March
Opportunities for volunteering, connection, and knowledge were open to all at Education City as Ramadan began – while QF students shone on-stage and off-stage, and QF’s sporting scene continued to grow.
Social Progress
A Time Of ContributionMarch marked the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan – a time of spirituality, mindfulness, reflection, and being of service to others.
And that spirit of contribution was in evidence across Qatar Foundation (QF), where, throughout the month, a range of Ramadan activities were available to people across the country – from educational programs and fitness opportunities to Islamic readings and lectures that encapsulate the values of learning, culture, and building community connections.
The Holy Month opened up many volunteering opportunities at QF – reflecting the essence of Ramadan and QF’s commitment to fostering a culture of volunteerism in Qatar – including those at the newly-inaugurated Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women.
Among its team of volunteers was Faizah Abdullah, who recounted how, on the tenth night of Ramadan, a woman from Spain embraced Islamic at Al-Mujadilah. “Simply being present then as a volunteer reaffirmed the profound reasons behind my commitment to volunteering,” she said. “It’s a memory I hold dear in my heart.”
March marked the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan – a time of spirituality, mindfulness, reflection, and being of service to others.
And that spirit of contribution was in evidence across Qatar Foundation (QF), where, throughout the month, a range of Ramadan activities were available to people across the country – from educational programs and fitness opportunities to Islamic readings and lectures that encapsulate the values of learning, culture, and building community connections.
The Holy Month opened up many volunteering opportunities at QF – reflecting the essence of Ramadan and QF’s commitment to fostering a culture of volunteerism in Qatar – including those at the newly-inaugurated Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women.
Among its team of volunteers was Faizah Abdullah, who recounted how, on the tenth night of Ramadan, a woman from Spain embraced Islamic at Al-Mujadilah. “Simply being present then as a volunteer reaffirmed the profound reasons behind my commitment to volunteering, ” she said. “It’s a memory I hold dear in my heart.”
Our volunteers are engaged members of our growing community who are committed to ensuring Al-Mujadilah is a place that welcomes women from all backgrounds.
- 1,245 volunteers engaged in volunteering opportunities through QF’s Minaretein (Education City Mosque) during Ramadan.
- 58 volunteers were selected for volunteering opportunities at Al-Mujadilah during Ramadan.
Sustainability, Social Progress
Stewards of the EnvironmentIslamic values were blended with the value sustainability at Education City during Ramadan, as QF’s zero-waste community iftar returned.
Led by a team of volunteers, the daily meal at Minaretein (Education City Mosque) offered portion sizes designed to reduce leftover food, multi-compartment boxes made of eco-friendly material, whole rather than packaged fruit, reusable table covers, and water dispensers rather than plastic bottles. With any food waste being composted and reused at Education City, the iftar represented both a community gathering and a learning experience about the Islamic principles of moderation and ecological stewardship.
Meanwhile, art foundation students at QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) created their own imaginative ‘iftar’ – a display of dishes made entirely of paper, which went on show at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Education City.
And the Holy Month also saw the airing of a special Ramadan edition of QF’s educational and entertaining TV show Siraj, specifically aimed at engaging children in Qatar and across the Arab world with the virtues of Ramadan and the significance of the month.
Islamic values were blended with the value sustainability at Education City during Ramadan, as QF’s zero-waste community iftar returned.
Led by a team of volunteers, the daily meal at Minaretein (Education City Mosque) offered portion sizes designed to reduce leftover food, multi-compartment boxes made of eco-friendly material, whole rather than packaged fruit, reusable table covers, and water dispensers rather than plastic bottles. With any food waste being composted and reused at Education City, the iftar represented both a community gathering and a learning experience about the Islamic principles of moderation and ecological stewardship.
Meanwhile, art foundation students at QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) created their own imaginative ‘iftar’ – a display of dishes made entirely of paper, which went on show at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Education City.
And the Holy Month also saw the airing of a special Ramadan edition of QF’s educational and entertaining TV show Siraj, specifically aimed at engaging children in Qatar and across the Arab world with the virtues of Ramadan and the significance of the month.
Teaching our children a virtue involves not just informing them about it, but also empowering them to implement and embrace this virtue in their daily lives.
Social Progress
Art With ImpactQF believes in the power of art to broaden understanding, connect cultures, and spark conversations and imaginations, with this belief being reflected in its collection of artworks across Education City – all open for the public to experience and enjoy.
And in March, one of the newest additions to this portfolio of public art – the Al Azzm sculpture – was officially inaugurated by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. Created by His Excellency Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al Thani, Advisor of Cultural Affairs at QF, Al Azzm shows three local women – signifying QF’s three focus areas of education, science and research, and community development - walking against the wind with their arms crossed as their abayas ripple behind them.
Depicting both the strength and solidarity of women, Qatari culture and traditions, and the determination of Qatar in the face of challenges, Al Azzm was designed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of QF. His Excellency Sheikh Hassan’s other artworks include the Door to the Future, which graduating students pass through every year at QF’s Convocation ceremony – symbolizing them stepping into the next phase of their journey.
QF believes in the power of art to broaden understanding, connect cultures, and spark conversations and imaginations, with this belief being reflected in its collection of artworks across Education City – all open for the public to experience and enjoy.
And in March, one of the newest additions to this portfolio of public art – the Al Azzm sculpture – was officially inaugurated by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. Created by His Excellency Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al Thani, Advisor of Cultural Affairs at QF, Al Azzm shows three local women – signifying QF’s three focus areas of education, science and research, and community development - walking against the wind with their arms crossed as their abayas ripple behind them.
Depicting both the strength and solidarity of women, Qatari culture and traditions, and the determination of Qatar in the face of challenges, Al Azzm was designed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of QF. His Excellency Sheikh Hassan’s other artworks include the Door to the Future, which graduating students pass through every year at QF’s Convocation ceremony – symbolizing them stepping into the next phase of their journey.
Art is connected to Qatar Foundation, with creative works decorating every hall and entrance, transforming buildings into art pieces.
Progressive Education
A Stage for Learning GrowthUnder the glare of the spotlight, students, teachers, and staff members from QF schools once again dazzled audiences in March, with the latest edition of SHOWTIME! – a musical production that showcases their performing arts talent, and how learning is enriched by exposure to creative opportunities.
Based around the theme of family musicals, SHOWTIME! featured renditions of medleys from classic films and award-winning West End and Broadway productions. Overseen by Qatari singer Dana Al-Meer, 30 percent of performances were in Arabic.
“Engaging in the arts, especially in a multicultural and multilingual setting, encourages students to empathize with different perspectives and narratives,” said Abeer Al Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education, QF. “This exposure not only broadens their understanding of the world, but also hones their ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others.”
And from creativity to compassion, students at QF’s Qatar Academy Doha organized Falcon Fest – bringing the school’s community together for a day of enjoyment and engagement with a serious message, with donations from the event being contributed to Qatar Charity to support the Palestinian people.
Under the glare of the spotlight, students, teachers, and staff members from QF schools once again dazzled audiences in March, with the latest edition of SHOWTIME! – a musical production that showcases their performing arts talent, and how learning is enriched by exposure to creative opportunities.
Based around the theme of family musicals, SHOWTIME! featured renditions of medleys from classic films and award-winning West End and Broadway productions. Overseen by Qatari singer Dana Al-Meer, 30 percent of performances were in Arabic.
“Engaging in the arts, especially in a multicultural and multilingual setting, encourages students to empathize with different perspectives and narratives,” said Abeer Al Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education, QF. “This exposure not only broadens their understanding of the world, but also hones their ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others.”
And from creativity to compassion, students at QF’s Qatar Academy Doha organized Falcon Fest – bringing the school’s community together for a day of enjoyment and engagement with a serious message, with donations from the event being contributed to Qatar Charity to support the Palestinian people.
These programs wonderfully enrich the students’ personalities, offering them a platform to grow with every season.
Progressive Education
Inclusivity and AdvancementWith the goal of enhancing educational opportunities and promoting gender equality, March saw QF announce that one of the schools under its Pre-University Education (PUE) – Qatar Academy Al Wakra – will establish a dedicated building for girls from Grade 6-12, from the 2024-25 academic year.
The move - a response to parents’ views – reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing an inclusive, supportive learning environment where the individual needs of students are met. In the newly designated building, 91 seats will be specifically reserved for girls.
During March, PUE also hosted the eighth edition of its annual Teaching and Learning Forum: an interactive day of professional development for educators from across Qatar, with sessions focusing on culture, heritage, and identity; refining pedagogical practices; improving assessment methods; strengthening academic leadership skills; and fostering learning communities.
And with the month also marking World Down Syndrome Day, QF’s Ability Friendly Program – which provides inclusive sporting opportunities for people with disabilities – increased awareness of, and support for, the needs of those with Down syndrome at a community event at Education City intended to promote understanding, acceptance, and accessibility.
With the goal of enhancing educational opportunities and promoting gender equality, March saw QF announce that one of the schools under its Pre-University Education (PUE) – Qatar Academy Al Wakra – will establish a dedicated building for girls from Grade 6-12, from the 2024-25 academic year.
The move - a response to parents’ views – reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing an inclusive, supportive learning environment where the individual needs of students are met. In the newly designated building, 91 seats will be specifically reserved for girls.
During March, PUE also hosted the eighth edition of its annual Teaching and Learning Forum: an interactive day of professional development for educators from across Qatar, with sessions focusing on culture, heritage, and identity; refining pedagogical practices; improving assessment methods; strengthening academic leadership skills; and fostering learning communities.
And with the month also marking World Down Syndrome Day, QF’s Ability Friendly Program – which provides inclusive sporting opportunities for people with disabilities – increased awareness of, and support for, the needs of those with Down syndrome at a community event at Education City intended to promote understanding, acceptance, and accessibility.
As part of our goal to foster graduates who are deeply rooted in the local context, it’s essential to understand cultural and community needs.”
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Social Progress
Expanding the Sports SceneQF’s sporting landscape continued to evolve in 2024 – with March seeing the unveiling of spaces at Education City for everyone to enjoy one of the world’s rising sports: padel.
The popular Dome Padel Club is a sports facility that promotes both physical and mental wellbeing through the racket sport for newcomers and seasoned players alike, with the Education City Golf Club also offering four Adidas-sponsored padel courts and a private court.
In March, QF also teamed up with the International School Sports Federation (ISF) – an International Olympic Committee-recognized non-profit organization – to evaluate the sporting set-up within its schools and universities, with the aim of increasing student participation, particularly among women and girls; while QF’s Al Shaqab equine and equestrian center hosted the ladies-only Golden Race, organized by Athletic Edge, on International Women’s Day.
And QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar’s (GU-Q) Center for International and Regional Studies launched its newest research initiative, examining US political and cultural engagements in the Middle East through the lens of basketball, ahead of Qatar hosting the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
QF’s sporting landscape continued to evolve in 2024 – with March seeing the unveiling of spaces at Education City for everyone to enjoy one of the world’s rising sports: padel.
The popular Dome Padel Club is a sports facility that promotes both physical and mental wellbeing through the racket sport for newcomers and seasoned players alike, with the Education City Golf Club also offering four Adidas-sponsored padel courts and a private court.
In March, QF also teamed up with the International School Sports Federation (ISF) – an International Olympic Committee-recognized non-profit organization – to evaluate the sporting set-up within its schools and universities, with the aim of increasing student participation, particularly among women and girls; while QF’s Al Shaqab equine and equestrian center hosted the ladies-only Golden Race, organized by Athletic Edge, on International Women’s Day.
And QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar’s (GU-Q) Center for International and Regional Studies launched its newest research initiative, examining US political and cultural engagements in the Middle East through the lens of basketball, ahead of Qatar hosting the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
I enjoy watching the spectacular growth that is taking place here. I think women, and specifically Qatari women, have built a great community around the sport.
Progressive Education, Sustainability
The Growth of an EcosystemAnd as well as expanding its sporting offer, QF is also expanding its ecosystem of education – as March demonstrated.
QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) announced the launch of a series of new undergraduate engineering programs, from the 2024-25 academic year, through its College of Science and Engineering; while VCUarts Qatar revealed its new Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Kinetic Imaging, with a focus on game design, and fellow partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar introduced three new business administration courses specifically tailored for the Gulf region.
HBKU also launched the Qatari Faculty Development Fellowship Program, designed to develop talented Qatari nationals and offer them the opportunity to join the university’s faculty.
And HBKU’s Qatar Computing Research Institute marked six years of collaborating with the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs on new technologies aimed at fostering peace; while four members of the university’s community were honored by Boston Consulting Group’s V60 Awards for championing sustainability through their research and advocacy, making them part of a regional network dedicated to tackling climate change and helping to shape a greener future.
And as well as expanding its sporting offer, QF is also expanding its ecosystem of education – as March demonstrated.
QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) announced the launch of a series of new undergraduate engineering programs, from the 2024-25 academic year, through its College of Science and Engineering; while VCUarts Qatar revealed its new Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Kinetic Imaging, with a focus on game design, and fellow partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar introduced three new business administration courses specifically tailored for the Gulf region.
HBKU also launched the Qatari Faculty Development Fellowship Program, designed to develop talented Qatari nationals and offer them the opportunity to join the university’s faculty.
And HBKU’s Qatar Computing Research Institute marked six years of collaborating with the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs on new technologies aimed at fostering peace; while four members of the university’s community were honored by Boston Consulting Group’s V60 Awards for championing sustainability through their research and advocacy, making them part of a regional network dedicated to tackling climate change and helping to shape a greener future.
Through this initiative, we are looking to tap into the Qatari community’s vast potential and support its citizens in pursuing fulfilling careers in academics or research.
VCUarts Qatar’s new undergraduate program in kinetic imaging offers the chance to study:
- Game design
- Creative coding
- Motion graphics
- Sound design
- 3D modeling
Social Progress
Conversation and CreativityLeading Palestinian voices and Middle East scholars gathered at QF in March to discuss themes surrounding justice, accountability, and global media narratives around the war in Gaza, through the latest edition of GU-Q’s Hiwaraat dialogue series.
And elsewhere within QF’s partner universities, Northwestern University in Qatar’s Media Majlis museum took center stage at the first edition of Qatar’s new biennial celebration of creative innovation, Design Doha, through an interactive pavilion exploring the concept of the traditional Arabian majlis.
Northwestern Qatar students and alumni shone in Doha Film Institute’s Made in Qatar and Qumra programs, presenting their cinematic productions and perspectives on global issues, and claiming a string of awards.
And as well as also participating in Design Doha – including by displaying artworks, installations, and designs at the biennial’s exhibitions, alongside participating in panel discussions – VCUarts Qatar’s Tasmeem Doha 2024 art and design conference, which has been held since 2004, unfolded at locations across the Qatari capital and highlighted the role of art and design in inspiring and enabling change.
Leading Palestinian voices and Middle East scholars gathered at QF in March to discuss themes surrounding justice, accountability, and global media narratives around the war in Gaza, through the latest edition of GU-Q’s Hiwaraat dialogue series.
And elsewhere within QF’s partner universities, Northwestern University in Qatar’s Media Majlis museum took center stage at the first edition of Qatar’s new biennial celebration of creative innovation, Design Doha, through an interactive pavilion exploring the concept of the traditional Arabian majlis.
Northwestern Qatar students and alumni shone in Doha Film Institute’s Made in Qatar and Qumra programs, presenting their cinematic productions and perspectives on global issues, and claiming a string of awards.
And as well as also participating in Design Doha – including by displaying artworks, installations, and designs at the biennial’s exhibitions, alongside participating in panel discussions – VCUarts Qatar’s Tasmeem Doha 2024 art and design conference, which has been held since 2004, unfolded at locations across the Qatari capital and highlighted the role of art and design in inspiring and enabling change.
There is a need for today’s designers, artists, and creators to bring new and inventive ways of doing and thinking, and reimagining our reality through innovation in design and creative production.
Northwestern Qatar’s Media Majlis – the first media museum in the Arab world – explores journalism, communication, and media through:
- Exhibitions
- Publications
- Programs
- Online resources
- Digital technologies
Precision Health, Progressive Education
A Step Into The FutureThey are part of healthcare’s new generation – and in March, medical students at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) celebrated gaining places on residency training programs at some of the world’s top healthcare institutions, at the university’s annual Match Day.
WCM-Q’s Qatar Medical Explorer Program also gave 30 high school students the chance to experience life as a medical student, while its Doctors of the Future Conference invited pre-university students to explore careers in medicine. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals from around the world gathered at WCM-Q to discuss advances in lifestyle medicine, through a symposium organized by the university’s Institute for Population Health explored how habits such as physical activity, nutrition and stress management can prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases.
Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence
Innovating for the WorldAnd students from across Education City showcased their innovation skills and their technological solutions for tackling challenging global issues through QF partner university Texas A&M University at Qatar’s (TAMUQ) Invent for the Planet competition, while the third edition of the Libraries Lead Forum – hosted by Education City-based Qatar National Library – focused on Artificial Intelligence and how libraries can ensure equitable access to information in the digital age.
They are part of healthcare’s new generation – and in March, medical students at QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) celebrated gaining places on residency training programs at some of the world’s top healthcare institutions, at the university’s annual Match Day.
WCM-Q’s Qatar Medical Explorer Program also gave 30 high school students the chance to experience life as a medical student, while its Doctors of the Future Conference invited pre-university students to explore careers in medicine. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals from around the world gathered at WCM-Q to discuss advances in lifestyle medicine, through a symposium organized by the university’s Institute for Population Health explored how habits such as physical activity, nutrition and stress management can prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases.
- Over 300 pre-university students attended WCM-Q’s Doctors of the Future Conference
- More than 360 healthcare professionals from 21 countries participated in WCM-Q’s lifestyle medicine symposium
- The winner of TAMUQ’s Invent for the Planet competition went on to compete against 24 universities from around the world in the global finals
Progressive Education
Exemplars of ExcellenceAcademically accomplished and socially active, the recipients of Qatar’s annual Education Excellence Awards are true ambassadors for both knowledge and service
And QF students were among those honored at the 17th edition of the awards, including 14-year-old Qatar Academy Al Khor (QAK) student Abdulla Hilal Al Mohannadi, who summed up his emotions by saying: “The happiness I feel is beyond words.”
Fellow QAK student and award winner Mohammed Mahmoud Al-Hail, also 14, said: “This award serves as powerful motivator for me, propelling me to persist in my hard work and achieve even greater things”; while 12-year-old Qatar Academy Doha student Ghalia Saoud Darwish described winning an award as “a feeling I can’t explain”.
Among the QF university students to receive an award was Maha Hani AlKhuzaei, who pursued a Master’s degree in Sustainable Energy from HBKU, and said: “My education at QF shaped my career and personal growth – QF instilled in me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals and contribute meaningfully to society."
Academically accomplished and socially active, the recipients of Qatar’s annual Education Excellence Awards are true ambassadors for both knowledge and service
And QF students were among those honored at the 17th edition of the awards, including 14-year-old Qatar Academy Al Khor (QAK) student Abdulla Hilal Al Mohannadi, who summed up his emotions by saying: “The happiness I feel is beyond words.”
Fellow QAK student and award winner Mohammed Mahmoud Al-Hail, also 14, said: “This award serves as powerful motivator for me, propelling me to persist in my hard work and achieve even greater things”; while 12-year-old Qatar Academy Doha student Ghalia Saoud Darwish described winning an award as “a feeling I can’t explain”.
Among the QF university students to receive an award was Maha Hani AlKhuzaei, who pursued a Master’s degree in Sustainable Energy from HBKU, and said: “My education at QF shaped my career and personal growth – QF instilled in me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals and contribute meaningfully to society."
It is truly enjoyable to be in an environment where individuals with different cultural and academic backgrounds interact, fostering the discovery of new knowledge daily.
QF’s Education Excellence Award winners: Roll of Honor
- Naila Fahad Saud Al Thani, Qatar Academy Doha
- Haya Fahad Ali Al Thani, Qatar Academy Doha
- Nouf Ghanem Al Dosari, Qatar Academy Doha
- Noura Faisal Al-Dosari, Qatar Academy Doha
- Khaled Mubarak Al-Hajri, Qatar Academy Doha
- Ghalia Saoud Darwish, Qatar Academy Doha
- Rima Ahmed Al-Hail, Qatar Academy Al Khor
- Abdulla Hilal Al Mohannadi, Qatar Academy Al Khor
- Mohammed Mahmoud Al-Hail, Qatar Academy Al Khor
- Dr. Naila Ahmad Al Thani, Hamad Bin Khalifa University
- Dr. Tamy Ahmad Al-Binali, Hamad Bin Khalifa University
- Maha Hani AlKhuzaei, Hamad Bin Khalifa University
- Asmaa Khalifa Al-Kuwari, Georgetown University in Qatar
- Ahmad Majid Al-Kuwari, Georgetown University in Qatar
- Fatma Al-Mannai, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar
- Ali Al-Samhari, mathematics teacher, Qatar Leadership Academy