On March 12, 2025, Hamad Bin Khalifa University hosted an important orientation day for Qatari engineering students at the "Handasiat" building within the educational city. This event was strategically aimed at introducing Qatari students from secondary schools, along with their parents, to the various opportunities available, including scholarships and study grants connected to bachelor's programs offered by the College of Science and Engineering.
The programs highlighted during the session included chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, and electrical engineering. This orientation was particularly significant as it provided insights not only for students directly interested but also for their families, who often play key roles in their educational decisions.
The day's activities initiated with welcoming remarks from Dr. Maryam Hamad Al-Manaei, the University’s Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Al-Manaei emphasized the importance of progress and acceptance within scholarship programs, expressing the university's commitment to the development of local talent. She stated, "The day was an embodiment of our university's commitment to unleashing the human potentials rich within Qatar through rich academic experiences and effective research system."
Fostering this local talent directly aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and lay the groundwork for future generations. The presence of representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and QatarEnergy added significant value to the event, as they provided firsthand insights about the application processes for scholarships and answered various inquiries from attendees.
The orientation fulfilled its educational purpose with detailed presentations from course directors of the College of Science and Engineering. These sessions not only outlined the curriculum but also highlighted the qualifications necessary for enrollment within these prestigious engineering programs. To bring the experience full circle, the university invited successful alumni and current students who shared their experiences and the transformative impact of these engineering programs on their careers.
The day also incorporated an exhibition, which offered abundant resources, information about available opportunities, and ways to connect with program coordinators, sponsors, and peers. This added dimension served to enrich the prospective students' knowledge about the paths available to them at the university.
At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Al-Manaei reiterated the significance of the initiatives to support engineering students, stating, "This matter is increasingly relevant for Qatari engineering students who begin their university careers within these important fields aimed at achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 and beyond." She highlighted how accessing scholarships and study grants not only aids students financially but also has substantial influences on their career trajectories.
With such substantial commitments to education and local talent, the future appears bright for the upcoming generation of engineers within Qatar. This orientation day is just one of many steps the university is taking to support its students, ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the future. The pathway offered through these engineering programs lays down the framework for successful careers and contributes significantly to the nation’s aspirations.