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Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QF launches Alumni Chapter for the UK
Tribune News Network London They graduated from different schools and universities, but UK-based alumni of Qatar Foundation (QF) are united by having been part of its globally unique educational environment – and now they are strengthening their connections through a new network. The Qatar Foundation Alumni Chapter for the UK – launched at a London gathering where Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, met graduates now pursuing their careers in the UK – is a platform aimed at helping its members support each other as their journeys continue to unfold, as well as to retain their ties with Qatar. It is the second international Alumni Chapter to be established by QF's Alumni Programme, following the launch of its US and Canada equivalent in 2024. Reflecting the global reach and impact of QF's ecosystem of education, 137 of its alumni are currently working or pursuing further advanced studies in the UK, in fields including Artificial Intelligence, healthcare and medical research, policy, sustainability, communications, and humanitarianism. In the 30 years since QF was established, around 20,000 students from Qatar and over 120 countries have graduated from its schools and universities, with its global network of alumni being supported and cultivated by the QF Alumni Programme that is open for all of them to join. 'The true legacy of Qatar Foundation – and its schools, partner universities, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University – lies not in rankings or research output, but in the lives of our alumni,' said Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education and Education Advisor, QF. 'Graduates of Qatar Foundation-supported institutions are now driving positive change in over 120 countries – living proof of our mission to unlock human potential. Among them are the members of our vibrant community of alumni living in the UK, who are making meaningful contributions across sectors from medicine to the arts, as committed and successful professionals of whom we are proud.' Speaking at the launch of the Chapter, diplomat and economic strategist Sheikha Alanoud H. Al-Thani, who currently serves as the Counselor for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the UK and is a graduate of QF's Qatar Academy Doha and QF partner university HEC Paris, Doha, said: 'This Chapter deepens the longstanding Qatar-UK partnership in education and innovation – not just through institutions, but through the living bridge of our alumni. 'Qatar Foundation has long recognised that lasting influence is not measured solely by institutions or infrastructure, but by the people it empowers. Its alumni continue to make meaningful contributions across diverse fields, embodying Qatar Foundation's values on a global stage.' Across the UK, graduates of QF schools and universities are now harnessing the skills, knowledge, and values they gained through their years of study and discovery at Education City in Doha, as government economists, data scientists, software engineers, doctors, neuroscientists, climate strategists, and legal experts, among other roles. Others are pursuing postgraduate and doctoral studies in fields such as AI, public health, cancer research, and global affairs. Among them is Dr. Basil Mahfouz, a data scientist at University College London and a graduate of QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar. His projects focus on harnessing Artificial Intelligence to unlock knowledge and drive inclusive innovation, and he co-founded SynSapien, an open science platform that united global researchers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'QF offered something genuinely unique – world-class education without leaving our region,' he said. 'I spent four years learning alongside the brightest minds in the region – students who would otherwise never have been in the same place together. We learned from each other and from world-leading researchers. And what really set it apart was how close-knit we were. 'Everyone knew everyone – students and professors alike. It felt like we were part of something pioneering, an adventure we were creating together. That shared sense of purpose created connections unlike anything I've experienced.' Ulan Seitkaliyev, an alumnus of QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and now a London-based software engineer for Bloomberg, said: 'What stood out most for me during my time at QF was the incredible support we received, as well as the wide range of projects and opportunities available to explore our interests and pursue our own initiatives – it was an environment that truly encouraged creativity, independence, and innovation. 'My QF education had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional development,' he says. 'It gave me the chance to learn from different cultures, travel to new countries, and form meaningful friendships with people from incredibly diverse backgrounds – connections that remain strong to this day.' Asmaa Alkuwari, Alumni Engagement Manager, QF, said: 'This Chapter represents more than just a gathering, it's part of a broader strategic effort by the QF Alumni Engagement Office to foster lasting, global connections among QF graduates.' More details about the QF Alumni Programme can be found at
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QF launches second international alumni chapter to support and connect its graduates in UK
LONDON: The Qatar Foundation (QF) launched its Alumni Chapter for the UK, in the presence of Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani. The Qatar Foundation Alumni Chapter for the UK launched at a London gathering is a platform aimed at helping its members support each other as their journeys continue to unfold, as well as to retain their ties with Qatar. It is the second international Alumni Chapter to be established by Qatar Foundation's (QF) Alumni Program, following the launch of its US and Canada equivalent in 2024. Reflecting the global reach and impact of QF's ecosystem of education, 137 of its alumni are currently working or pursuing further advanced studies in the UK, in fields including Artificial Intelligence, healthcare and medical research, policy, sustainability, communications, and humanitarianism. "The true legacy of Qatar Foundation and its schools, partner universities, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University lies not in rankings or research output, but in the lives of our alumni," said Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education and Education Advisor, QF. "Graduates of Qatar Foundation-supported institutions are now driving positive change in over 120 countries. It's aliving proof of our mission to unlock human potential." Speaking at the launch of the Chapter, diplomat and economic strategist Sheikha Alanoud H Al Thani, who currently serves as the Counselor for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the UK and is a graduate of QF's Qatar Academy Doha and QF partner university HEC Paris, Doha, said: "This Chapter deepens the longstanding Qatar-UK partnership in education and innovation,not just through institutions, but through the living bridge of our alumni." Across the UK, graduates of QF schools and universities are now harnessing the skills, knowledge, and values they gained through their years of study and discovery at Education City in Doha, as government economists, data scientists, software engineers, doctors, neuroscientists, climate strategists, and legal experts, among other roles. Others are pursuing postgraduate and doctoral studies in fields such as AI, public health, cancer research, and global affairs. Among them is Dr Basil Mahfouz, a data scientist at University College London and a graduate of QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar. His projects focus on harnessing Artificial Intelligence to unlock knowledge and drive inclusive innovation, and he co-founded SynSapien, an open science platform that united global researchers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ulan Seitkaliyev, an alumnus of QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and now a London-based software engineer for Bloomberg, said: "What stood out most for me during my time at QF was the incredible support we received, as well as the wide range of projects and opportunities available to explore our interests and pursue our own initiatives; it was an environment that truly encouraged creativity, independence, and innovation." Asmaa Alkuwari, Alumni Engagement Manager, QF, said: "This Chapter represents more than just a gathering, it's part of a broader strategic effort by the QF Alumni Engagement Office to foster lasting, global connections among QF graduates. We are proud of the distinguished alumni based in the UK who hold influential roles across sectors and continue to carry QF's values into the world through their work, leadership, and impact."
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar, UK welcome growing trade, defence ties
Doha, Qatar: A joint communiqué was issued following the second annual Strategic Dialogue between Qatar and the United Kingdom, held in Doha on April 27, 2025. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and UK's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs H E David Lammy co-chaired the dialogue held under the theme of 'Partners for the Future'. Building on the 'Future Framework' announced during the state visit by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the UK in December 2024, both Ministers reaffirmed the shared ambition to strengthen the Qatar-UK partnership across the four pillars of trade, investment and economy; defence, security and counterterrorism; leadership on global challenges; and people-to-people connections. Both Ministers commended the strength of the bilateral relationship and their shared commitment to bilateral relations to support both Qatar's National Vision 2030 and the UK Government's Plan for Change and economic growth mission. They reviewed progress since the inaugural Strategic Dialogue in 2023 and announced a series of new initiatives that will further enhance collaboration across all four pillars of the 'Future Framework.' Regarding trade, investment and economy, the communique said Qatar and the UK share a flourishing trade and investment partnership, with a total trade volume of over £5.6bn in 2024, contributing to economic growth, diversification, innovation and job creation. Qatari investment in the UK economy is estimated to be worth over £40bn. Both Ministers welcomed the increase of investment flows between the two countries following the Qatar Investment Authority's Strategic Investment Partnership, announced in 2022. They reaffirmed their commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership that supports Qatar's National Development Strategy and the UK's Industrial Strategy. Qatar remains a pivotal investor in the UK, and in dynamic partnership with leading British companies and industries. Building on Qatar's commitment to support cutting-edge science and technology, both Ministers welcomed the announcement, during the UK state visit by H H the Amir, of a partnership between Qatar and Rolls Royce in emerging clean energy technologies. They also lauded the strong links between the Qatari and British private sectors, which have significantly contributed to sustaining and growing investment and trade, as well as financial services and economic cooperation. The Ministers agreed to continue to seek opportunities to co-invest and support development through strategic partnership in third countries with the aim of building stronger and more sustainable economic partnerships. Focusing on capital markets, sustainable finance, and fintech, the two Ministers welcomed the Qatar's Ministry of Finance and HM Treasury MoU on Financial Services and news of the upcoming meeting of the Qatar-UK Financial Services working group. The Ministers also welcomed further opportunities for collaboration on investment and trade when the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) convenes, planned within the next two months, to incorporate discussion across a range of priority sectors including education, creative industries, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, technology and artificial intelligence. On defence, security and counterterrorism partnership, both Ministers celebrated the long-standing defence, security and counterterrorism partnership between Qatar and the UK, which continues to evolve in response to emerging threats. They welcomed the participation of Qatari students at the UK's leading Military Academies and the reciprocal arrangement to send Royal Air Force students to the Al Zaeem Air Academy. Qatar acknowledged that the British presence at its prestigious Al Udeid Air Base further demonstrates the commitment to regional security. Building on strong defence collaboration, both Ministers underscored their commitment to deepen military cooperation, paving the way for collaborative development of our world-class land, air and maritime forces. Alongside this, Qatar and the UK are working to deepen cooperation to ensure the safety and stability of both countries. Both ministries welcomed two key agreements, a memorandum of understanding between the UK Home Office and Qatar's Ministry of Interior and the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya). They welcomed the upcoming opportunity for the respective Ministers to sign the MoUs, which will enhance domestic security cooperation. They also agreed on a joint action plan to deepen law enforcement collaboration in fields such as counter-terrorism, organised crime, economic crime, irregular migration, cybercrime, and drug control. Both Ministers reiterated their commitment to the Global Counterterrorism Forum, of which Qatar and the United Kingdom are founding members. They emphasised the importance of taking effective measures to combat terrorist financing and money laundering, including through the framework provided by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Qatar and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to humanitarian assistance and development cooperation to reach the most in need and affected populations. Following the commitment to co-fund $100m in humanitarian and development programmes during the state visit, Qatar and the UK are working to explore joint programmes in priority areas, including but not limited to: the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Bangladesh. Joint contributions will aim to tackle key challenges in humanitarian interventions, health, and education. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( The Peninsula Newspaper
