qf.org.qa QATAR FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT Qatar Foundation (QF) is the inspirational vision of His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Founder of Qatar Foundation, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. Established in 1995, QF supports Qatar on its transition from a carbon-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. QF endeavors to create an environment that encourages both personal initiative and collaboration by bringing together talented people from across Qatar and the world. It is based on the belief that innovation can only thrive in an environment where knowledge, skills, and capabilities are shared. 2 qf.org.qa Annual report 2017/18 3 A legacy sustained Even a journey of such rapid transformation as that which Qatar Foundation (QF) embarked upon more than two decades ago, and which it continues to undertake, allows opportunities for reflection. 2017- 2018 was another momentous year for us, as our nation was confronted with unprecedented challenges, and persevered and thrived in the face of them. What QF –as an organization, a community, a creator of opportunity, and a catalyst for change– has accomplished for our nation over the past year is a source not only of immense pride, but of inspiration, driving us to ensure that our mission continues to support the advancement of Qatar and bring benefit to its people, while also making a positive impact on our world. Our contribution to humanity, which continues unimpeded even in times of flux, is focused on building a society that is dynamic, progressive, and caring; where creativity, innovation, and active citizenship thrive; and where an economy is driven by a cross-generational thirst for knowledge that acts as the cornerstone of a self-sustaining legacy. Within these pages, you will find just some of the major highlights and milestones from across our organization over the past year – each of them a tribute to the achievements of the people who are QF, and who are committed to supporting us in building a bridge between Qatar’s rich past, its thriving present, and the boundless potential of its future. Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani Vice Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation 4 qf.org.qa Annual report 2017/18 5 Contents 08 Qatar Foundation Boards 10 Pre-University Education 22 Higher Education 34 Research, Development, and Innovation 42 Community Development 50 Global Initiatives 6 qf.org.qa Annual report 2017/18 7 Qatar Foundation Boards Board Of Trustees Chairperson: Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Member: Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani Member: Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani Member: His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani Member: His Excellency Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdulaziz Al Thani Member: Engineer Saad Ebrahim Al Muhannadi His Highness Sheikh His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani The Father Emir of Qatar and The Emir of Qatar Founder of Qatar Foundation Board Of Directors Chairperson: Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Vice-Chairperson: Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani Member: His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Bin Saleh Al Sada Member: His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Bin Hussain Al-Kubaisi Member: Dr. Mazen Jassim J. Jaidah Life-time Board Member: Engineer Saad Ebrahim Al Muhannadi Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Chairperson of Qatar Foundation 8 qf.org.qa Annual report 2017/18 9 Pre-University Education 10 qf.org.qa Annual report 2017/18 11 Pre-University Education Laying the foundations Pre-University Education (PUE) is the beginning The range of academic diversity provided by PUE of Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) unique education is unlike any other system in the world and offers cycle, one that caters for infants from six months residents of Qatar and the region meaningful, unique old through to postgraduate students. learning opportunities. It reflects how QF strives to meet Education has always been at the forefront of QF’s the individual needs of each learner within its diverse transformative approaches within Qatar, and the community, by providing personalized educational establishment of its first schools –Qatar Academy opportunities and equipping young people with the and Awsaj Academy– dates back to 1995. Throughout knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to excel. the decades since, QF has sought to deliver leading PUE has created schools and devised curricula learning experiences that are anchored in Qatari culture in Qatar that support this diversity, catering and values. This commitment is bolstered by QF’s to the needs of Qatar’s varied community, approach to lifelong learning, as it seeks to empower and has expanded to the point where it now future generations to thrive in a global environment. comprises nine schools. These include: Qatar Academy (QA), which Awsaj Academy, which Academic Bridge Program has five branches in different works with children who (ABP), a one-year foundation locations throughout Qatar. have learning difficulties program that prepares high school graduates in Qatar for the partner universities of QF. Laying the Qatar Leadership Renad Academy, dedicated Qatar Academy for Science Academy, which promotes to helping children identified and Technology (QAST), an personal growth in young with mild to moderate Autism advanced academic program for men by engaging them Spectrum Disorder (ASD). accomplished students in Science, foundations in an environment that Technology, Engineering and promotes excellence in Mathematics (STEM) subjects. academics, leadership, athletics, and character. 12 qf.org.qa Annual report 2017/18 13 Pre-University Education Laying the foundations I ask you all that to honor everyone who has supported you and helped you to get here today; you must commit fully in everything you do. Follow your dreams and passions, and don’t quit until you have achieved greatness and maybe not even then. Also, have the courage to take risks, to dream big. Milestones for QA the graduations of fellow students achieved greatness and maybe not Academy Sidra we believe that Inclusivity in education classes are delivered by specialized from QA’s branches across Qatar: even then. Also, have the courage kindness is in everyone,” explained faculty and staff. The facility First established in 1996, Qatar Qatar Academy Al Khor, Qatar to take risks, to dream big.” Kim Green, Director, QA Sidra. The first World Autism Awareness celebrated its first anniversary in Academy Doha (QAD) is an Academy Al Wakra, Qatar Academy For QA, another key milestone of “We want to engage all members Day, as proposed by Her Highness October 2017, with Sherri Miller, International Baccalaureate World Sidra, and Qatar Academy Msheireb. 2017/2018 was the opening of QA Al of the community through Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Director of Renad Academy, School, accredited by the New Khor's state-of-the-art recreation our #BeKind movement, and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation saying: "At Renad Academy, we England Association of Schools QA alumna Najwa Al Thani, who facility in November 2017. The new encourage individuals to show (QF), was celebrated in 2008. Over are committed to helping prepare and Colleges and the Council of graduated in 2011, reflected on her facility includes a 25m swimming compassion to one another.” 10 years later, while ASD is still our students for adulthood, International Schools. It offers journey when she returned to her pool and training pool; two stigmatized in many communities equipping them with the necessary academic excellence through former school as this year’s guest multipurpose indoor courts for Students showcased their musical globally, parents and families in confidence and skills for the future. Primary, Middle Year, and IB speaker at the QAD graduation basketball, volleyball, futsal, and and film talents during the day, Qatar have played an active role Diploma programs, based on the ceremony. “I’m here to tell you badminton; and a running track, as and demonstrated their sense in raising awareness of ASD. "It has been a very busy first principle that education involves that you were in the real world, well as outdoor football pitches and of initiative by looking at areas A key component of this has year for us, and one in which the development of a student’s but now you will receive your first basketball and volleyball courts. of the school where they could been the establishment of QF’s we're happy to say we made cognitive, physical, social, moral, accreditation of that fact. You Meanwhile, QA Sidra made a huge make the greatest, most positive Renad Academy, a pioneering significant steps to advance the and affective capabilities. 2017/2018 still have a long way to go,” she local impact by celebrating the difference to its environment. education facility dedicated to understanding and awareness of was a year of great achievement for told its new crop of graduates. United Nations (UN) International Additionally, to enhance the visual supporting children identified autism across the wider community the five QA schools. In May 2018, “I ask you all that to honor everyone Day of Peace in September 2017 impact of peace, senior students with mild-to-moderate ASD. and in supporting the families of QAD celebrated the graduation who has supported you and helped with students, staff, families, and practiced their leadership skills autistic children. Our students of 89 boys and girls, 40 of whom you to get here today; you must board members, at a special ‘Peace and helped the younger students It is the first school of its kind in have made great progress, both are Qatari. They joined more than commit fully in everything you do. One Day’ event. “For our ‘Peace One craft ‘Pinwheels for Peace’, Qatar, and provides an optimum academically and behaviorally, and 953 graduates from QAD since it Follow your dreams and passions, Day’ celebrations, Qatar Academy referencing an international art and learning environment for children are advancing considerably in their opened, while the same month saw and don’t quit until you have Sidra launched #BeKind.