QF integrates chess into its schools to foster strategic thinking among students
Inaugural year of program at historic Al Khater House engaged over 200 participants Story
Global sports gathering learns about Circle In – the QF, EAA Foundation, and IOC collaboration harnessing sports to advance equality, inclusion, and education in seven countries Story 3 min read
Qatar Foundation has announced the appointment of Yousif Al-Naama as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and new, expanded responsibilities for Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani as the organization's Vice Chairperson.
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Qatar Tribune
03-08-2025
- Qatar Tribune
QF's Ability Friendly Program wraps up summer camp promoting inclusion and independence
Tribune News Network Doha The Ability Friendly Programme under Qatar Foundation's (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE) successfully concluded its summer camp designed to support people with disabilities. The programme is part of QF's broader efforts to promote inclusion by providing sport-specific activities for children and adults with special needs and disabilities, empowering them to discover their potential, develop essential skills, and build meaningful social connections. The camp offered a rich program featuring a variety of educational and recreational activities, including sensory sessions, arts and crafts, swimming, football, horse riding, as well as engaging field trips and meaningful experiences that foster personal growth and social engagement. Mohamed Elfarsisi, a football coach in the QF's Ability Friendly Program (AFP), said: 'This year's summer camp marked a significant shift, with a stronger focus on promoting independence among participants. For the first time, parents and guardians were not present during the camp, an important new step introduced this year. 'We focused on promoting true social inclusion. Many of the camp's activities took place in public spaces, allowing participants to fully engage with their surroundings. We aimed to deliver a clear message that people with disabilities are an integral part of society, sharing the same interests and experiences as everyone else. 'This year, registration was also opened to adults with disabilities, allowing them to participate as assistant coaches alongside camp coordinators, based on their individual abilities. To ensure participants received full support, specialized behavioural therapists were present throughout the camp.' Elfarsisi also noted that the camp prioritized effective inclusion of both children and adults by assigning a dedicated support person to each participant, whether a coach or behavioural specialist, ensuring everyone received the appropriate level of guidance throughout the various activities. Maha Al-Marri, the mother of seven-year-old Saleh Al-Marri, who has Down syndrome, observed a noticeable improvement in her son's skills and behaviour following his participation in the camp. 'This is the third time my son Saleh has participated in the AFP's summer camp,' said Al-Marri. 'I consider it a rare and valuable opportunity, especially given the limited number of programs and activities specifically designed for individuals with disabilities and the scarcity of qualified specialists to support them. 'At first, I had some concerns about not being allowed to accompany my child,' she added, 'but I decided to give it a try, especially since the program collaborates with centres specialized in behaviour modification. This gave us, as parents, a real opportunity to receive feedback that helps us better understand how to support and communicate with our children. 'What stood out to me this year was the presence of a clear plan and a variety of activities that reflect a deep understanding of the participants' needs. 'I encourage all parents, especially those with children with disabilities, to involve their children in specialized camps like this one. It goes beyond entertainment; it offers a safe, educational environment under the supervision of a professional team, with continuous communication with families to ensure every child truly benefits.' Salem Saeed Al-Aida, a 10-year-old participant in the camp with autism, said: 'I've been taking part in the Ability Friendly Program for five years now, and every year I learn something new.' 'This year, I really enjoyed the activities, especially swimming, which is my favourite. I also played football, did some drawing, and made sure to stay active and have fun during the summer break. 'I consider autism a superpower because each of us has our own unique way of expressing ourselves and communicating. The camp helped me connect with other participants, and I made new friends.' He concluded by saying: 'I'm really thankful to my mother because she always supports me and encourages me in everything I do.'
Qatar Foundation
28-07-2025
- Qatar Foundation
Blind Table Tennis Takes the Spotlight at QF's Ladies Night
A weekly celebration of movement, community, and empowerment, Ladies Night invites women and girls to explore fitness, fun, and new sports challenges Related Stories Story 2 min read Sporting platform for women and girls at Education City Stadium returns in July, featuring free fitness classes and a brand-new STEM Zone Story 5 min read Register for volleyball-themed Ladies Night this Tuesday at Education City Stadium Story 6 min read Hosted by QF in collaboration with the NBA, and supported by the Qatar Basketball Federation, the league's second season saw participation more than double
Qatar Tribune
23-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
QF Academic Bridge Programme signs three strategic pacts at NAFSA 2025 Conference
Tribune News Network Doha The Academic Bridge Programme (ABP), part of Qatar Foundation's (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), participated in the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference and Expo for International Education, held in San Diego, California, USA. The Academic Bridge Programme's participation in this global event aimed to expand its network of collaboration with higher education institutions worldwide and to highlight the academic opportunities it offers to students in Qatar as they prepare to join top international universities. Through these new partnerships, students can benefit from direct admission pathways and smoother transitions to leading universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Commenting on the participation, Dr. Saheim Khalaf Al Tamimi, director of the Academic Bridge Programme, said: 'This step is part of a long-term strategy aimed at enabling ABP students to gain access to the world's leading higher education institutions by strengthening our partnerships with prestigious international universities and academic organisations. These efforts align with national priorities focused on developing human capital capable of contributing to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. 'The signing of cooperation agreements with Arizona State University (USA), George Mason University (USA), and INTO University Pathways represents a key pillar in our strategy to expand university admission opportunities for our students and facilitate their transition to top-tier academic institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom.' 'These agreements also reflect the confidence that leading global institutions have in the academic calibre of our programme. Through these partnerships, we aim to develop flexible academic pathways that align with students' aspirations and meet their future needs, whether at the foundation or undergraduate level,' Dr. Al Tamimi added. 'We also seek to strengthen collaboration in areas such as scientific research and academic exchange, in support of the continuous advancement of our educational system. Embracing international collaboration is a core pillar of excellence at ABP. We believe that providing a multicultural learning environment enriched with global experiences is essential to preparing students who are capable of competing and making an impact on the international stage,' he added. The Academic Bridge Programme's participation took place under the 'Study in Qatar' pavilion – a national initiative led by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education – aimed at showcasing the scientific and academic progress of Qatar's higher education institutions and reinforcing the country's position as a distinguished academic hub on the global stage. This year, the Qatar pavilion featured broad participation from leading educational institutions in the country, including QF's Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and QF's partner universities, including Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Georgetown University in Qatar, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar.
