tag

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), through its College of Health Sciences, has introduced the CORE Wellness Program, a curriculum-wide initiative that integrates holistic health into students' education as they prepare for professional practice. CORE stands for Clinical, Occupational, Resilience and Emotional Wellness.In a statement on Wednesday, UDST said that the program recognizes that health professions education involves developing clinical and technical skills alongside the ability to understand and manage the demands of training and professional practice. The program progresses through three stages across students' education. Exposure in Year 1 introduces the foundations of wellness, helps students recognize factors that may affect their health, and familiarizes them with available support. Immersion in Years 2 and 3 will provide opportunities to apply wellness strategies in laboratory and practice-based settings. Mastery in Year 4 will connect wellness with professional identity, leadership and practice.Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Shahrokh Esfandiari, Dean of the College of Health Sciences said: "We believe preparing health professionals extends beyond clinical knowledge and technical competence. It also means helping students develop the awareness and resilience needed to navigate the demands of their education and future practice. CORE Wellness brings this perspective into the curriculum in a structured way, supporting our students as they progress from understanding wellness to applying it within their professional lives."The initiative is being implemented across programs within the College of Health Sciences. CORE Wellness complements UDST's 2025-2027 Wellness Strategy, which takes a holistic approach to student wellbeing across eight dimensions: physical, mental, social, occupational, environmental, financial, spiritual and cultural wellness. By bringing this broader framework into Health Sciences education, the initiative provides students with a structured way to consider wellbeing not as a separate aspect of university life, but as part of their development as health professionals. 

The Qatar’s National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation (NCQAA) has granted institutional accreditation to the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), making it the first university in the country to receive this accreditation.  Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Chairman of the Committee, Dr Mazen Omar Hasna, said the accreditation is awarded upon meeting five criteria established by the Committee to promote the quality of Qatar’s higher education sector.  These criteria cover the institution’s mission and organisation, integrity assurance, the availability of institutional resources, planning and institutional effectiveness, fulfilment of the institution’s mission, and its impact on the surrounding community, Dr Hasna highlighted.  He emphasised that this feat demonstrates the effectiveness of UDST’s practices and strengthens its standing and the recognition of its qualifications both domestically and internationally.Dr Hasna presented an overview of the various accreditation phases, along with the Committee’s recommendations following the granting of accreditation, congratulating UDST on receiving the award. He further highlighted the University’s efforts, which culminated in the decision to grant this accreditation.  He revealed that nearly 14 universities nationwide are engaged in the institutional accreditation process, with seven having been visited and the other seven conducting self-studies throughout this year and next year.  President of UDST Dr Salem bin Nasser Al-Naemi expressed pride in UDST’s achievement in receiving this accreditation, which, he said, reflects the university’s stalwartness and sense of responsibility, illuminates the path forward, and demonstrates that distinction knows no boundaries but extends toward an infinite horizon.  Dr Al-Naemi noted that this accreditation is a testament to the university’s clear mission, robust governance, and deeply rooted integrity, emphasising that its resources are as substantial as its ambitions, its planning is as deliberate as its mission demands, and its performance is measured with transparency and accountability.  The university, he asserted, fulfils its commitments to students and the wider community while making a substantive impact that extends well beyond the campus. Dr Al-Naemi continued, stressing that this accomplishment carries particular significance for UDST’s students and graduates, conveying a clear message that their qualifications now command greater recognition and distinctive value.  For the university’s partners in the labour market, it signals that the talent the institution develops is cultivated in accordance with top-flight standards, the official said. At the national level, the achievement marks another step toward Qatar National Vision 2030, which places people at the core of development and positions knowledge as the fulcrum of the future.Applied education has taught us that knowledge remains incomplete unless it is translated into action, and ideas aren’t judged by their beauty, but by their impact, Dr Al-Naemi remarked, adding that this approach views the accreditation as a launching pad and a promise that the university has made to remain steadfast in carrying out its educational mission and persistently promoting distinction in this field of education.  Dr Al-Naemi noted that this achievement grew out of the combined efforts and dedication of all members of society. He thanked everyone who had contributed to achieving this feat.Established in 2022, the NCQAA is responsible for overseeing and updating the National Qualifications Framework in line with the State’s general policies.  It also accredits the qualifications — certificates and academic degrees — awarded by higher education institutions in Qatar to ensure their alignment with this framework and the application of quality assurance standards. Compliance is further strengthened through the academic accreditation system standards established by the Committee. 

 The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) will host the third edition of the Gulf Universities Championship from October 29 to 31. The event will feature approximately 350 students representing 24 university teams from across the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, held under the auspices of the International University Sports Federation (FISU).  During a press conference held yesterday, the university announced details regarding the championship, participating institutions, and organisational preparations for the competitions, which will include men’s futsal, basketball, and volleyball, as well as women’s volleyball.  President of UDST Dr Salem bin Nasser Al-Naemi stated that hosting the championship reflects the institution’s commitment to supporting Qatar’s national sports policy and strengthening ties among GCC youth. He highlighted the importance of university sports in fostering team spirit, discipline, and perseverance among students.  Director of Sports and Wellness Department Hamad al-Kuwari explained that the championship serves as an opportunity to showcase university-level athletic talent, facilitate communication, and encourage the exchange of experiences among participants. He emphasised the university’s dedication to providing an exceptional competitive environment.  Hosting this championship aligns with the university’s efforts to promote university sports and cultivate a culture of physical activity, in line with the goals of its 2025-2027 Health Strategy, which aims to enhance the health and well-being of the university community.  UDST teams secured three gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal during their participation in the World University Championship held in Barcelona in 2025.  

 The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) marked World Mental Health Day with a campus-wide programme that encouraged students to express themselves, connect with others, and explore practical ways to support their mental health and well-being.  Organised by the Student Counselling and Accessibility Services Department, the event featured a range of creative, interactive activities designed to promote inclusivity among students and raise mental health awareness.  A key highlight was the Art and Photography Exhibition, featuring entries from the “Your Voice, Your Story, Your Well-being” competition. The exhibition provided students with an opportunity to express their understanding of mental health and the challenges they face through creative art. The following entries took first and second place in recognition of their creative contributions: The Trap I Wove by Donna Grace Ziganay, taking first place, and The Pulse Behind Silence by Dalal Humran, taking second place.  Students also took part in a variety of activities, including meaningful discussions, introductions to available support services and resources, and several competitions.  Commenting on the initiative, Fahad al-Hajri, vice president, Student Affairs, UDST, said: “Mental health is an integral part of health and well-being in its broader sense. At the University of Doha for Science and Technology, we believe that mental health is an essential part of the university student experience and a key contributor to students’ development and success.  Educational institutions have a responsibility to promote this approach, foster an environment that supports students’ mental well-being, and provide appropriate services to help them overcome the challenges they may face. We are pleased to organise this event, along with other activities throughout the academic year, to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and highlight the resources and services offered by the University to support our students in this area.”  World Mental Health Day is part of UDST’s 2025–2027 Wellness Strategy, promoting awareness and encouraging healthy practices across mental, physical and social wellbeing.  The Student Counselling and Accessibility Services Department provides counselling, support, and resources to help students navigate academic and personal challenges. The University also offers a range of sport and recreational facilities, including fitness centres, swimming pools, and sports courts, giving the community opportunities to participate in physical and recreational activities and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. 

University of Doha for Science and Technology and Alfardan Exchange, launch the “FinTech Stars” Competition. The competition aims to support innovation and entrepreneurship and encourage students to develop practical solutions that contribute to advancing the fintech sector in Qatar. This initiative supports young national talent and strengthens their contribution to shaping the future of the digital financial sector, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy, and Qatar Central Bank’s FinTech Strategy 2024–2030. The initiative also aligns with the vision of the Qatar Financial Centre to transform Doha into a leading global financial and commercial hub, while supporting development and economic diversity through a world-class business, legal, and regulatory environment. The launch event was held at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, in the presence of representatives from the University, and Alfardan Exchange. The competition targets students enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking and Financial Technology and provides them with an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge through practical projects that reflect the latest digital trends in the fintech sector. The competition begins with students forming teams, with each team given two months to prepare and develop its fintech project. Final projects are scheduled to be submitted on 7 November 2026, ahead of presentations to a specialized evaluation committee comprising representatives from the University of Doha for Science and Technology, Qatar Financial Centre, Alfardan Corporation and the Tariqi Program, Alfardan Exchange, along with a number of specialized parties from the fintech sector, on 18 November 2026. The winning teams will be announced during the competition’s closing ceremony, scheduled for 25 November 2026. The first-place team will receive a cash prize of QAR 50,000, the second-place team QAR 30,000, and the third-place team QAR 15,000, presented by Alfardan Exchange.  Dr. Vincent Mangematin, Dean of the College of Business at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, said: “Hosting the FinTech Stars Competition at the University of Doha for Science and Technology reflects our commitment to providing an applied learning environment that responds to the rapid evolution of the financial technology sector. Initiatives such as this strengthen the connection between academic knowledge and industry practice, while equipping our students with the capabilities to contribute to the development of an innovative and competitive financial sector. As Qatar advances its digital transformation and knowledge-based economy, UDST remains committed to preparing work ready talent that can contribute meaningfully to these national priorities.”  Mr. Bashar Al Waqfi, CEO of Alfardan Exchange, said: “We are proud to launch the FinTech Stars Competition in partnership with the University of Doha for Science and Technology, as it represents a practical step toward empowering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in Qatar. Through this initiative, we aim to provide a platform that enables students to develop their ideas and transform them into applicable solutions, supporting the digital transformation of the financial sector and reinforcing the State of Qatar’s position as a leading hub for fintech.” The “FinTech Stars” Competition is expected to contribute to developing students’ practical skills and enabling them to present innovative ideas that support the advancement of digital financial services, further strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading regional fintech hub. 

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education of the Federal Republic of Somalia to establish a framework for cooperation in higher education, academic program development, faculty professional development, and academic quality assurance.The signing ceremony was attended by HE UDST President Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al Naemi and HE Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education of the Federal Republic of Somalia Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir.The MoU, signed by UDST Vice President, Academics, Dr. Rachid Benlamri and Director General of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud, focuses on developing joint academic diploma-level programs in five fields: Information Technology, Information Systems, Construction Engineering, Electric Power and Renewable Energy Engineering Technology, and Healthcare Management.UDST Vice President, Academics, Dr. Benlamri said: "This partnership reflects UDST’s commitment to advancing applied education through international collaboration and knowledge exchange. We look forward to sharing our academic expertise in program development, faculty professional development, and quality assurance, while working with the Ministry to create meaningful opportunities that contribute to the development of higher education in the Federal Republic of Somalia."The partnership also includes cooperation on a joint, co-branded institute in the Federal Republic of Somalia, further strengthening the two parties’ commitment to advancing academic collaboration and supporting the development of higher education.Director General of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud said: "This partnership with UDST is an important step in strengthening higher education in the Federal Republic of Somalia. We look forward to benefiting from UDST’s expertise in academic development and capacity building to create new opportunities for Somali students and institutions."The MoU provides a foundation for continued academic cooperation between UDST and the Ministry, supporting joint programs, faculty development, quality assurance, and institutional capacity building. 

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has been awarded the MENASA NASPA Silver Award for Innovative Practices in recognition of its Student Mental Health Ambassadors (SMHA) program, reaffirming the University's commitment to student wellbeing, peer support, and creating a psychologically safe and inclusive campus environment.The award was presented by NASPA MENASA, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia regional network of NASPA, which recognizes excellence and innovation in student affairs and higher education initiatives across the region.The distinction highlights UDST's innovative and impactful approach to student mental wellbeing and positions the Student Mental Health Ambassadors program as a leading peer-support initiative within higher education institutions across the MENASA region. The Student Mental Health Ambassadors work closely with Student Counselling and Accessibility Services to promote mental wellbeing awareness and encourage students to seek support through peer-led engagement and outreach initiatives. The program reflects UDST's continued efforts to strengthen student support systems and foster a campus culture built on empathy, connection, and wellbeing.Nicole Penney, Manager of Student Counselling and Accessibility Services at UDST, said: "Receiving the MENASA Merit in Innovative Practices Silver Award is a proud milestone for our team and a testament to the impact of the Student Mental Health Ambassador Program. This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment where student wellbeing is prioritized."

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has inaugurated the Career Fair 2025, welcoming participation from over 95 local and international companies representing key industries across Qatar and beyond. The two-day event, organised by the Student Central Services Department, provided over 2,450 opportunities for full-time and part-time employment, sponsorships, internships, and co-operative training. The event has been inaugurated by President of UDST, Dr Salem Al-Naemi, in the presence of HE Chairman of UDST’s Board of Trustees, Dr Mohammed Saleh al-Sada; and Vice-Chair of UDST’s Board of Trustees and Managing Director and CEO of Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco), Dr Mohammed Yousef al-Mulla; and attended by UDST students, alumni, and high school students exploring their future career paths. The fair serves as one of UDST’s flagship annual events, offering students and graduates a direct gateway to industry leaders, while helping employers connect with highly skilled and job-ready talent. Throughout the event, attendees engaged in live interviews, networking sessions, and career development activities, reflecting UDST’s applied learning approach that bridges education with real-world experience. In line with its commitment to sustainability, UDST ensured the event remained entirely paperless, with students submitting their CVs and applications through the university’s digital application system. This initiative highlights UDST’s ongoing dedication to adopting eco-friendly and innovative event practices that align with Qatar National Vision 2030’s sustainability goals. Dr Al-Naemi said: “Career Fair represents a pivotal milestone in the university’s ongoing efforts to empower its students and alumni, preparing them for active participation in the job market. Guided by our mission of applied education, we are committed to building strong partnerships with public and private sector institutions, ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to contribute to a national economy driven by knowledge and innovation”. With participation from sectors such as energy, construction, banking, finance, healthcare, IT, and public services, the event demonstrated UDST’s growing influence in linking education to real-world careers.

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) announced that its president, Dr Salem Al-Naemi, has been awarded the honorary title of ‘International Ambassador for Social Responsibility’ by the Regional Network for Social Responsibility.The recognition celebrates Dr Al-Naemi’s exceptional and longstanding contributions to social responsibility and sustainable development, both nationally and across the Arab region, a statement said. The Regional Network for Social Responsibility is a professional non-profit organisation with global memberships in leading international institutions such as the UN Global Compact, the International Rehabilitation Organisation, and the International Union for Social Responsibility.Dr Al-Naemi was selected for the honour in recognition of his impactful leadership in embedding social responsibility principles within every institution he has served, it was explained.“This recognition is a reflection of the collective effort at UDST to champion social responsibility and sustainability,” Dr Al-Naemi said. “As educators and leaders, it is our duty to integrate these values into our academic and community initiatives, inspiring others to contribute to the well-being and development of society,” he added.During the ceremony in Doha, Prof Dr Ali al-Ibrahim, vice-president of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility stated that Dr Al-Naemi embodies the model of an academic leader who believes that education is not merely the transfer of knowledge, but a mission to build individuals, advance communities, and strengthen values.“Under his leadership, the University of Doha for Science and Technology has become a beacon of innovation, integrating education, social responsibility, and sustainability. Its initiatives have significantly contributed to national development, youth empowerment, and capacity building in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.”The recognition is part of the Network’s International Ambassadors for Social Responsibility programme, launched in 2014 to honour distinguished figures from around the world who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing social responsibility.With this accolade, Dr Al-Naemi joins a select group of Arab and international leaders recognised for their influence, dedication, and leadership in promoting ethical, inclusive, and sustainable practices at both the national and global levels, the statement added.