QF Excellence Award winners feted for their achievements and example
Tribune News Network
Doha
The Qatar Foundation Excellence Award celebrates students who have made meaningful contributions both within and beyond the classroom, leaving a positive impact on their communities. This year, 16 outstanding members of QF's graduating Class of 2025 have been recognised with the award.
Following their recognition at QF's annual Convocation ceremony – which honours the graduates of QF's Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and its seven international partner universities – a special Qatar Foundation Excellence Award winners' luncheon was held to further celebrate the recipients: young individuals who exemplify how higher education can inspire creativity, curiosity, leadership, and a profound sense of purpose.
Lujain Al Mansoori, from Qatar and a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) – a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university – spoke about what the accolade represents to her, saying: 'This Excellence Award validates and reaffirms that all the effort I have put in over the past years has been more than worth it.
Speaking about how she wants to create meaningful change through innovation, she said: 'My goal is to use my education and talents to create technologies that empower people and improve their daily lives.
'QF has empowered me to develop a resilient and innovation-based growth mindset. Every moment, small or large, has been such a meaningful takeaway. The education I received taught me to seize every opportunity and turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth.'
Asma Al-Kaabi, who is from Qatar and is a graduate of QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), said: 'Receiving this award is a tremendous honor; it symbolizes the growth I've experienced since first entering QF.
'I joined [QF school] Qatar Academy ten years ago as a confused and uncertain student, unsure of what the future held. Over the course of my time here, I've grown immensely, built lasting friendships, found incredible mentors, and now, I've graduated as a doctor, grateful for the journey.
'My country has given me all the resources to grow and the tools to create. In this next chapter, I want to utilise everything I've learned to give back. As a future psychiatrist, I'm passionate about advocating for mental health – an area still deeply stigmatized in our region. I aspire to educate both my future patients and my community, and to be part of shifting the narrative around mental health.
Reflecting on her journey, she said: 'The most meaningful takeaway is to never underestimate yourself. There were times I struggled with self-doubt, but thanks to my family's unwavering support, I kept going. Receiving this award has reminded me of the importance of believing in myself and continuing to strive for excellence.'
Maryam Al-Mohammed, a recent graduate of QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar, and a Qatari national, said: 'It's an honor to be recognised after four years of hard work – especially as part of the QF community. I'm grateful for this experience and excited for the future.
Speaking about her future, she said: 'I'm passionate about filmmaking and research, and after my undergraduate studies, I hope to pursue a master's degree. I want to tell stories that highlight women's issues, showcase the voices of women in the region, and reflect the experiences of people like me - through storytelling.
'What I value most at QF is the opportunity to learn and to be part of a community. This is a place where I truly feel I belong – and always will. I've been able to connect with students, teachers, and faculty members, and that sense of belonging is something I will carry with me, along with all the knowledge and experience I've gained here.'
The 16 QF Excellence Award winners were presented during Convocation to two students from each of the universities at QF: HBKU, CMU-Q, Georgetown University in Qatar, HEC Paris, Doha, Northwestern Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, and WCM-Q.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
7 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
QCS launches ‘Hope Gathering' to support Qataris living with cancer
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing efforts to provide psychological and community support to cancer survivors, Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) launched the 'Hope gathering' initiative, a heartfelt gathering that brought together Qatari women living with cancer in an atmosphere filled with warmth, compassion, and positivity. The initiative aims to provide a safe space for participants to connect, share experiences, and offer one another emotional support. It serves as a human-centred encounter carrying messages of hope and optimism, celebrating inspiring individuals who have overcome the challenges of the disease and become a source of strength and motivation for others. The evening was opened with a speech by Mona Ashkanani, general manager of Qatar Cancer Society, who welcomed the attendees and expressed her joy at organizing such an event, describing it as 'an important step towards strengthening social cohesion and support for women living with cancer'. 'It is truly inspiring to witness these shining examples of resilience and courage. At QCS, we believe our doors should always remain open to your suggestions, ideas, and initiatives,' she noted. Ashkanani also extended her heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors and partners who contributed to the success of this event, particularly Noir Café, which hosted the evening, and Al Mahmoud Medical Centre. She emphasized that their ongoing support enables the Society to continue its humanitarian and purposeful efforts, especially in the areas of awareness, prevention, and psychosocial care. 'Hope gathering' is part of a broader series of community-driven initiatives organized by QCS to fulfil its vision of a cancer-aware society and to ensure a better quality of life for those affected by the disease. QCS is a charitable, non-profit organization that relies on donations and community partnerships to provide its services. These include raising awareness of cancer and prevention methods, promoting early detection, and offering financial and psychosocial support to patients, survivors, and their families, in addition to contributing to professional development and cancer research in Qatar. The participating women expressed deep gratitude for the initiative, which they said brought them feelings of warmth, comfort, and renewed hope. It is worth noting that QCS's psychosocial and community support programs are designed to meet several key objectives, including: identifying the specific needs of patients, survivors, and their caregivers; helping patients cope with treatment side effects; providing information about available services in Qatar; promoting healthy lifestyles; enhancing patients' and survivors' physical and mental capacity to engage in daily life; and ultimately improving their quality of life during and after treatment—supporting their reintegration into society.
Qatar Tribune
7 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
QU Health Clinical Affairs fetes educators for special contributions
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar University (QU) Health Clinical Affairs organised its annual Clinical Faculty Members Appreciation Day, bringing together more than 400 clinical academic staff and distinguished guests from the country's leading healthcare institutions, including Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), and Sidra Medicine. The event served as a platform to honour the exceptional contributions of clinical faculty members and their pivotal role in preparing and equipping the next generation of healthcare leaders. It also highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration between QU and its healthcare partners to ensure the development of a healthcare workforce capable of meeting future demands. In a statement, Prof Asma Al-Thani, vice president for medical and health sciences at QU, emphasised the essential role of clinical education, stating, 'Clinical education plays a pivotal role in developing the competencies of our future healthcare professionals. It provides students with evidence-based practical experiences that enhance their clinical skills and align with global best practices. Clinical faculty members are key elements in this system, serving as academic mentors who guide students and integrate them as active practitioners in healthcare environments.' Dr Khalid Mohammed Al-Jalham, chief medical officer at HMC, stated, 'The future of health care lies in the hands of those we educate today. Our clinical faculty are not just teachers—they are mentors, role models, and the guiding force behind every great healthcare professional.' Prof Hiba Bawadi, director of clinical affairs at QU, added, 'This is a very important day for the health sector, where all clinical staff from the major healthcare institutions in the country are honoured for their efforts in educating and training students from the colleges of medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and health sciences. It shows that QU values and appreciates everyone involved in the education of its students.' Prof Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, chairman of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at HMC, remarked, 'This recognition by the College of Medicine at QU, which takes place every year at the end of the academic year, celebrates the efforts made by the clinical staff. We take pride in our role in teaching medical students who represent the future.' Maryam Al-Rashid, head of academic affairs and senior consultant family medicine at PHCC, stated, 'At the PHCC, we take pride in our strategic partnership with QU and reaffirm our strong commitment to supporting the advancement of health education in the State of Qatar. This is achieved by aligning educational outcomes with the needs of the healthcare sector and presenting a pioneering national model that integrates academic education with clinical practice.' The event featured the announcement of the 2025 Clinical Education and Research Awards, the presentation of certificates of appreciation, and opportunities for networking and relationship-building aimed at strengthening partnerships between academia and the healthcare sector.
Qatar Tribune
7 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar, Kuwait sign deal to avoid double taxation
QNA Kuwait Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Finance, and Kuwait, represented by the Ministry of Finance, signed on Sunday an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance. The agreement was signed by Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, representing the Qatari side, and Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment of the State of Kuwait Engineer Noura Sulaiman Al Fozan, representing the Kuwaiti side. On this occasion, Al Kuwari emphasised the importance and effectiveness of the agreement, stating: 'This agreement will contribute to supporting international standards of transparency through the exchange of verified financial information, as part of both countries' commitment to strengthening coordination and cooperation in tax matters and economic relations.' The agreement aims to establish a legal framework for tax treaties between the two countries to eliminate all instances of double taxation. It also seeks to enhance commercial cooperation, broaden investment opportunities for government entities and individuals, combat tax evasion, and support neutrality and fairness in the treatment of taxpayers.
