QATAR - Health & Education
President, University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST)
Bio
Salem Al-Naemi was appointed the first President of UDST after it was officially established by an Emiri decree in 2022. He joined UDST in 2018, during its transition phase from a college to a university as vice president, finance and administration, and was appointed President in 2021. Al-Naemi has over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors in organizations such as Qatar University, Statistics Department/Planning Council, Supreme Education Council, and Milaha to name a few. He has also gained international experience working as a managing director of companies in France, Germany, and India. Al-Naemi holds an MBA and PhD in computer science as well as a master’s in mathematics and a bachelor’s in double major mathematics and computer science.
Since transitioning from a college to a university, our primary focus has been on delivering high-quality education. We believe in linking our academic pursuits with valuable research that aligns with our students’ majors and their chosen industries. By focusing on these vital areas, we aim to have a meaningful impact on our nation. Our research and educational endeavors are driven by a genuine desire to address pressing problems and contribute to the betterment of our society. In recent years, our institution has experienced remarkable growth. Presently, we have a student body of nearly 6,500, a significant achievement in terms of expansion. This growth can be attributed to our selective programs, which consistently align with the evolving needs of the industry. Additionally, we have established a strategic relationship with Toronto Metropolitan University, and we are exploring a potential partnership with Queens University, which represents a significant advancement for us. Furthermore, we have fostered a close alliance with government ministries, most notably the Ministry of Labor. These collaborations are integral to our success and signify our commitment to progress.
In academia, it is essential to approach matters from multiple perspectives, a principle that resonates throughout our university in various ways. One such approach is through joint research initiatives, which foster collaboration between our esteemed faculty and their counterparts from partner institutions. International partnerships play a crucial role in our pursuit of academic excellence. Presently, we engage in diverse forms of joint research with our international partners, nurturing a global exchange of knowledge. Another paramount objective we strive to achieve is the exchange of students with esteemed institutions like Toronto Metropolitan University and Brigham Young University, exemplifying our commitment to broadening educational horizons. This ambitious endeavor holds great significance for us. We encourage student exchange initiatives that provide valuable opportunities to explore and experience diverse perspectives. This multifaceted approach embodies our dedication to fostering academic growth and global engagement.
We take great pride in being an applied university that prioritizes preparing our students for the workforce. Our commitment to our students and industry partners is to ensure that our graduates are job ready. To fulfill this promise, we have meticulously designed our programs to align with professional certifications. In today’s competitive job market, companies are increasingly interested in practical knowledge and how individuals can contribute to their organizations. That is why obtaining professional certifications holds significant importance. By fostering these partnerships and offering a diverse range of certifications, we strive to empower them to thrive in their chosen fields. Our focus on practical knowledge and industry-relevant certifications ensures that our graduates possess the expertise and qualifications sought after by employers.
We have a range of strategies in place, all geared toward aligning our university with the international trends in higher education. One key aspect is our focus on building a sustainable university, recognizing the significance of commercialization, entrepreneurship, and innovation in generating income for the institution. Our second priority revolves around international recruitment. Another crucial aspect of our strategy is fostering international partnerships with universities abroad. Additionally, we aspire to make a significant contribution to our country’s economy by producing highly skilled professionals, particularly in the healthcare sector. We aim to nurture graduates who are not only independent in the workforce but also capable of becoming successful entrepreneurs, generating employment opportunities and value within our industry. Finally, we place great importance on sports and athletics. We are dedicated to guiding our female and male teams to participate in various international competitions. We are committed to further improving our performance in this area over the coming years.
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QATAR - Energy & Mining
Interview
VICE PRESIDENT – NORTHERN REGION (QATAR, IRAQ, KUWAIT, AND JORDAN), EMERSON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS