In an initiative by the Ras Al Khaimah Broadcasting Authority, in partnership with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), RAK Radio aired a special episode for the first time from the media studios at the HCT – Ras Al Khaimah campus. The episode was prepared and produced by HCT students under the supervision and presentation of media professionals Mohammed Ghanem, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Radio, and Ahmed Al Jaber, with coordination by Rashid Mohammed and direction by Khalil Al Obaid.

This initiative marks the launch of a new season of media collaboration between the two institutions, which will include monthly radio broadcasts from HCT’s media studios. The partnership reinforces the complementary roles of the Broadcasting Authority as a media institution and HCT as an educational institution, united in their shared responsibility to prepare and empower national talent, showcase students’ capabilities, and connect them directly with the labor market.

The broadcast opened with remarks by Dr. Faisal Alayyan, President & CEO of the Higher Colleges of Technology, who welcomed the Broadcasting Authority team to the Ras Al Khaimah campus studios. He praised the initiative and the collaboration, emphasizing its role in enabling students to showcase their skills with professionalism reflective of HCT’s applied learning environment.

The Founding Chancellor

Dr. Alayyan highlighted HCT’s distinguished journey of success since its establishment in 1989, during which it has grown into a leading institution in applied education. This achievement, he noted, reflects the vision and unwavering support of the UAE’s wise leadership in providing high-quality education to Emirati youth.

He expressed his appreciation to H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and the inaugural Chancellor of HCT, who led and guided the institution with a strong focus on alignment with labor market outcomes and in harmony with the UAE’s economic landscape.

Over the past 35 years, HCT has contributed more than 95,000 graduates to the labor market, many of whom now hold influential leadership positions across the economic and government sectors.

Remarkable Growth and Employment Outcomes

Dr. Alayyan highlighted the significant growth in student enrollment, graduate numbers, and employment rates in recent years, reflecting HCT’s success in attracting the largest number of high school graduates nationwide. This growth is attributed to increased awareness of the value of applied education, the diversity of academic pathways offered, and strong industry partnerships that provide high-quality training and enhanced employment opportunities.

In December 2025, HCT recorded 2,400 graduates who had completed their graduation requirements, including 1,334 bachelor’s degree holders and 900 diploma graduates. In comparison, during the same period the previous year, the number of graduates stood at 1,580, demonstrating substantial year-on-year growth.

Largest Graduating Cohort in HCT History

Dr. Alayyan noted that 77% of the 4,330 graduates from the September 2025 cohort secured employment within 12 months of graduation, with 85% of those employed working in the private sector. The overall employment rate is projected to reach 90% upon completion of the full 12-month tracking period.

For the Class of 2024, comprising 2,900 graduates, the employment rate reached 88% within 12 months of graduation. Looking ahead, HCT anticipates celebrating the graduation of approximately 5,500 to 6,000 students in 2026, marking the largest graduating cohort in its history.

The Largest Attractor of High School Graduates

Dr. Al Ayyan affirmed that HCT is the largest higher education institution attracting high school graduates in the UAE, with a total enrollment of approximately 24,000 students across its diverse academic pathways and programs.

In January 2026 alone, 2,100 students enrolled, including 240 students who had completed national service, 1,600 female students, and approximately 220 graduates from previous high school cohorts. The January intake averages around 2,000 students annually, while the September intake ranges between 4,000 and 4,500 students, bringing the total annual intake to more than 6,500 students.

Message to Parents

Dr. Alayyan emphasized that, in light of rapidly evolving economic conditions and the accelerated advancement of artificial intelligence, educational institutions bear a critical responsibility to closely monitor these developments and respond proactively. HCT maintains strong partnerships with national economic, educational, and human capital entities, and continuously reviews global reports to assess labor market trends in alignment with the UAE’s economic roadmap.

In his message to parents, he reassured them that HCT’s academic programs are designed based on rigorous market analysis, ensuring that their sons and daughters are well prepared to meet both current and future workforce demands.

Responding to labor market needs, Dr. Al Ayyan noted that HCT offers multiple academic pathways, including Applied Bachelor’s Degrees, Vocational Diplomas, and Mahara (Career Accelerators) Certificates. All programs are accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

This diversity enables students to pursue their ambitions in alignment with their career goals while maintaining clear opportunities for academic progression. Notably, 45 diploma graduates transitioned into bachelor’s programs, and more than 80 students who completed the Mahara programs progressed to diploma studies, reflecting the flexibility and inclusiveness of HCT’s integrated academic ecosystem.

Strengthening Partnerships

Maryam Alhaffeet, Associate Director of Academic Services & Advising at HCT – Ras Al Khaimah Campus, expressed her pleasure in hosting RAK Radio at the campus studios. She noted that this initiative aligns with HCT’s strategy to strengthen collaboration with community institutions, enhance students’ skills, and connect them with employers, as part of its ongoing commitment to shaping the future and advancing Emirati excellence.

She further highlighted the continued growth and development of HCT, reflecting increasing awareness of and demand for applied education, along with expanded capacity, diversified academic offerings, and a strengthened focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Academic Excellence and Technological Advancement

Dr. Ghazi Alsukkar, Dean of Academic Operations at HCT – Ras Al Khaimah, emphasized the strong integration between academic content and practical application, particularly in advanced technological competencies. He underscored HCT’s applied learning model, which aligns academic specializations, skill sets, and the overall learning environment with labor market demands. Field training remains a cornerstone of this model, providing students with real-world experience that helps bridge the gap between education and employment.

He further highlighted the importance of ensuring that faculty remain up to date with technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, given its accelerating role in enhancing teaching effectiveness and significantly shaping students’ preparation and empowerment. This is especially critical in light of the rapid pace of technological change and its profound impact on the job market and the skills required for future employment.

Specializations of the Future

Khalid Alzaabi, a Data Science student at HCT – Ras Al Khaimah Campus, highlighted the importance of his specialization in today’s digital era and its strong alignment with national visions and strategic priorities. He noted that data plays a pivotal role in informed decision-making, resource optimization, efficiency enhancement, forecasting, and future planning.

Currently in his final year, Khalid is undertaking an internship at Microsoft and has previously balanced professional work alongside his studies. He aspires to pursue a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence following graduation, emphasizing that while challenges arise at every stage, determination and perseverance ultimately lead to success.

Alreem Almuhairi, a Computer Information Science student specializing in Security and Forensics and Vice President of the Student Council at HCT – Ras Al Khaimah Campus, explained that she chose to pursue Information Security because it reflects current technological realities and strong market demand.

She highlighted how HCT’s applied learning approach strongly supports technology-focused disciplines, which rely extensively on hands-on experience. She noted that even at a personal level, her specialization enables her to safeguard her data and manage her digital presence more consciously and responsibly. She added that artificial intelligence is expected to play an even greater role in the future, and students are fully aware of this shift, actively focusing on developing AI-related skills and applications within their respective fields.