The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) celebrated the graduation of its eighth cohort of master’s students on May 18, 2024. The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The event took place at the Sports and Events Complex at Qatar University and saw the graduation of 206 students, an 11% increase from the previous year. The ceremony began with the national anthem and verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a speech from the DI president, Dr. Abdelwahab El-Affendi, who thanked all those involved in supporting the graduates.
Dr. El-Affendi also highlighted the DI’s progress in obtaining global accreditation and its increasing collaboration with major universities worldwide. He paid tribute to American universities for their support of the Palestinian cause and praised Qatar for its contributions to Gaza. Dr. Ibrahim Freihat, Dean of Student Affairs, urged the graduates to give back to their communities and serve their country. The event featured speeches from graduates Dalal Al-Mulla and Salma Al Jamal, who shared their experiences and the impact of the DI’s programs on their lives and careers.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates were awarded to the graduates by HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Dr. Azmi Bishara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Dr. Abdelwahab El-Affendi, and the deans. The event also celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of the Executive Master’s in Diplomatic Studies and International Cooperation at the DI. Since its establishment, the DI has graduated 1,220 students and offers 19 internationally accredited master’s programs and 8 PhD programs. The institute aims to graduate professionals with leadership skills and integrity to contribute to human development in the region.
Overall, the graduation ceremony was a significant milestone for the DI and its students. It showcased the institute’s commitment to academic excellence and its impact on the lives of the graduates and their communities. The event also highlighted the importance of partnerships with global universities and the role of education in promoting social justice and humanitarian causes. As the graduates embark on the next chapter of their lives, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and values instilled in them by the DI, ready to make a positive difference in the world.