UDST celebrates first graduation as university

Meriam Jelliti Doha University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) celebrated the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and community impact at its ...

Meriam JellitiDohaUniversity of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) celebrated the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and community impact at its first graduation ceremony after transforming from a college into a university.UDST conferred degrees on 477 distinguished students across its four colleges at the ceremony graced by the presence of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani with the attendance of Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi as a guest speaker; UDST Board of Trustees’ Chairman Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and the board members; UDST President Dr Salem Al Naemi, the university’s faculty, as well as families and friends of the graduates. UDST’s first graduation ceremony and the 18th graduation batch for the academic institution witnessed the first cohort of Applied Master’s Degree holders in Diabetes Care and Patient Education. Students graduated from over 62 programmes, each tailored to the needs of Qatar’s economy. During the ceremony, the audience was astonished by a documentary retracing a 20-year legacy of this academic institution and the transformation that led to the establishment of the first applied university in Qatar.The ceremony started with a congratulatory message from Dr Naemi. He said, “We take pride in this special day, when we witness a moment long-awaited by our students. We had the honour of being part of the official establishment of UDST by an Emiri Decision No13 of 2022 issued by the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, may God protect him. This decision brought with it a new journey full of excitement, dedication and commitment to offer the best and strengthen the position that has been set for us as the first applied university in our beloved country Qatar.” He added, “UDST is a student-oriented university. We believe in the ability of our students and we put 20 years of technical and vocational education and training experience in Qatar at their service. We work on developing their skills and knowledge, and we encourage them to achieve and perform at their best. Our aim is to help them self-develop and seek innovation that serves society and achieves sustainability under the Qatar National Vision 2030. “UDST offers 62 programmes, 8 of which are unique and no other university in Qatar offers such programmes. These are Business Administration in Banking and Financial Technology, Data and Cyber Security, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Radiography, Digital Communication and Media Production, Engineering - Applied Electrical Power and Renewable Energy, Construction Engineering, Engineering - Applied Automation and System Control Engineering.”In his speech, Kaabi pointed out the distinction of University of Doha for Science and Technology, which he said, “was not a coincidence, but the result of continued cooperation with various sectors in the country to build programmes that are capable of preparing national talents and capabilities to meet the requirements of the job market, including that of the energy sector.”Addressing the graduates, Kaabi said, “Today, we celebrate your arrival at the first stage of success on a long road - a pivotal station that will change your path into the working life. Each of you sets out with a certificate, a qualification and practical experience that meets an immediate need of the country’s economy. Next, you will join one of our Qatari institutions and you will work with experts and specialists in all fields. So, learn from them and build successful and solid relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Be proud of the qualitative additions you will bring and keep looking ahead to the next step, for the future is ahead of you and tomorrow is yours.”With UDST alumni community now reaching close to 7,000, a diversity of careers and notable achievements demonstrate the university’s impact in building capacities addressing areas of national and global importance. UDST hosts more than 5,000 students across its four colleges. They represent more than 70 nationalities reflecting a diversified community that shares the love of learning and works together for a better future. Speaking of the uniqueness of the ceremony of Class 2022, Dr Awni al Otoom, dean of College of Engineering Technology and Industrial Trades, said: “This graduation is very special because it’s the first graduation batch after the Emiri decree transformed the college into the University of Doha for Science and Technology. So, these graduates will be ready for the job market with minimal training because they have been exposed to the knowledge, competencies and skills that we taught them over two years or three years or four years with a bachelor’s degree as well.“We started about two years ago offering bachelor’s degree, and we also started to offer a master’s degree. We are opening up new ventures for doctorate degrees where applied research will be utilised to serve the industries need in the country and the region as well.”Aisha Muhammad Afzal, a graduate of Science and Technology College majoring in Banking and Fintech from the School of Business Management, said: “I’m very excited to graduate because it’s been a long journey for me, but it was indeed exciting. The environment, the campus here is great and I loved to be a student here and the place will be missed. The industry for banking and finance is growing and it was very exciting to learn what the industry needs because the university is more about teaching what the industry is actually doing.”