HBKU Commences 2019-2020 Academic Year with Orientation Day

The 2019-2020 academic year kicked off on August 25 for new and returning students at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) with Orientation Day, which was held under the theme of Hayakom at HBKU. The event posed as 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 more than 370 new students comprising 46 nationalities, 26 percent of which are Qatari nationals.

Orientation Day 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 to better prepare students for the next chapter of their academic journey.

Welcoming students to the new academic year, Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, president, HBKU, said: “We are proud to welcome the new students who will add to our existing diverse and impressive student body. Our institution places great emphasis on educating and preparing our students to become global citizens, ones who are equipped with the knowledge and skill sets needed to actively contribute to the current and future challenges facing Qatar and the world.”

Earlier this year, HBKU introduced eight new programs across six of its colleges: a Master of Arts in Applied Islamic Ethics from the College of Islamic Studies; PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Master of Information Systems in Health Management and Master of Science in Sports Management (a joint degree with the University of South Carolina) from the College of Science and Engineering; Master of Laws in International Law and Foreign Affairs and Master of Laws in International Economic and Business Law from the College of Law; Master of Science in Exercise Science from the College of Health and Life Sciences (a joint degree with the University of South Carolina); and a Master of Public Policy offered by the College of Public Policy.

HBKU’s new 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 expansion of HBKU’s academic offerings reflects the university’s growing role as an advocate for innovation in Qatar and beyond. 

Addressing students, Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, interim provost of HBKU, said: “As students at HBKU, you can look forward to an immersive academic and cultural experience while receiving a world-class education from renowned experts in their respective fields. The eight new programs that were introduced across six of our colleges earlier this year have been specifically tailored to support current market trends with a strategic forecast of skills expected to be in demand in the future. These latest academic offerings further complement our existing portfolio of research-driven graduate programs that are geared towards addressing Qatar’s pressing challenges and making a lasting impact globally.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Maryam Hamad Al-Mannai, vice president of student affairs, encouraged students to take full advantage of HBKU's dynamic research and learning environment: “Today, you join a diverse community that thrives within a multicultural and integrated educational environment with access to a wealth of resources and cutting-edge facilities to complement your academic outcomes. Embracing the many opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom will undoubtedly ensure an enriching and rewarding time at HBKU.”

HBKU is founded on the pillars of excellence, innovation, people and partners. The university is an innovation-centric academic institution, 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.