Qatar emir patronizes Qatar university graduation ceremony

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani patronized Tuesday evening the graduation of the 34th batch of Qatar University students for 2011 at the headquarters of the university. The ceremony was attended by their excellencies the sheikhs, ministers a number of university officials, staff and parents. Following a recital from the holy Quran, Dr Sheikha Bint Abdullah Al Misnad, President of Qatar University lauded HH the Emir\'s patronizing of the ceremony and HH\'s ceaseless support of the university. She also praised the efforts of HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani , Chairman of the Qatar University Board of Trustees, for his stewardship which helped the university gain its high reputation locally and abroad. Noting that the university was accorded the honor of educating Qatari citizens in order to fulfill the country\'s development requirements, she noted that sound preparation of citizens should be based on quantitative education that meets the needs of the present and the future and stimulates innovative educational research that serves society and upgrades the standard of living of the human being. Equally important is preserving the sublime values of humanity and developing the spirit of diligence and assiduousness, she said.. She urged students to abide by the basic principles founded by HH the Emir for the prosperity and development of the country, noting that planning, based on the sources of strength and weakness in performance is the actual springboard. Dr Sheikha Al Misnad  said that visionary, far-sighted sound planning that is based on a real basis surely leads to cherished results, even if belated. In noting that the comprehensive educational reform in the state was an exemplary for a fruitful planning, she pointed out that the process was not only meant to prepare youths for the job market but a part of an all-round effort meant to honing citizens capabilities to step up their active contribution to a democratic society. In recalling the declaration of HH the Emir at the opening of the 40th ordinary session of the Advisory Council that 2103 will be the election year of the council, Dr Sheikha Al Misnad urged graduates to live up to the level of such a great event by employing the education that they had gained and prepare for the exercise of responsible democracy that prioritizes the nation\'s interests and the future\'s needs. A successful democracy, she stressed, is the one that attends to both rights and duties. She urged students to heed the call of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani to harbor the culture of work, production and perfection and avoid slackness or accepting as an end any achievements however great. She said that the call has inspired many success stories in the country. Dr Sheikha Al Misnad also lauded Qatar\'s righteous, courageous foreign policy and HH the Emir\'s domestic accomplishments which, she said, was a reason of pride for all Qataris who have been assured of a life of dignity. Qatar\'s renowned rally driver Nasser Al Attiyah who attended as a guest of honor said he was proud of Qatar University as an established education edifice in the country seeking to achieve Qatar’s 2030 Vision in education. He spoke of a successful story that started since 2004, praising the continued support lent by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani. Abdullah Mohamed Al Ansari spoke on behalf of the graduates, referring to the attention accorded to all citizens by HH the Emir and to the prosperity and welfare achieved in such a short span. He said the efforts of Qatar University s in the education sector are praiseworthy, noting the generous support of the government for education. At the end of the ceremony Dr Sheikha Al Misnad handed over certificates to graduates whereas outstanding students received certificates of distinction from HH the Emir. The 34th batch of Qatar University included 269 male students.  Another ceremony will be held Wednesday for the graduation of 879 females. (END)