The 2021-2020 academic year kicked off on August 16 for new and returning students at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) with a virtual ‘Start to Academic Year 2020 - 2021’. In keeping with previous years, the event was held under the theme of Hayakom at HBKU while also marking the beginning of the university’s 10th anniversary milestone. It was an opportunity for students to meet future classmates, faculty and staff, and obtain key information about campus resources ahead of commencing their studies. The university this year welcomes over 360 newly enrolled students comprising 48 nationalities, 22 percent of which are Qatari nationals.

The Start to Academic Year 2020 – 2021 provided students with a comprehensive overview of what they can expect from their respective programs and the unique research opportunities available at HBKU. The event commenced with opening remarks from senior management at HBKU and was followed by a series of information sessions aimed at better preparing students for the next chapter of their academic journey. These included a digital tour of HBKU’s colleges, research institutes and facilities, as well as other important locations on the Education City campus. A series of webinars provided opportunities for past and returning students to share success stories and offer personal advice to the newcomers. 

In an address, Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, president, HBKU, said: “We are proud to welcome all our students to the start of a new, exciting and hopeful academic year. Since its founding 10 years ago, HBKU has remained steady in its imagining of the world and people of tomorrow. Our resolute approach in turn reflects our commitment to innovation in education and research, as well as our dedication to finding novel solutions for the challenges facing Qatar and the world.”

Dr. Hasnah added: “In keeping with academic institutions around the world, HBKU accepts the current global situation with positivity, pragmatism and determination. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to adapt to an ever-changing and unprecedented situation and has required us to re-think the existing education model.”

HBKU’s degree programs are tailored to build specialized capacity to address the most in-demand current and future skills of local and international employment markets. The continued expansion of HBKU’s academic offerings reflects the university’s growing role as an advocate for innovation at home and abroad.  

Addressing students, Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, interim provost of HBKU, said: “HBKU empowers its students by providing a world-class education complemented by a positive academic and cultural experience. This is not only reflected by the renowned experts that populate our colleges, but also our dynamic and growing portfolio of academic programs. HBKU has consistently demonstrated over the past decade that it has its finger on the pulse in terms of courses offered and their relevance to current and future challenges. Our newest course offerings build on an already-impressive list of research-driven graduate programs and demonstrate that innovation and progress are at the heart of everything we do.”

For her part, Ms. Maryam Hamad Al-Mannai, vice president of student affairs, encouraged students to embrace HBKU's virtual research and learning environment: “For ten years, HBKU has provided its students with a wealth of resources and cutting-edge facilities to complement their academic endeavors. Our virtual tour and webinars are merely an extension of this commitment and demonstrate that a multicultural and integrated educational environment is also possible online.”

HBKU is founded on the pillars of excellence, innovation, people and partners. An innovation-centric academic institution, the university is leading in education and research that is dedicated to solving critical challenges facing Qatar and the world. HBKU develops interdisciplinary academic programs and national research capabilities that drive collaboration with the world’s best institutions, prepare future leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset, and shape novel solutions for positive, global impact.

For more information about HBKU’s upcoming events or to find out more about its programs, please visit hbku.edu.qa.