Doha: In a significant milestone for Qatar's higher education landscape, the eight partner and local universities within Education City celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026, marking the largest cohort in its history. The graduation ceremony saw 1,100 graduates, comprising 444 Qatari nationals, which represents 40% of the total graduates, along with 660 graduates hailing from 78 different countries.
According to Qatar News Agency, Education City, officially inaugurated on October 13, 2003, under the initiative of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has evolved into a global hub for higher education. The institution hosts eight prestigious international and local universities, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), offering diverse and specialized academic programs. These programs provide Qatari and international students the opportunity to pursue education at some of the world's leading universities.
Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education and Education Advisor at QF, elaborated on QF's role in supporting graduates in their career paths. He stated that the QF Alumni Office actively engages with graduates, providing them with job opportunity information and necessary guidance to develop professional skills. Marmolejo highlighted a survey from the Education City Job Fair 2026, which revealed that approximately 70% of graduates feel confident about entering the labor market in Qatar, with employers acknowledging the high competence of QF graduates.
Marmolejo also noted the growing demand for graduates in artificial intelligence (AI) fields. QF, in collaboration with its universities, aims to provide educational opportunities in AI and other emerging sectors. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is set to offer an advanced AI program next academic year, while Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar will introduce a program in motion photography, and Northwestern University in Qatar's Media and AI major remains a popular choice.
Furthermore, Marmolejo emphasized QF's focus on AI and sustainability, detailing the establishment of an institutional committee for AI at the Board of Directors level to oversee educational, administrative, and research aspects. He highlighted QF's sustainability strategy, which aims to transform Education City into an innovative environment that fosters sustainable solutions.
The future of higher education, according to Marmolejo, is undergoing a global transformation driven by rapid AI advancements, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Institutions that can adapt and lead these changes will be best positioned to meet future needs, including unexpected demands. The comprehensive university model, which integrates diverse disciplines and experiences, is well-suited to tackle these challenges.
Amidst this educational momentum, Doha University of Science and Technology (UDST) is set to celebrate the graduation of over 1,200 students on May 19. Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al Nuaimi highlighted UDST's diverse educational environment, with over 9,000 students from more than 86 nationalities, and 25% of the student body being Qatari, supporting national talent development.
Similarly, Lusail University, Qatar's first private national university, will hold its third graduation ceremony on May 18 and 19, with separate events for male graduates and high achievers, and female students.
Statements to QNA underscored the successful expansion of Qatar's higher education institutions, offering flexible academic and professional options that motivate Qatari students to excel and contribute to the nation's strategic goals of nurturing specialized competencies for the labor market.