Qatar University (QU) held its annual convocation for the 2026–2027 academic year to honor distinguished members of its community and alumni for their contributions in academia, research, administration, and community service. The event aimed to recognize achievements and promote a culture of excellence across all university sectors.
The awards were presented by senior university officials, including Prof. Ibrahim al-Kaabi, executive vice-president for Academic Affairs; Prof. Aiman Erbad, vice-president for Research and Innovation; Dr. Mai al-Naemi, vice-president for Administration and Financial Affairs; and Dr. Muna al-Marzouqi, vice-president for Strategy and Institutional Effectiveness.
In his opening remarks, QU President Dr. Omar al-Ansari emphasized the significance of the new academic year as part of the university’s ongoing development. He highlighted a strategic shift from defining the university’s position to executing its vision through various projects and initiatives. Among these efforts are plans to enhance the student experience by integrating modern technologies, including a "smart academic adviser" tool that utilizes artificial intelligence to support students.
Dr. al-Ansari also noted that this academic year carries particular importance as QU approaches its 50th anniversary. He underscored the collective contribution of the university’s community over five decades in shaping its current status. The upcoming Golden Jubilee will feature a range of events to celebrate the university’s achievements and its societal impact.
Several awards were presented during the convocation. In the Academic Awards category, Dr. Emad Abd-El-Moneim Awadallah, associate professor of Accounting, received the Outstanding Teaching Award. Prof. Junaid Qadir, professor of Computer Engineering, was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Service Award.
The Outstanding Administrative Employee Awards were given in three categories. In the Leadership category, recipients included Saeed Rashid al-Athba, acting manager of Services and Support, and Jawaher Mohamed Fakhroo, acting director of the Engineering Services Department. The Academic Support category recognized Waleed Said Taher Abdelghany, academic project manager, and Fatema Abdulla Ali, senior student counsellor. The Administrative category honored Khider Ahaid Khider Hassinen, senior accountant – General Ledger; Huda Essa al-Muraikhi, administrative coordinator; Hassan Ali al-Tamimi, administrative coordinator; and Alhanouf Ali al-Shahwani, senior outreach and engagement specialist.
The Research Excellence Awards were presented to Dr. Susu Zughaier, associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology, in the Medical, Biomedical and Health Sciences category, and to Prof. Mohammad al-Ghouti, professor of Environmental Sciences and head of Biological and Environmental Sciences, in the Science and Engineering category.
The convocation concluded with the Young Alumnus Award, which went to Shaikha Mohammed AlSubaey, a 2019 graduate of the College of Business and Economics and head of the Institutional Excellence Team at Qatar Charity. The event reflected Qatar University’s commitment to fostering a dynamic academic, research, and administrative environment that supports excellence and the advancement of its community.