AFG College with the University of Aberdeen held their graduation ceremonies at the Westin Hotel, Doha, to celebrate the achievements of those students who successfully completed their programmes of study here in Qatar. The ceremonies gave those students who graduated last year, in a virtual setting, the opportunity to attend in person, alongside their peers. The three ceremonies took place across two days, with graduates from the 2020 and 2021 cohorts.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Sheikha Aisha Bint Faleh Al Thani, Chairperson of Al Faleh Educational Holding, Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice Chancellor of University of Aberdeen, Sheikh Nawaf Bin Nasser Al Thani, Chairperson of NBK Holding, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Anoud Bint Hamad Al Thani, Deputy CEO and Chief Business Officer of Qatar Financial Centre , His Excellency Sheikh Mohamad Bin Ahmed Al Thani, Her Excellency Sheikha Hanadi Bint Nasser Al Thani, Vice Chairperson NBK Holding, Her Excellency Sheikha Nada Bint Nasser Al Thani, as well as a number of dignitaries, along with representatives from the University of Aberdeen, AFG faculty, parents of graduates and distinguished guests.

The celebration was held in recognition of those students who had completed their studies at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Officiating the ceremony was the University of Aberdeen Principal & Vice Chancellor Professor George Boyne who said: “I’m delighted to be presiding at the first in-person graduation ceremonies we have been able to hold in Doha with our partner AFG College for two years. Congratulations to our students on their achievements and for all the work they put in to complete their studies, especially during the challenging pandemic period. This is an exciting occasion for the students to receive their degrees from the University across a range of academic disciplines and for their families and friends joining us for the ceremony.”

AFG Chairperson & Founder, Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani said “ I am so pleased to be able to witness the ceremony of our graduates, who have worked so hard, in what has been extremely challenging times. The Covid 19 pandemic was a real test of everyone’s resolve, but today we come together to celebrate the culmination of all our students’ hard work and determination in completing their studies, and going forward to be a force for good in their chosen careers.”

Several graduating students made an emotional and uplifting speech at the conclusion of each ceremony, in which they spoke about their experience of studying at AFG College with the University of Aberdeen. At the last ceremony Sheikha Mariam Bint Nawaf al Thani congratulated her fellow students, thanked members of staff and recognized the key role that the University continues to play in helping to fulfil one of the pillars of the Qatar 2030 Vision. She wished her fellow graduates success for the future and encouraged them to be a positive force for change, as well as global ambassadors for the university of Aberdeen.