Doha, May 19 (QNA) - Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) celebrated the graduation of the first batch of the Class of 2026 on Tuesday.

During the ceremony, HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater honored 250 outstanding students. The number of graduates this year is 1,321 students from various programs and disciplines.

The class includes 484 graduates from the College of Business, 285 graduates from the College of Computing and Information Technology, 341 graduates from the College of Engineering and Technology, and 211 graduates from the College of Health Sciences, reflecting the diversity of the university's academic programs and the breadth of its fields of specialization.

HE President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau and Secretary General of the National Planning Council Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa addressed the graduates: "Here in Qatar, under the wise leadership, we are moving with steady steps towards a clear national vision and development strategies.

Our goal is to uplift and empower individuals, and to build a more sustainable and prosperous future. This endeavour demands minds that are eager to learn and individuals who embrace responsibility and possess a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact on their society and nation."

UDST President Dr. Salem Al-Naemi said: "Today, we celebrate a graduating class that can truly be described as exceptional. Our resilient students have persevered through a year marked by unprecedented challenges and now stand before us, alongside their professors and loved ones, as a testament to the enduring power of education.

Their journey reminds us that education extends far beyond classrooms and laboratories; it is fundamentally centered on people. It thrives in a nation that embraces education, dialogue, and knowledge as the foundation for progress and societal advancement."

He further highlighted the university's strategic direction, stating: "We recognize that success is not achieved through ambition alone, but through agile strategies and carefully designed plans that ensure readiness for every possibility.

These efforts are driven by measurable performance indicators, sustained dedication, and an unwavering commitment to advancing a clear and enduring national vision.

In alignment with the State's strategic priorities, the university has introduced four new academic programs: the Master of Science in Midwifery, the Executive Master of Health Administration, and the Bachelor's and Diploma programs in Animal Health and Veterinary Science. 

With these additions, the university now offers a total of 80 academic programs, all developed in accordance with the highest national and international standards to address the evolving demands of both the local and global economy.

The University continues to place strong emphasis on advanced professional training and applied research in critical areas including sustainability and renewable energy, food security, health technologies, and digital transformation. We have also announced the development of a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.

This initiative extends beyond environmental responsibility; it represents a strategic investment in the future of the economy, public health, and national security, while reinforcing the goals of sustainable development under Qatar National Vision 2030."

The Class of 2026 valedictorian, Mohamad Al-Qassabi expressed his happiness to be representing all his fellow honor graduates during the ceremony.

Talking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the UDST President said that the Class of 2026 is distinguished by the graduation of the first batches of a number of academic programs, including the digital communication and media production program, which was developed in cooperation with the Qatar Media Corporation, in addition to the first batches of construction engineering, the master of science in artificial intelligence and cognitive cybersecurity, as well as the master of science in process safety, in a step that reflects the university's keeping pace with future specializations and the needs of vital sectors.

He stated that this graduating class embodies the forward-looking and dynamic nature of the university's academic programs.

Through experiential learning environments, advanced laboratories, modern simulation technologies, and applied projects in collaboration with partners from various sectors, students have acquired the skills and experience that enable them to confidently and competently enter the job market, he added.

He also expressed his and the faculty's delight at the graduation of this distinguished class, wishing them success in entering the workforce or pursuing postgraduate studies in their chosen fields and achieving their aspirations.

He noted that this ceremony marks a significant milestone in the journey of UDST graduates, culminating years of hard work, dedication, practical training, and personal development.

It also reflects the university's commitment to providing applied education that places the student at the heart of the learning process and bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application to meet the demands of the evolving job market. (QNA)