{
  "id": 1563332,
  "title": "Universities host orientation sessions as new semester begins next week",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/universities-host-orientation-sessions-as-new-semester-begins-next",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/731318/qatar/universities-host-orientation-sessions-as-new-semester-begins-next-week"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Universities across the nation will commence the new academic year on August 23, with Qatar University (QU) announcing over 6,000 incoming freshmen and Education City universities welcoming more than 800 new students. Orientation programs have been initiated by most universities to help newcomers acclimate to university life and facilities. Dr Mohammed Diab, vice-president of Student Affairs at QU, revealed that the university has admitted more than 6,000 male and female students to its bachelor's degree programs for the Fall 2026 semester. He emphasized that these admissions encompass all Qatari students who meet the minimum entry requirements, demonstrating QU's dedication to broadening access to higher education and delivering an enriching educational experience. Dr Diab expressed his excitement about the new students joining QU for the Fall 2026 semester, stating that the university journey promises academic and personal growth within a supportive educational environment and through diverse activities that enhance skills and support ambitions. An online orientation program for new students commenced on August 16, with admitted students across all colleges receiving details and links to access the interactive online platform, featuring video and written orientation materials. This program aims to provide crucial information on university life, academic regulations, policies, and student services, as well as guidance on utilizing university electronic systems, making it simpler for students to select and enroll in their Fall 2026 semester courses. Participation and completion of the orientation program is mandatory for finalizing admission procedures and registering for courses. At Qatar Foundation's Education City, an orientation event called Marhaba was held on Sunday, welcoming over 800 new students joining QF's ecosystem of eight universities. Francisco Marmolejo, president of higher education and education adviser at QF, welcomed the newcomers, highlighting that Education City is an ecosystem where students from diverse disciplines, cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds collaborate to learn from one another. He emphasized that the diversity is a key strength and the unique aspect of the experience. Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is organizing orientation programs for undergraduate students today (Tuesday) and graduate students on August 20. Dr Prabhat Hajela, provost of HBKU, addressed the students in a video message, expressing the university's commitment to fostering an environment where curiosity, ambition, and commitment lead to making a difference through learning, questioning, exploring, and collaborating. The University of Doha for Science and Technology will hold its orientation program 'Ahlan' on August 23.",
  "summary": "Most universities in the country will start the next academic year on August 23, with Qatar University announcing over 6,000 newcomers and Education City universities welcoming more than 800 new stude...",
  "key_points": [
    "Qatar University admits over 6,000 new students for Fall 2026 semester.",
    "Education City universities welcome more than 800 new students.",
    "Mandatory online orientation program launched on August 16."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}