Strengthening Islamic Identity
The arrival of a new year also brought a new addition to Qatar Foundation’s (QF) ecosystem of knowledge and opportunity – as Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women was unveiled.
Founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, and catering to Muslim women of all ages and backgrounds, Al-Mujadilah’s aim is to strengthen the Islamic identity of Muslim women and foster a Muslim society where all women are engaged, their participation and contributions are acknowledged and recognized, and their perspectives shape contemporary Muslim thought and discourse.
With its inspiration stemming from the mosque’s traditional role as the axis of society, Al-Mujadilah – housed within QF’s Education City – is equipped with classrooms, a library, gathering spaces, and gardens. As a community space for women, it will host activities and providing Arabic and English programming – from courses and workshops on Islamic history and law, and mental health and wellbeing, to book clubs, training programs, and research.
The arrival of a new year also brought a new addition to Qatar Foundation’s (QF) ecosystem of knowledge and opportunity – as Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women was unveiled.
Founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, and catering to Muslim women of all ages and backgrounds, Al-Mujadilah’s aim is to strengthen the Islamic identity of Muslim women and foster a Muslim society where all women are engaged, their participation and contributions are acknowledged and recognized, and their perspectives shape contemporary Muslim thought and discourse.
With its inspiration stemming from the mosque’s traditional role as the axis of society, Al-Mujadilah – housed within QF’s Education City – is equipped with classrooms, a library, gathering spaces, and gardens. As a community space for women, it will host activities and providing Arabic and English programming – from courses and workshops on Islamic history and law, and mental health and wellbeing, to book clubs, training programs, and research.
Research at Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women is centered on:
- Islamic texts, laws, and ethics
- Muslim women’s lives
- Muslim Women’s health and wellbeing
An Invitation to Arabic
Reflecting QF’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Arabic language, native and non-native student speakers alike were learning more about its beauty, its nuances, and its continuing relevance to everyday life – thanks to ‘Discover Arabic’.
That is the name of a program, offered for free to university students at QF, that blends in-person and online teaching to help them develop their Arabic proficiency during their time at Education City – wherever in the world they come from.
Developed with the Translation and Interpreting Institute, part of QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Discover Arabic is the first in a series of initiatives to expand the opportunity for QF students to study the language. And alongside the tuition it offers, the program also promotes integration and cultural exchange between students from different universities, and broadens their understanding of Qatari culture and the Arab world.
Among them is QF computer engineering student Ibtisam Haseeb, who said: “Non-natives living in Qatar should consider learning Arabic for cultural integration, improved daily interactions, and enhanced opportunities in this diverse and dynamic environment.”
Reflecting QF’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Arabic language, native and non-native student speakers alike were learning more about its beauty, its nuances, and its continuing relevance to everyday life – thanks to ‘Discover Arabic’.
That is the name of a program, offered for free to university students at QF, that blends in-person and online teaching to help them develop their Arabic proficiency during their time at Education City – wherever in the world they come from.
Developed with the Translation and Interpreting Institute, part of QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Discover Arabic is the first in a series of initiatives to expand the opportunity for QF students to study the language. And alongside the tuition it offers, the program also promotes integration and cultural exchange between students from different universities, and broadens their understanding of Qatari culture and the Arab world.
Among them is QF computer engineering student Ibtisam Haseeb, who said: “Non-natives living in Qatar should consider learning Arabic for cultural integration, improved daily interactions, and enhanced opportunities in this diverse and dynamic environment.”
Many non-native speakers can benefit from learning Arabic due to their desire to comprehend the Holy Qur’an and the inherent beauty of the language.
The Power of Debate
On the regional and international stage, and through new platforms, the importance of debate and discourse in understanding and tackling the issues shaping our world in January.
With the New York Times, QatarDebate – founded by QF – brought together industry experts, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and decision-makers for a debate on the sidelines of the 54th World Economic Forum in Davos, focusing on whether confidence in global cooperation can be restored.
QatarDebate joined Oman Debate in hosting the Oasis of Dialogue Forum in the Omani capital Muscat, a new platform designed to foster constructive dialogue around key topics affecting the Gulf region, with the first edition of the forum discussing the importance of tourism in building bridges of communication and understanding between the Gulf states and other nations.
And QF’s Doha Debates debuted Necessary Tomorrows, a new podcast presented through Al Jazeera, written by award-winning authors, and hosted by an AI instructor called Ursula, which combines science fiction and non-fiction narratives to envision a hopeful future for the world.
On the regional and international stage, and through new platforms, the importance of debate and discourse in understanding and tackling the issues shaping our world in January.
With the New York Times, QatarDebate – founded by QF – brought together industry experts, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and decision-makers for a debate on the sidelines of the 54th World Economic Forum in Davos, focusing on whether confidence in global cooperation can be restored.
QatarDebate joined Oman Debate in hosting the Oasis of Dialogue Forum in the Omani capital Muscat, a new platform designed to foster constructive dialogue around key topics affecting the Gulf region, with the first edition of the forum discussing the importance of tourism in building bridges of communication and understanding between the Gulf states and other nations.
And QF’s Doha Debates debuted Necessary Tomorrows, a new podcast presented through Al Jazeera, written by award-winning authors, and hosted by an AI instructor called Ursula, which combines science fiction and non-fiction narratives to envision a hopeful future for the world.
Perspectives on Palestine
With Gaza and Palestine continuing to be devastated by war, QF remained steadfast in its solidarity with the Palestinian people and its commitment to amplifying their voices and broadening understanding of their situation.
Palestinian-American author, poet, and clinical psychologist Hala Alyan touched on themes of resilience, identity, and heritage in a talk at VCUarts Qatar, where she spoke about the role of art in reinforcing solidarity, and ways of bolstering endurance in times of hardship.
Fellow QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) began its Palestine Speaker Series for 2024 by welcoming historian and analyst Tareq Baconi, who explored the complex history of the Gaza Strip.
And the Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization at HBKU hosted Qatar University professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Majali for a discussion on the historical significance of Palestine to Islamic civilization, and Palestine’s pivotal role in shaping Islamic consciousness. He urged Muslims to reflect on the importance of Palestine to their faith amid the crisis in Gaza.
With Gaza and Palestine continuing to be devastated by war, QF remained steadfast in its solidarity with the Palestinian people and its commitment to amplifying their voices and broadening understanding of their situation.
Palestinian-American author, poet, and clinical psychologist Hala Alyan touched on themes of resilience, identity, and heritage in a talk at VCUarts Qatar, where she spoke about the role of art in reinforcing solidarity, and ways of bolstering endurance in times of hardship.
Fellow QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) began its Palestine Speaker Series for 2024 by welcoming historian and analyst Tareq Baconi, who explored the complex history of the Gaza Strip.
And the Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization at HBKU hosted Qatar University professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Majali for a discussion on the historical significance of Palestine to Islamic civilization, and Palestine’s pivotal role in shaping Islamic consciousness. He urged Muslims to reflect on the importance of Palestine to their faith amid the crisis in Gaza.
The reality of Gaza is central to understanding what Palestine is, and I don’t see any form of emancipation or decolonization without the undoing of justice around Gaza.
Sport and Solidarity
Palestine was also at the heart of Education City’s role in a showcase of Asian footballing excellence in January.
The Education City Stadium – one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and now becoming a hub for women’s and girls’ sport – hosted a series of matches during the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, including the Palestinian national team’s match against Iran.
And as fans made their way to the stadium, they were immersed in the culture of Palestine through an exhibition of Palestinian art, alongside musical performances, a calligraphy wall, and fun football activities.
Reflecting QF’s belief that sport should be accessible to all, the stadium experience also continued to provide sensory rooms for those with disabilities, ensuring people of all abilities can soak up the sporting experience at the stadium known as the ‘Diamond in the Desert’.
Palestine was also at the heart of Education City’s role in a showcase of Asian footballing excellence in January.
The Education City Stadium – one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and now becoming a hub for women’s and girls’ sport – hosted a series of matches during the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, including the Palestinian national team’s match against Iran.
And as fans made their way to the stadium, they were immersed in the culture of Palestine through an exhibition of Palestinian art, alongside musical performances, a calligraphy wall, and fun football activities.
Reflecting QF’s belief that sport should be accessible to all, the stadium experience also continued to provide sensory rooms for those with disabilities, ensuring people of all abilities can soak up the sporting experience at the stadium known as the ‘Diamond in the Desert’.
Activity and Equality
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.
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.
Sports Without Barriers
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.
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.
Voices for Change
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.
From Waste to Value
And 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.
Family at the Forefront
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.
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.
The City Beyond Education
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.
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.
A Time Of Contribution
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.”
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.
Stewards of the Environment
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.
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.
Art With Impact
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.
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.
Expanding the Sports Scene
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.
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.
Conversation and Creativity
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.
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
The Value of Contribution
Driven by values and inspired by the desire to contribute to their communities – this is what defines the recipients of QF’s annual Akhlaquna Awards.
Launched in 2017 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, the Akhlaquna initiative highlights the connection between ethics and knowledge, and reflects the intrinsic ties between virtuous traits and ethical behaviors, and how these are key to social progress and development.
Every year, individuals and projects that contribute to fostering positive change in society are recognized at the Akhlaquna Awards, with the 2024 edition – which saw Her Highness Sheikha Moza honor the winners – seeing, for the first time, entries for the Individual Contributions Award being received from across the Gulf region as well as within Qatar.
Among the winners of the Akhlaquna Youth Award – for school students who, through their projects and behaviors, positively impact their school and community – was 17-year-old Moza Abdulla Alfakhroo, also named as an Ethics Ambassador for Akhlaquna. “My ambition is to serve as a catalyst for change,” she said.
“I aim to inspire other young people to realize their potential for impact. I believe each one of us can contribute positively.”
Driven by values and inspired by the desire to contribute to their communities – this is what defines the recipients of QF’s annual Akhlaquna Awards.
Launched in 2017 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, the Akhlaquna initiative highlights the connection between ethics and knowledge, and reflects the intrinsic ties between virtuous traits and ethical behaviors, and how these are key to social progress and development.
Every year, individuals and projects that contribute to fostering positive change in society are recognized at the Akhlaquna Awards, with the 2024 edition – which saw Her Highness Sheikha Moza honor the winners – seeing, for the first time, entries for the Individual Contributions Award being received from across the Gulf region as well as within Qatar.
Among the winners of the Akhlaquna Youth Award – for school students who, through their projects and behaviors, positively impact their school and community – was 17-year-old Moza Abdulla Alfakhroo, also named as an Ethics Ambassador for Akhlaquna. “My ambition is to serve as a catalyst for change,” she said.
“I aim to inspire other young people to realize their potential for impact. I believe each one of us can contribute positively.”
The award inspires us to strive and contribute more. True success lies in witnessing the positive impact our projects have on society.
Awareness, Education, Inclusion
April marked the 17th anniversary of World Autism Awareness Day – proposed by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, to the United Nations and unanimously approved – and throughout the month, community-focused events and activities at QF aimed to promote understanding of autism, acceptance, and inclusion.
Among them was QF’s annual Autism Awareness Family Fun Day at Al Shaqab, where attendees included Talal Mohammed Al-Ali, the father of a child with autism who studies at specialized QF school Renad Academy, who said: “By making sure these events are inclusive of all community members, we not only benefit as guardians, but also have the opportunity to educate others.”
QF also hosted a dialogue workshop with Renad Academy experts which emphasized its commitment to creating a supportive environment for people with autism and their families, while a special recording of QF schools’ musical performance SHOWTIME!, tailored for those with autism, was shown with modified lighting, reduced sound, and sensory areas.
The Rifd parent training program at QF’s Awsaj Academy hosted online workshops designed to enhance understanding and empathy for people with autism by connecting experts with the community – while, on World Autism Awareness Day, the 2015 building (QF Headquarters) and other buildings at Education City were lit in blue.
April marked the 17th anniversary of World Autism Awareness Day – proposed by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, to the United Nations and unanimously approved – and throughout the month, community-focused events and activities at QF aimed to promote understanding of autism, acceptance, and inclusion.
Among them was QF’s annual Autism Awareness Family Fun Day at Al Shaqab, where attendees included Talal Mohammed Al-Ali, the father of a child with autism who studies at specialized QF school Renad Academy, who said: “By making sure these events are inclusive of all community members, we not only benefit as guardians, but also have the opportunity to educate others.”
QF also hosted a dialogue workshop with Renad Academy experts which emphasized its commitment to creating a supportive environment for people with autism and their families, while a special recording of QF schools’ musical performance SHOWTIME!, tailored for those with autism, was shown with modified lighting, reduced sound, and sensory areas.
The Rifd parent training program at QF’s Awsaj Academy hosted online workshops designed to enhance understanding and empathy for people with autism by connecting experts with the community – while, on World Autism Awareness Day, the 2015 building (QF Headquarters) and other buildings at Education City were lit in blue.
These events provide a platform for us to share and learn from each other’s experiences. Each story shared can inspire others and make a significant impact on a child’s life.
Interacting for Understanding
From providing inclusive sports opportunities to using technology to foster inclusion and conducting groundbreaking research, a dedication to supporting those with autism is seen in so many ways across the QF ecosystem.
During April, in recognition of the month’s focus on autism awareness, QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to host an interactive educational session on autism for primary school students, introducing them to the complexities of autism. Further sessions are planned in future.
QBRI also held a seminar on disseminating knowledge about autism and published a research paper titled ‘From Surviving to Thriving’, which emphasized the importance of fostering awareness and acceptance of, and appreciation, for people with autism and other neurological conditions.
Meanwhile, QF member Sidra Medicine’s longstanding BARAKA-Qatar study, focusing on Middle Eastern genetics and their implications for autism, has not only enhanced autism understanding in the Arab world, but also helped to bring the genetics of the region to global attention.
From providing inclusive sports opportunities to using technology to foster inclusion and conducting groundbreaking research, a dedication to supporting those with autism is seen in so many ways across the QF ecosystem.
During April, in recognition of the month’s focus on autism awareness, QF member Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to host an interactive educational session on autism for primary school students, introducing them to the complexities of autism. Further sessions are planned in future.
QBRI also held a seminar on disseminating knowledge about autism and published a research paper titled ‘From Surviving to Thriving’, which emphasized the importance of fostering awareness and acceptance of, and appreciation, for people with autism and other neurological conditions.
Meanwhile, QF member Sidra Medicine’s longstanding BARAKA-Qatar study, focusing on Middle Eastern genetics and their implications for autism, has not only enhanced autism understanding in the Arab world, but also helped to bring the genetics of the region to global attention.
As parents, we work closely with the academy’s teachers to integrate technology into the educational process for our children.
Building Bridges
For 15 years, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra – founded by QF – has been inspiring people and connecting cultures through music, and in April it celebrated this landmark with a special 15-Year Anniversary Festival.
Over 12 days, an array of performances and musical experiences showcased the depth and versatility of the 28-nationality orchestra’s repertoire, closing with a concert featuring compositions from countries in which it has toured since its establishment.
And QF-founded Qatar Career Development Center partnered with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for the fifth edition of its Career Village: an event at KidZania Doha that provides high school students with first-hand, practical insight into career paths within Qatar’s labor market, including through experiential learning zones and interactive workshops. They also heard from experts in education, lifelong learning, and career counseling.
“Career Village embodies our commitment to providing Qatar’s youth with the best and most comprehensive career development services through hands-on learning and practical experience,” said Abdulla A. Al-Mansoori, Director of QCDC.
For 15 years, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra – founded by QF – has been inspiring people and connecting cultures through music, and in April it celebrated this landmark with a special 15-Year Anniversary Festival.
Over 12 days, an array of performances and musical experiences showcased the depth and versatility of the 28-nationality orchestra’s repertoire, closing with a concert featuring compositions from countries in which it has toured since its establishment.
And QF-founded Qatar Career Development Center partnered with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for the fifth edition of its Career Village: an event at KidZania Doha that provides high school students with first-hand, practical insight into career paths within Qatar’s labor market, including through experiential learning zones and interactive workshops. They also heard from experts in education, lifelong learning, and career counseling.
“Career Village embodies our commitment to providing Qatar’s youth with the best and most comprehensive career development services through hands-on learning and practical experience,” said Abdulla A. Al-Mansoori, Director of QCDC.
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the most diverse orchestras in the world. This diversity manifests itself not only in the orchestra’s melodies, but also represents the character and culture of Qatar.
A Hub for the Community
From the World Cup to worship, the Education City Stadium has become a focal point not only for sporting excellence and involvement, but also for community life and interaction.
In April, for the second consecutive year, the iconic sporting arena staged the Eid al-Fitr prayer at QF as tens of thousands of people from across Qatar’s community congregated at the stadium to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The gathering of worship was hosted by QF’s Minaretein Center (Education City Mosque) in coordination with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, and was followed by an Eid festival. The stadium has become a venue for Eid prayers due to its capacity to safely host large numbers of worshippers.
“These events reflect our commitment to building a vibrant community, enriching our shared Islamic heritage, and fostering educational and cultural understanding,” said Wasif Ali Khan, Business Transformation Project Manager at the Minaretein Center. “It is through such initiatives that we fulfil our mission, celebrate our traditions, and nurture the growth of our community.”
From the World Cup to worship, the Education City Stadium has become a focal point not only for sporting excellence and involvement, but also for community life and interaction.
In April, for the second consecutive year, the iconic sporting arena staged the Eid al-Fitr prayer at QF as tens of thousands of people from across Qatar’s community congregated at the stadium to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The gathering of worship was hosted by QF’s Minaretein Center (Education City Mosque) in coordination with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, and was followed by an Eid festival. The stadium has become a venue for Eid prayers due to its capacity to safely host large numbers of worshippers.
“These events reflect our commitment to building a vibrant community, enriching our shared Islamic heritage, and fostering educational and cultural understanding,” said Wasif Ali Khan, Business Transformation Project Manager at the Minaretein Center. “It is through such initiatives that we fulfil our mission, celebrate our traditions, and nurture the growth of our community.”
The Power of Reading
As visitors flocked to the annual Doha International Book Fair, they were welcomed by opportunities to have fun while learning, engage with local authors, and learn more about the Arabic language – courtesy of QF.
The event saw Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press launch its new Ejaz app – connecting readers with works in Arabic and English, by authors and scholars from around the world – and showcase its largest catalog to date, while episodes and songs from QF’s 3D edutainment series Siraj were screened, alongside participation from Education City-based Qatar National Library and its Qatar Reads initiative.
Elsewhere, 15 high school students from QF’s Qatar Academy Al Wakra connected with their peers from a US school in a cultural exchange trip enabled by a Qatar Foundation International (QFI) grant; and 30 QF school students developed their life skills, cultural awareness, and sense of teamwork at an educational camp with an Islamic heritage focus.
And Team Police College emerged victorious in the National Arabic Universities Debating Championship, organized by QF-founded QatarDebate, with Qatar Career Development Center – also founded by QF – honoring the participants of the second phase of its EmpowerAbility program, which educates people with learning challenges about entrepreneurship, financial planning, marketing, and project presentation.
As visitors flocked to the annual Doha International Book Fair, they were welcomed by opportunities to have fun while learning, engage with local authors, and learn more about the Arabic language – courtesy of QF.
The event saw Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press launch its new Ejaz app – connecting readers with works in Arabic and English, by authors and scholars from around the world – and showcase its largest catalog to date, while episodes and songs from QF’s 3D edutainment series Siraj were screened, alongside participation from Education City-based Qatar National Library and its Qatar Reads initiative.
Elsewhere, 15 high school students from QF’s Qatar Academy Al Wakra connected with their peers from a US school in a cultural exchange trip enabled by a Qatar Foundation International (QFI) grant; and 30 QF school students developed their life skills, cultural awareness, and sense of teamwork at an educational camp with an Islamic heritage focus.
And Team Police College emerged victorious in the National Arabic Universities Debating Championship, organized by QF-founded QatarDebate, with Qatar Career Development Center – also founded by QF – honoring the participants of the second phase of its EmpowerAbility program, which educates people with learning challenges about entrepreneurship, financial planning, marketing, and project presentation.
The fair is an integral opportunity for us to connect with readers in real time and engage with the local literary community. We are honored to be sharing the fairground with some of the largest publishers in the world.
Sports Without Boundaries
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.
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.
Solidarity by Design
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.”
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.
The Opportunity to Grow
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.
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.
Cultural Connections
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.
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.
Leadership Through Sports
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.”
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.
Sports for Society
As the eyes of the sporting world turned to Paris, and the 2024 Olympic Games, a new collaboration harnessing the power of sport to strengthen society was announced in the French capital by Qatar Foundation (QF), Education Above All Foundation, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Team Qatar reception during the Games was the setting for the unveiling of a three-year project that will support the implementation of sport-for-good initiatives in over 10 countries, with the aim of nurturing more equitable, inclusive, and educated communities.
Focused on women and girls, people with disabilities, and people from marginalized communities, the project – part of the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy, which supports the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals – will develop localized solutions tailored to the needs, challenges, and aspirations of each country it benefits.
QF will lead its delivery in Qatar, including by building on its existing efforts and plans to expand inclusive sporting opportunities for women and girls, as the project unfolds over three phases up to 2027.
As the eyes of the sporting world turned to Paris, and the 2024 Olympic Games, a new collaboration harnessing the power of sport to strengthen society was announced in the French capital by Qatar Foundation (QF), Education Above All Foundation, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Team Qatar reception during the Games was the setting for the unveiling of a three-year project that will support the implementation of sport-for-good initiatives in over 10 countries, with the aim of nurturing more equitable, inclusive, and educated communities.
Focused on women and girls, people with disabilities, and people from marginalized communities, the project – part of the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy, which supports the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development goals – will develop localized solutions tailored to the needs, challenges, and aspirations of each country it benefits.
QF will lead its delivery in Qatar, including by building on its existing efforts and plans to expand inclusive sporting opportunities for women and girls, as the project unfolds over three phases up to 2027.
We believe everyone, regardless of their gender, ability, socio-economic status, or religious background, deserves equal opportunities to explore and share their potential with the world.
The project aims to:
- Support 50,000 children and youth through community sports programs, campaigns, policy and systems development, and partnerships.
- Train up to 5,000 coaches, teachers, and instructors to promote equality and inclusion through sports.
- Reach hundreds of thousands more young people worldwide through education-focused digital interventions
The ultimate goal of the project is to:
- Improve the personal situations of participants.
- Change mindsets and social attitudes around inclusion, equitability, education, and sports in the communities where it is delivered.
- Create impact that includes new policies and funding avenues in targeted countries, states, and provinces.
Supporting the Family
On the theme of strengthening societies, a landmark report analyzing why marriages in the Arab world succeed and fail during their first five years – and how problems in the early years of marriages can be addressed – was published by QF’s Doha International Family Institute (DIFI).
Produced in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, the report outlines the key factors in stable marriages, and policy recommendations and programmatic elements designed to support couples in the early stages of their lives together.
“This study is pioneering in two ways,” explained Dr. Sharifa Noman Al-Emadi, Executive Director of DIFI. “First, it includes respondents from various Arab states; and second, it focuses on marital relations and offering efficient policy recommendations and interventions to support the continuity and sustainability of marriage.”
Over the summer, DIFI also collaborated with the United Nations and the Institute for Social Science Research to examine the impact of technological transformation and climate change on families; saw its participation in the Kazan Global Youth Summit lead the adoption of an action plan to integrate technology into children’s and young people’s lives; and co-organize the Fourth Gulf Family Policy Forum.
On the theme of strengthening societies, a landmark report analyzing why marriages in the Arab world succeed and fail during their first five years – and how problems in the early years of marriages can be addressed – was published by QF’s Doha International Family Institute (DIFI).
Produced in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, the report outlines the key factors in stable marriages, and policy recommendations and programmatic elements designed to support couples in the early stages of their lives together.
“This study is pioneering in two ways,” explained Dr. Sharifa Noman Al-Emadi, Executive Director of DIFI. “First, it includes respondents from various Arab states; and second, it focuses on marital relations and offering efficient policy recommendations and interventions to support the continuity and sustainability of marriage.”
Over the summer, DIFI also collaborated with the United Nations and the Institute for Social Science Research to examine the impact of technological transformation and climate change on families; saw its participation in the Kazan Global Youth Summit lead the adoption of an action plan to integrate technology into children’s and young people’s lives; and co-organize the Fourth Gulf Family Policy Forum.
Findings from the DIFI report included:
- 30 percent of participants saying they experienced extra burdens, marital maladjustment, and responsibilities during the early years of marriage
- 72.5 percent said family stability and childbearing were their prime motive for marriage
- 72 percent said interest and good companionship were the key factor in a stable marriage
- Reasons for marital conflicts included unexpected behaviors, disputes over parenting styles, and differences in perceptions and attitudes between wives and husbands
The DIFI report into the early years of marriage made policy recommendations including:
- State-developed economic empowerment programs for new and future married couples.
- Prospective spouses to have medical examinations, including mental health assessments.
- Support for paternal and maternal leaves, workplace childcare, and flexible working hours for newlyweds and mothers
Unlocking Innovation
Entrepreneurs and startups with groundbreaking ideas on how to tackle the world’s most urgent healthcare challenges were issued with an invitation to put forward their solutions by QF’s global healthcare initiative, the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).
Over the summer, WISH launched its 2024 Innovation Competition, giving those selected the opportunity to showcase their solutions and pitch them to global heath leaders at the WISH 2024 Summit later in the year.
The competition – with a specific focus on digital healthcare - comprises categories for ‘Young Innovators’, targeting health startups led by founders aged 30 and under, and ‘Innovation Showcases’ for startups that have had an established market presence for up to five years. As well as securing an international platform for their ideas, the successful innovators and entrepreneurs gain access to vital networking opportunities and support from industry experts.
“WISH believes that young entrepreneurs are vital to transformative health solutions, and this competition aims to provide them with a platform to showcase their early-stage startups,” said Maha El Akoum, Manager of Policy and Content, WISH.
Entrepreneurs and startups with groundbreaking ideas on how to tackle the world’s most urgent healthcare challenges were issued with an invitation to put forward their solutions by QF’s global healthcare initiative, the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).
Over the summer, WISH launched its 2024 Innovation Competition, giving those selected the opportunity to showcase their solutions and pitch them to global heath leaders at the WISH 2024 Summit later in the year.
The competition – with a specific focus on digital healthcare - comprises categories for ‘Young Innovators’, targeting health startups led by founders aged 30 and under, and ‘Innovation Showcases’ for startups that have had an established market presence for up to five years. As well as securing an international platform for their ideas, the successful innovators and entrepreneurs gain access to vital networking opportunities and support from industry experts.
“WISH believes that young entrepreneurs are vital to transformative health solutions, and this competition aims to provide them with a platform to showcase their early-stage startups,” said Maha El Akoum, Manager of Policy and Content, WISH.
The opportunities that came from being shortlisted were extraordinary…It was a profound journey from the moment we were selected.
Illuminating Arabic
Celebrating and promoting the Arabic language was at the center of activity across QF’s ecosystem over the summer – not only in Qatar, but beyond.
Students from across the UK participated in Qatar Foundation International’s (QFI) annual Arabic Speaking Competition, with the winners being awarded at a ceremony at the University of Oxford – which, with QFI, hosted a forum that explored the next steps for conducting research into teaching and learning Arabic in schools.
The Media Majlis museum at QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar examined the Arabic language from the perspective of the past, present, and future, as its newest exhibition opened. ‘The Limits of My Language Are The Limits of My World’ explored the significance, influence, and impact of Arabic as it faces the challenge of misrepresentation in the digital age.
And regional heritage preservation efforts were boosted as Education City-based Qatar National Library partnered with the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA) to translate four of the association’s key publications into Arabic, the intention being for these to support the use of IASA’s expertise in preserving and disseminating the region’s cultural heritage.
Celebrating and promoting the Arabic language was at the center of activity across QF’s ecosystem over the summer – not only in Qatar, but beyond.
Students from across the UK participated in Qatar Foundation International’s (QFI) annual Arabic Speaking Competition, with the winners being awarded at a ceremony at the University of Oxford – which, with QFI, hosted a forum that explored the next steps for conducting research into teaching and learning Arabic in schools.
The Media Majlis museum at QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar examined the Arabic language from the perspective of the past, present, and future, as its newest exhibition opened. ‘The Limits of My Language Are The Limits of My World’ explored the significance, influence, and impact of Arabic as it faces the challenge of misrepresentation in the digital age.
And regional heritage preservation efforts were boosted as Education City-based Qatar National Library partnered with the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA) to translate four of the association’s key publications into Arabic, the intention being for these to support the use of IASA’s expertise in preserving and disseminating the region’s cultural heritage.
By making these essential publications accessible in Arabic, we aim to empower regional institutions and professionals to safeguard their cultural heritage for future generations.
On the Right Track
With a history-making Olympic gold medalist as its ambassador, QF’s Creating Pathways program was launched in September – and its goal is to nurture women’s and girls’ sporting talent.
The unveiling of the program – part of QF’s FIFA World Cup legacy plans – revealed that track and field will be the first of five elite sports programs under the new sporting pathway. Initially targeting high-potential Qatari girls in a female-only training environment, the program will later expand to after-school and community-based sports initiatives.
The track and field program’s ambassador is Sifan Hassan, the Dutch middle- and long-distance runner who has won six Olympic medals and was praised for wearing the hijab when receiving her gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Alongside helping to launch the program, she was also the guest speaker at a special edition of QF’s Education City Speaker Series dialogue platform.
“Because of running, I am not afraid to fail, not afraid to take up challenges, and not afraid to make mistakes, and that is what I would like to pass on to young girls in Qatar and the region,” she said. “Girls everywhere hold a lot of promise – they just need some encouragement to believe in themselves, and that is what I will help them do.”
With a history-making Olympic gold medalist as its ambassador, QF’s Creating Pathways program was launched in September – and its goal is to nurture women’s and girls’ sporting talent.
The unveiling of the program – part of QF’s FIFA World Cup legacy plans – revealed that track and field will be the first of five elite sports programs under the new sporting pathway. Initially targeting high-potential Qatari girls in a female-only training environment, the program will later expand to after-school and community-based sports initiatives.
The track and field program’s ambassador is Sifan Hassan, the Dutch middle- and long-distance runner who has won six Olympic medals and was praised for wearing the hijab when receiving her gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Alongside helping to launch the program, she was also the guest speaker at a special edition of QF’s Education City Speaker Series dialogue platform.
“Because of running, I am not afraid to fail, not afraid to take up challenges, and not afraid to make mistakes, and that is what I would like to pass on to young girls in Qatar and the region,” she said. “Girls everywhere hold a lot of promise – they just need some encouragement to believe in themselves, and that is what I will help them do.”
The Creating Pathways Program has been designed with women in mind – healthy you, healthy body, healthy mind.
Extending the Reach
By being part of QF’s popular Ability Friendly Program, hundreds of people of all ages with different abilities have unlocked opportunities for enjoyment, empowerment, and achievement through sports.
And in September, the popular program was boosted through a partnership between QF and the Seashore Group, which will see the two organizations work together to support its existing seasonal camps and other initiatives so the program’s reach and impact can be expanded.
Under the partnership, Seashore Group will provide support and logistical resources for the various elements of the Ability Friendly Program, including its summer and winter camps, and the group’s CEO Salem Al Mohannadi said: “We were inspired by the Ability Friendly Program’s mission to provide inclusive opportunities for individuals with special needs, particularly in sports and personal development.
“By supporting this initiative, we hope to make a positive impact on the lives of these individuals, fostering their growth and integration into society. Collaborations like this play a vital role in fostering a more inclusive society where every individual has a chance to succeed.”
By being part of QF’s popular Ability Friendly Program, hundreds of people of all ages with different abilities have unlocked opportunities for enjoyment, empowerment, and achievement through sports.
And in September, the popular program was boosted through a partnership between QF and the Seashore Group, which will see the two organizations work together to support its existing seasonal camps and other initiatives so the program’s reach and impact can be expanded.
Under the partnership, Seashore Group will provide support and logistical resources for the various elements of the Ability Friendly Program, including its summer and winter camps, and the group’s CEO Salem Al Mohannadi said: “We were inspired by the Ability Friendly Program’s mission to provide inclusive opportunities for individuals with special needs, particularly in sports and personal development.
“By supporting this initiative, we hope to make a positive impact on the lives of these individuals, fostering their growth and integration into society. Collaborations like this play a vital role in fostering a more inclusive society where every individual has a chance to succeed.”
Seashore Group’s contribution enhances our research and capacity, allowing us to improve the program to support more participants and coaches. This collaboration also strengthens our community network, raising awareness and promoting inclusivity.
QF’s Ability Friendly Program offers:
- A football program
- A swimming program
- A playball program
- A movement and meditation program
- Summer and winter camps
More information can be found here.
The Power of Discourse
The need for societies to invest in sustainable development, and how the teachings from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can be applied to modern-day challenges, were both placed in focus during September by QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
Hosted by the Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization at HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies, the 2024 edition of the Sirah of the Prophet conference explored Dalā'il al-Nubuwwah from a historical and contemporary perspective; while the Summit of the Future: Hadaba Edition – held by HBKU’s College of Public Policy – saw international experts stage a dialogue on sustainable policy in a local and global context.
Elsewhere at Education City, QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar launched its Hiwar Scholars Seminar, designed to advance scholarly discourse on critical global issues, and announced the four scholars selected for the 2024-25 Global Fellows Program under the university’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South.
And QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar debuted Qalam, a literary series bringing together acclaimed writers to discuss how storytelling can bridge cultures and ideas, led by award-winning novelist Kamila Shamsie, the university’s inaugural Writer-in-Residence.
The need for societies to invest in sustainable development, and how the teachings from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can be applied to modern-day challenges, were both placed in focus during September by QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
Hosted by the Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization at HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies, the 2024 edition of the Sirah of the Prophet conference explored Dalā'il al-Nubuwwah from a historical and contemporary perspective; while the Summit of the Future: Hadaba Edition – held by HBKU’s College of Public Policy – saw international experts stage a dialogue on sustainable policy in a local and global context.
Elsewhere at Education City, QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar launched its Hiwar Scholars Seminar, designed to advance scholarly discourse on critical global issues, and announced the four scholars selected for the 2024-25 Global Fellows Program under the university’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South.
And QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar debuted Qalam, a literary series bringing together acclaimed writers to discuss how storytelling can bridge cultures and ideas, led by award-winning novelist Kamila Shamsie, the university’s inaugural Writer-in-Residence.
As a global hub for international public policy education, evaluation, and research in Qatar, we were eager to foster a dialogue on how we can craft policies that ensure a sustainable future.
Sessions at the Sirah of the Prophet conference explored topics including:
- Modern Muslim prophetology in the context of coloniality
- Establishing Dalā'il in the context of contemporary atheism
- How learnings from Dalā'il literature can support Muslim children’s upbringing
The Gateway to Hope
In 2024, the continuing war in Gaza and Palestine, and its terrible impact on the lives of Palestinians, gave the fifth observance of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack – held on 9 September each year, having been established in 2020 through a resolution led by Qatar and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation – even greater resonance.
And on this day, QF told the stories of volunteers from its community who are contributing to Qatar’s efforts to provide education to Palestinian children evacuated from Gaza to Qatar for medical treatment.
Among them is Hadeel Al-Sayed, a teacher at QF’s Qatar Academy Sidra who teaches beginner-level English skills to Palestinian youngsters, and said: “Despite their hardships, the students show remarkable determination and hope.
“Education is a strong tool for empowerment and recovery. It gives evacuees a sense of normalcy structure, and hope for the future. Access to education opens doors to opportunities, helping them rebuild their lives, and pursue their aspirations despite the challenges they have faced.”
In 2024, the continuing war in Gaza and Palestine, and its terrible impact on the lives of Palestinians, gave the fifth observance of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack – held on 9 September each year, having been established in 2020 through a resolution led by Qatar and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation – even greater resonance.
And on this day, QF told the stories of volunteers from its community who are contributing to Qatar’s efforts to provide education to Palestinian children evacuated from Gaza to Qatar for medical treatment.
Among them is Hadeel Al-Sayed, a teacher at QF’s Qatar Academy Sidra who teaches beginner-level English skills to Palestinian youngsters, and said: “Despite their hardships, the students show remarkable determination and hope.
“Education is a strong tool for empowerment and recovery. It gives evacuees a sense of normalcy structure, and hope for the future. Access to education opens doors to opportunities, helping them rebuild their lives, and pursue their aspirations despite the challenges they have faced.”
When you mix hope with access to education, you create such a powerful scenario.
The Future of Families
2024 marked a three-decade milestone in providing support for families worldwide – and Qatar Foundation was the setting for a key international conference aimed at mapping how challenges facing the family can be tackled into the future.
The 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends, organized by QF’s Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), brought together thousands of experts, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the world to explore four major trends that affect families in Qatar, the region, and globally: technological change, demographic change, migration and urbanization, and climate change.
Held every 10 years, the conference has a pivotal role in developing policies and programs that support and empower families, and speaking at the opening of its latest edition, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, said: “There is no doubt that the problems facing families are similar in all societies, but they differ in character from one country to the next.
“Families from the global North and families from the global South share many concerns. The most prominent are the negative impacts of technology and the issue of preserving mother tongues and cultural identities in an increasingly globalized world.”
2024 marked a three-decade milestone in providing support for families worldwide – and Qatar Foundation was the setting for a key international conference aimed at mapping how challenges facing the family can be tackled into the future.
The 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends, organized by QF’s Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), brought together thousands of experts, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the world to explore four major trends that affect families in Qatar, the region, and globally: technological change, demographic change, migration and urbanization, and climate change.
Held every 10 years, the conference has a pivotal role in developing policies and programs that support and empower families, and speaking at the opening of its latest edition, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, said: “There is no doubt that the problems facing families are similar in all societies, but they differ in character from one country to the next.
“Families from the global North and families from the global South share many concerns. The most prominent are the negative impacts of technology and the issue of preserving mother tongues and cultural identities in an increasingly globalized world.”
The family is the cornerstone of our societies. If we look at historical societies that endured for centuries…they succeeded because they recognized the importance of family values.
The conference’s partners were:
- The Ministry of Social Development and Family – strategic partner
- The Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – executive partner
- QatarDebate – youth partner
The conference was supported by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)
Sounding a Call
During the two days of the conference, topics including protecting families living amid conflict, the global impact of population decline, work-life balance, and how technology shapes family life were all the subject of focus.
And the conference concluded with the Doha Call to Action: a series of recommendations for addressing the crucial issues families face throughout the world.
These included prioritizing family needs and humanitarian support in countries and regions experiencing war and conflict; integrating lessons on family relationships and values, and intergenerational respect, into school curricula; making family policies a cornerstone of social justice; and involving families, children, and youth in family policymaking and program design.
“The closing of the conference is not about resonant words or slogans to highlight achievements, but rather a call to action in which we all participate,” Dr. Sharifa Noman Al-Emadi, Executive Director, DIFI, told the closing ceremony.
“Each of us bears the responsibility to strive for the implementation of the Doha Call to Action, and we will unite in this endeavor – from decision-making positions, United Nations organizations, civil society organizations, thinktanks, universities, and the private sector.”
During the two days of the conference, topics including protecting families living amid conflict, the global impact of population decline, work-life balance, and how technology shapes family life were all the subject of focus.
And the conference concluded with the Doha Call to Action: a series of recommendations for addressing the crucial issues families face throughout the world.
These included prioritizing family needs and humanitarian support in countries and regions experiencing war and conflict; integrating lessons on family relationships and values, and intergenerational respect, into school curricula; making family policies a cornerstone of social justice; and involving families, children, and youth in family policymaking and program design.
“The closing of the conference is not about resonant words or slogans to highlight achievements, but rather a call to action in which we all participate,” Dr. Sharifa Noman Al-Emadi, Executive Director, DIFI, told the closing ceremony.
“Each of us bears the responsibility to strive for the implementation of the Doha Call to Action, and we will unite in this endeavor – from decision-making positions, United Nations organizations, civil society organizations, thinktanks, universities, and the private sector.”
Strengthening the foundations of the family involves respecting community values, the ability to adapt and be flexible, and strengthening the bonds of solidarity among family members.
A Warning for the World
A stark warning was sounded by one of the United Nations’ leading figures about the prospects of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being reached, during an October edition of QF’s Education City Speaker Series.
Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group – who also spoke at the DIFI-organized conference on the family – explained how progress toward the SDGs has been hampered by deepening inequalities, caused by overlapping crises, geopolitical conflicts, climate challenges, and economic turbulence.
Ahead of Doha hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, she outlined how only 17 percent of SDGs are on target, and also aired her views on Middle East conflicts, saying: “There is no war that is deserving of the kind of damage and atrocities committed on society – there must be a pathway back to peace.”
Her words came as the war in Gaza reached the one-year mark, with QF’s Sidra Medicine – along with six other hospitals in Qatar – continuing to provide urgent medical care for injured Palestinian children, while an academic at QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) published a policy brief for Gaza’s reconstruction and future leadership.
A stark warning was sounded by one of the United Nations’ leading figures about the prospects of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being reached, during an October edition of QF’s Education City Speaker Series.
Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group – who also spoke at the DIFI-organized conference on the family – explained how progress toward the SDGs has been hampered by deepening inequalities, caused by overlapping crises, geopolitical conflicts, climate challenges, and economic turbulence.
Ahead of Doha hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, she outlined how only 17 percent of SDGs are on target, and also aired her views on Middle East conflicts, saying: “There is no war that is deserving of the kind of damage and atrocities committed on society – there must be a pathway back to peace.”
Her words came as the war in Gaza reached the one-year mark, with QF’s Sidra Medicine – along with six other hospitals in Qatar – continuing to provide urgent medical care for injured Palestinian children, while an academic at QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) published a policy brief for Gaza’s reconstruction and future leadership.
The outlook for achieving people-centered development and meeting the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is very fragile, but it isn’t too late to change course.
Immersed in Cultural Heritage
Sustaining and nourishing the rich heritage of Qatari and Islamic crafts is the purpose of a new program unveiled by QF at a historic house within its Education City home in October.
The Herfah program at Al Khater House is being delivered through a partnership with The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, giving the community of Qatar the opportunity to nurture timeless traditions while also cultivating greater appreciation for heritage and cultural identity. Immersive in design, it runs until June 2025 and offer core courses in traditional crafts such as geometry, nabati ornamentation, and drawing for designers, as well as a series of specializations.
The month also saw QF’s Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women launch the Ri’aya Young Adult Stewardship Program – an educational and intellectual exchange opportunity for young Muslim women from Qatar and around the world to equip themselves to think critically, analyze contemporary trends, and address challenges to their participation in society.
“By studying Islamic history, contemporary Muslim societies, and global challenges and trends, these young women will be gaining tools to better understand their world context and engage with it in an informed way,” said Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui, Executive Director of Al-Mujadilah.
Sustaining and nourishing the rich heritage of Qatari and Islamic crafts is the purpose of a new program unveiled by QF at a historic house within its Education City home in October.
The Herfah program at Al Khater House is being delivered through a partnership with The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, giving the community of Qatar the opportunity to nurture timeless traditions while also cultivating greater appreciation for heritage and cultural identity. Immersive in design, it runs until June 2025 and offer core courses in traditional crafts such as geometry, nabati ornamentation, and drawing for designers, as well as a series of specializations.
The month also saw QF’s Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women launch the Ri’aya Young Adult Stewardship Program – an educational and intellectual exchange opportunity for young Muslim women from Qatar and around the world to equip themselves to think critically, analyze contemporary trends, and address challenges to their participation in society.
“By studying Islamic history, contemporary Muslim societies, and global challenges and trends, these young women will be gaining tools to better understand their world context and engage with it in an informed way,” said Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui, Executive Director of Al-Mujadilah.
Participants in the Herfah program at Al Khater House will learn about elements including:
- How geometric principles and language inform traditional crafts
- Constructing patterns and composition
- Observational and analytical drawing
- Transforming raw materials into paint
Elective courses focus on areas such as:
- Traditional Middle East and North Africa painting techniques
- Ceramic skills
- Textiles
- Geometric and biomorphic designs using wood
- Gypsum as a decorative element
Analyzing Arabic
Collecting data from Arabic language programs in six countries, a new initiative announced by Qatar Foundation International in October has the goal of providing in-depth analysis of Arabic language instruction, and the impact it makes on students’ lives.
Launched with the Institute of International Education, the Survey of Arabic Language Programs (SALP) Research Project involves examining Arabic teaching methodologies, policy frameworks, program structures, and the demographic contexts in which Arabic is taught. Its aim is to uncover new insights into Arabic language education, and its challenges and opportunities, to help shape future programs, initiatives, and collaborations.
And educational innovations from across the world that focus on digital learning, Braille literacy, using Artificial Intelligence to improve numeracy and automate the learning process for teenagers, supporting literacy in refugee camps, and supporting parents to read with their children were named as finalists for the 2024-25 WISE Prize for Education.
Held by QF’s global education initiative WISE, the initiative – which, in its latest edition, sought projects focused on accelerating literacy, addressing AI challenges, and improving Arabic language teaching – offers finalists 12 months of capacity building and mentorship, with the $1 million WISE Prize for Education being awarded at the 2025 WISE12 Summit.
Collecting data from Arabic language programs in six countries, a new initiative announced by Qatar Foundation International in October has the goal of providing in-depth analysis of Arabic language instruction, and the impact it makes on students’ lives.
Launched with the Institute of International Education, the Survey of Arabic Language Programs (SALP) Research Project involves examining Arabic teaching methodologies, policy frameworks, program structures, and the demographic contexts in which Arabic is taught. Its aim is to uncover new insights into Arabic language education, and its challenges and opportunities, to help shape future programs, initiatives, and collaborations.
And educational innovations from across the world that focus on digital learning, Braille literacy, using Artificial Intelligence to improve numeracy and automate the learning process for teenagers, supporting literacy in refugee camps, and supporting parents to read with their children were named as finalists for the 2024-25 WISE Prize for Education.
Held by QF’s global education initiative WISE, the initiative – which, in its latest edition, sought projects focused on accelerating literacy, addressing AI challenges, and improving Arabic language teaching – offers finalists 12 months of capacity building and mentorship, with the $1 million WISE Prize for Education being awarded at the 2025 WISE12 Summit.
The SALP Research Project is vital for ensuring the sustainability and growth of Arabic education. The insights gained will be vital for implementing evidence-based practices and addressing the needs of Arabic learners and educators in the future.
The SALP Research Project is examining Arabic language programs in:
- Canada
- Ireland
- Italy
- Sweden
- UK
- US
The Spectrum of Sports
And everything a new and diverse season of sporting enjoyment and opportunity at QF’s Education City – which has become a year-round inclusive sports hub for people of all ages – has to offer was showcased in October.
At an Education City event that illustrated how QF is home to a range of sporting choices for individuals and teams, facilities for elite sportspeople, and green spaces for everyone to embrace, a first glimpse was also given of QF’s plans for Qatar’s National Sport Day 2025.
The national celebration of sport and healthy living will see Education City host three main competitions: the Education City Race, with three distances for adults and two for children, the Education City Triathlon, and 15km and 5km Education City Mountain Bike Trail Races.
Sports clubs, fitness classes, and training programs at Education City are all available to the community, alongside courts, halls, and pools; accessible facilities for people with disabilities; paths for walking, running, and cycling; and dedicated spaces for women and girls, including the popular Ladies Nights at the Education City Stadium, where a series of women’s community running races began in late 2024 in collaboration with Qatar Sports for All Federation.
And everything a new and diverse season of sporting enjoyment and opportunity at QF’s Education City – which has become a year-round inclusive sports hub for people of all ages – has to offer was showcased in October.
At an Education City event that illustrated how QF is home to a range of sporting choices for individuals and teams, facilities for elite sportspeople, and green spaces for everyone to embrace, a first glimpse was also given of QF’s plans for Qatar’s National Sport Day 2025.
The national celebration of sport and healthy living will see Education City host three main competitions: the Education City Race, with three distances for adults and two for children, the Education City Triathlon, and 15km and 5km Education City Mountain Bike Trail Races.
Sports clubs, fitness classes, and training programs at Education City are all available to the community, alongside courts, halls, and pools; accessible facilities for people with disabilities; paths for walking, running, and cycling; and dedicated spaces for women and girls, including the popular Ladies Nights at the Education City Stadium, where a series of women’s community running races began in late 2024 in collaboration with Qatar Sports for All Federation.
A Platform for Expression
As the month drew to a close, a unique celebration of the cultural heritage and arts of Arab-Islamic civilizations was opened up for everyone to experience and enjoy at Education City.
This was QF’s Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts: a five-day blend of creativity and cultural interaction, giving people across Qatar and beyond the opportunity to connect with the richness of Arab-Islamic heritage, in all its various forms of artistic expression.
And following its spectacular opening ceremony– the centerpiece of which was the acclaimed play Al Feel Ya Malik Al Zaman, written by legendary playwright Saadallah Wannous, brought to life by the creative direction and production of Maher Salibi, and with a cast including the renowned Jamal Sulieman – there was much more to come at Al Ghorrah as November gave way to December…
As the month drew to a close, a unique celebration of the cultural heritage and arts of Arab-Islamic civilizations was opened up for everyone to experience and enjoy at Education City.
This was QF’s Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts: a five-day blend of creativity and cultural interaction, giving people across Qatar and beyond the opportunity to connect with the richness of Arab-Islamic heritage, in all its various forms of artistic expression.
And following its spectacular opening ceremony– the centerpiece of which was the acclaimed play Al Feel Ya Malik Al Zaman, written by legendary playwright Saadallah Wannous, brought to life by the creative direction and production of Maher Salibi, and with a cast including the renowned Jamal Sulieman – there was much more to come at Al Ghorrah as November gave way to December…
A Vibrant Identity
From theater and musical performances to poetry readings, educational workshops, and activities for people of all ages to immerse themselves in, Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts showcased how creativity and cultural heritage stand as enduring pillars of identity.
The five-day showcase of creative talent rooted in the cultural heritage and arts of Arab-Islamic civilizations entertained and enlightened thousands of visitors from across Qatar and beyond, including through a closing performance by Hamza Namira, one of the Arab world’s leading singers and musicians.
Sponsored by the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), and with partners including the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar Calendar, and Qatar Television, Al Ghorrah also featured performances by Mustafa Said and the Asil Ensemble, and Yemeni orchestra Sada Alebda, as well as a Qatari-Moroccan musical medley featuring Asmaa Mnor.
“This unique platform highlights the beauty of diverse artistic expressions, from traditional heritage to contemporary creativity,” said Namira. “Joining Al Ghorrah allows a connection between audiences and fellow artists in a meaningful cultural exchange."
From theater and musical performances to poetry readings, educational workshops, and activities for people of all ages to immerse themselves in, Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts showcased how creativity and cultural heritage stand as enduring pillars of identity.
The five-day showcase of creative talent rooted in the cultural heritage and arts of Arab-Islamic civilizations entertained and enlightened thousands of visitors from across Qatar and beyond, including through a closing performance by Hamza Namira, one of the Arab world’s leading singers and musicians.
Sponsored by the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), and with partners including the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar Calendar, and Qatar Television, Al Ghorrah also featured performances by Mustafa Said and the Asil Ensemble, and Yemeni orchestra Sada Alebda, as well as a Qatari-Moroccan musical medley featuring Asmaa Mnor.
“This unique platform highlights the beauty of diverse artistic expressions, from traditional heritage to contemporary creativity,” said Namira. “Joining Al Ghorrah allows a connection between audiences and fellow artists in a meaningful cultural exchange."
Al Ghorrah is an attempt to seek refuge in the cultural constant against the various existential calamities of our time.
In The Spotlight
Alongside theatrical performances from established artists, Al Ghorrah acted as a vibrant platform for the expression of young artistic talent.
Its Theatrical Performance Competition – held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education – invited young artists to submit plays inspired by 1001 Nights, with the winners taking to the stage at Education City’s Oxygen Park during Al Ghorrah to perform in front of Qatar’s community.
The event was also the setting for the winners of Al Ghorrah’s Arabic Poetry Competition, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, to take their turn in the spotlight; while Al Ghorrah’s Talent Stage allowed a diverse range of artists to display their talents, supporting the artistic community of Qatar and the region.
Meanwhile, visitors flocked to Al Ghorrah’s daily parade, combining traditional music and colorful costumes; workshops for children and families offered the opportunity to explore and experience everything from Arabic calligraphy and Islamic geometric patterns to puppet making to leatherworking; and culinary experiences from an array of nations blended food with storytelling.
Alongside theatrical performances from established artists, Al Ghorrah acted as a vibrant platform for the expression of young artistic talent.
Its Theatrical Performance Competition – held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education – invited young artists to submit plays inspired by 1001 Nights, with the winners taking to the stage at Education City’s Oxygen Park during Al Ghorrah to perform in front of Qatar’s community.
The event was also the setting for the winners of Al Ghorrah’s Arabic Poetry Competition, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, to take their turn in the spotlight; while Al Ghorrah’s Talent Stage allowed a diverse range of artists to display their talents, supporting the artistic community of Qatar and the region.
Meanwhile, visitors flocked to Al Ghorrah’s daily parade, combining traditional music and colorful costumes; workshops for children and families offered the opportunity to explore and experience everything from Arabic calligraphy and Islamic geometric patterns to puppet making to leatherworking; and culinary experiences from an array of nations blended food with storytelling.
Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts served as an important platform for celebrating Arab-Islamic heritage and fostering cultural understanding among diverse communities.
The Light of Literature
Celebrating, perpetuating, and promoting Arab-Islamic cultural heritage and the Arabic language is the inspiration for, and driving force behind, a new award launched by QF and the University of Granada in December.
Honoring the legacy of the iconic Egyptian novelist, writer, literary critic, and professor from whom it takes its name, the Radwa Ashour Award for Arabic Literature is open to writers who create their works in Arabic, and will be awarded annually to two exceptional writers selected by a panel drawn from Ashour’s literary circle.
The recipients will be based in the Spanish city of Granada for an extended residency, which – alongside writing, research, and creative development – will also see them engage with local literary and cultural communities.
“Throughout history’s most challenging times, humanity has turned to literature – its enduring mirror,” said Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation. “Great literature, therefore, transcends its artistic form to become essential – a vessel of memory, resistance, and hope.”
Celebrating, perpetuating, and promoting Arab-Islamic cultural heritage and the Arabic language is the inspiration for, and driving force behind, a new award launched by QF and the University of Granada in December.
Honoring the legacy of the iconic Egyptian novelist, writer, literary critic, and professor from whom it takes its name, the Radwa Ashour Award for Arabic Literature is open to writers who create their works in Arabic, and will be awarded annually to two exceptional writers selected by a panel drawn from Ashour’s literary circle.
The recipients will be based in the Spanish city of Granada for an extended residency, which – alongside writing, research, and creative development – will also see them engage with local literary and cultural communities.
“Throughout history’s most challenging times, humanity has turned to literature – its enduring mirror,” said Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation. “Great literature, therefore, transcends its artistic form to become essential – a vessel of memory, resistance, and hope.”
This award aims to encourage literary creation in the Arabic language – a universal language, and also one of the languages of Spain.
Where Arabic Voices Echo
With the aim of empowering and amplifying the voices of Arabic speakers across the world – and their inspiring and innovative ideas – December also saw QF unveil BilAraby.
An initiative designed to provide Arabic-speaking talents across the world with opportunities to create new and meaningful content, BilAraby reflects QF’s commitment to nurturing ideas, experiences, and stories that inspire others and drive positive social change.
With its slogan being ‘Ideas have a voice and an echo’, BilAraby will host regional events throughout the year, concluding with an annual summit – the first of which will take place in Doha in April 2025 – where thought-leaders, creators, and innovators will share their innovative ideas. Meanwhile, BilAraby’s digital platform offers a virtual space for ideas to be shared and knowledge to be exchanged, with its multimedia experienced tailored to users’ interests and aspirations.
The ethos of BilAraby is to enhance intellectual engagement by fostering meaningful discussions on diverse topics, and encouraging people to reconnect with their roots and shared identities, while providing a supportive environment for participants to swap expertise and work together on projects and initiatives.
With the aim of empowering and amplifying the voices of Arabic speakers across the world – and their inspiring and innovative ideas – December also saw QF unveil BilAraby.
An initiative designed to provide Arabic-speaking talents across the world with opportunities to create new and meaningful content, BilAraby reflects QF’s commitment to nurturing ideas, experiences, and stories that inspire others and drive positive social change.
With its slogan being ‘Ideas have a voice and an echo’, BilAraby will host regional events throughout the year, concluding with an annual summit – the first of which will take place in Doha in April 2025 – where thought-leaders, creators, and innovators will share their innovative ideas. Meanwhile, BilAraby’s digital platform offers a virtual space for ideas to be shared and knowledge to be exchanged, with its multimedia experienced tailored to users’ interests and aspirations.
The ethos of BilAraby is to enhance intellectual engagement by fostering meaningful discussions on diverse topics, and encouraging people to reconnect with their roots and shared identities, while providing a supportive environment for participants to swap expertise and work together on projects and initiatives.
We seek to spark intellectual curiosity and critical thinking with a modern approach that aligns with our Arab and Islamic values, supporting our mission of fostering a strong, shared identity and promoting positive societal progress.
Expanding the Reach of Sports
Following its launch earlier in the year, QF’s Creating Pathways Program – designed to empower women and girls to embrace and participate in sports, as part of QF’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ legacy – continued to expand in December, as volleyball became its second elite sport.
Through a partnership with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, QF will become the knowledge hub for training and educational opportunities offered by these bodies, with the target audience being young girls. Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, has been appointed to the board of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, which harnesses the sport’s reach to benefit communities worldwide.
As the volleyball partnership was announced, QF hosted leading local sportswomen and experts to discuss how women athletes can be provided with access to greater sporting opportunities.
Staying with sports, Qatar’s high-jump hero Mutaz Barshim visited QF’s Qatar Academy Doha to discuss a book published by QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press chronicling his historic victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, when he chose to share the gold medal with a fellow athlete.
Following its launch earlier in the year, QF’s Creating Pathways Program – designed to empower women and girls to embrace and participate in sports, as part of QF’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ legacy – continued to expand in December, as volleyball became its second elite sport.
Through a partnership with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, QF will become the knowledge hub for training and educational opportunities offered by these bodies, with the target audience being young girls. Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, has been appointed to the board of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, which harnesses the sport’s reach to benefit communities worldwide.
As the volleyball partnership was announced, QF hosted leading local sportswomen and experts to discuss how women athletes can be provided with access to greater sporting opportunities.
Staying with sports, Qatar’s high-jump hero Mutaz Barshim visited QF’s Qatar Academy Doha to discuss a book published by QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press chronicling his historic victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, when he chose to share the gold medal with a fellow athlete.
This collaboration will enable us to expand mass participation programs, reaching even more individuals and empowering them through our sport. Together, we are taking another step in championing inclusivity and serving the world through volleyball.
Connecting Through Ideas
The creativity, passion, and growth of learners in QF schools was showcased in December through ‘Ru’ya’ – a TEDx-style event led by Education City High School, where talks from students and parents delved into their ideas, perspectives, and personal journeys of transformation.
Beyond Qatar, Arabic language educators from across the US joined Qatar Foundation International’s (QFI) annual Winter Workshop in Washington, D.C., to connect with language teaching experts and essential tools for evaluating and enhancing student learning outcomes in their schools’ Arabic programs. Meanwhile, three QFI studies on Arabic education topics were presented to educators, researchers, and policymakers from across Europe.
QF’s Doha Debates posed the question ‘Global Order – Which Principles Should Shape Our Future?’ at an Education City-based townhall event where students and experts debated the competing ideas and values that underpin different societies.
Elsewhere, QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar became the first university in the Middle East and North Africa region to secure a top eco-campus accolade, while the work of students from fellow partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar received an international audience in Tokyo – encouraging people to think deeply about technology’s impact on our lives.
The creativity, passion, and growth of learners in QF schools was showcased in December through ‘Ru’ya’ – a TEDx-style event led by Education City High School, where talks from students and parents delved into their ideas, perspectives, and personal journeys of transformation.
Beyond Qatar, Arabic language educators from across the US joined Qatar Foundation International’s (QFI) annual Winter Workshop in Washington, D.C., to connect with language teaching experts and essential tools for evaluating and enhancing student learning outcomes in their schools’ Arabic programs. Meanwhile, three QFI studies on Arabic education topics were presented to educators, researchers, and policymakers from across Europe.
QF’s Doha Debates posed the question ‘Global Order – Which Principles Should Shape Our Future?’ at an Education City-based townhall event where students and experts debated the competing ideas and values that underpin different societies.
Elsewhere, QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar became the first university in the Middle East and North Africa region to secure a top eco-campus accolade, while the work of students from fellow partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar received an international audience in Tokyo – encouraging people to think deeply about technology’s impact on our lives.
Ru’ya highlights that education extends beyond classrooms and exams. It reminds the community that learning is a dynamic process that happens through collaboration, creativity, and shared experiences.
The Pride of a Nation
As the people of Qatar were immersed in collective unity and pride on Qatar National Day, celebrations across QF’s schools honored the nation’s heritage, culture, and traditions – including cultural displays, creative art workshops, and student-led performances themed around Qatar’s journey.
This sense of citizenship flowed through an event hosted by QF’s Pre-University Education that brought together more than 1,300 children and their families, featuring a Qatar National Day film screening by QF’s edutainment children’s show Siraj, and an exhibition of artworks by QF students expressing their love for, and loyalty to, Qatar.
Qatar National Day was marked in Washington, D.C., where a celebration by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States saw QFI support Arabic calligraphers to write guests’ names in Arabic; while Qatar National Library, based at QF’s Education City, honored the winners of a student competition recognizing Qatar’s achievements under His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir.
And ahead of Qatar National Day, a special edition of QF’s Education City Speaker Series Bel Arabi saw Qatari writer and poet Dr. Hasan Ali Al-Nimah – who is Cultural Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar – emphasize how cultural heritage is a pillar of society that young people must be empowered to embrace.
As the people of Qatar were immersed in collective unity and pride on Qatar National Day, celebrations across QF’s schools honored the nation’s heritage, culture, and traditions – including cultural displays, creative art workshops, and student-led performances themed around Qatar’s journey.
This sense of citizenship flowed through an event hosted by QF’s Pre-University Education that brought together more than 1,300 children and their families, featuring a Qatar National Day film screening by QF’s edutainment children’s show Siraj, and an exhibition of artworks by QF students expressing their love for, and loyalty to, Qatar.
Qatar National Day was marked in Washington, D.C., where a celebration by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States saw QFI support Arabic calligraphers to write guests’ names in Arabic; while Qatar National Library, based at QF’s Education City, honored the winners of a student competition recognizing Qatar’s achievements under His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir.
And ahead of Qatar National Day, a special edition of QF’s Education City Speaker Series Bel Arabi saw Qatari writer and poet Dr. Hasan Ali Al-Nimah – who is Cultural Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar – emphasize how cultural heritage is a pillar of society that young people must be empowered to embrace.
Watching the Siraj National Day film helped my children realize their important role in serving and building their nation. It was moving to see my children speak proudly about their country and consider ways to contribute to its future.
