Sheikha Hind Celebrates A Year Of Achievement And Witnesses The Largest Graduation Cohort At Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Doha: Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, attended the commencement ceremony of Hamad Bin Khalifa University's Class of 2026.

This year's graduation marked a significant milestone, with a record number of graduates reflecting the University's continued contribution to advancing national priorities and growing role in shaping regional and global academic discussions.

The ceremony, held today, May 3, at the Qatar National Convention Center, was attended by His Excellency Mr. Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanim, the Speaker of the Shura Council, along with government officials, ministers, college deans, staff and faculty, as well as the graduates' families and friends.

Comprising over 300 graduates from 36 programs, the Class of 2026 features undergraduate and graduate students from across six of the University's colleges: the College of Islamic Studies (CIS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), College of Science and Engineering (CSE), College of Law, College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), and College of Public Policy (CPP).

The Class of 2026 reflects resilience in action, particularly in a period defined by regional uncertainty. Across disciplines, students have applied their knowledge to real-world challenges, advancing research in areas such as health, technology, and sustainability, as well as working with partners across government, industry, and academia.

Their accomplishments further demonstrate how Hamad Bin Khalifa University's multidisciplinary ecosystem facilitates moving ideas from classroom into practice.

In his keynote address during the ceremony, His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, said:“The State of Qatar has chosen to be at the forefront, leveraging its knowledge base and commitment to nurturing conscious, capable, and responsible individuals. Under its wise leadership, it has demonstrated that true investment lies in people, and that high-quality education is the foundation upon which national strength and sustainable progress are built. Hamad Bin Khalifa University serves as a hub for knowledge and the development of talent capable of navigating the rapid changes in our world. The role of our graduates extends beyond their academic specialization; you are part of a comprehensive national ecosystem, contributing your knowledge to strengthening the country's resilience, enhancing its readiness, and advancing its future vision on a strong scientific foundation.”

Reflecting on the significance of this year's graduation and contribution of the Class of 2026 to academic inquiry and innovation, Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, stated:“This moment reminds us of what can be achieved through education, and we are entrusted with this responsibility.

Our graduates leave the classroom equipped not only with technical knowledge, but also intellectual and cultural awareness and a commitment to serving their communities. As they take their next steps, they do so with experience and a deep sense of their goals and how to achieve them with dedication and responsibility.”

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Nayef Jassim Al-Nama, a graduate of the College of Law, declared:“What we celebrate today is not the end of our journey, but rather its beginning. The road ahead is long, and progress is not achieved through aspirations, but determination. The value of knowledge is demonstrated in its application, shaping outcomes, informing decisions, and having positive impact. Our homeland Qatar's progress has never been accidental, but a result of clear vision and investment in people. We have been raised to understand that knowledge is not a luxury, but the foundation of progress and the pillar of the future.”

The ceremony also featured the annual Hamad Bin Khalifa University Excellence Awards, celebrating outstanding faculty achievements from the past academic year. Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani and Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah presented awards across three categories: the Service Excellence Award was given to Dr. Dena Ahmed Al-Thani, Associate Professor, College of Science and Engineering, celebrating her extraordinary service to the university community; the Teaching Excellence Award was received by Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Abdallah, Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Quality Assurance, College of Science and Engineering, honoring exceptional knowledge-transfer and pedagogy; the Research Excellence Award was given to Dr. Muhammad Imran, Principal Scientist, Qatar Computing Research Institute, for outstanding research recognized by the wider global academic community.

The Class of 2026 reaffirms Hamad Bin Khalifa University's role as a national research university and catalyst for knowledge creation and application, rooted in Arab and Islamic values. In strengthening Qatar's position as a global center for research, dialogue, and innovation, the University continues to equip graduates with expertise, perspective, and purpose to create lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

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