Doha, April 08 (QNA) - The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) organized Skills Day 2026, one of the highlights of its academic calendar, to reaffirm its commitment to experiential learning, innovation, real-world problem-solving, and collaborative learning.

This year's Skills Day brought together university students in a dynamic showcase of applied education, and included the participation of 1,000 students in 48 competitions, the majority of which were designed as team-based challenges, reflecting real-world professional environments where collaboration, communication, and collective problem-solving are essential.

Competitions were organized across all academic units, namely Engineering and Technology, Computing and Information Technology, Health Sciences, Business, General Education, and the Foundation Program.

Students engaged in a wide range of challenges spanning artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, cybersecurity and networking, data analytics and programming, engineering design and systems integration, healthcare simulations and clinical scenarios, as well as business case competitions, entrepreneurship challenges, and communication, critical thinking, and language skills.

These competitions were delivered in advanced labs and specialized facilities across campus, providing students with immersive, industry-aligned experiences that bridge theory and practice.

Skills Day 2026 included parallel activities that enhanced the learning experience outside of competitions, including a workshop specializing in innovation and sustainability, which focused on systematic thinking and sustainability solutions, where students worked on analyzing real-world challenges and developing innovative solutions that align with future requirements.

President of UDST Dr. Salem Al Naemi highlighted in a statement the significance of the event indicating that "Skills Day is a true reflection of our experiential learning model. It demonstrates how our students translate knowledge into practice, working collaboratively to solve real-world challenges."

"These experiences are essential in preparing graduates who are equipped with both the technical expertise and the professional competencies required to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy," he said.

CEO of Huawei Qatar Lyn Xiong said: "Our collaboration with UDST reflects a shared commitment to preparing future-ready talent through practical, industry-aligned learning."

"We value initiatives like Skills Day that strengthen the link between academia and industry, and we remain committed to empowering the next generation of digital leaders in Qatar," he added.

In a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dean of the College of Computing and Information Technology at the university and director of the organizing committee for Skills Day Dr. Zakaria Maamar highlighted the importance of this annual event in developing individual capabilities and its focus on teamwork as a cornerstone of success, explaining that the competitions, whether individual or group-based, contribute to developing essential skills such as leadership, flexibility, and effective communication—skills crucial in the modern workplace.

He pointed out that another objective of this event was to prepare students for the job market by providing them with opportunities to acquire diverse skills within the context of real-life challenges.

At the conclusion of the event, which was organized with the support of Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) the winning students in the various competitions were honored and awarded medals and certificates of appreciation in recognition of their excellence and creativity, which underscores the university's commitment to academic excellence and skills development.

During Skills Day 2026, UDST continues to strengthen its position as a leading applied university by empowering students with the skills, experience, and competencies necessary to contribute effectively to Qatar's knowledge economy. (QNA)