Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, UDST held a one-of-a-kind graduation ceremony for 861 students. The ceremony took place at the Qatar National Convention Center in the presence of His Excellency Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, the Speaker of the Shura Council, Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar as a guest speaker; Excellencies Ministers of State, and with the attendance of UDST Board of Trustees’ Chairman His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada and the board members; His Excellency Dr. Salem Al-Naemi President of UDST, the University’s staff and faculty, and graduates’ families.
UDST’s third graduation ceremony marked the commencement of the 2024 class 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 programs to its students, each tailored to the needs of Qatar’s economy.
The ceremony started with the parchments’ distribution and a congratulatory message from H.E. Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, President of UDST who expressed his pride in the graduates and their commitment to learning and perseverance. He started his speech with words of gratitude and said: "We gather today not only to celebrate the class of 2024 from the University but also to mark an important milestone in the journey of University of Doha for Science and Technology. 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 gratitude and appreciation to our wise leadership, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, may God protect him, and to our esteemed government led by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education led by Her Excellency Minister Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, for the guidance, care, and support that have contributed to enhancing the University's journey filled with achievements, development, and leadership."
The President highlighted the importance of technology in today’s world by saying: "In light of the unprecedented technological changes the world is experiencing, I would like to highlight what we see as the university's key strengths: its approach to applied education and its focus on technology. This has become evident, especially when asked about our efforts, such as building artificial intelligence laboratories and high-simulation training centers for engineering, including marine and health sciences, among others. Our consistent response is that we spare no effort in providing the latest educational environments for our students to keep pace with any global technological advancements, ensuring they graduate fully prepared for the job market."
He added: "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, University of Doha for Science and Technology 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. Salem Al-Naemi concluded his speech with words of advice to the graduates, he said: "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."
In his speech to the graduates, His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah 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, may God protect him. 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, may God prolong his life."
He added, "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 all 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, modernization, 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 “Graduates with Highest Honors” who maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout their program, were honored by Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education.
Furthermore, the audience joined the graduating students on a virtual journey through a video that retraced their educational path, showcased the successful completion of their studies, and highlighted their aspirations and dreams for the future.
University of Doha for Science and Technology has graduated more than 8000 students dedicated to serving Qatar locally and internationally. UDST hosts more than 7500 students across its 5 Colleges. They embody a diverse community of over 85 nationalities, united by a passion for learning and a collective effort towards a brighter future. The audience celebrated the class of 2024, who were adorned in graduation regalia designed and created by a Qatari Fashion House.
