Doha, Qatar: The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) yesterday continued its celebrations for the Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies, honouring a new group of graduates from various academic disciplines.
The occasion, held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, convened senior officials, university leadership, faculty members, graduates, and their families to celebrate the students’ academic achievements and their readiness to contribute to Qatar’s future development.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rachid Benlamri, Vice President and Academic at the university, said, “It is my pleasure and honour to celebrate today the result of years of dedication, hard work, and ambition, and to share with our graduates the joy of reaching an important academic milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities and aspirations.”
He further stated, “Through a comprehensive educational experience that combined academic knowledge with practical application, our graduates have been prepared to move forward with confidence and competence toward excellence in various fields, equipped with the skills and expertise that enable them to contribute effectively to society and support Qatar’s continued progress and development.”
In his speech, the guest speaker, Hamad Mubarak Alhajri, Founder and CEO of Snoonu, said, “Congratulations on this graduation. Congratulations to the nation for having you. And congratulations to the world for these souls who are now ready to leave a mark that will never be forgotten.”
Speaking to The Peninsula, students reflected on the challenges they overcame, the support they received from family, friends, and faculty members, and their aspirations for the future.
“I’m very happy and proud of everything I achieved during my studies”, said Sheikh Mohamed Al-Thani, a graduate from the Human Resources programme. “My family supported and encouraged me through every challenge, especially during difficult times, and that motivated me to keep going and succeed.”
Angenica Thea Tizon, an Information Technology graduate, expressed pride in her academic journey and the achievements she shared with her teammates. “One of the projects we developed was a proof of concept for connected smart campuses, and it received strong recognition from the university leadership,” she said, noting that the team went on to win an industry poster award.
Reflecting on graduation day, Tizon described the occasion as both emotional and exciting. “I’m nervous and excited at the same time because this is a completely new chapter for me,” she said. “After four years of hard work, I just feel happy and ecstatic.”
Dana Khattab, a student from Jordan, described graduation day as a proud and emotional moment shared with her family, friends, and instructors. “I’m very happy to celebrate this achievement with the people who supported me throughout my journey,” she said.
Khattab, who completed her Healthcare Management degree, said she is now looking ahead to new professional opportunities and hopes to continue building her career in the healthcare sector.
This year also reflected the success of several student-led projects such as the ‘Be My Sense’ initiative developed throughout the academic journey, demonstrating the university’s emphasis on experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and applied research.
In a statement, the university said that “These initiatives reflect the creativity, innovation, and practical problem-solving skills fostered among UDST students across a wide range of disciplines.” The Class of 2026 Salutatorian, Walaa Hassan, said, “Today, we stand in a moment we have long dreamed of. A moment of pride and accomplishment that crowns years of dedication, perseverance, and ambition.”
She noted that the university offered an enriching learning environment that blended academic theory with hands-on experience, strengthening abilities to make valuable contributions to society.”
“Each one of us carries a unique story of success, yet what unites us all is the belief that ambition and hard work can shape a brighter future. As graduates, we leave today carrying not only academic knowledge, but also the confidence, resilience, and sense of responsibility that will guide us as we contribute to our communities and pursue our aspirations with determination and purpose,” Hassan added.
