Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 on Sunday in the presence of HE Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and Chairperson of the HBKU Board of Trustees Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani. The ceremony, held at the Qatar National Convention Center, was attended by HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim and HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, along with a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials, as well as college deans, staff and faculty, and graduates' families.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Class of 2026 comprises over 300 graduates from 36 programs, featuring students from across six of the University's colleges: the College of Islamic Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, College of Law, College of Health and Life Sciences, and College of Public Policy. In his keynote address, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani emphasized Qatar's commitment to high-quality education as the foundation for national strength and progress.
He highlighted that Hamad Bin Khalifa University serves as a hub for knowledge, preparing graduates to navigate rapid changes and contribute to strengthening the country's resilience. President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah reflected on the graduation's significance, noting that graduates are equipped with technical knowledge, intellectual and cultural awareness, and a commitment to community service.
Nayef Jassim Al Nama, a graduate of the College of Law, spoke on behalf of the graduates, expressing that their journey is just beginning and emphasizing Qatar's progress as a result of clear vision and investment in people. The ceremony also included the annual Hamad Bin Khalifa University Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding faculty achievements in service, teaching, and research.
The Class of 2026 reaffirms HBKU's role as a research university and catalyst for knowledge creation, with graduates contributing to innovation across sectors including health, technology, and sustainability, while collaborating with partners in government, industry, and academia to enhance Qatar's global research and innovation presence.