June
Graduates of QF’s schools took center stage at a milestone moment in their lives, as did participants in a program that breaks down sporting barriers – while North America-based alumni of QF were supported in staying connected, and in maintaining their ties to Qatar.
Progressive Education
Inspired to BelieveTheir years of learning within Qatar Foundation’s (QF) schools have been a journey of exploration, discovery, service, and growth – and as this journey ended, they took the first steps of a new one with inspiring words to guide and galvanize them.
They are the graduates of QF schools who, in June, stood proudly on stage at the Qatar Foundation Schools Commencement Ceremony, reflecting on the unique learning experience that has shaped them, and looking ahead to what life now holds.
Among the attendees at the ceremony was Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, who sent her own personal message to the Class of 2024 graduates of QF’s schools and universities, writing: “Your generation faces great challenges, greater perhaps than ever before. But if you hold onto the fire within you, then I believe there is nothing you cannot achieve.
“As you follow your chosen path, it can be difficult to bear the burden, not only of your own hopes and dreams, but of those who came before you and those who will come after. I beg you not to allow the pressure of life’s challenges to blind you to your values and your belief in the possibility of a better world.
“Remain always true to yourself, your hopes, dreams, and ideals.”
Their years of learning within Qatar Foundation’s (QF) schools have been a journey of exploration, discovery, service, and growth – and as this journey ended, they took the first steps of a new one with inspiring words to guide and galvanize them.
They are the graduates of QF schools who, in June, stood proudly on stage at the Qatar Foundation Schools Commencement Ceremony, reflecting on the unique learning experience that has shaped them, and looking ahead to what life now holds.
Among the attendees at the ceremony was Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, who sent her own personal message to the Class of 2024 graduates of QF’s schools and universities, writing: “Your generation faces great challenges, greater perhaps than ever before. But if you hold onto the fire within you, then I believe there is nothing you cannot achieve.
“As you follow your chosen path, it can be difficult to bear the burden, not only of your own hopes and dreams, but of those who came before you and those who will come after. I beg you not to allow the pressure of life’s challenges to blind you to your values and your belief in the possibility of a better world.
“Remain always true to yourself, your hopes, dreams, and ideals.”
With your graduation today, each of you becomes like an arrow poised to embark on life’s journey and its challenges, aiming for the goals you have set for yourselves and in service to your nation. Nothing will deter you from continuing your path.
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In 2024, 290 students – 246 of them Qataris – graduated from 7 QF schools:
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123 students also graduated from QF’s Academic Bridge Program, and 327 from its Awsaj Prime program
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93 per cent of graduates were Qatari
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Over 7,500 students have graduated from QF’s schools and Academic Bridge Program
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Over 8,800 students of 70 nationalities were enrolled in QF’s schools and Academic Bridge Program in the 2023-24 academic year
Progressive Education
Wider Horizons, Deeper UnderstandingExcitement, ambition, and a desire to serve their communities and the world that stems from the opportunities they have been given to learn beyond the classroom characterized the Class of 2024 graduates of QF schools.
Among them was Qatar Academy Doha graduate Ahmed Hamada, who spoke of the need for young people to “address social issues, promote positive change, and strengthen communities’; while Moza Mohammed Al Mohannadi, a Qatar Academy Al Khor graduate, explained how the school has “broadened my horizons and given me a deeper understanding of the world, allowing me to contribute and make a positive impact on our society.”
Qatar Leadership Academy graduate Jaber Hamad Al-Braidi pointed to how his experiences at the school have had “a profound positive impact on me – they taught me the importance of responsibility and the value of contributing to society”; with Qatar Academy Al Wakra graduate Fai Yasser Al Bolosi saying: “Student engagement is crucial, because it helps us develop new skills and perspectives – by participating in initiatives, we grow as individuals and learn to see life from different angles.”
And Iman Al Meer, one of the 324 graduates of Awsaj Academy’s Prime Program – which supports high school students with learning difficulties – said of the school’s teachers and faculty staff: “They saw my potential even when I couldn’t see it myself, and they helped me unlock doors I once thought were closed.”
Excitement, ambition, and a desire to serve their communities and the world that stems from the opportunities they have been given to learn beyond the classroom characterized the Class of 2024 graduates of QF schools.
Among them was Qatar Academy Doha graduate Ahmed Hamada, who spoke of the need for young people to “address social issues, promote positive change, and strengthen communities’; while Moza Mohammed Al Mohannadi, a Qatar Academy Al Khor graduate, explained how the school has “broadened my horizons and given me a deeper understanding of the world, allowing me to contribute and make a positive impact on our society.”
Qatar Leadership Academy graduate Jaber Hamad Al-Braidi pointed to how his experiences at the school have had “a profound positive impact on me – they taught me the importance of responsibility and the value of contributing to society”; with Qatar Academy Al Wakra graduate Fai Yasser Al Bolosi saying: “Student engagement is crucial, because it helps us develop new skills and perspectives – by participating in initiatives, we grow as individuals and learn to see life from different angles.”
And Iman Al Meer, one of the 324 graduates of Awsaj Academy’s Prime Program – which supports high school students with learning difficulties – said of the school’s teachers and faculty staff: “They saw my potential even when I couldn’t see it myself, and they helped me unlock doors I once thought were closed.”
Helping my community has been a source of pride and purpose. These experiences have shown me the importance of giving back and being an active participant in creating positive change.
To read more about the stories of the Class of 2024 graduates of QF schools, click here.
Progressive Education
Strengthening a NetworkAcross the US and Canada, graduates of the schools and universities within QF’s unparalleled ecosystem of education are making their mark – and, in June, a new network allowing them to strengthen their connections, support each other in pursuit of their goals, and retain their ties to Qatar was launched.
The Qatar Foundation Alumni Chapter for the US and Canada – sponsored by the Qatar Cultural Attaché Office of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, D.C. – is supporting more than 100 QF graduates who are now advancing their careers in North America to thrive, and to be active contributors to society.
It is the first Qatar Foundation Alumni Chapter, with its establishment reflecting the large number of QF graduates in North America – from New York, Boston, Houston, California, and Pittsburgh in the US to the Canadian cities of Toronto and Montreal.
And in these cities, and others, QF graduates are working in fields including healthcare, education, engineering and technology, commerce, and the cultural and social sector, as lawyers, engineers, doctors, educators, artists, and many other roles.
Across the US and Canada, graduates of the schools and universities within QF’s unparalleled ecosystem of education are making their mark – and, in June, a new network allowing them to strengthen their connections, support each other in pursuit of their goals, and retain their ties to Qatar was launched.
The Qatar Foundation Alumni Chapter for the US and Canada – sponsored by the Qatar Cultural Attaché Office of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, D.C. – is supporting more than 100 QF graduates who are now advancing their careers in North America to thrive, and to be active contributors to society.
It is the first Qatar Foundation Alumni Chapter, with its establishment reflecting the large number of QF graduates in North America – from New York, Boston, Houston, California, and Pittsburgh in the US to the Canadian cities of Toronto and Montreal.
And in these cities, and others, QF graduates are working in fields including healthcare, education, engineering and technology, commerce, and the cultural and social sector, as lawyers, engineers, doctors, educators, artists, and many other roles.
The vibrant QF alumni community in the US and Canada is testimony to how Qatar Foundation is nurturing capable, well-rounded, and value-driven humans who are committed to leading and shaping their societies.
Precision Health
An Ethical DialogueIn June, a global gathering of knowledge and expertise in the field of bioethics came to Doha for the first time – with QF as its location.
The 17th World Congress of Bioethics was hosted by the Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) within QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies, in collaboration QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). With attendees including Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, it enabled dialogue on vital bioethical issues, particularly in religious and cultural contexts.
Artificial Intelligence
Facing Up to ChallengesThe month also saw WISH announce the impending publication of a report on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, exploring some of the more common adoptions of the technology in health and the associated ethical challenges – with an emphasis on approaching this issue from an Islamic perspective.
“Both secular and religious moral traditions need to grapple with serious ethical challenges surrounding the use of AI in healthcare,” said Dr. Mohammed Ghaly, Professor of Islam and Biomedical Ethics and Head of CILE. “Our report will provide policy recommendations for how we can address these concerns, which influence the ethical deliberations on the patient-physician relationship in the age of AI-enabled healthcare.”
In June, a global gathering of knowledge and expertise in the field of bioethics came to Doha for the first time – with QF as its location.
The 17th World Congress of Bioethics was hosted by the Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) within QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Islamic Studies, in collaboration QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). With attendees including Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, it enabled dialogue on vital bioethical issues, particularly in religious and cultural contexts.
The role of religion is a critical one in the biomedical area. Discussions shaping bioethical policies should not neglect people’s beliefs, as they are part of our lives.
Social Progress
Sports Without BoundariesEnabling and inspiring people with different abilities of all ages to experience, embrace, and enjoy sport, the Ability Friendly Program is a prime demonstration of QF’s commitment to true inclusivity.
And in June, a special ceremony celebrated the participants and coaches of the popular QF program while raising awareness of the benefits it offers, with Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Special Schools & SEN Services at QF, saying: “This program not only provides valuable opportunities for individuals with different abilities, but also strives to create an inclusive environment that embraces all participants, enhancing their deep sense of appreciation and community belonging.
“I am incredibly proud of our students’ achievements and their ability to overcome challenges. Their determination and resilience are truly inspiring, and they remind us all of the incredible potential within each of us.”
The event also showcased a collection of drawings by 12 young artists from the Ability Friendly Program, called Colorful Dreams, printed on bags and books that were made available at QF’s Education City Gift Shop, with all proceeds going toward the program.
Enabling and inspiring people with different abilities of all ages to experience, embrace, and enjoy sport, the Ability Friendly Program is a prime demonstration of QF’s commitment to true inclusivity.
And in June, a special ceremony celebrated the participants and coaches of the popular QF program while raising awareness of the benefits it offers, with Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Special Schools & SEN Services at QF, saying: “This program not only provides valuable opportunities for individuals with different abilities, but also strives to create an inclusive environment that embraces all participants, enhancing their deep sense of appreciation and community belonging.
“I am incredibly proud of our students’ achievements and their ability to overcome challenges. Their determination and resilience are truly inspiring, and they remind us all of the incredible potential within each of us.”
The event also showcased a collection of drawings by 12 young artists from the Ability Friendly Program, called Colorful Dreams, printed on bags and books that were made available at QF’s Education City Gift Shop, with all proceeds going toward the program.
This network has been invaluable, helping us navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes of our children’s journeys together.
Social Progress
Solidarity by DesignAnd in June, the Education City Gift Shop launched a thought-provoking new line of products – developed by a group of women from Gaza.
The women, in Doha for treatment, collaborated with Palestinian author and journalist Belal Khaled to create ‘dreams’: T-shirts hand-embroidered in Tatreez, the Palestinian cross-stitch. Khaled initially painted the word ‘Ahlam’ in Arabic calligraphy on a collapsed building in Gaza, symbolizing shattered dreams and representing the children who lost their lives beneath it, with his artwork then being crafted into the T-shirts by the Gazan women.
The idea stemmed from Tatreez workshops held by QF volunteers, with every T-shirt taking 8-10 hours to stitch, and all proceeds going directly to the women. As Nisreen Alshbani, one of the artists who was part of the Ahlam product line, said: “These Tatreez workshops gave us something to engage ourselves in and come together in an act of quiet resistance through art.
“Separated from our families and loved ones, they helped us form a community, a much-needed sisterhood, that goes beyond these workshops.”
And in June, the Education City Gift Shop launched a thought-provoking new line of products – developed by a group of women from Gaza.
The women, in Doha for treatment, collaborated with Palestinian author and journalist Belal Khaled to create ‘dreams’: T-shirts hand-embroidered in Tatreez, the Palestinian cross-stitch. Khaled initially painted the word ‘Ahlam’ in Arabic calligraphy on a collapsed building in Gaza, symbolizing shattered dreams and representing the children who lost their lives beneath it, with his artwork then being crafted into the T-shirts by the Gazan women.
The idea stemmed from Tatreez workshops held by QF volunteers, with every T-shirt taking 8-10 hours to stitch, and all proceeds going directly to the women. As Nisreen Alshbani, one of the artists who was part of the Ahlam product line, said: “These Tatreez workshops gave us something to engage ourselves in and come together in an act of quiet resistance through art.
“Separated from our families and loved ones, they helped us form a community, a much-needed sisterhood, that goes beyond these workshops.”
All we felt we could do for our families was pray, but now through this project we are also able to financially support our families. It has given us purpose.
Social Progress, Progressive Education
The Opportunity to GrowFrom being launched as a pilot project, a program established within the QF ecosystem that enhances the employability and career prospects of students with learning difficulties – and particularly those with autism – lived up to its name.
WeGrow was created by QF-founded Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC) and QF school Renad Academy, which supports children with autism and their families. Providing tailored support, skills development training, and hands-on opportunities that enable students to step into the workforce, in June it was expanded into a full-blown collaborative program.
The month also saw QCDC launch Al Dileela: Your Career Navigator, an innovative program offering personalized counseling sessions for high school and undergraduate students, university alumni, job seekers, and those looking to switch careers – ensuring they get guidance tailored to their needs and goals.
And from careers to creativity, students from seven schools under QF’s Pre-University Education illuminated their musical talent and their cultural diversity at an annual summer concert that, for the first time, featured Renad Academy students.
From being launched as a pilot project, a program established within the QF ecosystem that enhances the employability and career prospects of students with learning difficulties – and particularly those with autism – lived up to its name.
WeGrow was created by QF-founded Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC) and QF school Renad Academy, which supports children with autism and their families. Providing tailored support, skills development training, and hands-on opportunities that enable students to step into the workforce, in June it was expanded into a full-blown collaborative program.
The month also saw QCDC launch Al Dileela: Your Career Navigator, an innovative program offering personalized counseling sessions for high school and undergraduate students, university alumni, job seekers, and those looking to switch careers – ensuring they get guidance tailored to their needs and goals.
And from careers to creativity, students from seven schools under QF’s Pre-University Education illuminated their musical talent and their cultural diversity at an annual summer concert that, for the first time, featured Renad Academy students.
Being part of the Qatar Foundation community feels like being in a big, encouraging family.
Artificial Intelligence, Precision Health
Collaboration, Discovery, LearningFrom education and engagement to partnerships and discovery, the QF ecosystem remained a hive of activity entering summer.
HBKU teamed up with NASA to explore technology collaborations in quantum computing, while the university’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute released a new study uncovering the role of a particular set of molecules in understanding neurological disorders.
Meanwhile, researchers at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) made new breakthroughs surrounding the molecular processes that cause diabetes, and eight aspiring scientists graduated from the university’s Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals, with QF’s Sidra Medicine making whole genome sequencing available – a method that allows more personalized, accurate, and swift diagnoses in pediatric healthcare.
And faculty and researchers from QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South presented their work at two top international communication conferences, while fellow partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) provided students visiting Qatar with an immersive engineering experience.
From education and engagement to partnerships and discovery, the QF ecosystem remained a hive of activity entering summer.
HBKU teamed up with NASA to explore technology collaborations in quantum computing, while the university’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute released a new study uncovering the role of a particular set of molecules in understanding neurological disorders.
Meanwhile, researchers at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) made new breakthroughs surrounding the molecular processes that cause diabetes, and eight aspiring scientists graduated from the university’s Biomedical Research Training Program for Nationals, with QF’s Sidra Medicine making whole genome sequencing available – a method that allows more personalized, accurate, and swift diagnoses in pediatric healthcare.
And faculty and researchers from QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South presented their work at two top international communication conferences, while fellow partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) provided students visiting Qatar with an immersive engineering experience.
My practical experience has ignited a deeper passion for my chosen field, driving my anticipation to delve into the field of research I have long dreamed of.
Social Progress
Cultural ConnectionsWith the goal of strengthening cultural ties and artistic collaborations, QF-founded Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and South Korea’s Goyang Cultural Foundation came together for a partnership that will also support community development in Qatar and the Far East nation.
The collaboration will see the orchestra and the Korean foundation hold joint performances, foster cultural exchange, and launch educational initiatives that benefit artists, audiences, and the wider community in their countries.
June also heralded the launch of Education City-based Qatar National Library’s (QNL) fellowship program, designed to allow scholars and artists in Qatar to explore, celebrate, and document the country’s rich history in innovative and creative ways.
And a unique pilot program that provided intensive Arabic and English lessons for refugee students from Syria, helping to improve their literacy after many of them were forced to miss years of schooling, was supported by Qatar Foundation International. The program has developed a broader roadmap for enhancing refugee learners’ literacy in their native language, and in acquiring English language skills.
With the goal of strengthening cultural ties and artistic collaborations, QF-founded Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and South Korea’s Goyang Cultural Foundation came together for a partnership that will also support community development in Qatar and the Far East nation.
The collaboration will see the orchestra and the Korean foundation hold joint performances, foster cultural exchange, and launch educational initiatives that benefit artists, audiences, and the wider community in their countries.
June also heralded the launch of Education City-based Qatar National Library’s (QNL) fellowship program, designed to allow scholars and artists in Qatar to explore, celebrate, and document the country’s rich history in innovative and creative ways.
And a unique pilot program that provided intensive Arabic and English lessons for refugee students from Syria, helping to improve their literacy after many of them were forced to miss years of schooling, was supported by Qatar Foundation International. The program has developed a broader roadmap for enhancing refugee learners’ literacy in their native language, and in acquiring English language skills.
The fellowship program is an important development in our ongoing efforts to explore Qatar’s cultural heritage from new and innovative angles and promote our national heritage locally and internationally.
Social Progress
Leadership Through SportsEducation City’s reputation as a sporting hub is growing – and in 2024 it was gripped by basketball fever, thanks to the first Jr. NBA League in Qatar.
Bringing together around 450 girls and boys from across the country to represent all 30 NBA teams, the league – hosted by QF in collaboration with the NBA, and supported by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) - tipped off in April and reached its conclusion with the finals in June.
Designed to promote basketball’s core values, such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance, the program fosters a love of the sport from a young age and encourages participation. And alongside the league, the NBA’s Her Time to Play program provided opportunities for women and girls to play basketball and pursue careers in coaching and athletic leadership, while panel discussions and teaching clinics were also held. The collaboration with the NBA aligns with QF’s support for QBF in the lead-up to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.
“I am loving seeing the talent that you are presenting for the future,” said legendary basketball player Sylvia Fowles, a quadruple Olympic gold medalist, who joined the launch of the Her Time to Play programming and the league draft and led several of the program workshops.
“Qatar’s youth looks phenomenal, and I can’t wait to see what this looks like in the next couple of years.”
Education City’s reputation as a sporting hub is growing – and in 2024 it was gripped by basketball fever, thanks to the first Jr. NBA League in Qatar.
Bringing together around 450 girls and boys from across the country to represent all 30 NBA teams, the league – hosted by QF in collaboration with the NBA, and supported by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) - tipped off in April and reached its conclusion with the finals in June.
Designed to promote basketball’s core values, such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance, the program fosters a love of the sport from a young age and encourages participation. And alongside the league, the NBA’s Her Time to Play program provided opportunities for women and girls to play basketball and pursue careers in coaching and athletic leadership, while panel discussions and teaching clinics were also held. The collaboration with the NBA aligns with QF’s support for QBF in the lead-up to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.
“I am loving seeing the talent that you are presenting for the future,” said legendary basketball player Sylvia Fowles, a quadruple Olympic gold medalist, who joined the launch of the Her Time to Play programming and the league draft and led several of the program workshops.
“Qatar’s youth looks phenomenal, and I can’t wait to see what this looks like in the next couple of years.”
I’ve loved every moment with my teammates – and getting to know them better. I’ve created new bonds with my friends and new relationships.