Doha, Qatar: As Qatar Foundation’s Convocation 2026 ceremony approaches and graduates prepare to celebrate with their families and friends, its newest engineering graduates are marking the occasion by reflecting on their transformative journey – sharing how their experiences have reshaped their perspectives and broadened their worldview.
Looking back at his first semester in 2024 at Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Abdelaziz Hussain (pictured) – the first in his family to graduate from QF, having completed his Master’s in Sustainable Energy says: “After two years of studying in this program at HBKU, I graduated with a key strength, which is the ability to bridge the gap between research and practice.” “My experience extends beyond theoretical understanding, enabling me to translate real-world challenges into research questions, and in turn transform findings into practical solutions. This was further reinforced through my thesis work, which explored the intersection of water, energy, and the environment.” Hussain explained that his degree is more than a certificate – it’s a foundation he plans to build on as he addresses real-world challenges.
He feels a responsibility to contribute to Qatar, where he was born and raised, especially when misinformation in engineering is made public. He also says that engineers and researchers hold knowledge that the public often relies on, and this knowledge should not be confined to a specific community.
“On several occasions, such as during global pandemics or conflicts, I encountered inaccurate claims about science or engineering topics and stepped in to offer clear, evidence-based explanations,” he said.
“What made those moments significant was not simply the correction itself, but the deeper realization that accurate information carries real weight, and that the absence of it can cause genuine harm.” Looking ahead to the next five years, Hussain aims to contribute to projects that directly benefit communities and address global water and energy challenges. And he wants people to see QF as more than a place of study — he sees it as a platform for collaboration, diverse perspectives, and meaningful connections that enrich both professional and personal growth. QF’s graduates are lifelong learners – the ecosystem prepares them to manage their time effectively, meet deadlines, and take responsibility for their work.
This is epitomised by Wala Abdelhalim, a Chemical Engineering graduate from Texas A&M University at Qatar, a QF international partner university, who says QF gave her a sense of independence when travelling abroad and collaborating with entities outside Qatar.
“When you work in a lab outside Qatar, you start off as an unknown, and there is always that pressure to prove yourself,” she says. “During my internship at Texas A&M’s home campus, I was given a lot of independence in how I conducted my work.
“It was entirely on me to show up, run experiments, learn about equipment, and maintain it properly. That responsibility pushed me to take ownership not just of the results, but of the entire process and space.” When asked about the moment she feels her voice as an engineer really matters, Abdelhalim replies: “My work on electronic skin is rooted in chemistry, but I approach and present it from an engineering standpoint. I break it down into systems and explain it in a way that is accessible rather than niche. That is where I feel my voice matters.”
