CUC Ulster University celebrates 2023 graduates

CUC Ulster University recently hosted the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2023, with the conferment of master's and bachelor’s qualifications and higher national diplomas, a statement said.
A performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra was among the highlights of the evening.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Khalid al-Ali, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, said it is important to recognise that education is a continuous voyage of lifelong learning.
He 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 on the speed at which CUC Ulster is growing and its expansion plan with the construction of the new Lusail campus, the latter a reaffirmation of the commitment to provide 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, encouraged the graduates to “transcend their roles as a degree holder, urging them to embrace their destiny as architects of an unwritten future.” He reminded each graduate that they possessed the potential to change, inspire, and lead an unwritten future waiting to be inscribed with narratives of pride, wonder, and inspiration.
Dr Gorashi further commended the partnership with Ulster University, recognising its national and international reputation for excellence, and innovation, highlighting that it currently ranks in the top 25% 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” he said.
Dr Gorashi acknowledged the large Ulster delegation joining the ceremony and the Qatar Ministry of Education and Higher Education for their support, underscoring their pivotal role in the partnership between CUC and Ulster University.
Ulster University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Paul Bartholomew highlighted the partnership with CUC, the celebration of the students’ achievements and also acknowledged the contributions of staff and faculty for their academic success:
Prof Bartholomew further reminded the graduates of their unique position within Ulster University's global alumni network, which boasts more than 220,000.
Jonathan Wilks, the 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 celebrated their qualifications not only as the gateway to prosperous careers but as the key to becoming ambassadors for Qatar on the global stage.
Saleh bin Majed al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commerce Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 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.
"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," he said.
Student representatives Said Ali Qayum Khan Mir Badshah, Ali Ahmed Ali Abdully Alyazidi, and Dr Jowhara Hamad S al-Qahtani shared their experiences, emphasising the solid foundation provided by CUC Ulster University as part of their academic journey.
Several awards were presented to outstanding students for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership, and community service.