UDST holds a graduation ceremony for Class of 2023
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 781 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 Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, as a guest speaker; and with the attendance of Excellencies Ministers of State and UDST Board of Trustees’ Chairman His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada and the board members; Dr. Salem Al-Naemi President of UDST, the University’s staff and faculty, and graduates’ families.
UDST’s second graduation ceremony witnessed a 68% increase in the graduates’ number compared to last year. The number of graduates in each discipline is: 222 from Business Management, 78 from Computing and Information Technology, 267 from Engineering Technology and 214 from Health Sciences. UDST offers 64 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 Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, President of UDST who expressed his pride in the graduates and their commitment to learning and perseverance. He shed light on the strategies adopted by UDST to equip its students with future-proof skills and said: “Under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, may God protect him, and thanks to the support that the education sector has received from the government led by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and with the guidance of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education led by Her Excellency Ms. Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, University of Doha for Science and Technology was able to thrive and achieve its national mission. UDST’s educational approach is in line with the national strategies and plans and takes into consideration the needs of the fourth industrial revolution, particularly the surge of Artificial Intelligence. Our purpose is to develop skilled professionals that are needed across different sectors and who can easily lead in the market and become an integral part of delivering Qatar National Vision 2030.”
He added: “The University has developed a network of partners with leading private and public entities which led to the launch of many important projects and advisory committees that bring unique knowledge and skills to the University. The committees embody experts that keep us aligned with the ever-changing market conditions and as a result, UDST has launched 8 new programs that are unique in their intent and scope. The new programs cover the fields of marine engineering, smart manufacturing, software engineering, neonatal intensive care, midwifery, sustainable tourism, TVET, and STEM education.”
Dr. Salem Al-Naemi concluded his speech with words of advice to the graduates, he said: “Opportunities come and go, but self-development is key to your success, never stop learning so you can always stay relevant when new doors open. Always remember that machines are not human beings, technology will keep on developing and it is up to us to make the right use of it. My last piece of advice may seem very easy when you hear it but it is actually not. Be true to yourself, feel free to express your ideas in an objective manner, and be open to differences in people and situations because diversity and inclusion are key to success in societies.”
In her speech to the graduates, Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums said: “As graduates of the University of Doha for Science and Technology, you are qualified for innovation and creativity. As you are aware the development of the technology sector is accelerating rapidly, and it requires continuous research and innovation, to transform Qatar's efforts from a technology-consuming to a producing and exporting country.”
The Class of 2023 valedictorian, Abdullah Ahmadi holder of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence expressed his happiness to be representing all his fellow graduates during the ceremony. He said: “UDST was the University of choice for us. This is where we learn in an applied environment and we acquire knowledge and skills that prepare us to lead the future. This campus offered us the support we needed to learn and grow but also to shape our personality and be able to develop on a personal level. Our graduation is only the beginning, the learning never stops and it is now our time to shine with the spirit of UDST and give back to the community and our beloved country Qatar.”
During the ceremony, 14 holders of the “Graduation Class Honor Society Award” were honored by Her Excellency Ms. Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education. Furthermore, the audience embarked on a journey with the graduating students through a video retracing their steps to complete a successful education and highlighting their hopes and dreams for the future. The celebration was marked by a special appearance of a robot that interacted with the President of UDST demonstrating the advanced capabilities of the University and its ability to walk the talk.
University of Doha for Science and Technology has graduated more than 7400 students dedicated to serving Qatar locally and internationally. UDST hosts more than 7000 students across its 5 Colleges. They represent more than 70 nationalities reflecting a diversified community that shares the love of learning and works together for a better future. The audience applauded the class of 2023 dressed in their graduation regalia designed and crafted by a Qatari Fashion House.
