Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and in the presence of the Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Qatar University (QU) celebrates the graduation ceremony of its 45th batch, which took place in the QU Sport and Events Complex the morning of 25 May 2022. This year 672 graduates celebrated yesterday in the Class of 2022 male graduation ceremony in the presence of the Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani, 307 of whom are Qataris and 365 non-Qatari.
In his speech on this occasion, President of QU Dr. Hassan bin Rashid Al-Derham said, “Today, we celebrate the 45th batch of graduates from Qatar University, with 3439 graduates to join the alumni of the University, which exceed more than 61,000 alumni. Qatar University, throughout its history, has had the honor of contributing to the goals of the country and the aspirations of its leaders, through its research capabilities, its expertise and preparing generations of competencies.”
He adds, “The celebration of the graduation of the Qatar University Class of 2022 is linked to an exceptional historical event, which is hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. This batch will always have connotations linked to the year of this event, and will have great pride and remember it continuously with generations to come. This historic event represents a real addition to Qatar’s response to this challenge and demonstrates its ability to play a key role on the international arena. Qatar University sought to support the state in its strategic direction towards continuously playing effective regional and global roles.”
Talking about the University’s achievements, Dr. Hassan says, “Qatar University accounts for nearly half of Qatar's higher education system, so what it is achieving now and what it will achieve in the future has a significant impact on the country's higher education system. The University has begun its strategic mobility by developing an integrated strategy from 2018 to 2023. At the end of this academic year, we are pleased to see that the concerted efforts and cadres of the various sectors of the University have borne fruit and turned the strategy into reality. Looking at the strategic indicators, the proportion of Qatari students enrolled in the academic programs in science, engineering and mathematics is rising, with the index approaching 80 percent of the target. In addition, the research indicator has also achieved a value higher than the target. The student-to-faculty rate index places the university among the world's elite universities.”
“In the university rankings, Qatar University has maintained its position in the top 250 universities in the QS World University Rankings. It is one of the top 350 universities internationally, according to the Times Higher Education rankings. Qatar University also ranked second among Arab universities according to both ranking institutions.”
“Since excellence is an institutional value that we strive to maintain, and in order to continue to improve and develop educational quality, the University is now working to achieve accreditation from the WSCUC organization, in terms of expansion and offering programs that respond to the needs of the community. The University passed the first phase, in which we sought to achieve institutional accreditation, which ended in March 2021, and the second phase in January 2022. We are now working on the final phase, which is expected to be completed in February 2023.”
“At the academic level, according to QS, 19 scientific disciplines have become among the best in the world. Islamic studies was ranked 130th, the Sports Science Program for the 150th Place, and Engineering and Technology 179th, which in turn contributed to Qatar’s ranking in higher education to the 57th place in the world.”
Discussing the achievements of the medical and health sciences sector, Dr. Hassan said, “The University’s Board of Regents approved the establishment of the College of Nursing, which will begin Fall 2022. This year, we are also witnessing the first batch of graduates from the physiotherapy program, who will provide the labor market with graduates with a high level of professionalism and knowledge.”
“As for digital transformation, the University has made qualitative progress and has raised its position to cope with the new developments in the digital world. We developed a number of academic courses, when we offered online learning, in accordance to best international standards.”
“In the scientific research and scientific publication sector, the academic year was rich with achievements. Our researchers published more than 500 research papers in collaboration with researchers from more than 150 countries around the world. Our scholars and faculty published more than 2,500 rigorous scientific researches this year alone.”
“QU Press also released 34 new titles this year in various scientific disciplines, the crown of which was the publication of the ‘Encyclopedia of Occidentalism’ by the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, which is the first scientific work in the Islamic world of its kind.”
“In the field of environmental sciences, Qatar University collaborated with Qatar Gas to transport a range of corals to a better marine area, and partnered with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to build a sophisticated laboratory for rehabilitation and adaptation before returning them to their original environment.”
“In the international dimension, UNESCO awarded Qatar University the UNESCO Chair in Desalination and Water Treatment, the first in the Gulf region. It is now involved in developing the research agenda in this scientific discipline in collaboration with 30 international universities.”
“With regard to the development of the university's facilities and infrastructure, four new buildings at the university were completed this year: the College of Law, Education, Engineering and the Student Affairs Building. This boasts a building area of 246,000 square meters, representing an increase of 46% of the total area of the university buildings.”
“The University launched several pillars of the innovation and leadership system, the most important of which is the establishment of the Office of Strategic Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Economic Development, which has designed, developed and launched many training, support and funding programs to drive the establishment of Qatar's emerging knowledge and technology companies.
The University also established a private holding company that allows it to have flexibility in contributing to the process of economic development of its innovations, intellectual outputs, assets, knowledge, research and capabilities of its employees.”
“These successes could only have been achieved with the blessings of Allah (SWT) and with the continued support of the good government, the vigorous follow-up of the Board of Regents and the efforts of the members of our dear university.”
Addressing the Class of 2022 graduates, Dr. Hassan said, “You are going through an important stage in your life where you are building your personalities and knowledge. You are on a new stage with its challenges and aspirations. We are confident that your University has contributed to your preparation for this stage, and I am sure you will realize that Qatar University has provided you with the tools and skills you need, and trust that it will always be supportive and a reference to you. There is no doubt that the journey was long and arduous, and I hope it was enjoyable with all its obstacles, effort and hard work. Remember the University faculty and those who have supported you, whatever their role, they have great gratitude from me, and from Allah (SWT).”
“Do not forget your country’s aspirations for you following your hard work and contributions. Remember your parents who have waited for this moment, to acknowledge and congratulate you on your achievement and success. It is time to give back, and be the people we always promised you would become.”
The graduation ceremony of the Class of 2022 includes graduates (bachelors, diploma, masters and doctorate) of the following semesters: Fall 2021 and Winter 2022, in addition to those who are expected to graduate by the end of Spring 2022. During the ceremony, graduate Hussain Ibrahim Al-Ishaq gave a speech as a representative on behalf of the 45th graduating class, while Dr. Hitmi Khalifa Al Hitmi, Director of Communication and Public Relations in QU acted as the master of ceremonies.
As QU graduates its 45th cohort of graduates, the university continues to chronicle a long history spanning decades in which it contributes heavily to Qatar’s development and prosperity, through boosting the labor market with qualified graduates. Considering the current pandemic, safety and precautionary measures approved by the state were undertaken during the event.
Source: QATAR UNIVERSITY