Doha, April 29 (QNA) - Vice President for Student Affairs at Qatar University (QU) Dr. Mohammad Diab said the institution's 49th graduation ceremony, scheduled for next week, will mark a qualitative milestone with the graduation of the first cohort from the College of Nursing, reflecting the evolution of academic programs in line with national priorities, particularly in healthcare.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he noted that this year's class includes 4,024 graduates, 3,122 women and 902 men, underscoring the university's societal impact. More than 2,500 are Qataris, highlighting its central role in developing national talent, alongside nearly 1,500 non-Qatari graduates, reinforcing academic and cultural diversity.
He added that 3,587 graduates are at the undergraduate level, with 437 completing postgraduate studies, noting that the College of Arts and Sciences is the largest by number of graduates, exceeding 1,000.
Diab stressed that the graduation ceremony is not treated as a standalone event but as a reflection of the university's identity and national role, with early preparations and extensive coordination to ensure a seamless experience for graduates and their families.
He reiterated that the graduation of the first nursing cohort marks a significant qualitative step aligned with state priorities.
He highlighted the extensive organizational efforts behind the ceremony, describing it as a large-scale event requiring high-level coordination across multiple sectors to accommodate thousands of graduates and attendees, ensuring a smooth and dignified experience that reflects the university's stature.
He emphasized that graduation is not merely celebratory but a yearly benchmark translating the university's outputs into the labor market, with each cohort contributing qualified talent to meet national sector needs.
In another context, he said the diversity of disciplines and the high proportion of Qatari graduates strengthen the university's role in building human capital aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030.
He added that Qatar University operates within a clear strategic framework placing people at the core of education, aiming to produce graduates capable of contributing to the knowledge economy and adapting to rapid development, through an integrated system linking education with research and national needs.
He noted that the university experience extends beyond the classroom, with a comprehensive approach to personal development that enhances students' skills and engagement with society, including leadership, volunteer, and professional experiences that shape their readiness for the future.

On the mechanism used to prepare QU graduates for the labor market, Dr. Diab said the institution prepares students not only for existing roles but for jobs yet to fully emerge, by emphasizing adaptable skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, and initiative.
He stressed the importance of linking students to the labor market through training and practical experience, enabling graduates to enter the workplace with confidence and sustain continuous learning and development.
Diab underscored that the university operates in close alignment with employers, building strategic partnerships across sectors to provide tangible opportunities for students and graduates, including internships, government scholarships, and post-graduation employment pathways, while deepening their understanding of market needs to ease their transition into professional life.
He added that the Student Affairs sector mobilizes all resources to support this direction, noting that the Career Development Center has partnered with more than 231 entities across sectors, playing a key role in delivering quality career opportunities and preparing students and graduates for the job market.
The center also equips students through specialized training, including CV writing and interview preparation, alongside workshops focused on soft skills development, aiming to produce graduates with the competencies required for effective workforce integration.
He emphasized that the university’s relationship with students extends beyond graduation into a broader phase of engagement and partnership.
Diab also highlighted the Qatar University Alumni Association’s role in building a sustainable global network that connects graduates, facilitates knowledge exchange, and engages them in professional and community activities, while linking alumni with current students through mentorship to enhance career readiness and long-term value.
Concluding his statements to QNA, he congratulated the Class of 2026, describing graduation as the beginning of a new phase of responsibility, where the knowledge gained forms a foundation, but its true value lies in how it is leveraged in service of the nation and society. (QNA)