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Qatar Tribune
12-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
UCQ graduates reflect on legacy, learning, future at final convocation
Satyendra Pathak Doha In an emotionally charged ceremony that marked both an ending and a new beginning, the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) held its final convocation attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, on Sunday. The event not only celebrated the academic accomplishments of UCQ's last cohort of graduates but also honoured the institution's vital role in shaping the future of Qatar's healthcare system over nearly two decades. As the only Canadian university in Qatar, UCQ has made remarkable contributions to the nursing profession in the country, equipping hundreds of students with critical skills and clinical knowledge to support and enhance the nation's health services. This final graduation ceremony carried a sense of deep pride, reflection, and gratitude, especially among the students who now prepare to take their first steps as professional nurses. In candid conversations after the ceremony, several graduates shared their thoughts on their journey at UCQ, the significance of their education, and the paths they hope to pursue moving forward. Angeli Mae Tan, originally from Philippines, has called Qatar home for the past 15 years. She enrolled at UCQ with a clear focus: 'to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse'. 'When I decided on nursing, UCQ was the go-to institution,' Angela said. 'It was the only university offering a comprehensive nursing programme at the time, and I knew I wanted to study there.' Angeli fondly recalled her experience at the university, highlighting the positive atmosphere and supportive faculty. 'The environment was so healthy and uplifting. The university made a real effort to promote mental well-being, not just for students but for faculty as well. That made a big difference in our learning experience,' she said. She made special mention to instructors like Amby and Anna, whose guidance left a lasting impact. Angeli has already applied for positions within Qatar, particularly at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and hopes to begin her nursing career in the country that has been her home for over a decade. Marise Antoun Abou Jaoude, a Lebanese national who has lived in Qatar for 13 years, also chose UCQ for its strong academic reputation and hands-on approach. 'It was the ideal fit for my future goals,' she said. 'The university provided us with exceptional opportunities for hospital placements, allowing us to engage directly with patients, doctors, and staff in real-world settings. Those experiences were invaluable.' Marise emphasised the holistic nature of her training, which prepared her not only to be a nurse but also a compassionate healthcare provider. 'Each hospital I trained at—from various HMC facilities to other institutions—played an important role in my growth. I learned something new with every rotation,' she said. Looking ahead, Marise plans to continue her career in Qatar. 'This is where I studied, where I trained, and where I feel nurses are truly appreciated. I would love to give back to this community,' she stressed. Maymona Aby Yousuf, a Bangladeshi national who has lived in Qatar for an impressive 25 years, echoed similar sentiments. Passionate about healthcare from a young age, Maymona said her decision to study at UCQ was driven by the university's reputation and the opportunity it provided to make a meaningful contribution to society. 'Nursing was my calling, and UCQ was the place that made it possible,' she said.
Qatar Tribune
11-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
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.
Qatar Tribune
05-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
UCQ marks nearly two decades of excellence in nursing education ahead of final convocation
Tribune News Network Doha For almost two decades, the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) has been more than an academic institution — it has been a home for aspiring nurses and a driving force in Qatar's evolving healthcare system. As UCQ prepares to graduate its final cohort on May 11 before officially concluding its operations, it leaves behind a legacy through its alumni, who continue to shape the future of patient care. Since its founding in 2006, UCQ has educated over 1,100 skilled nurses from over 40 nationalities, including more than 120 Qatari alumni. At the core of UCQ's legacy lies its comprehensive academic offerings. The Nursing Foundations Programme was established to help students successfully transition into the Bachelor of Nursing programme, providing the foundational knowledge and skills needed for their nursing studies. Over the years, this programme was a crucial steppingstone in preparing nurses for the challenges of the healthcare field. The Bachelor of Nursing programme, UCQ's flagship offering, has been the cornerstone of its success for nearly two decades. This rigorous undergraduate programme has equipped students with the academic knowledge and practical experience necessary to excel in healthcare. Graduates of the programme have become integral to Qatar's healthcare system, significantly impacting patient care, leadership, and management, and contributing to healthcare services throughout the country. In 2013, UCQ expanded its academic offerings with the launch of the Master of Nursing programme, further contributing to the development of highly skilled healthcare professionals. This graduate programme addressed the growing need for nursing leaders and educators in Qatar. In partnership with the National Cancer Care and Research Hospital (Al Amal Hospital), the master's degree prepared nurses for advanced practice in oncology nursing. In 2014, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation, a leadership stream was the graduate programme built capacity for patient care leadership in highly specialized settings, and it developed nurses' skills in reading and conducting research, appraising evidence for practice, and developing managerial and leadership skills. With over 80 graduates, the MN programme has significantly contributed to Qatar's healthcare sector, with alumni taking on critical roles in healthcare policy, education, and clinical practice. Through its internationally accredited nursing programme, rigorous academic training, and strong collaborations with key healthcare stakeholders, including Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and Primary Health Care Corporation, UCQ has set a benchmark for nursing education in the region. A key milestone in UCQ's history was the introduction of the Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) initiative, which made UCQ the first institution in the Middle East to receive this prestigious designation. BPSO is an internationally renowned programme that enhances patient care by fostering evidence-based practices. Through BPSO, UCQ's students have spearheaded projects and initiatives to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes, ensuring that their nursing practice is equipped with the latest evidence-based knowledge. In addition, UCQ has been a leader in Continuing Professional Development (CPD), offering a range of educational opportunities for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and stay current with advancements in the field. This programme has been essential in helping nurses and other healthcare professionals advance their careers and adapt to the evolving needs of Qatar's healthcare system. 'The success of UCQ over the past two decades has been driven by our dedicated faculty, who brought both academic rigor and practical expertise to the classroom. Our graduates have consistently elevated the standards of healthcare practice in Qatar, and we take immense pride in the legacy they have built,' said Dr. Janet Rankin, interim dean of UCQ. 'As we prepare for our final convocation, we celebrate the partnerships and support that have allowed us to fulfil our mission of delivering world-class nursing education.' Professor Hala Sultan Saif Al Easa, president and CEO of UCQ, said: 'UCQ has contributed significantly to nursing education and the healthcare sector in Qatar. Our alumni have become leaders in patient care, research, and education, and their impact will continue to shape the future of healthcare in the region.' Dr. Khalid Al Thani, chair of UCQ's Board of Trustees, added: 'UCQ's commitment to excellence in nursing education played a vital role in advancing the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in the development of a highly trained and competent healthcare workforce. We are very proud of the lasting impact that UCQ has made.' This year's convocation ceremony will see 120 graduates join UCQ's esteemed alumni, furthering the institution's legacy of excellence. UCQ's impact on Qatar's healthcare landscape has been profound, thanks to its focus on education, research, and community engagement. As UCQ concludes its final year, the university is deeply grateful to the State of Qatar for its ongoing support, particularly to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, whose support has been crucial in enabling it to provide high-quality nursing education. While the institution's presence may be coming to an end, its legacy will live on through its graduates and the ongoing contributions they make to healthcare in Qatar and beyond. For media inquiries, please get in touch with Rasha Refaat at
