunities to develop their talents, strengthen their leadership and social skills, and build their personal and professional capabilities, supporting their academic and career development. Dr. Diab stressed that the university's colleges and administrative units are ready to provide students with the support they need throughout their university journey. He urged students to make full use of the services and opportunities available at Qatar University, complete their course registration promptly, keep track of their class schedules, attend lectures regularly, and take an active part in student, cultural and sports activities.Concluding his interview with QNA, Dr. Diab said the university's preparations and facilities would help students achieve their academic aspirations, develop their skills and capabilities, and contribute positively to their communities. He wished students a successful and rewarding academic year and expressed his hope that they would continue their studies with determination, excellence and a positive outlook.
