Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Attends HCT Graduation Ceremony for Record Cohort of More Than 6,700

The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) has celebrated its largest-ever graduating cohort, with more than 6,700 students completing their studies in the 2025–2026 academic year. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the graduation ceremony at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on November 4, 2026.

Held under the theme ‘Strong Roots. Lasting Impact.’ The ceremony brought together graduates from HCT campuses across the UAE, alongside alumni, government officials, institutional leaders, faculty members and families.

The Class of 2026 represents a 43% increase in graduate numbers compared with the previous academic year. A total of 804 graduates were recognised in distinction and honour categories, while 18 outstanding students received special recognition for academic excellence.

UAE Leaders Attend HCT Class of 2026 Graduation

The ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chancellor of HCT; His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; and His Excellency Dr Faisal Alayyan, President and CEO of HCT.

Senior government and institutional representatives, partner organisations, academic and administrative staff, previous graduates and families also joined the celebrations.

Dr Al Falasi congratulated the graduates and their families, describing the occasion as another milestone in HCT's development. He said the graduating cohort reflects the UAE's continued investment in human capital and its commitment to developing national talent capable of supporting the country's economic and development priorities.

He said HCT's journey is rooted in a national vision that places people at the centre of development. Over nearly four decades, the institution has evolved alongside the UAE, preparing generations of graduates for key sectors.

He added that rapid economic and technological changes make it increasingly important to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to economic diversification, innovation and national competitiveness.

HCT Celebrates Nearly Four Decades of Educational Development

The graduation programme included a visual presentation tracing HCT's history since its establishment in 1988. It highlighted Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan's role in founding the Colleges and developing their educational model.

A second presentation showcased HCT's progress through key figures and indicators, including student enrolment, the expansion of academic programmes and specialisations, and the development of its educational facilities and infrastructure.

Graduates were then recognised by academic specialisation, with the programme also featuring awards for distinguished students, a pledge of allegiance and the recognition of top achievers on stage.

Class of 2026 Records 43% Growth and Strong Academic Results

The 2025–2026 graduating cohort represents a 43% increase over the previous year, reflecting HCT's expanding contribution to the UAE labour market across applied and professional specialisations.

Graduates came from campuses and partner colleges across the country:

• Abu Dhabi: 1,640

• Sharjah: 1,145

• Al Ain: 930

• Dubai: 896

• Ras Al Khaimah: 887

• Fujairah: 729

• Al Dhafra: 179

• Khalifa bin Zayed Air College and Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Naval College: 360

HCT's national reach is expected to expand further with the opening of its new Masfout campus in the Central Region during the 2026–2027 academic year.

Academic performance was also strong. More than 12% of graduates achieved cumulative grade point averages (CGPAs) of 3.5 or higher, while 14 students completed their studies with a perfect 4.0 CGPA. A further 804 graduates were recognised in distinction and honour categories.

HCT President Highlights Applied Education and Career Readiness

Dr Faisal Alayyan described the record graduating cohort as a defining milestone for HCT, highlighting both the increase in graduate numbers and improvements in academic programmes, professional pathways and educational outcomes.

He said the institution's applied education model combines academic study with practical training, projects, activities and specialist competitions. This approach helps students develop professional capabilities while preparing them either to enter employment or continue their studies.

Dr Alayyan also thanked HCT's campus teams, academic and administrative staff, industry partners and families for supporting students throughout their educational journeys. He said the institution would continue developing its programmes to reflect student aspirations and the changing needs of the UAE economy.

National Leaders Praise the Contribution of HCT Graduates

Government and institutional representatives attending the ceremony highlighted the importance of applied education in preparing young people for employment and equipping them with skills relevant to the country's economic and social development.

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Raqbani, Special Advisor to His Highness the Ruler of Fujairah and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fujairah Charity Association, said investment in education and youth empowerment remains central to the UAE's development.

He described young people as the country's greatest asset and said HCT plays an important role in preparing graduates to contribute to their communities and the national economy.

Her Excellency Hala Youssef Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said the graduating cohort reflects the diversity of talent and specialisations developed at HCT. She highlighted opportunities across creativity, design, technology and cultural industries, noting that graduates can contribute through initiatives and projects that create value for society and the economy.

Graduates Showcase Excellence Across Multiple Disciplines

The Class of 2026 included students who combined academic achievement with practical experience in innovation, professional training and specialist competitions.

Asma Abdulhameed Al Beshr, a pharmacy technician diploma graduate from the Abu Dhabi campus with a perfect 4.0 CGPA, said her experience at HCT helped her develop academically and personally. She credited faculty support, volunteering, debates and practical training with strengthening her confidence and professional skills.

She secured employment immediately after graduation before returning to HCT to continue her studies in the actuarial science bachelor's programme.

Salem Obaid Al Zaabi, a mechatronics engineering technology bachelor's graduate from the Ras Al Khaimah campus and another 4.0 CGPA achiever, highlighted his experience leading a team developing an autonomous unmanned aircraft. His work involved assembling the aircraft, programming its systems, addressing technical challenges and conducting flight tests.

He also completed practical training in a maritime and marine facilities environment and participated in an international training programme in Canada.

Haamed Marwan Al Ajmani, a computer information science bachelor's graduate specialising in security and forensics from the Dubai campus, also achieved a perfect 4.0 CGPA. He described balancing his studies with employment, volunteering and national service as one of his biggest challenges.

During his studies, he placed second in a competition in Qatar and participated in Japan's Sakura Science Programme, experiences that helped him apply his cybersecurity knowledge in international and competitive settings.

Families Celebrate Graduates' Achievements

Families also shared their pride in the graduates' accomplishments.

Dr Ahmed Hussain Al Zarooni, father of graduate Noura Ahmed Hussain Al Zarooni, praised his daughter's academic performance and participation in competitions and activities. He highlighted her perfect cumulative GPA and first-place achievement in the HCT Skills competition.

Ahmed Mohsen Al Shadadi, father of graduate Abdulla Al Shadadi, said his son's graduation marked the culmination of years of determination and hard work. He thanked HCT for its role in preparing his son for the next stage of his professional life.

18 Outstanding Graduates Receive Cars for Academic Excellence

HCT recognised 18 distinguished graduates during the ceremony. The group included 14 students with a perfect cumulative GPA of 4.0, three with a GPA of 3.99 and one graduate of determination with a GPA of 3.58.

Each received a car in recognition of their academic achievements, with the awards supported by the institution's graduation partners.

AW Rostamani Group, the ceremony's principal partner, provided five cars. The remaining awards were presented by strategic partners Dubai Islamic Bank and Emirates Transport, excellence partners Lockton and Arabian Company, and other HCT partners from across the economic sectors.

Nasser Al Ahmed, Executive Director of Business Development at AW Rostamani Group, said the organisation's long-standing partnership with HCT demonstrates how collaboration between education institutions and the private sector can support national talent.

He highlighted the partnership's work across training, professional development and direct graduate support, adding that the Group looks forward to creating further opportunities for young Emirati professionals.

HCT Reports 88% Average Annual Employment Rate

HCT's employment data highlights the labour-market outcomes associated with its applied education model. The institution recorded an average annual employment rate of 88% over the past five academic years, with individual annual rates ranging from 84% to 93%. The employment rate among 2024–2025 graduates stood at 86%.

Between the 2022–2023 and 2024–2025 academic years, the Abu Dhabi and Dubai campuses maintained employment rates above 90%. Dubai's rates ranged from 91% to 98%, while Abu Dhabi recorded between 92% and 95%.

For the Class of 2026, more than 4,400 graduates entered the labour market within less than 12 months of graduation. Data also shows that 72% of HCT graduates who entered employment between 2019 and 2025 secured positions in the private sector.

More Than 3,500 Organisations Support HCT Training and Employment

HCT's educational model is supported by partnerships with government entities and private-sector organisations.

Over the past five academic years, more than 3,500 organisations have contributed to student training and graduate employment, with 87% of these partners coming from the private sector. Together, they provided more than 19,000 apprenticeship opportunities, allowing students to apply their knowledge and gain experience in professional environments.

Dr Tahani Al Qadiri, Associate Vice President of Burjeel Training Academy at Burjeel Holdings, said investment in Emirati talent is essential to building a sustainable and future-ready healthcare system.

She highlighted the partnership between HCT and Burjeel as an example of how academic learning and practical experience can work together to develop healthcare professionals with digital skills, innovation capabilities and leadership potential.

HCT Reaches More Than 95,000 Graduates Since 1988

Founded in 1988, HCT has produced more than 95,000 graduates who have contributed to government and private-sector organisations across technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, engineering, industry, energy, healthcare, finance, education and creative industries.

The institution currently has more than 25,000 students enrolled across 54 specialisations.

Students follow three main educational pathways:

• Applied bachelor's programmes: Approximately 69% of HCT students.

• Vocational diploma programmes: Approximately 24%.

• Mahara Career Accelerators pathway: Approximately 7%.

Between 2023 and 2026, more than 19,000 students enrolled in applied bachelor's programmes, over 9,700 joined vocational diploma programmes and around 2,600 enrolled in Mahara.

HCT said these pathways allow students to select programmes that match their abilities and career ambitions while combining specialist knowledge with practical learning.

Vocational diplomas and the Mahara Career Accelerators programme have become increasingly important within this model, offering qualifications and skills linked to the needs of economic sectors. Graduates can use these pathways to enter employment or continue their education through applied bachelor's programmes.

Vocational diploma enrolment increased from 379 students in 2022–2023 to 6,276 in 2025–2026, representing more than a 16-fold rise over four academic years. The total number of vocational diploma graduates since HCT's establishment has exceeded 43,000.

Mahara enrolment also grew more than fourfold in one academic year, rising from 396 students in 2024–2025 to 1,689 in 2025–2026.