HBKU’s Incoming Cohort Determined to Make an Impact

Numbering 569 students across 44 multidisciplinary programs, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is delighted to welcome its largest incoming cohort to date. These socially engaged individuals aspire to leverage their time within the university’s integrated, cutting-edge teaching and research environment to acquire and refine the skills necessary to shape novel solutions that benefit the people in their communities.

Hafiz Haydar Hassan Abdalla, an incoming student of the College of Health and Life Sciences’ Master of Science in Exercise Science program, is looking to build upon his record of contributions to Qatar’s sports scene. A former international track and field athlete who worked with the Qatar Sports for All Federation and Aspire Academy as a coach, he hopes to leverage his experience and embark on a career in exercise sciences.

“I am particularly enthusiastic about deepening my expertise and knowledge in biomechanics, a field I have been actively involved in since my undergraduate studies. I see my time at HBKU as a pivotal period for substantial professional development that will support my long-term career objectives in exercise science research,” said Abdalla.

Fellow Qatari Alia Sultan Al-Sowaidi is also aiming to give back to her community. Her experience working in a local social welfare foundation inspired her to enroll in the College of Public Policy’s Master of Social Policy and Program Evaluation program, where she hopes to strengthen her ability to affect change for Qataris in need.

“I really love my job, and I am really excited to learn more about social policy in regards to families’ welfare. This degree will help me better understand how to design and implement social policies, which will in turn allow me to support the well-being of Qatari children and their families,” said Al-Sowaidi.

Rasha Khamis Al Sulaiti, a prolific Qatari entrepreneur who runs a business consultancy and several media companies, chose to enter the College of Islamic Studies’ Master of Arts in Contemporary Islamic Studies program to acquire expertise in Islamic thought. She hopes this knowledge will help her advance her personal and professional development.

“HBKU’s impressive range of master’s programs caught my attention, as they will enable me to familiarize myself with academic research methods that will help strengthen the content creation aspect of my business and align it with cultural sensibilities. I also anticipate the opportunity to network with HBKU’s alumni community and fellow students to foster my development and make lasting connections,” said Al Sulaiti.

Hassan Abdulmohsin Al-Rashid is a young Qatari student looking to launch his career in higher education at the College of Science and Engineering’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program. He aspires to join the country’s dynamic information technology sector and one day help guide its development.

“HBKU is the place where I can discover the field of computer engineering and truly understand its depths. It is a passion of mine, and HBKU will give me the tools to shape my future career in this field,” said Al-Rashid.
 

Mohammed Abdullah Al-Breiki, an Omani student in the College of Science and Engineering’s PhD in Sustainable Energy program, hopes to gain the knowledge necessary to support the Middle East’s green transition and aid the region’s economic development. Currently the Head of Industrial Studies and Policies Department at Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting, he plans to add to his experience in industry strategy and policy development with insights in sustainability and technological innovation from his chosen degree program.

“My time at HBKU will be instrumental in refining my strategic vision for the region’s industrial transformation. The university's interdisciplinary approach and commitment to research excellence provide the ideal environment for me to develop and go on to drive forward initiatives that enhance the GCC's competitiveness in the global market while fostering sustainable development,” said Al-Breiki.

Amna Zaman, a Pakistani student in the College of Law’s Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) program, is preparing to adapt her career in law to keep pace with ongoing trends such as continuing globalization and technological advancement. Currently a consultant with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) based in the UN House in Qatar, she is interested in studying how governments can effectively harness digital technologies to promote sustainable economic growth while also ensuring national security.

“The new geoeconomic order brings with it unique challenges which mandate a reevaluation of traditional security paradigms. As HBKU occupies a significant position as a beacon of innovation and research at the intersection of technology and sustainability, I am confident my education here will grant me the skills needed to direct my expertise into action and contribute to the international sector of law,” said Zaman.

Bisher Al-Homsi registered for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ Master of Arts in Digital Humanities program to boost his career in social media and pave the way for a future path into academia. The Syrian student is keen to dive into the fields of cyberpsychology and computer-mediated communication, as well as study human language technologies.

“With the rise of LLMs and AI, I want to explore how these tools can help us navigate the floods of user data and create personalized online experiences by better understanding user behaviors and identifying online notions. My program will empower me to better understand these technologies and build my academic and research portfolio, paving the way for my dream job as an academic researcher or professor specializing in cyberpsychology and computer-mediated communication,” said Al-Homsi.

These students form part of an incoming cohort eager to make a positive impact on the lives of people around them, regardless of their specialization. They will be given the knowledge necessary to become leaders in their fields while helping to propel economic development, innovation, and social progress within Qatar and around the world.