UAE's largest university graduates more than 6,700 as HCT plans expansion

The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed its largest university graduation ceremony in history, with more than 6,700 graduates receiving their diplomas at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This marked a 43% increase in graduates compared to the previous year, highlighting the rapid growth of Emirati talent in the workforce.

HCT's expansion plans include the rebranding of its Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (Cert) as In^X Education. The institution currently operates four academies focused on national initiatives, language and communication, AI and emerging technology, and an assessment centre. Plans are underway to increase the number of academies to 10 within a year, aiming to deliver specialised programmes tailored to organisations' needs and ambitions. Since its establishment, Cert has trained over 105,000 Emiratis.

Khalid Alhammadi, HCT's chief executive, stated that the UAE's push for a future-ready workforce is gaining momentum, and In^X Education, as the biggest player in education, learning, and professional development in the region, intends to export its knowledge to its neighbours. Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, the Minister of Sports, HCT chancellor, and chairman of Capital H, emphasized that education should evolve beyond graduation, becoming a lifelong learning journey.

He highlighted the importance of understanding AI technology, as organisations increasingly adopt it, and stressed the need for everyone in an organisation to comprehend its potential and applications.