Latest news with #FaisalbinQassimAlThani
Qatar Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QBA, CMU-Q sign MoU to boost education, research
Satyendra Pathak Doha In a major step toward fostering a knowledge-driven economy and advancing Qatar's National Vision 2030, the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) have signed a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will deepen cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research, entrepreneurship, and community development. Held in Doha, the press briefing accompanying the signing ceremony emphasised the broad and strategic nature of the agreement, which aims to link academic excellence with real-world economic impact through initiatives in training, internships, public policy research, business innovation, SME support, and digital transformation. Addressing the media, QBA Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani reiterated QBA's unwavering commitment to supporting the nation's talent pipeline and fostering collaboration between the business and academic sectors. Sheikh Faisal said, 'Through this partnership with Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, we aim to strengthen research and innovation in alignment with the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030. This collaboration will serve to enhance the private sector's productivity and competitiveness by integrating research-based solutions.' He also stressed the role of educational institutions in nurturing globally competitive talent, adding that strategic partnerships like this are instrumental in bridging the gap between academic theory and economic practice. 'This MoU helps us move beyond dialogue to action. It's about creating pathways for students to engage with our member companies and for our companies to benefit from the latest research and thinking coming out of CMU-Q,' Sheikh Faisal said. Dean of CMU-Q Michael Trick underscored the multifaceted goals of the MoU, highlighting its emphasis on entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and the importance of building direct industry-academic bridges. 'We are planning to focus significantly on entrepreneurship, especially as Qatar becomes more welcoming to startups. The Qatari Businessmen Association's support is essential to making these companies more visible and viable,' Trick said. He noted that while CMU-Q is best known for its programmes in business, information systems, and computer science, it is the synergy between technology and entrepreneurship that will drive Qatar's private sector forward. 'It's not just the business programme. The entrepreneurial aspects of our Information Systems and Computer Science programmes are very strong,' he added. 'This is where the QBA can have a broader impact—not just on our business students, but across disciplines.' The collaboration will also focus on supporting Qatar's small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aligning with national goals to digitise the economy and increase the competitiveness of the local business ecosystem. 'Our Information Systems programme is well positioned to work with organisations at all levels, particularly SMEs,' Trick stated. 'The potential for impact here is enormous.' The agreement outlines internships, guest lectures, and student mentoring as key components, but Trick emphasised that the relationship with QBA goes beyond just job placements. 'We don't need an MoU just for internships,' he noted. 'What we seek is a broader engagement—one where QBA members interact with our students, mentor them, and importantly, hire them. This is how we ensure our graduates have a direct impact on Qatar's economy.' When asked about graduate retention, Trick proudly shared that 93 percent of CMU-Q students who enter the job market stay in Qatar for their first job—a strong testament to the university's alignment with national development goals. According to statements shared during the press briefing, the MoU also envisions collaboration on publishing joint economic reports, organising business development workshops, and holding industry-specific conferences that will elevate private-sector awareness and driveinnovation. A representative from QBA noted that this academic-business collaboration 'will not only raise awareness among business leaders but will also promote strategic thinking and innovation, hand-in-hand with academia.' CMU-Q's student body is composed of both local and international students, many of whom choose to remain and contribute to Qatar's economy after graduation. 'Roughly 20 percent of our students come from outside the country, but thanks to the Qatar Foundation's support and the welcoming environment, many choose to stay,' Trick said. 'We're proud to say that we are not just educating Qatar's youth—we are attracting the world's best and integrating them into the future of this country.'
Qatar Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
ARIU, University of Derby celebrate 22nd graduation ceremony in style
Satyendra Pathak Pathak In a glittering ceremony held in Doha, Al Rayyan International University College (ARIU), in academic partnership with the University of Derby (UK), marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 52 accomplished students. The occasion, ARIU's 22nd graduation ceremony, celebrated academic excellence, personal achievement, and the university's steadfast commitment to advancing Qatar's national development goals. This year's graduating class received degrees across four flagship academic programmes: MBA Global, BSc (Hons) in International Business Management, BA (Hons) in International Hospitality Management, and BA (Hons) in International Tourism Management. The diversity of these disciplines reflects ARIU's focus on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in key sectors of Qatar's evolving economy. The event brought together an esteemed assembly of dignitaries, faculty members, students, and their proud families. Among the distinguished guests were HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, owner and founder of ARIU, chairman of the board of governors, and a revered figure in Qatar's education and business landscape; Professor Ibrahim Al Naimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Professor Ivan Ninov, executive dean of ARIU; Professor Khalid Al Sulaiti, general manager of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara); and Isobel Stockdale, head of discipline of Applied Management at the University of Derby. In his inspiring keynote address, Sheikh Faisal congratulated the graduates on their achievements while highlighting education as a fundamental pillar of Qatar's sustainable future. 'Education is not only a personal asset but a national imperative. Through institutions like ARIU, we continue to uphold this vision — empowering our youth with knowledge, values, and purpose. As you move forward, I encourage you to carry the values of integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence,' he said. Reaffirming Qatar's long-standing commitment to education, Professor Al Naimi applauded ARIU's role in fostering future-ready talent. The event concluded with a celebratory group photograph, capturing the unity, pride, and collective success of the Class of 2025. With more than two decades of academic legacy, ARIU continues to serve as a beacon of educational excellence in the region. The institution remains at the forefront of international academic collaboration, preparing students not only to succeed in Qatar but to thrive in the interconnected global economy.
Qatar Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatari Businessmen Association signs 3 MoUs with HK entities
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatari Businessmen Association welcomed John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, and his accompanying delegation during a private roundtable, on the sideline of their visit to the country. During the meeting, 3 MOUs were signed between QBA and various economic and investment organizations in Hong Kong. From the Qatari Businessmen Association, the meeting was attended bySheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, QBA Chairman, along with QBA board members Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani, andSaud Al Mana. Also from QBA membersOmar Al Fardan,Khalid Al Mannai, Salah Al Jaidah, Sheikh Mansour bin Jassim Al Thani,Nabil Abu Issa,Abdulsalam Abu Issa, Abdullah Al Kubaisi, Youssef Al Mahmoud, andHakan Ozedmir, In addition to Rashid Al Mansoori, CEO of Aamal Company, as well as Sarah Abdallah, QBA Deputy General Manager. At the beginning of the meeting,John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, stated that Qatar's economy is strong and considered the best in the Gulf in terms of growth, saying that he regarded Doha as a prominent commercial and financial hub for business in the Middle East and that Hong Kong is similarly a major business center in Asia, equipped with numerous offices to help companies and investors benefit from the opportunities available. Vital Sectors During his note,John Lee invited members of the Qatari Businessmen Association to visit his country, pointing out that Hong Kong companies are looking to invest in vital sectors in Qatar, including infrastructure, information technology, fintech, and health and biotech technologies. He also added that Hong Kong is home to a large number of successful entrepreneurs in these sectors. Lee expressed his desire to strengthen economic and financial cooperation between the two sides and to develop it to meet mutual aspirations. He affirmed that Hong Kong aims to become the world's number one hub for family offices by 2027. For his part,Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association, welcomed the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, and said that Qatari companies have, in recent years, grown into major players in various sectors and have proven their capabilities through the successful implementation of mega projects—both domestically, as seen in the successful hosting of the Qatar World Cup 2022, and internationally through participation in numerous projects across different continents. Joint Cooperation Sheikh Faisal noted that QBA members are aware of the significant potential offered by Hong Kong's economy in the fields of services and tourism, as well as its openness to the world's largest markets, including China—one of Qatar's biggest trading partners. He also emphasized that QBA's members have diverse investments across various continents and sectors including tourism, finance, agriculture, and retail—and are willing to explore investment opportunities with Hong Kong's business community and major companies and work together in both countries. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, QBA board member, pointed out that Qatar, through its 2025–2030 national strategy, is shifting toward a knowledge-based economy that aligns with Hong Kong's key sectors like financial services, artificial intelligence, logistics, and tourism. This, he said, creates diverse opportunities for bilateral cooperation, especially with the significant tax and legislative incentives Qatar offers to foreign investors. He noted that QBA will work with the entities with which the MoUs were signed to identify specific economic sectors for joint efforts between the Qatari Businessmen Association and its Hong Kong counterparts, in a way that strengthens trade and economic ties, adding that QBA is ready to visit Hong Kong to explore available investment opportunities. Family Offices Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, QBA Board member, stated that Hong Kong has a special program aimed at attracting family-owned businesses, especially from Gulf countries. He mentioned in his intervention that Hong Kong is also working on easing capital investment entry requirements to support its efforts in attracting family offices and strengthening its position as a global wealth hub. He inquired about the features of this program and whether it has succeeded in attracting Gulf-based family businesses in recent times. Christopher Hui, Hong Kong's Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury, said there are more than 2,700 family offices in Hong Kong, including 200 large ones recently established. He added that the country is encouraging these measures to attract more investors. 'This step could be added to the tax exemption system for family offices, thereby boosting the development of the family office sector in Hong Kong,' he said. He also noted that the Hong Kong government offers residency to individuals who invest 30 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $3.9 million). This represents the city's latest step in attracting wealth. Memorandums of Understanding In the presence of John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, and H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, the Qatari Businessmen Association announced and exchanged three Memorandums of Understanding and agreements with 'Invest Hong Kong,' the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council, and the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong. These MoUs aim to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two sides and facilitate investment processes in both directions. The meeting also reviewed prospects for bilateral cooperation between Qatar and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China in fields such as communications and information technology. Discussions included ways to strengthen partnerships in digital innovation, emerging technologies, and the exchange of expertise in developing digital infrastructure and smart government services. The meeting also covered opportunities to benefit from the pioneering experiences of Qatar and Hong Kong in areas like smart cities and digital governance. It explored potential collaborations between digital startups and government and private institutions in both countries to support future partnerships that enhance the digital economy and accelerate digital innovation.
Qatar Tribune
10-05-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
ALF honours ‘Farm Your Country' programme winning schools
Tribune News Network Doha Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation (ALF) hosted a ceremony to honour schools that have excelled in the 2024–2025 edition of the 'Farm Your Country' programme. Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Municipality — represented by the Public Parks Department — and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the event celebrated student achievement in sustainable agriculture. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, chairman of ALF; Hamad Khalifa Al Khalifa, assistant undersecretary for shared services affairs at the Ministry of Municipality; Eng. Abdullatif Ali Al-Yafei, general manager of ALF; Sheikh Suhaim bin Abdullah Al Thani, events and communications officer at the Public Parks Department, and a number of educational and executive leaders from both ministries. Marking its tenth consecutive year, the programme engaged 500 students across 46 public and private schools, providing hands-on agricultural education. To date, Farm Your Country has benefited over 3,500 students, imparting knowledge about growing vegetables and ornamental plants—skills that not only enhance school gardens but also encourage self-reliance and environmental stewardship. As part of its annual tradition, ALF awarded the Excellence Prize to the top-performing school of the agricultural season. This prestigious accolade includes the creation of a fully integrated botanical garden within the winning school—a vital initiative aimed at promoting green sustainability and leaving a lasting educational impact. On Sunday, May 4, a sustainable botanical garden was officially inaugurated at Ruqayya Preparatory School for Girls, the recipient of the previous season's Excellence Prize. The garden, complete with a greenhouse and diverse flora, stands as a model for combining environmental awareness with academic learning. This year, Jassim Bin Hamad Secondary School for Boys was announced as the winner of the Excellence Prize for the 2024–2025 academic season. Speaking at the event, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani expressed his pride in the achievements of the participating schools. 'Our programmes are designed to equip students with scientific, engineering, and technical skills that support both academic excellence and future careers. The level of competition this year reflects how deeply students engaged with the objectives of the initiative,' he said, while extending gratitude to the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for their continued support. Eng. Abdullatif Al-Yafei reiterated the Foundation's unwavering commitment to sustainability, stating: 'Raising awareness about agricultural environments and the value of self-sufficiency is essential to building strong individuals and societies. Teaching students to grow their own food contributes directly to Qatar's food security.' Sheikh Suhaim bin Abdullah Al Thani also highlighted the strength of the tripartite partnership between the Public Parks Department, ALF, and the Ministry of Education. 'This collaboration is instrumental in promoting sustainability and hands-on agricultural learning, both of which align with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030,' he noted.
Qatar Tribune
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Doha International Book Fair discusses Qatari experience in documenting history, heritage
DOHA: Qatari officials and writers have highlighted the importance of documenting Qatar's history, heritage, and prominent figures, emphasizing its role in reinforcing national identity and the efforts of institutions and individuals to enrich libraries and sources of knowledge with this deep-rooted legacy. This came during a panel discussion held at the main stage of the 34th Doha International Book Fair celebrating a book authored by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani and published by Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press and the Al Faisal International Foundation for Culture and Knowledge on Qatar's history. The panel praised the role of the Ministry of Culture, Qatar Museums, the Qatar National Library, and the Qatar National Archives, along with the personal efforts of Sheikh Faisal in preserving Qatar's heritage through documentation, museum collections, and knowledge promotion. In his remarks, Sheikh Faisal, founder and chairman of the Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge, stressed the importance of preserving Qatar's unique history and heritage by documenting national memory and safeguarding its sources, including books and key figures. He affirmed the foundation's readiness to support researchers across all fields of knowledge and culture by granting them access to its resources. For his part, Minister of State and President of the Qatar National Library HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, commended the efforts of Minister of Culture HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani in elevating the Doha International Book Fair into a landmark cultural event and a celebration of thought and creativity. He emphasized the role of culture in preserving national memory, which he described as the mirror of a people's life, values, heritage, and traditions. Al Kawari also underlined the responsibility of institutions such as the Ministry of Culture, museums, the national archive, the national library, and universities in shouldering the burden of documentation. He cautioned against the challenges posed by the accelerating digital revolution, where credible information is often mixed with unreliable content, stressing the continuing value of printed books as trustworthy sources of knowledge, while also calling for positive engagement with digital advancements. Nassir bin Abdulaziz Al Nasser, former President of the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly and former High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, spoke about Qatar's diplomatic image on the international stage. He outlined the country's role during key turning points in modern history, and the vision of Qatar's leadership in promoting peaceful dialogue to resolve conflicts. He emphasized the country's principled and balanced stances, its impactful role at the UN Security Council and General Assembly, and its leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. He called for documenting Qatar's diplomatic positions and institutions to serve as a reference for future generations. Also speaking was Chairman of the Board of the Qatar Press Center Saad bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi, who reflected on Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim's contributions as a cultural, intellectual, and heritage figure, praising his continued generosity and role in enhancing museums with rare artifacts and supporting academic, cultural, and sports institutions. Lastly, Dr Yousuf bin Mohammed Al Obaidan, former Professor of Political Science at Qatar University and former member of the Shura Council, highlighted the significance of documenting Qatar's history in a scientific and methodical manner to serve as a historical reference for the state, its leaders, and society. He stressed the importance of covering all historical periods through accurate documentation and analysis, noting the value of such efforts for educational and research institutions. He praised Sheikh Faisal's pioneering contributions in this field.
