The start of a new academic year brings with it many challenges and opportunities in learning. To ensure that your education is your passport to a bright future, you need ready access to relevant knowledge. The starting point for this know-how is this catalog, which supports you by providing the information you need to succeed, including information about program majors, courses, professional certifications, academic rules, grading, student conduct, graduation and much more.

As an HCT student your knowledge ‘tool kit’ also contains a number of vital resources, including the Student Handbook, Methaq and Academic Advising booklets, and 45 student e-Services. These are all available on the HCT touchpoints - the website, student portal and MyHCT Student App.

It is your right to be fully aware of your entitlements and obligations as HCT students. I therefore urge you to visit these sites and investigate those aides, as the more you know and understand the better you will be prepared to fulfill your role as HCT students and to pursue your careers. I also encourage you to provide your campus with feedback on the contents and usefulness of these resources, as it will assist to enhance your campus experience and performance as students.

The restrictions and disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic have seen the HCT to concentrate on the new direction of applied higher education, as we continue on the path of online and digital learning. To this end, we have formulated a set of far-reaching five-year institutional aspirations, which are:

• Providing education towards wealth creating careers
• Creating personalized anytime anywhere education & service
• Relevant and socially engaging student journey
• Launching startups with economic impact
• HCT to be the destination for applied higher education

These aspirations, which will lead us to 2026, are tied to the concept of ‘graduating companies’, where we strategically support the development of innovative student business ideas, so as to create a pathway for the graduation of students as entrepreneurs with their future companies, who will support the national economy through their own enterprises. We are activating this strategy through our structured Startup Development Program and InnCuVation Spaces, which will assist our graduates to become entrepreneurs who will contribute to the national economy.

Leveraging these aspirations and HCT’s successful hybrid education model, we are focused on producing students who possess creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, who are empowered to positively respond to new developments, both locally and globally.

While your journey primarily revolves around your academic path, the experience as HCT students should also involve an active campus life. Our students are renowned for not only excelling at their studies but for their involvement in rewarding campus life and extra-curricular activities, such as volunteering, clubs and worthy community ventures. I encourage you to explore the many opportunities provided to you, as being active outside of your program studies will ensure you become a well-rounded and complete student.

On behalf of the Higher Colleges of Technology, I wish you all a highly rewarding, fulfilling and successful 2021-22 academic year.

Dr. Abdullatif Al Shamsi
President & CEO
Higher Colleges of Technology