Sheikh Nahyan celebrates HCT’s largest graduating class
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, joined graduates and their families at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi as the Higher Colleges of Technology celebrated its largest graduating class.
More than 6,700 graduates from the 2025–2026 academic year were recognised at the ceremony, representing a 43 per cent increase on the previous year. Held under the theme “Strong Roots, Lasting Impact,” the occasion brought together students from campuses across the UAE.
For Sheikh Nahyan, the celebration also reflected a longstanding connection with the institution. Presentations traced HCT’s development since its establishment in 1988, including his role in its founding.
Academic excellence earns special recognition
A total of 804 graduates received distinction or honours recognition, while 14 completed their studies with a perfect cumulative grade point average of 4.0.
The ceremony gave particular recognition to 18 outstanding graduates: the 14 perfect-score students, three who achieved a CGPA of 3.99, and one graduate of determination with a CGPA of 3.58.
Each received a car through sponsorship from HCT’s graduation partners. AW Rostamani Group provided five vehicles, with further support from partners including Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Transport, Lockton and Arabian Company.
Behind those achievements were proud families. Dr. Ahmed Hussain Al Zarooni celebrated his daughter Noura’s perfect GPA and her first-place finish in the HCT Skills competition.
Graduates putting their skills into practice
Individual stories illustrated the different paths students are taking after their studies.
Asma Abdulhameed Al Beshr, a pharmacy technician diploma graduate from Abu Dhabi, found employment immediately after graduating. She has since returned to HCT to pursue a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, continuing her education alongside the experience gained through her first qualification.
For Salem Obaid Al Zaabi, who studied mechatronics engineering technology in Ras Al Khaimah, practical learning included leading a team that built and flight-tested an autonomous unmanned aircraft. He also participated in a training programme in Canada.
Dubai graduate Haamed Marwan Al Ajmani studied computer information science, specialising in security and forensics, while balancing work, volunteering and national service. His experiences included placing second in a competition in Qatar and joining Japan’s Sakura science programme.
Connecting education with employment
HCT’s applied education model combines academic study with workplace experience. Through apprenticeships, students spend time with partner employers, undertaking responsibilities related to their specialisations while continuing their education.
The approach gives students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge, understand professional expectations and build relationships with employers before completing their qualifications.
HCT’s partnerships also support programme development, knowledge exchange and work placements. Its broader strategy places particular emphasis on cooperation with the private sector and preparing Emirati talent for employment.
At the ceremony, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chancellor of HCT, emphasised continued investment in knowledge, skills and young people as economic and technological change reshapes career opportunities.
Nearly four decades of development
The Class of 2026 joins an alumni community of more than 95,000 graduates. HCT’s current student population exceeds 25,000 across 54 specialisations, with pathways encompassing applied bachelor’s degrees, vocational diplomas and career acceleration programmes.
The institution’s employer relationships help connect those pathways with professional opportunities. Its apprenticeship model is designed to make workplace learning an integral part of students’ academic experience.
HCT also announced plans for a new campus in Masfout during the 2026–2027 academic year, extending access to applied education as the institution continues to grow.
