Tribune News Network
Doha
In the splendid and opulent ambiance of the Pullman Hotel in Doha, an extraordinary celebration of student achievement filled with pride, accomplishment, and the promise of a bright future unfolded. With a legacy of academic excellence, CUC Ulster University held its graduation ceremony, recognising the hard work and dedication of the Class of 2023, with the conferment of master’s and bachelor’s qualifications and prestigious higher national diplomas.
As part of the evening’s programme, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra delivered an elaborate and quintessential performance, mesmerizing the audience and contributing to the enchanting atmosphere of the ceremony. Their music resonated with the theme of excellence and achievement, creating an unforgettable experience that will be cherished by the graduates and their families for years to come.
Dr Khalid Al Ali, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), shared his thoughts on the significance of the event, saying “Witnessing your accomplishments and the result of your unwavering dedication is truly inspiring. It’s important to recognise that education is a continuous voyage of lifelong learning.”
Dr Khalid Al Ali also commended the partnership between City University College and Ulster University with acknowledgement to Natra Abdullah, the Founder of CUC Ulster University, and the dedicated team for their contribution to the local and international educational landscape which he affirmed as pivotal in Qatar’s journey of academic excellence. Dr Al Ali expressed his enthusiasm about the speed at which CUC Ulster is growing and its expansion plan with the construction of the new Lusail campus. The completion of the new campus in Lusail according to Dr Khalid Al Ali reaffirms the unwavering commitment to providing world-class learning facilities that align seamlessly with the mission to deliver a leading undergraduate and postgraduate experience in Qatar.
Dr Faris Gorashi, Executive Dean of CUC Ulster University, expressed his pride in recognition of the graduates’ achievements: “This celebration marks the culmination of many long hours of hard work and dedicated study that our students have so reverently put in.” Dr Faris encouraged the graduates to “transcend their roles as a degree holder, urging them to embrace their destiny as architects of an unwritten future.”
Dr. Faris further commended the partnership with Ulster University, recognising its national and international reputation for excellence, and innovation, highlighting that Ulster University currently ranks in the top 25 percent of UK universities for world-leading research. “We have a joint commitment to create one of the leading higher education institutions in the region by providing relevant, demand-led undergraduate and postgraduate higher education programmes and qualifications that contribute to Qatar’s Vision 2030 initiatives” said Dr Faris.
Ulster University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Paul Bartholomew highlighted the partnership between City University College and Ulster University and the celebration of the students’ achievements. He also acknowledged the contributions of staff and faculty for their academic success: “Today is significant for everyone gathered here. Not least to mark the bond between City University College and Ulster University, but also importantly to celebrate the achievements of our students. Together we are stronger and by working together in a spirit of partnership, we can develop new thinking and new opportunities to make a positive impact on the world. Forward-looking institutions like ours have a vital role to play in creating these new opportunities for the societies we serve, for our staff and for our students.”
Professor Bartholomew further reminded the graduates of their unique position within the global alumni network, which boasts more than 220,000 Ulster University graduates spread across the world.
HE Jonathan Wilks CMG, UK’s Ambassador to Qatar, bestowed his wisdom of more than 30 years as a UK diplomat across the Middle East upon the graduates. He emphasised the special nature of the international collaboration between the UK and Qatar, and he celebrated their qualifications not only as the gateway to prosperous careers but as the key to becoming ambassadors for Qatar on the global stage.
The event was further graced by the presence of HE Saleh bin Majed Al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commerce Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He shared a personal reflection of his life story and how determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence formed the hallmark of his academic journey leading to his career.
He said, “Each one of you has the potential to shape your own destiny. My own career has been a testament to the power of education, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. As you embark on this new phase of your lives, remember that your education is a powerful tool that can open doors and create opportunities you may have never imagined.”
In poignant and reflective moments, student representatives Said Ali Qayum Khan Mir Badshah, Ali Ahmed Ali Abdully Alyazidi, and Dr Jowhara Hamad S Al-Qahtani shared their experiences, emphasizing the solid foundation provided by CUC Ulster University as part of their academic journey.
Said Ali Qayum Khan Mir Badshah, a CUC Ulster graduate stated, “The education that we received at CUC Ulster University Qatar is a solid foundation that we are so grateful to have as well as the many career opportunities, or in some cases, like myself, their own entrepreneurial journey going forward.”
During the event, several awards were presented to outstanding students for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership, and community service. These awards exemplify the commitment of City University College and Ulster University to nurture well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact on society.
