07-05-2025
HEC Paris, Doha marks largest-ever graduating class at QF Convocation
Tribune News Network
Doha
In a celebration of leadership, learning, and legacy, HEC Paris, Doha marked its largest-ever graduating class during Qatar Foundation Convocation 2025 held on May 6 at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
The landmark event also honoured two significant milestones: the 30th anniversary of Qatar Foundation and 15 years of HEC Paris, Doha – a longstanding partnership that has empowered thousands of business professionals in Qatar and across the region. Aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030, HEC Paris, Doha continues to elevate the country's global reputation for executive education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
This year, 148 graduates were recognised from two prestigious programmes - the Specialised Master's in Strategic Business Unit Management (SBUM) and the Executive MBA (EMBA).Reflecting the programmes' regional and international reach, the Class of 2025 is both the largest and one of the most diverse in HEC Paris, Doha's history: 36 percent are Qatari nationals, 40 percent are women, and 22 percent are fly-in participants from the Gulf, Africa, and Europe.
This diversity reinforces Qatar's growing influence as a centre for world-class education and highlights the global relevance of HEC Paris programs. Further underscoring the significance of the event, Executive MBA alumni Fahad Ali Alhagabni and Bouthayna Hassan Al Tamimi were recognised with the prestigious Qatar Foundation Excellence Award.
Presented by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, the award honours outstanding academic performance and holistic personal development, spotlighting the impactful journeys of HEC Paris, Doha graduates.
Addressing the graduates, Dr Pablo Martin de Holan, dean of HEC Paris, Doha, highlighted the importance of education as a tool for impact, saying: 'Education is not only a personal achievement – it is a responsibility to others. As you step into the next chapter, you carry with you the power to lead with purpose, teach others so they can learn too, and help shape a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.'
Reflecting on the institution's journey, he said, 'For 15 years, we have stood firm next to Qatar Foundation, building the next generation of leaders – people with the courage to innovate and the commitment to serve their communities ethically and effectively. This milestone is more than a celebration – it's a call to shape the future towards a more sustainable and better world for all, through responsible and purposeful leadership.
As the regional campus of one of the world's top business schools - ranked #1 globally in Executive Education by the Financial Times - HEC Paris, Doha has now graduated over 1,400 leaders from both the public and private sectors.
