Their Highnesses attend Qatar Foundation Appreciation Celebration

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser have hosted an appreciation celebration in honor of Qatar Foundation’s exceptional leaders, past and present.

Held at QF’s Al Shaqab equestrian facility and gathering together more than 400 senior members of the QF family, the event celebrated the Foundation’s journey and achievements in unlocking human potential and offered a look ahead to a world transformed for the better by QF.

Her Highness, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, spoke of QF's modest beginnings, born out of a conversation with His Highness the Emir almost two decades ago, in which she discussed her wish as a mother to provide the best possible education for her children and, seeing herself as mother of all children of Qatar, to ensure a high standard of education for all. The dream of Qatar Foundation was born in 1995 and it began to take shape when Her Highness brought together a core team of leaders to work on this vision. 17 years later, QF's success has surpassed all expectations.

Her Highness spoke of QF as an important vehicle for change, not only through education but also as a catalyst for community development, and as a means of promoting a culture of excellence in all sectors throughout Qatar.

Her Highness also acknowledged the achievements of QF's former board members and added that a new generation has now been entrusted with taking QF forward.  She went on to encourage the Foundation's new board members to continue the pioneering courage and spirit of QF.

From Humble Beginnings

QF was established in 1995 as part of His Highness’s vision to support the country’s transformation to a knowledge-based economy. Since then, the organization has blossomed and is now home to numerous world-class academic institutions, top science and research organizations, and over 4,000 students and researchers from the region and around the world. A global intellectual hub, QF remains at the heart of social and community development in Qatar.
QF’s first Chairperson, His Excellency Abdulla Bin Khalifa Al Attiya, personally witnessed this transformation, due in large part to the commitment of Qatar’s leadership to building a nation that offers a world-class education.

“The passion and drive of the Emir, may Allah protect him, was not limited to just the establishment of an educational institution like that of Qatar Foundation. It was part of his ambition to continually improve education nationwide,” he said.

And today, QF has become a hub for academics, researchers and scientists from all over the world.
Since QF’s birth, proof of the nation’s advancement under His Highness the Amir’s ambitious educational agenda has become increasingly tangible, having successfully attracted international attention as a global leader in the field of education. 

This task was accomplished beyond anyone’s initial expectations, and today QF is home to eight world-class international universities, as well as its own Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies offering masters degree programs.
Every step of the way, this success has been underpinned by a determination to learn, and to utilize the latest advancements in educational innovation for the greater good.

QF’s Vice President for Administration Rashid Al Naimi said, “I am proud to have been able to see the vision of Qatar Foundation implemented as a reality. The more time I have spent at Qatar Foundation, the more I have soaked up the vision of Her Highness. Joining the Qatar Foundation family has allowed me to not only contribute to the economy of Qatar, but also to the development of the people and future generations, which is a much greater asset for this nation.”

His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Thani, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University and QF’s Vice President of Education said, “The thirst for knowledge and progress is part of our nation’s history, and it is at the heart of everything we do at Qatar Foundation.  We will continue to encourage our students, faculty and staff to be innovative and creative because this is vital for the future of Qatar.”

Paying homage to Past Leaders

At tonight’s event, each of QF’s previous board members, from years 1996, 1999 and 2003, was presented with a commemorative medal by His Highness the Emir, to applause from members of the QF family, past and present.
The former leaders were united in their praise for both His Highness the Emir and Her Highness, who has done so much in her role as QF Chairperson to deliver on the organization’s original aims.

Dr. Vartan Gregorian, a former member of QF’s Board of Directors, reflecting on his experience at QF, stated, “Many people have money, but have no vision. Many people have vision but no leadership. Her Highness has provided both the vision and leadership as well. The ideology or the objective of Her Highness and Qatar Foundation has always been, whatever you do, to do it well and wherever the best is, bring the best to Qatar.”

Focus on the Future

All those in attendance at the event were in agreement that QF’s achievements thus far were a cause for celebration. However, with QF’s master plan still only 60 per cent complete, many challenges lie ahead. The Foundation’s new leaders expressed excitement at the prospect of continuing the great work of their predecessors.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, QF Vice Chairperson, said, "Qatar Foundation has inspired a new generation of leaders. In a short time we have seen our graduates taking senior positions in various ministries and corporations here in Qatar, starting up their own successful business ventures, and undertaking scientific research. This is just the beginning. I am proud to be a part of the next phase of Qatar Foundation’s plans to develop a new generation of leaders.”

Mr. Faisal Al Suwaidi, newly appointed QF President of Research and Development added, “Qatar Foundation is doing remarkable work in the areas of education, research and development, and community development.  I look forward to working with the people of QF to build on the good results that have already been achieved, and to help QF meet its vision in the fields of research and development.”

Generations of Achievers

QF is now home to world-class educational institutions and research centers whose scientific innovations have the potential to transform the nation’s skills base. The progress made since the first QF member, Qatar Academy (QA), opened its doors is astonishing.

Since that time, over 900 students have graduated and eight world-class branch universities have been established. The results of this investment in human capital are tangible, with QF having patents pending for over 40 new innovations.

May Al Jaber, now Marketing Unit Head at QF, was part of QA’s first graduating class. She said, “Having been part of QF from the beginning, and experiencing the breadth of its vision and how it can better our nation, I felt compelled to contribute and maybe in my own small way pave the way for future generations.”

Members of the first group of graduates from QF schools attended the event.

Al-Rabab Bu-Helaiqa, a Texas A&M University at Qatar alumna from the class of 2009, spoke of the pride instilled by studying at QF.  She stated, “I now serve my country as a proud female petroleum engineer at RasGas. My experience in Qatar Foundation is far more than just academic.  Apart from offering world-class education in my home country, Qatar Foundation also empowered us as the youth to pursue our ambitions, speak up and help shape the future.”