Doha: Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, today attended Qatar Foundation's Convocation 2026 ceremony at Qatar National Convention Centre, where 1,100 graduates from its eight higher education institutions were honored.
According to Qatar News Agency, HE Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, also attended the ceremony, under the theme of 'Celebration', alongside ministers and dignitaries, university deans and faculty, and the families of Qatar Foundation's (QF) Class of 2026.
Congratulating the graduates, Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education and Education Advisor at QF, emphasized the significance of the event as a community celebration of academic achievement and resilience. He highlighted the unwavering perseverance of the graduates, even in times of uncertainty, and acknowledged the vital support of their families in reaching this milestone.
During the ceremony, members of QF's Class of 2026, which includes 444 Qatari graduates and 660 non-Qatari graduates from 78 countries, participated in the symbolic tradition of stepping through the 'Door to the Future'. This moment marked their transition into the next chapter of their lives and celebrated the successful completion of their academic programs.
"Our graduates do more than just complete a degree; they emerge as students of change," Marmolejo said. He emphasized that while their education is top tier, it is their dedication to service that truly sets them apart. Marmolejo expressed confidence that the graduates would continue to be ethical leaders who are not only outstanding in their fields but also deeply invested in supporting the development of their communities.
The keynote speaker at the Convocation was Obadah Diab, an alumnus of QF's international partner university, Georgetown University in Qatar. Diab, who is now Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Syria, shared his personal journey and the role that Qatar Foundation played in shaping his character and broadening his understanding.
This year, 16 graduates received the Qatar Foundation Excellence Award, recognizing exceptional academic success, leadership, innovation, and community impact. Projects ranged from AI and technology to sustainability and healthcare, and from social impact to community engagement.
Since its establishment in 1995, Qatar Foundation has been dedicated to graduating a generation of inspiring minds. Its higher education ecosystem includes Hamad Bin Khalifa University and seven international partner universities, providing a world-class learning environment to students from around the world.
Marmolejo described the QF model as a unique multidisciplinary ecosystem that empowers students to curate their education across more than 65 academic programs. This integration extends beyond the classroom, offering students real-world experience through QF's numerous entities and a vast global network of industry partners.