February
Sports took center stage at Education City, as QF promoted the importance of equal access to sporting opportunity – while showcasing its commitment to innovation to a global audience.
Social Progress
Activity and EqualityWith February being a month when the community of Qatar comes together to embrace sports and healthy, active living, Qatar Foundation (QF) was, as ever, quick out of the blocks with its annual National Sport Day celebration.
Launched by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, the Education City activities kicked off with a football match between the children of Al Shafallah Center for Persons with Disability and a team of Qatari football legends, organized by the Ministry of Social Development and Family.
The National Sport Day fun at QF – also supported by Volkswagen and Qatar Fuel (WOQOD) was designed to cater for everyone, including those with disabilities, with a safe space provided for women and girls to enjoy sporting and fitness routines, while the Education City Stadium hosted the final of the Women and Girls Football Initiative – a tournament that supports grassroots and amateur women and girls’ athletes.
And the day also featured the finals of the 2024 edition of the annual Shukran Cup, a competition for workers that demonstrates the importance of sports in living a healthy life.
With February being a month when the community of Qatar comes together to embrace sports and healthy, active living, Qatar Foundation (QF) was, as ever, quick out of the blocks with its annual National Sport Day celebration.
Launched by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, the Education City activities kicked off with a football match between the children of Al Shafallah Center for Persons with Disability and a team of Qatari football legends, organized by the Ministry of Social Development and Family.
The National Sport Day fun at QF – also supported by Volkswagen and Qatar Fuel (WOQOD) was designed to cater for everyone, including those with disabilities, with a safe space provided for women and girls to enjoy sporting and fitness routines, while the Education City Stadium hosted the final of the Women and Girls Football Initiative – a tournament that supports grassroots and amateur women and girls’ athletes.
And the day also featured the finals of the 2024 edition of the annual Shukran Cup, a competition for workers that demonstrates the importance of sports in living a healthy life.
As a society, it is important that we break down social barriers, and ensure equal access to sporting opportunities for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Social Progress
Sports Without BarriersStudents from QF schools were a familiar and helpful sight for visitors to Education City on National Sport Day, as, after taking part in educational workshops hosted by sporting organizations and federations in Qatar, they volunteered to lead activities.
And there were also famous sporting faces in attendance, with Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur; Ibtihaj Muhammad, a US saber fencer and the first Muslim American woman to wear a headscarf while competing at the Olympics; and former middle- and long-distance Olympian runner Liz McColgan participating in a women-only talk on the need to ensure women and girls have the opportunities that enable them to break down barriers.
Elsewhere on the QF sporting scene, Tariq Bin Ziad School – part of QF’s Pre-University Education - held a cultural sports week to increase students’ understanding of modern sporting events and build their sense of community involvement, inspired by the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.
And QF’s equine and equestrian center Al Shaqab welcomed the cream of the world’s horses and riders for the 11th edition of CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines – one of only five such competitions in the world, and a premier event on the international equestrian calendar.
Students from QF schools were a familiar and helpful sight for visitors to Education City on National Sport Day, as, after taking part in educational workshops hosted by sporting organizations and federations in Qatar, they volunteered to lead activities.
And there were also famous sporting faces in attendance, with Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur; Ibtihaj Muhammad, a US saber fencer and the first Muslim American woman to wear a headscarf while competing at the Olympics; and former middle- and long-distance Olympian runner Liz McColgan participating in a women-only talk on the need to ensure women and girls have the opportunities that enable them to break down barriers.
Elsewhere on the QF sporting scene, Tariq Bin Ziad School – part of QF’s Pre-University Education - held a cultural sports week to increase students’ understanding of modern sporting events and build their sense of community involvement, inspired by the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.
And QF’s equine and equestrian center Al Shaqab welcomed the cream of the world’s horses and riders for the 11th edition of CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines – one of only five such competitions in the world, and a premier event on the international equestrian calendar.
The experience taught us to work together as a team. One day, I hope to become a professional basketball player and make my country proud.
Artificial Intelligence
Taking Tech to the WorldThe world of innovation came to Doha in February for the biggest technology event on the planet – and, reflecting its role as an innovator and an enabler of tech advances, QF entities were there in force.
Visitors to Web Summit Qatar 2024 explored the programs through which QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) supports nascent tech startups and innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and saw budding innovators pitch their ideas to an audience of investors, tech leaders, and mentors; while QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar hosted a masterclass on the transformative potential of AI.
QF’s global education thinktank, WISE, held a session introducing attendees to the WISE Prize for Education, a global competition supporting ideas that can positively impact education. In its new guise, the prize is challenging social innovators to design solutions for three key education challenges: improving Arabic language teaching, accelerating foundational literacies, and addressing Artificial Intelligence challenges.
And QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) showcased eight technologies and eight startups driven by its researchers, faculty, and students, while experts from its College of Science and Engineering and Qatar Computing Research Institute contributed to Summit conversations on topics such as AI in education, quantum computing, green tech, cybersecurity, and language technologies.
The world of innovation came to Doha in February for the biggest technology event on the planet – and, reflecting its role as an innovator and an enabler of tech advances, QF entities were there in force.
Visitors to Web Summit Qatar 2024 explored the programs through which QF’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) supports nascent tech startups and innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and saw budding innovators pitch their ideas to an audience of investors, tech leaders, and mentors; while QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar hosted a masterclass on the transformative potential of AI.
QF’s global education thinktank, WISE, held a session introducing attendees to the WISE Prize for Education, a global competition supporting ideas that can positively impact education. In its new guise, the prize is challenging social innovators to design solutions for three key education challenges: improving Arabic language teaching, accelerating foundational literacies, and addressing Artificial Intelligence challenges.
And QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) showcased eight technologies and eight startups driven by its researchers, faculty, and students, while experts from its College of Science and Engineering and Qatar Computing Research Institute contributed to Summit conversations on topics such as AI in education, quantum computing, green tech, cybersecurity, and language technologies.
Our participation in Web Summit Qatar 2024 echoes our longstanding commitment to technology development and sustainable innovation.
QSTP has:
- Supported over 100 startups transform ideas into tech solutions
- Housed over 20 multinational tech companies
Artificial Intelligence
Solutions and UnderstandingOn the tech front, February saw Northwestern University in Qatar announce the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Initiative (AI2 ) – with its aim being to tackle the global challenges posed by AI and contribute to research, teaching, and professional development in an area of technology set to shape our world.
AI2 will be built around a joint curricula in media and AI, designed by Northwestern Qatar and fellow QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar; an Artificial Intelligence and Media Lab driving research work surrounding AI; and a professional development component.
Meanwhile, across QF, AI knowledge was expanded through Hadaba: Elevating Innovation and Policy Design, an initiative by HBKU’s College of Public Policy which helped more than 50 Qatar-based professionals to understand how AI can be part of policymaking.
And in a similar vein, QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) hosted health professionals from across Qatar for an interactive workshop on how AI can be applied in healthcare, with elements focusing on machine learning and AI ethics.
On the tech front, February saw Northwestern University in Qatar announce the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Initiative (AI2 ) – with its aim being to tackle the global challenges posed by AI and contribute to research, teaching, and professional development in an area of technology set to shape our world.
AI2 will be built around a joint curricula in media and AI, designed by Northwestern Qatar and fellow QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar; an Artificial Intelligence and Media Lab driving research work surrounding AI; and a professional development component.
Meanwhile, across QF, AI knowledge was expanded through Hadaba: Elevating Innovation and Policy Design, an initiative by HBKU’s College of Public Policy which helped more than 50 Qatar-based professionals to understand how AI can be part of policymaking.
And in a similar vein, QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) hosted health professionals from across Qatar for an interactive workshop on how AI can be applied in healthcare, with elements focusing on machine learning and AI ethics.
AI touches upon every domain represented at Northwestern Qatar, so we have unique contributions to make to humanity’s understanding of AI.
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s AI Center for Precision Health is a research unit dedicated to:
- Making significant discoveries in AI and machine learning
- Transforming healthcare, enhancing wellbeing, and promoting population health in Qatar and beyond
Progressive Education
A Process for ParentsParents are a vital part of their children’s learning journey – and, at a QF school, their role in the education process is being transformed through a training program called Rifd.
Offering courses and workshops that address the needs of parents and educators facing academic challenges, Rifd – developed by Awsaj Academy, part of QF’s Pre-University Education – equips parents with the tools and knowledge to support their children as they learn, including on study habits, ADHD, behavior management, reading and writing challenges, and communication skills.
Support for educators who guide young people as they make the transition from school to university was also on hand at QF in February, as the Academic Bridge Program – QF’s pre-university program for high school graduates – hosted the International Career and College Counseling Regional Forum Doha, centered on learning strategies for those involved in vocational and university counseling.
And a new pathway for learning was opened up at Education City, as Seeroo fi al ardh – the final artwork of renowned Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain – offered people of all ages the chance to unlock their creativity through a series of free interactive workshops, including some with a footballing theme.
Parents are a vital part of their children’s learning journey – and, at a QF school, their role in the education process is being transformed through a training program called Rifd.
Offering courses and workshops that address the needs of parents and educators facing academic challenges, Rifd – developed by Awsaj Academy, part of QF’s Pre-University Education – equips parents with the tools and knowledge to support their children as they learn, including on study habits, ADHD, behavior management, reading and writing challenges, and communication skills.
Support for educators who guide young people as they make the transition from school to university was also on hand at QF in February, as the Academic Bridge Program – QF’s pre-university program for high school graduates – hosted the International Career and College Counseling Regional Forum Doha, centered on learning strategies for those involved in vocational and university counseling.
And a new pathway for learning was opened up at Education City, as Seeroo fi al ardh – the final artwork of renowned Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain – offered people of all ages the chance to unlock their creativity through a series of free interactive workshops, including some with a footballing theme.
The Rifd program has significantly positively impacted our community by equipping parents with practical skills and improving collaboration between educators and parents.
Highlighting humanity’s progress on land, on sea, and in the air, Seeroo fi al ardh comprises:
- Five Murano crystal glass horses
- The Flying Man suspended bronze sculpture of Abbas ibn Firnas
- A bronze replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s Flying Machine
- Five vintage cars
- A vibrant colored mosaic of horses
- Music synchronized to the Seeroo fi al ardh’s carousel
Progressive Education
Sharing an ExperienceStudents from QF universities were given valuable insight into how their Education City experience prepares them for life after graduation in February – by those who have seen and done it before.
Seven QF alumni shared their experiences and advice at an Education City Alumni Panel organized by QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) as part of a QF-wide Career Readiness Week.
As well as giving their perspectives on life at Education City, the alumni spoke about how their time at QF has equipped them to pursue successful careers in fields such as engineering, journalism, design, and diplomacy, while offering tips on interview techniques, skills development, lifelong learning, and building a personal brand.
Meanwhile, executives who will ultimately join the ranks of QF alumni embarked on their Executive MBA journey at QF partner university HEC Paris, Doha – representing the program’s largest class to date.
Students from QF universities were given valuable insight into how their Education City experience prepares them for life after graduation in February – by those who have seen and done it before.
Seven QF alumni shared their experiences and advice at an Education City Alumni Panel organized by QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) as part of a QF-wide Career Readiness Week.
As well as giving their perspectives on life at Education City, the alumni spoke about how their time at QF has equipped them to pursue successful careers in fields such as engineering, journalism, design, and diplomacy, while offering tips on interview techniques, skills development, lifelong learning, and building a personal brand.
Meanwhile, executives who will ultimately join the ranks of QF alumni embarked on their Executive MBA journey at QF partner university HEC Paris, Doha – representing the program’s largest class to date.
I’m very fortunate to have had this experience, and I’m happy to share it with anyone.
Precision Health
The Impact of ResearchAs a leading medical journal ranked Qatar as the second-most productive country in the world for research on diabetes-related nerve damage, a QF researcher was highlighted for his role in the country’s standing in this field.
Dr. Rayaz Malik, professor of medicine and assistant dean for clinical investigations at WCM-Q, was involved in most of the published studies that led to Qatar’s ranking, saying: “It is extremely gratifying to see hard independent evidence that Qatar’s investment in biomedical research, especially diabetes, is having a global impact.”
Also in healthcare, a study by HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute introduced an Arabic version of the Autism Risk Index, a promising tool for early screening and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Arabic-speaking world.
QF’s Sidra Medicine, with Msheireb Museums, launched its Science Café series, which connects the public with scientists and engineers to explain their healthcare research in a conversational way; while Dr. Ryad Ghanam, a mathematics professor at QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, outlined his work on modeling and monitoring COVID-19 in Qatar at two top international conferences.
As a leading medical journal ranked Qatar as the second-most productive country in the world for research on diabetes-related nerve damage, a QF researcher was highlighted for his role in the country’s standing in this field.
Dr. Rayaz Malik, professor of medicine and assistant dean for clinical investigations at WCM-Q, was involved in most of the published studies that led to Qatar’s ranking, saying: “It is extremely gratifying to see hard independent evidence that Qatar’s investment in biomedical research, especially diabetes, is having a global impact.”
Also in healthcare, a study by HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute introduced an Arabic version of the Autism Risk Index, a promising tool for early screening and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Arabic-speaking world.
QF’s Sidra Medicine, with Msheireb Museums, launched its Science Café series, which connects the public with scientists and engineers to explain their healthcare research in a conversational way; while Dr. Ryad Ghanam, a mathematics professor at QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, outlined his work on modeling and monitoring COVID-19 in Qatar at two top international conferences.
Initiatives like the Science Café are our way to engage with the community and make science accessible to everyone, as well as applicable to their day-to-day lives.
Social Progress, Progressive Education
Voices for ChangeIn February, high school students from around the world gathered at Education City to take on the role of United Nations (UN) diplomats – and discuss how to give “a voice to the unheard”.
GU-Q’s Spring Model United Nations conference, which simulates the UN system, focused on “Empowering Underrepresented Perspectives”, with a special emphasis on Palestine. Student delegations representing different UN countries deliberated in committees chaired by GU-Q students, with the challenges they tackled ranging from conflict situations to climate change and sustainability.
Sustainability
From Waste to ValueAnd key sustainability challenges were also being addressed by HBKU’s Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, as it partnered with Qatar University and Al Sulaiteen Agricultural Research, Studies and Training Centre to explore different pathways for transforming agricultural waste into animal feed.
Using the principle of the circular economy and cutting-edge technology, the project aims to convert organic waste into high-quality protein feed for livestock – meeting a need for Qatar, which is seeing its livestock industry grow rapidly, as well as for other countries which currently have to rely on expensive and environmentally unsustainable sources of protein.
In February, high school students from around the world gathered at Education City to take on the role of United Nations (UN) diplomats – and discuss how to give “a voice to the unheard”.
GU-Q’s Spring Model United Nations conference, which simulates the UN system, focused on “Empowering Underrepresented Perspectives”, with a special emphasis on Palestine. Student delegations representing different UN countries deliberated in committees chaired by GU-Q students, with the challenges they tackled ranging from conflict situations to climate change and sustainability.
This region has never been on the sidelines of dialogue, but always at the forefront. It’s on your shoulders to continue that tradition today, and into the future.
Social Progress
Family at the ForefrontFrom a simulation of the United Nations to the real thing, February saw QF’s Doha International Family Institute place the impact of rapidly increasing digitalization on families in the spotlight in New York.
An event during the 62nd Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development saw DIFI outline its research into the effect of digitalization on connecting people, but also in early divorce, as well as recommendations for strengthening family resilience in the digital age.
Meanwhile, Qatar Foundation International continued to increase thought leadership around primary and secondary Arabic language education at an international conference on ‘Arabic as a Heritage Language’, organized by Doha Institute for Graduate Studies; while Qatar Career Development Center – founded by QF – and the Ministry of Sports and Youth launched the second edition of the Get Ready program, which introduces high school students to universities and scholarship opportunities, and trains them on building networks, choosing majors, and the future job market’s requirements.
And QF’s Doha Debates unveiled the newest cohort of young leaders from around the world to join its Ambassador Program, where they work with experts to develop advanced communication skills and be voices for positive change through debate and discourse.
From a simulation of the United Nations to the real thing, February saw QF’s Doha International Family Institute place the impact of rapidly increasing digitalization on families in the spotlight in New York.
An event during the 62nd Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development saw DIFI outline its research into the effect of digitalization on connecting people, but also in early divorce, as well as recommendations for strengthening family resilience in the digital age.
Meanwhile, Qatar Foundation International continued to increase thought leadership around primary and secondary Arabic language education at an international conference on ‘Arabic as a Heritage Language’, organized by Doha Institute for Graduate Studies; while Qatar Career Development Center – founded by QF – and the Ministry of Sports and Youth launched the second edition of the Get Ready program, which introduces high school students to universities and scholarship opportunities, and trains them on building networks, choosing majors, and the future job market’s requirements.
And QF’s Doha Debates unveiled the newest cohort of young leaders from around the world to join its Ambassador Program, where they work with experts to develop advanced communication skills and be voices for positive change through debate and discourse.
The State of Qatar believes that navigating the digital landscape and its impact on families requires a multidimensional approach that puts the best interests of the family at the forefront in terms of policies and strategies related to technology.
Social Progress
The City Beyond EducationAs its name demonstrates, Education City is renowned for its schools and its homegrown and international universities – and the vast array of learning opportunities they offer.
But it is also ‘The City Beyond Education’: a vibrant and diverse destination offering activities, events, attractions, and avenues for knowledge for people of all ages, every day.
And in February, this message began to be amplified to both residents of, and visitors to, Qatar, with QF showcasing how – from exploring Qatar National Library and QF’s unique museums, artworks, and cultural heritage sites, to playing sport, learning a new hobby or language, or simply relaxing in open green spaces like Oxygen Park – there is always something for everyone to do and enjoy at Education City, and it is open to all.
More information about what’s on at Education City can be found at www.qf.org.qa/education/education-city and www.educationcity.qa, as well as by downloading the Education City App for free from Google Play and the Apple Store.
As its name demonstrates, Education City is renowned for its schools and its homegrown and international universities – and the vast array of learning opportunities they offer.
But it is also ‘The City Beyond Education’: a vibrant and diverse destination offering activities, events, attractions, and avenues for knowledge for people of all ages, every day.
And in February, this message began to be amplified to both residents of, and visitors to, Qatar, with QF showcasing how – from exploring Qatar National Library and QF’s unique museums, artworks, and cultural heritage sites, to playing sport, learning a new hobby or language, or simply relaxing in open green spaces like Oxygen Park – there is always something for everyone to do and enjoy at Education City, and it is open to all.
More information about what’s on at Education City can be found at www.qf.org.qa/education/education-city and www.educationcity.qa, as well as by downloading the Education City App for free from Google Play and the Apple Store.
