Sheikha Moza attends UCQ final convocation
Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, on Sunday attended the final convocation of the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ), marking the close of a remarkable chapter in the university's history.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of its last cohort of graduates and paid tribute to UCQ's profound contributions to advancing Qatar's healthcare system over the past two decades.
Held at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC), the event was also graced by Minister of Education and Higher Education Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater along with senior officials from key national institutions, including the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and Qatar Foundation.
Ambassadors, faculty, staff, and families joined the graduates in celebrating the milestone.
A total of 120 graduates received their degrees, joining a distinguished network of more than 1,100 UCQ alumni who have played a critical role in elevating the nursing profession in Qatar.
Since its inception in 2006, UCQ has provided world-class nursing education tailored to local needs. Through its Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing, and Nursing Foundations programs, UCQ has nurtured a highly skilled and diverse nursing workforce.
More than 120 Qatari nationals are among its graduates, many now serving in leadership roles across Qatar's healthcare landscape.
Opening the ceremony, UCQ President and CEO Prof Hala Sultan Saif Al Easa said, 'This graduating class stands as a testament to years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Today, 120 graduates join a legacy of over a thousand professionals who continue to strengthen Qatar's healthcare system.'
She added with pride, 'We were the first to offer a Qatar-accredited Bachelor of Nursing degree. Our CPD programmes and master's degrees in clinical nursing, leadership, and oncology have helped shape a robust nursing workforce essential to modern health care in Qatar.'
Echoing these sentiments, Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, chair of the board of trustees at UCQ, emphasised the university's legacy and its alignment with national priorities.
Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani said, 'Today's ceremony is both a celebration and a farewell. We are incredibly proud of every student, and we honour the impact they have made, and will continue to make, on healthcare in Qatar. UCQ's contributions to the nation extend far beyond education; by cultivating a homegrown, highly qualified nursing workforce, the university has strengthened not only the health sector but also Qatar's economic resilience and national development goals in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. As we mark the graduation of this final cohort, we do so with immense pride and gratitude for the deep and lasting impact UCQ has had on our society.'
Over nearly two decades, UCQ distinguished itself not only through academic excellence but also through a deep commitment to community engagement, research, and collaboration. Strategic partnerships with leading healthcare institutions—such as Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and Primary Health Care Corporation—enabled students to gain hands-on experience that aligned with the dynamic needs of Qatar's healthcare system.
As part of its collaborative mission, UCQ actively contributed to the Interprofessional Education Committee (IPEC), joining forces with other major healthcare entities to promote interprofessional practice in the country.
Further cementing its leadership in nursing education, UCQ became the first institution in the Middle East to earn the prestigious Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) designation—an international benchmark for implementing and sustaining evidence-based nursing practices. Through these efforts, both students and faculty played a vital role in enhancing clinical outcomes and advancing patient-centered care.
Interim Dean of UCQ Dr Janet Rankin said, 'Although this final graduation marks the conclusion of UCQ's operations, it does not mark the end of our story. Coming from the main campus in Canada to serve in Qatar, I've had the privilege of contributing to the university's final chapter and witnessing firsthand the powerful impact of its mission. The dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our graduates are now deeply embedded in the fabric of Qatar's healthcare system.
'They embody the core values our institution upholds—excellence, service, and community. It has been an honour to be part of this journey and to see UCQ's legacy reflected in the lives and careers of our alumni. I am especially grateful to Qatar for its unwavering support and visionary leadership. UCQ's achievements have been made possible by the trust, generosity, and shared purpose that defined our partnership with this extraordinary nation.'
Emphasising the personal evolution of the graduating class, Director of Student and Enrolment Services at UCQ Hassan Kandar said, 'Each of our students carries a story of resilience, purpose, and transformation. Witnessing their journeys from orientation to convocation has been a privilege. They have grown into confident, skilled nursing professionals, ready to serve their communities. Today's ceremony stands as a testament to their perseverance and the unwavering support system that guided them.'
During the ceremony, Executive Director of Nursing Work Force Alanoud Hamad Almarri addressed the graduates.
In a moving gesture, she led the class in reciting the Graduates' Pledge, symbolising their shared commitment to their profession and society.
Though the university will soon close its doors, UCQ's legacy will live on through its alumni and the enduring impact it has made on Qatar's healthcare sector.
'The University of Calgary in Qatar expresses heartfelt gratitude to Qatar, the University of Calgary in Canada, and all the students, faculty, staff, and partners who shaped its remarkable journey. As this chapter closes, UCQ's spirit will continue—sustained by the knowledge it cultivated and the leaders it inspired,' The University of Calgary in Qatar said in a statement issued on the occasion.
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