Chairman of UDST Affirms University is Qualitative Leap to Achieve Sustainable Development, Requirements of Labor Market

Doha, February 28 (QNA) - HE Chairman of the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) Board of Trustees Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada affirmed that the establishment of the university was not a coincidence, but rather based on lengthy studies, consultations, and discussions with various bodies, partners and international institutions for approved programs, and the most prominent academics, under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), to lay solid foundations for this paradigm shift. His Excellency noted that this educational edifice was created to be the first applied university in Qatar and to establish the name of the capital Doha in the university, which he said that its roots will remain vibrant in this land, and grow its branches to compete with the finest applied universities in the world, pointing out in this context because of the prominent role of science and technology in today's world and that it is one of the most important strengths that will attract students and partners, thanks to its many programs in various fields to meet the requirements of economic and social development. In a press conference on Monday, Dr. Al Sada and UDST President Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al Naemi spoke about the university's goals and study programs, and its qualification of its graduates to contribute to Qatar's progress and achieve sustainable development within the framework of its Qatar National Vision 2030. Dr. Al Sada pointed out that UDST has more than 20 years of experience, as it was previously known as the College of the North Atlantic in Qatar, and said that the university currently receives more than 5,000 students, and includes world-class educational cadres and a prominent work team that is attested to its efficiency, in addition to first-class facilities. The University offers more than 50 Applied Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree programs in addition to diplomas that fall under 4 main streams: Engineering Technology and Industrial Trades, Business Management, Computing and Information Technology, and Health Sciences. HE indicated that the new programs are compatible with the changes in the labor market, and include unique and diverse specializations, referring to the applied approach of the university, which works to secure an educational environment based on training and simulating workplaces, so that students are fully prepared to engage in the labor market upon their graduation. He also thanked the MOHE for its support and sponsorship of the establishment of the university, and everyone who contributed to the establishment of the College of the North Atlantic in Qatar and the college's partners in Canada for their efforts and continuous support for its success over the past two decades, and other stakeholders who contributed in turn to the establishment of UDST to be an option for all those who are wishing to obtain world-class applied education and training. For his part, UDST President Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al Naemi said that it aims to meet the educational need of students and the requirements of the growing economy locally and globally, and will constantly develop to consolidate its position as one of the most prominent international universities, noting that its academic programs follow international quality standards and in accordance with the framework the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in the State of Qatar, which qualifies students to engage in a successful professional life, and that the new ones meet the requirements and changes of the labor market. "We have carefully planned our educational approach and our core objectives to benefit our students and the wider community. We will offer workplace training for students to gain deeper experience in their field of study. We excel at applied research, where we propose innovative solutions to real challenges from within today's world of work and we have a successful track record of partnering with a broad spectrum of employers and industry leaders to make sure our education meets the needs of today's market," he added. He affirmed that the UDST will lay a strong foundation for further growth, especially that most graduate and postgraduate jobs in our market are structured around entirely hands-on competencies, and by introducing all these Applied Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree programs, we are preparing our students for a lifetime of professional success. He stated that the University gives research high priority through its Applied Research and Innovation Center that supports research and innovation through strengthening Technical and Vocational learning, policy, and practice. Furthermore, UDST has a pre-incubation hub launched in partnership with Qatar Development Bank, that assists all entrepreneurial students, alumni to tap into the innovation ecosystem. In a related context, Dr. Al Naemi explained that 4 programs are completely new in Qatar: Bachelor of Applied Business Administration in Banking and Financial Technology, Bachelor of Applied Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy, Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Radiography. He indicated that the university will continue to offer diploma programs for two or three years even after the launch of its new programs, with a focus on the student and their skills, in addition to working to change the education and work scene in Qatar, especially as it is characterized as the ideal destination for technical and vocational education and training, and the most prominent source for graduating talents that contribute to the development and growth of the country's vibrant economy, in support of Qatar National Vision 2030. In their response to journalists' questions, Dr. Al Sada and Dr. Al Naemi explained that former graduates of the College of the North Atlantic in Qatar can complete their studies at UDST to obtain a bachelor's degree. Priority will be given to university admission to students of specialized secondary schools in Qatar, noting that UDST has its own criteria and conditions for admission and enrollment of students. (QNA)