The Albany Gazette - UAE's HCT Holds Record Graduation and Announces Major Training Expansion

The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) has announced a significant expansion of its professional training infrastructure, following a record-breaking graduation ceremony that saw more than 6,700 students receive their degrees at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

The announcement regarding the growth of HCT’s professional academies coincides with In^X Next 2026, an event marking the 30th anniversary of the institution’s Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (Cert) and its subsequent rebranding as In^X Education. Khalid Alhammadi, HCT’s chief executive, stated that the centre currently operates four specialized academies focusing on National Initiatives, Language and Communication, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Emerging Technology, alongside an Assessment Centre.

Alhammadi confirmed plans to increase this number to 10 academies in less than a year. These facilities are designed to deliver specialized programs tailored to organizational needs, aiming to equip workforces with relevant skills. Since its establishment, Cert has trained more than 105,000 Emiratis. Alhammadi emphasized the institution's broader goal of regional influence, stating, "In^X will be the biggest player in education, learning and professional development in this country and the region. We like to export our knowledge, so knowledge transformation is within our DNA as a country. It's my small part to play to transfer this knowledge to my neighbours."

The expansion news was delivered during HCT’s largest university graduation ceremony in UAE history. The event at Etihad Arena featured a cohort 43 percent larger than the previous year, reflecting what HCT described as the growth of Emirati talent in the workforce. Eighteen distinguished graduates were awarded cars in recognition of their academic achievements. This included 14 students with a perfect cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 and three with a GPA of 3.99.

Among the top performers was Haamed Marwan Al Ajmani, who graduated from HCT’s Dubai campus with a bachelor’s degree in computer information science, specializing in security and forensics. He achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA while balancing his studies with work, volunteering, and national service. "The greatest challenge during my studies was balancing the demands of study with work, volunteering and national service while maintaining a consistent level of academic excellence," Al Ajmani said. "This experience taught me discipline, time management and the ability to catch up and keep moving forward."

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, the Minister of Sports and HCT’s chancellor, addressed the graduates, linking their achievements to the UAE’s broader economic diversification and competitiveness goals. He noted that a university degree is no longer the end of education but the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.

Al Falasi highlighted the critical importance of AI literacy as organizations increasingly adopt the technology. He shared his own experience undergoing AI training at Cert, noting that understanding such tools is essential for effective leadership. "If I don't understand AI, how am I expected to use it in my organisation? If you have a very powerful tool, everybody in the organisation needs to understand its potential and understand how to use it," he said.

For In^X Education, the focus remains on improving Emirati employability through programs aligned with the UAE’s priority sectors. Alhammadi stated that skills-based education, lifelong learning, and AI readiness will play increasingly important roles in workforce transformation as the institution continues to expand its reach across the region.

(N.Miller--TAG)