Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) colleges and research institutes are set to host an array of activities to engage the wider community in celebrations that mark Qatar National Day on December 18. 

The activities, taking place from December 12 - 20 at the Qatar Foundation tent at Darb Al Saai, will aim to educate visitors about some of the University’s key focus areas, including science; energy and environment; computing and biomedical research; as well as the HBKU Press’ literary works. 

Ms. Maryam Hammad Al-Mannai, vice president for student affairs at HBKU, said: “As HBKU is quickly establishing itself as a recognized name within the domain of internationally-acclaimed graduate institutions, the current student body enjoys vast benefits of the latest state-of-the-art facilities and the expertise of remarkably motivated faculty. These are integral factors that sustain our educational experience, which is defined by a distinctive academic infrastructure and rich extracurricular options.” 

“Our activities at Darb Al Saai cater to all age groups, and we invite families to join us in celebrating Qatar as a nation, along with all of its achievements in the spheres of science and research,” she added.

The College of Science and Engineering will host various computing and gaming activities, as well as a vocabulary challenge for children aged 7 – 11. These activities are based on game design research and human-computer interaction (HCI) techniques developed by faculty experts within the college. Visitors aged 5 and above will also be able to play a custom design digital piano and get first-hand exposure to technical aspects related to the design, including electrical circuits, coding and controls.

In addition, visitors can learn how to measure their pulse at the College of Health and Life Sciences’ platform. Visitors can also engage in organ-coloring activities to learn about body systems. Various activities will inform visitors about calorie counts and allow them to view cells under the microscope.

Qatar Computing Research Institute’s hands-on activities at Darb Al Saai will aim to nurture children’s interest in technology. Activities will include technology fun and robotics.

Meanwhile, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute will host interactive and educational activities, including a sustainability micro-grid, identifying renewable energy sources, and understanding how to conserve energy at home. QEERI’s activities will also showcase weather forecasting activities.

A Start as a stem cell! game designed by Qatar Biomedical Research Institute will introduce visitors to the idea that cells differentiate to produce mature cells, and that differentiation pathways are controlled by signals within and outside the cell with stem cells initiating these pathways. The blood system has been chosen as a model for this game, as, out of all systems in the human body, it is the most easily characterized. Visitors will also be able to understand disease concepts and risk factors, as well as visually spot the differences between a ‘healthy cell’ and a ‘sick cell’.

HBKU Press will be promoting a love for reading among young visitors through a story-telling corner, which will highlight some of the publishing house’s most popular children’s books to be read by HBKU Press authors.

Through collaboration and participation in Qatar National Day, HBKU aims to facilitate learning and increase knowledge among the wider community in line with its core pillars of people, innovation, excellence and partners. 

Activities will be showcased at Darb Al Saai from 3 pm – 11 pm on December 12; 9 am - 1 pm and 3:30 pm – 11 pm on December 13; 2 pm – 11 pm on December 14; 9 am – 1 pm and 3:30 pm – 10 pm from December 15 - 19; and 9 am – 1 pm and 3:30 pm – 11 pm on December 20.