Last week, 111 men and women marked the successful completion of their graduate studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) at a graduation ceremony held at the HBKU Student Center.
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attended this year’s ceremony, herself a member of the university’s Class of 2015, having graduated with an MA in Public Policy in Islam, and she praised the efforts of those celebrating the successful completion of their studies. "I applaud the dedication of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Class of 2016. As an alumna of the university myself, I understand the effort they have put in to achieve a significant milestone and wish them continued success as they apply what they’ve learned to build bright futures for themselves and their communities,” she said.
Directly after the event, Her Highness spent time with the newest additions to HBKU’s alumni family, mingling with them, hearing their stories, and agreeing to pose for photographs with proud students.
Among the new HBKU graduates Her Highness spoke to were individuals whose families played a major role in inspiring them to pursue higher education.
A Qatari couple who had double the cause for celebration, husband and wife, Ibrahim Ali Al Muftah and Abtesam Ahmed Yousuf, were both interested in continuing their studies beyond undergraduate level and both applied to participate in HBKU’s Executive Master in Energy and Resources (E&R) program together in late 2014. Having been accepted on the program, they became the first married couple to study together at HBKU and have now become the first married couple to graduate together.
Commenting upon having the chance to speak with Her Highness Sheikha Moza, Abtesam said: “It was such an unexpected honor to meet Her Highness. Though we only spoke to her for a minute, that one minute carries special value for both of us – it will stay with us forever. Her Highness’s continued support for Qataris is the reason why we are here today. I look forward to meeting her again after I complete my PhD, insha’allah.”
Ibrahim added, “In addition to meeting Her Highness at our graduation being a great moment, graduating from a university that carries the name of His Highness The Father Emir will always be a source of pride for us.”
Ibrahim commented on how he first learned about the degree. “Abtesam was the one who first told me about the program and I’m very glad that she did. She explained how it was designed for those in the energy industry and would help me in my career. She offered to enroll in the program with me to allow us to help each other. So, we both agreed to seize this opportunity and register for the program,” he said.
Abtesam added: “Although he studied chemical engineering, while I studied electrical engineering, we have the same scientific background. I thought the E&R program was a good fit as it is multidisciplinary and covers politics, engineering and business.”
“Despite our differences in skills, we helped each other through the program. It really broadened our knowledge in the economic, scientific, practical and professional facets of the field and it is our hope that the relationships we built during the program with scientists, professors, and our colleagues will serve our careers well in the future.”
Ibrahim and Abtesam have two young children, meaning that at all times they had to balance their studies with a full home life and their ongoing work commitments. When asked if he thought other married couples in their situation should enroll in the program together, Ibrahim was positive about his experience. “Yes,” he said, “as long as you have the energy to commit to your studies. Studying together as a married couple always means you each have more understanding of the pressures that the other one faces.”
Hussain Albuhaliqa, who graduated this year with a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies in Comparative Religions from the university, also appreciates the role family support plays. Hussain’s sister, Khadija Albuhaliqa, and father, Ahmed Albuhaliqa, both completed degrees at HBKU’s Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies in years past.
Khadija, who was first to enroll in an HBKU program, commented: “I completed my undergraduate degree in the United States, but was looking for a graduate program I could complete while working. I was interested in the public policy in Islam program and found that it really aided me in my work.”
“I spoke to my family about the degree and discussed my experience with them. I wasn’t surprised when my brother and father decided to apply to programs at HBKU. I knew they could do it and it’s wonderful that our family can be part of the bigger HBKU family.”
Ahmed Albuhaliqa was drawn to the same degree at HBKU, out of an interest in “understanding the world and being able to improve communication with those around us”. He said: “Though my daughter was already studying in the same program, I found that we looked at issues from different angles and were able to help each other and take each other’s advice.”
“I think it’s important for all people, not only young people, to pursue education and try to continue studying for as long as possible.”
Hussain shares his father’s passion for learning. He commented: “I learned of the graduate programs offered by HBKU through QFIS three years ago. When I heard about comparative religions program, I was interested in applying as it was a field new to Qatar and I was inspired by the challenge of doing something different, that was still related to my undergraduate degree in international relations. Today, I can tell you that I am very happy with my decision and my degree.”
“I think it’s important for students in Qatar to seize the opportunity to study here. They’re able to be close to family, remain in a society and culture they are rooted in, and perhaps even, continue working while they study.”
“I know that when it comes to my own family, I am sure my brothers and sisters will follow our example and pursue higher education at HBKU. I’m thankful for my experience and with this achievement, can only say, this is all by the grace of my Allah.”