The workshop organized by Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies examined issues of multiculturalism, citizenship, and minority rights in countries around the world. Scholars from various countries discussed how governments have addressed integrating minority groups and how Western societies have traditionally been more open than the Arab world on these issues. The goal was to start a respectful dialogue on these topics and explore how Qatar can embrace both its cultural heritage and an open, global society.

1. The monThly magazine of qaTar foundaTion issue 25 january 2011
A society of solidarity
Record amount raised at Social Development Center’s
Gala Dinner will help support humanitarian services
www.qf.org.qa

3. “While building five-star hotels, you have to make
sure that you are adding to the market. It’s not
just about adding more five-star hotels so that we can
say we own one too. No.We have to evaluate
what we are adding to the country.”
Abdul Aziz Al EmAdi
CEO Of dOhAlAnd hOspitAlity
Contents iSSue #25 jANuARy 2011
03 NewS
Raising the bar on math teaching; Qatar
Foundation in the news; Student ambition
takes to the sky; Professor wins
prestigious Chair; Discussions on minority
rights; International recognition for QDA;
Addressing the demands of literacy.
07 2011 CAleNDAR
08 CelebRAtiNG iNNovAtioN
iN eDuCAtioN
The six outstanding projects honoured for their
contribution to changing the education system.
12 SDC AuCtioN ReveAlS
“foRmiDAble SoCiAl
CoNSCieNCe”
Record sum raised at gala dinner will
help organization’s work in Qatar.
14 ReCoRD DoNAtioN
helpS RotA ReACh out
Largest-ever donation enables a
number of exciting new projects.
18 oRCheStRA moveS to
New home
How Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s
permanent venue will bolster its
community work.
22 AN iSlAmiC peRSpeCtive
20 ~ Forward Thinkers Series oN bioethiCS
DeStiNAtioN of ChoiCe Students compile Islamic thought on
Abdul Aziz Al Emadi, CEO of Dohaland bioethics in a single resource
Hospitality, on his efforts to attract more
Qataris to the nation’s hotel sector. 24 QAtAR RevelS iN itS
GloRiouS pASt
An entire week of cultural events helps
young people understand their
heritage.
Special report
28 the motheR who GAve
biRth to A NAtioN 30 builDiNG bRiDGeS
Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi Qatari students thrive at top
praises Her Highness Sheikha Moza universities thanks to the Academic
bint Nasser. Bridge Program
Editorial CommuniCation DireCtorate Rima Ismail rismail@qf.org.qa +974 4454 0960
Dima El-Mched dalmched@qf.org.qa +974 4454 0958 Publisher Brian Scudder brian@switch.ae
+971 50 655 7490 eDitor Philip Fenton philip@switch.ae +971 50 553 9430
dEsign Creative DireCtor Carl Bergman carl@switch.ae +971 50 342 6926
©2010 Qatar Foundation. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be Designer Mohammad Marei mohammad@switch.ae +971 50 895 9836
reproduced without the written permission of Qatar Foundation and the Publisher.

4. welCome letteR
Exceeding expectations
What a success! An unprecedented 28m QAR was raised for the Tarahom Endowment Fund
at the Social Development Center’s 7th Gala Dinner. The glittering event saw His Highness
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, and Her Highness
Sheikha Moza bint Nasser join previous donors for a group photograph in appreciation for
their sense of responsibility in contributing to the community.
The Tarahom Endowment Fund offers support to people in the community including
widows, people in debt, the elderly and orphans as well as outstanding academic students.
But it is just one of the SDC’s multiple funding outreach programs. Other projects,
including the Rasamil fund for entrepreneurship and the Al Berr Compound Endowment,
give Qatari families the confidence and financial security to control their own destinies.
The charity auction exceeded all expectations with many of the items being auctioned
more than once to raise even more money. The evening provided a unique opportunity for
people to contribute to the community and has subsequently raised the bar for all future
fundraising events.
We felt a great spirit of togetherness at the event and the solidarity shown by those who
attended will serve as an inspiration to others. What we have achieved in one memorable
evening will provide years of sustained, continuous help and support in our society.
Haya Khalifa Al Nassr
Director of Communication Qatar Foundation
2 Thefoundation.

5. NewS
“A unique opportunity” In brief
for math teaching Qf biomeDiCAl iNitiAtive
~ CMUQ local partnership examines the challenges of pReSeNteD At QAtAR heAlth
Dr Abdelali Haoudi,
teaching mathematics in Qatar. Qatar Foundation’s
Vice President
teachers from across Doha were mathematics in Qatar at both the school for Research,
invited to discuss the challenges and and university level.” gave a
opportunities presented by the teaching of Dr Winter said that through bringing presentation
mathematics at an outreach event different types of experience, points of on Qatar
organised by Carnegie Mellon University view and skills together in the same room Biomedical
in Qatar (CMUQ). he hoped the teaching of mathematics Research
Dr Dale Winter, Associate Teaching would get even better. Institute
Professor of Mathematics and Director of He added: “We aim to work together to (QBRI) at
The Academic Resource Center at identify and address the mathematical Qatar Health
CMUQ, said: “I firmly believe that this teaching and learning issues of today in on 15
kind of partnership – between the order to prepare more of our current December, 2010.
Supreme Education Council, teachers in generation of students for the most Qatar Health, an
local schools and CMUQ – represents a desirable, challenging and lucrative jobs international healthcare
unique opportunity to examine the issues which will require a high level of congress and exhibition, is a premier healthcare
involved in teaching and learning mathematical training and sophistication.” event organized by Hamad Medical Corporation.
He explained that the recently launched QBRI is
addressing key challenges facing the State of Qatar
by conducting basic, translational and clinical
research. The institute aims to have global impact.
mAthAf: ARAb muSeum
of moDeRN ARt opeNS
His Highness the
Amir, Sheikh
Hamad bin Khalifa
Al Thani, and Her
Highness Sheikha
Moza bint Nasser
attended the
inaugural ceremony
in the news of Mathaf: Arab
~ Qatar Foundation stories in the international press. Museum of Modern
Art, on 14
“Forget the football World Cup which Qatar will be hosting in 2022; December. The
the emirate is setting itself up to make even greater achievements in museum opened to
the fields of research and education,” writes Nabila Ramdani in Abu the public on 30
Dhabi’s The National. “At the World Innovation Summit for December.
Located in a
Education (WISE) in Doha, I was astounded by what was promised
former school
for the future.
building in Education City, the museum has a
“Representatives from more than 100 countries discussed ideas
collection that represents the major trends and sites
and innovations, with the host nation setting the benchmark with its of production of modern Arab art spanning the 1840s
centres of excellence. While the world’s eyes were focused on the to the present.
beautiful game, it seemed clear to me that Qataris were actually far Three exhibitions are currently on view at two sites
more interested in the advancement of science and the arts, which in Doha. Mathaf opened its new building with Sajjil: A
dominates every section of society and is integral to the country’s Century of Modern Art, which rethinks the position of
vision for the future. Arab artists toward modernism and within the
“Qatar is also leading the way in terms of empowering women, modernist movement. Two other exhibitions,
with female students making up almost 75 per cent of Qatar Interventions and Told / Untold / Retold, can be seen
University’s student population. A driving force in this development at a new exhibition space located on the grounds of
is Sheikha Moza, the wife of Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.” the Museum of Islamic Art.
www.qf.org.qa 3

6. NewS
Student ambition takes to the sky
~ Qatar Leadership Academy challenged to design an aircraft by guest lecturer.
the future of unmanned flight was discussed Affairs at Qatar Leadership Academy, said the (UAVs), highlighting how the company built
with students at an interactive presentation at partnership with BAE Systems was inspiring one unmanned aircraft, Mantis, in just 19
Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA). and demonstrated to students that the lessons months. He then spoke about the future of
The lecture and workshops were taken by they learn at QLA can be applied in the real UAVs and focussed on Taranis – an
Tom Hallett, an expert in unmanned vehicles at world. unmanned stealth jet – that was unveiled in
BAE Systems. Hallett explained the different “It wasn’t just a lecture, it was held in a fun July. QAL cadets were also shown a short film
types of flight mission and how they require and relaxed setting and it gave the students of BAE Systems’ prototype aircraft, Demon.
different aircraft capabilities. He then challenged hands-on experience of applied technology,” Martin Bennett, Regional Vice President
them to design an aircraft fit for the job. he said. “I was in the auditorium and every for the Middle East at BAE Systems, said:
Because leadership is a central tenet of single student was engaged, it was quite “BAE Systems occupies a leading position in
QLA, Hallett also spoke about how important something. It was honestly a home run to use the defense industry and is renowned for its
it was when it came to designing unmanned an American expression. BAE did a fabulous engineering excellence and innovation. We
aircraft: from the beginning of the creative job and it was great for us; it helped us to work with universities in the UK and US to
process, through to the design, manufacture evaluate the boys and see who was stepping produce world-leading technology for a wide
and finally testing of the aircraft. up to lead the groups and present the designs. range of systems across the air, land and sea
The presentation was the second in a “BAE are looking to come back in the domains and are delighted to be able
series of exciting lectures by BAE systems for spring and we will be very, very happy to to showcase some of this innovation in Qatar,
QLA students; the first talk was given by welcome them.” which we hope will encourage tomorrow’s
former UK Royal Air Force pilot Craig Hallett’s lecture also told students what generation of Qatari scientists and engineers
Penrice, who spoke about fighter planes. methods BAE Systems employed to design to develop similar ground-breaking
George K D Hopkins, Head of Student and engineer unmanned aerial vehicles technologies for the future.”
4 Thefoundation.

7. prestigious new professorship for CmuQ faculty
~ Professor says chair is a way to or CMU in Pittsburgh, and there are no extra
responsibilities,” he said. “It is a chair like a
recognize distinction without getting typical endowed chair. It comes with some
in the way of research or teaching. extra research funds, so I’m certainly
supposed to use those well. But it doesn’t
Carnegie mellon University in Qatar change the day-to-day life of teaching and
(CMUQ) has announced the presentation of research.”
a prestigious professorship. He likened the Stever professorship to a
Jonathan P Caulkins, PhD, has been management promotion in an engineering
awarded the H Guyford Stever Professorship company which allows him to continue doing
of Operations Research and Public Policy at what he is best at.
the H John Heinz III School of Public Policy He explained: “The basic challenge is, how
and Management and CMUQ. do you get your really good technical folks to
The distinguished chair was established in stay in their engineering or technical roles if
honor of H Guyford Stever, who was the first all promotions take you up into management
President of Carnegie Mellon University This semester at CMUQ, Caulkins is where you no longer have time to practice
(CMU) and served as chief science adviser to teaching Probability Theory and Random that unique skill? Much better to have star
two US Presidents. Processes, Probability and Statistics for engineers doing engineering and maybe
On top of that, Professor Caulkins has also Business Applications, Mathematical Models project leadership than to be paper pushing
recently been appointed as a Fellow of the for Consulting. middle managers.
Institute for Operations Research and Caulkins said he was happy and very “It’s the same idea here. CMU wants us to
Management Sciences (INFORMS). The flattered to have been chosen for the Stever have the opportunity for recognition even if
appointment is a way of honoring outstanding chair and that although he has had a we stay a teacher or a researcher or a professor,
lifetime achievers in operations research and productive career over the last 20 years at without getting sucked into the drudgery of
the management sciences who make CMU, so have many of his colleagues who bureaucracy and administration. So they
significant contributions to advancement in could also have been chosen. have endowed chairs and, the level beyond
these fields. “It doesn’t really affect my role at CMUQ that, university professorships.”
Scholars discuss multiculturalism and minority rights
~ Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies workshop deals with the pressing issues of integration around the globe.
A workshop organized by Qatar Faculty of countries which have embraced integration.
“thE idEA wAs nOt
Islamic Studies (QFIS) examined the ways in From the point of Qatar, Ghafar said local
which communities around the world dealt
tO COmE tO people were very proud of their heritage and
with issues of multiculturalism, citizenship COnClusiOns but bEgin traditions and wanted to keep an Islamic and
and minority rights. tAlking AbOut thE Arabic identity. But there is also great pride
The workshop featured scholars from issuEs And thAt is vEry that Qatar is open to other nationalities and is
around the world, including Dr Tariq nEw tO thE ArAb wOrld a multicultural society.
Ramadan who is a Visiting Professor at Qatar – tAlking AbOut “Definitely both our position and the
Faculty of Islamic Studies and first incumbent government’s position is one of integration
multiCulturAlism And
of the His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin with the global knowledge economy and
Khalifa Al Thani Professorship in
minOrity rights. society,” she said.
Contemporary Islamic Studies chair at “This is the first part of the process. We’re
Oxford University. the Arab World – talking about multiculturalism hoping it will be an annual workshop or
Dr Basma Abdul Ghafar, of The Centre for and minority rights,” she said. event. This was the first exploration of this
Governance and Public Policy at QFIS, said Western societies were traditionally more issue and we hope to revisit the same in a year
the idea was to examine the ways in which open about multiculturalism and and see what differences there are.
governments throughout the world dealt with enfranchising minorities as full citizens, “Our immediate aim is to start the
the issues surrounding minority groups in Ghafar added, with the exception of recent dialogue and to begin opening up issues very
individual countries. events in Europe like the banning of the niqab gently to contribute to the policy debates that
Europe, North America and the Far East in France and the Swiss government refusing are happening all over the world concerning
were all discussed, as was the Arab World. “The to allow minarets to be built on new mosques. Muslims overseas. The idea was not to come
idea was not to come to conclusions but begin Of course, the Arab world faces challenges to conclusions but to begin talking about
talking about the issues and that is very new to of minorities as well, but there are also these issues.”
www.qf.org.qa 5

8. NewS
joint statement from QDA and the IDF.
“The IDF has recognized that we will be
the center for activities relating to diabetes
within the region,” said Dr Abdulla Al
Hamaq, Executive Director of QDA. “As part
of our efforts and as the seventh global hub,
we will organize events and workshops for all
nationalities. In particular, we will target
obese people through education.”
Looking ahead, QDA will participate in
the first American Association for Clinical
Endocrinologists to be held outside the US, in
collaboration with the Hamad Medical
Corporation. Under the patronage of Her
Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the
conference aims to provide healthcare
professionals with information about
diabetes, obesity and other endocrine
diseases.
A team of international and local speakers
Qatar Diabetes Association
will deliver lectures, conduct workshops and
hold a satellite symposium. An exhibition
area, meanwhile, at the Sheraton Doha, will
gets international recognition provide professionals with news from the
pharmaceutical industry.
“The QDA was founded in 1995 and
~ International Federation for The IDF is an umbrella organization of joined Qatar Foundation in 1999. That gave
200 national diabetes associations in 160 us the big push from Her Highness and we
Diabetes chooses QDA as hub for countries. It represents the interests of the have been able to increase activities and
growing number of people with diabetes and programs to eventually be recognized by the
Middle East and North Africa. those at risk. IDF,” Al Hamaq said.
“The plan will enable International In the MENA region there are almost 27
the international Federation for Diabetes Federation for Diabetes and MENA member million people suffering from diabetes. A
has chosen Qatar Diabetes Association associations to develop National Diabetes recent forum in Dubai, attended by former
(QDA) as the hub which will represent the Programs designed to prioritize diabetes US president Bill Clinton, estimated that this
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for within national healthcare frameworks, number is expected to almost double to 51.7
campaigns, conferences and research through improved access to treatment, as well million people by 2030.
initiatives. as ways to improve care and treatment,” said a For further information, visit www.qda.org.qa
Addressing literacy demands
~ Qatar Academy teachers receive students’ lives can be built upon in their
senior years.
training to enable them to operate “The learning that has happened in the
primary level should be recognized and built
them more effectively. on in the secondary school specifically in the
area of literacy,” said Graham.
teachers at Qatar Academy received Kay Mitchell, an Academic Support
training on how to address the literacy Counselor at the Senior School, said that as
demands of their specialist subjects. well as delivering their specific subject, school
The course was organised by training and staff also have to teach literacy within that
development consultants Stephen Graham subject. However, she said that teachers were
and James Ferguson from Cengage Learning not always sure how they should teach the
Australia Pty Ltd. language needed for their subject area. Graham said: “The response of the school
As well as addressing literacy, it was She added: “By making that more has been incredibly positive and the teachers,
designed to improve links between the accessible to teachers they just feel now more I think, are now looking and thinking at what
Primary School and Senior School so that empowered to teach language in their subject the actual literacy demands are of the work
work done during the early education of area.” they’re asking the children to do.”
6 Thefoundation.

9. CAleNDAR
CAleNDAR 2011
January 2011
....................................................
What Qatar Music Academy
launch
Where Qatar Music Academy
When 30 January
Qatar Music Academy will launch
its preparatory program, which will
offer eight to ten year olds a series
of one-to-one music lessons.
Scheduled after school hours,
children will discover a variety of
Arabic and Western instruments.
World-class teachers and
musicians will transform young professor Jean-marie lehn
talents into a new generation of
maestros.
particular. Lehn, a French chemist, In this lecture, Dr Dent looks at the projects ranging in size from a
february 2011 received the Nobel Prize together dwindling of critical resources that shoe to a stadium.
.................................................... with Donald Cram and Charles manufacturers and builders will
Pedersen in 1987 for his work in need to take into account as they What The Challenges of Teaching
What Professor Jean-Marie Lehn chemistry, particularly his design, manufacture and build in Arabic in the 21st Century
Lecture synthesis of the cryptands. the coming years. This new Where Lecture Hall 1202, Carnegie
Where Texas A&M University at For more information please visit paradigm for material sourcing Mellon University in Qatar
Qatar www.qf-research-division.org/ may become the norm in the next When Wed, 9 and Thurs,
When 6 February distinguished generation of design thinking 10 February
Professor Jean-Marie Lehn, Nobel across all disciplines. Dr Dent is This conference, an open forum
Prize in Chemistry 1987, will What Lecture: ‘You Made it, You Vice President for Research at for research, will explore the many
present the conceptual Take it Back’, by Dr Andrew Dent Material ConneXion, leading and varied challenges that
considerations on science in Where Atrium at VCUQatar consulting teams that help teachers of Arabic as first or
general and on chemistry in When Wed, 9 February 6pm companies around the world in second language face.
~ QF Radio has unveiled its new program line-up with a wide variety of daily and
weekly shows. Highlights include:
DAiLy shows
.....................................................
09:11 Nothing is impossible performed by the Qatar 18:30 Design Edition
Fitness and Health, your on-line Philharmonic Orchestra 19:00 Campus Buzz
06:00 The Connection personal trainer 14:23 Asr call to prayer 19:30 Cover to Cover
Developing a connection between 10:00 The Connection 14:28 Taking you Further Lively discussion about
people’s work, interests, and Developing a connection between A human rights program, an literature and award winning/
everything that impacts our daily people’s work, interests, and in-depth look at important issues best selling English and Arabic
lives at Qatar Foundation everything that impacts our daily facing all of us today titles, literary events and
07:00 QF News lives at Qatar Foundation 15:23 science Alive what’s happening in publishing
Everything about QF 10:30 Far Corners 15:54 Piano in Qatar
07:30 E-Vision 11:00 sports Global (live) 16:00 sports Global 20:32 Nothing is impossible
Interesting stories about Sports news from within Qatar and 16:23 Maghreb call to prayer Fitness and Health, your on-line
‘Education, the academe, student the rest of the world 16:50 Qatar symphony personal trainer
life,’ and a lot more, straight from 11:22 Dhor call to prayer 17:00 international News 21:00 sports Global
the students, professors and more 12:11 science Alive 17:12 Research Matters 23:00 international News
08:30 “Alamouhm” Science matters and more 17:41 yohemlay song 00:00 QF News
09:00 international News 13:00 E-Vision Produced By Qatar Foundation 01:00 E-Vision
All the latest news from around the 13:25 Qatar symphony 18:00 The Connection 03:07 Nothing is impossible
world presented in Arabic The best musical pieces 18:14 Al isha call to prayer 04:20 science Alive
www.qf.org.qa 7

10. wiSe AwARDS
Celebrating
Innovation in
Education
Six outstanding Laureates were honored for bringing education to people traditionally removed
from the education system during a World Innovation Summit for Education Awards dinner.
A
iming to build the future of of the world, all six initiatives have one in child education: getting girls into schools.
education, the second World common goal: to bring knowledge to people So far, the organization has built 660 schools,
Innovation Summit for Education traditionally removed from the education educating 92,000 students from Kindergarten
(WISE) encouraged 1,200 leading thinkers to system. Each winner gave more insight into to Grade 10. More than 50% of them are girls.
explore innovative ideas and discuss how the ways they are achieving this, showcasing But that is not enough, Chapra explained,
education systems can be improved. their projects in the course of the summit. saying that the foundation aims to build 1,000
But while the knowledge exchange will Tove Romsaas Wang, CEO of Save the schools in Pakistan. Hoping to reach
undoubtedly spur solutions to critical Children Norway, an organization helping communities that are in need, TCF is creating
problems, this alone is not enough to help the children in need around the world, is leading a franchise model that is replicable for other
cause of education. It is equally important to a major global campaign to get three million like-minded groups to follow.
support existing initiatives that could change children in conflict-affected and fragile states “We work in some of the most challenging
the futures of millions around the globe. into school. Within a period of four years, the of locations – in and around Karachi and in
In recognition of such cutting-edge ideas, organization’s program work has succeeded rural areas across Pakistan. Our intent is to
six innovative Laureates and their projects in getting 1.4 million children into the take children of the streets and into schools,”
were honored by Her Highness Sheikha Moza education system. he said.
bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar “It’s likely that 50 million children are Similarly helping to educate a large
Foundation, at the WISE Awards gala dinner staying out of school. As much as 67% lives in number of people is Cecilia d’Oliveira,
on 8 December, 2010. conflict-affected areas. That’s why it’s so Executive Director of MIT OpenCourseWare
They had been selected by a high-profile important to put this issue on the global (OCW) at Massachusetts Institute of
international jury, chaired by His Excellency agenda,” she said. Technology, who leads a project which uses
Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, “[Receiving the WISE award] will act as an the internet to educate people. OCW, a web-
Chairman of WISE and Qatar Foundation’s encouragement to Save the Children, and to based publication, provides free and open
Vice-President of Education. Each winner all those working for education for all, to access to materials from virtually all MIT
received a Prize Award of $20,000 to help redouble their efforts to ensure that no courses, including video recordings of
further their projects. children, no matter what their circumstances, lectures and dozens of textbooks.
Chosen from more than 400 applications are ever regarded as too difficult to reach.” Quoting MIT’s President Susan Hockfield,
received from 89 countries, the outstanding d’Oliveira said: “OCW expresses MIT’s goal
Laureates’ projects have had a significant
impact on societies, ranging from remote
villages in Africa to families around the globe.
m ushtaq Chapra, Chairman and a
Founding Director of The Citizens
Foundation, a non-profit educational
of advancing education to a global community
where ideas and knowledge are shared openly
and freely for the benefit of all. By sharing
And while they operate in different parts organization, said he faces another challenge materials on the web, our faculty can have
8 Thefoundation.

11. williAmS f1 teChNoloGy CeNtRe
www.qf.org.qa 9

12. wiSe AwARDS
much greater impact in terms of global
education.”
Ayla Goksel, CEO of ACEV, a Turkish
NGO working in early childhood, female
literacy and parent training, focuses on
another aspect of education that will have an
impact on people around the world.
She launched a program that proved to
provide long-lasting benefits to mothers and
children. The Mother Child Education
Program (MOCEP), a nationwide project
with the Turkish Ministry of National
Education, helps mothers educate their
children, aided by community resources such
as the ministry’s teachers and facilities.
C urrently reaching over 400,000 people
in Europe and the Middle East, Goksel
said receiving the WISE Award will help uNeSCo Director-General
expand its presence. “This acknowledgment of
the success of MOCEP as an innovative and
inclusive project will significantly enhance the
speaks out at wiSe
process of ACEV sharing its expertise and New WISE partner UNESCO stresses need for financing.
know-how throughout the Middle East in
particular and other regions of the world in the problem of funding education in the Bokova told the summit that, in terms of
general,” she said. wake of the global economic downturn was funding, allowing the status quo to continue
An equally challenging project is that discussed at the World Innovation Summit was not an option. “Business as usual is not
founded by Professor Neil Turok, Founder and for Education (WISE) in Qatar. working,” she said. “Aid disbursements to
Council Chair of the African Institute for Now in its second year, Qatar basic education have stopped increasing for
Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Next Einstein Foundation’s WISE summit was addressed the first time since 2000 – stagnating at $4.7
Initiative. He explained the institute is training by Irina Bokova, the Director-General of billion in 2008. Education is the way to invest
talented students from across Africa in a UNESCO. This year was UNESCO’s first out of the economic crisis. We must explore
partnership arrangement between Cape Town’s time as an official partner of WISE. tangible proposals for innovative financing as
three local universities and the universities of
Cambridge, Oxford and Paris XI.
Recruiting and training talented African so they get trained for employment,” he If Africa is going to catch up with the rest of
students and teachers, the program is building explained. the world, it needs its own scientists and
capacity for African initiatives in education, “However, [students at Next Einstein technologists.”
research, and technology, said Dr Turok. “If Initiative] will be designing solutions instead Another project in Africa, this time in
you look at Africa, the danger is in saying all of just implementing things from abroad. It is Nigeria, is geared towards a niche audience.
Africans need is to learn how to use computers clear that the future will be knowledge driven. The Smallholders Farmers Rural Radio, a
10 Thefoundation.

13. decisions we take now will lay the foundations of small groups of individuals, they have not
for the century ahead.” fed into wider policy reform and resulted in
Delegates at the conference were told renewal of the system as a whole. Their
that there were three essential criteria for impact has been short-term.
the future funding of education: the “In many cases, they have failed to bring
ring-fencing of education budgets by about even minor improvements.”
individual governments along with new Tang said that for major improvements to
investment; the need for teachers and take place there should be “greater
education professionals to demonstrate that recognition of educational planning and
education would provide the means to management as a specific professional
stimulate the economy through greater field”.
employment and hence more wealth; and He said there should be clearer goals
that new approaches should be considered with a shared vision and greater
to pay for education in the future. accountability and that for reform to take
On the latter point, Bokova highlighted a place there needs to be a strong leadership.
report from the Leading Group on Innovative Finally he told delegates that, with
Financing for Development’s Task Force on particular reference to ‘fragile states’, there
Education. That pointed out that a tax of just needs to be external help from international
0.005% each year on international financial agencies.
transactions could raise $30 billion annually. Praising the event, Tang said: “I would
The previous day Qian Tang, Assistant like to thank the Qatar Foundation, and in
Director-General for Education at UNESCO, particular Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint
had spoken about how education could be Nasser, for having organized such a
improved, particularly in developing
countries.
stimulating programme and for enabling us
to be here today.
wiSe
“Traditional approaches have only chipped
away at the educational challenges faced by
“In only its second year, the World
Innovation Summit for Education has
announcements
countries,” he said. “We know that simply already established a reputation as a forum At the closing session of the summit, HE
building schools, training teachers or that stimulates change at the highest level.” Sheikh Dr Al-Thani announced several
distributing books does not guarantee that decisions that will be enacted in the course of
any learning will take place. For further information, visit 2011.
“While such projects may change the lives www.wise-qatar.org
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WISE PRIzE
The annual WISE Prize for Education will be
the world’s first major international prize for
education. Selected by a jury of five
distinguished personalities, the winner will
receive an award of $500,000. Nominations
for the first WISE Prize for Education will be
invited from 1 February to 30
April 2011.
For more information please visit
www.wiseprizeforeducation.org
CALL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
TASKFORCE DEDICATED TO EDUCATION
SySTEM REBUILDING IN HAITI
station launched by The Smallholders local Igbo language. We provide information WISE called for the creation of a taskforce
Foundation, is helping 250,000 small-farmer from NGO’s, embassies, universities and that can help rebuild Haiti’s educational
listeners improve their agricultural, other institutions about agriculture. In the system. The taskforce will report back with a
environmental management and market long term, our listeners will be able to increase concrete action plan for education in Haiti.
access capacity. their crop yield and household income.”
Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, Executive Director As the WISE Awards revealed, new models THE LAUNCH OF A WISE PUBLICATION
of The Smallholders Foundation, explained: of education can help bring education to AND WEB PORTAL
“Farmers do not really have access to people across the world and invite entire WISE will create a publication that will
television. Newspaper vendors do not come communities to take part in it. Showcasing record major achievements and initiatives in
to these communities because they know and rewarding these projects, the awards the world of international education,
these people do not understand English. hopefully will be able to help transform including those at WISE. This key point of
“Our solution was to establish a radio education and trigger their replication in the reference will be complemented by an
station, which broadcasts information in the near future. enhanced WISE website.
www.qf.org.qa 11

14. SoCiAl DevelopmeNt CeNteR
SDC auction reveals
“formidable social conscience”
A record sum raised at the Social Development Center’s Families in need including widows, those
in debt, the elderly, orphans and talented
7th annual Gala Dinner will help the organization in academic students who cannot afford
education fees will benefit from the fund.
its mission to assist the needy in Qatar. The event “was a spectacular success and
generated proceeds for a very worthy cause,”
Q
atar already holds the record for SDC Executive Director Amal Al Mannai
the world’s most expensive phone told The Foundation. It also “reflected the
number. In December 2007, Q-Tel formidable social conscience of individuals
successfully auctioned 666 6666 for QAR 10 and companies within the Qatari community.”
million. Indeed an indication of just how serious the
But last month, the Social Development bidding was comes when one considers that the
Center (SDC) 7th Gala Dinner raised a record starting price for every item auctioned began at
sum for the poor and needy of Qatar – QAR 500,000. A raised hand or nod to the
auctioning off several numbers, with the most auctioneer meant an additional QAR 100,000.
expensive eight digits reaching a whopping During the balmy December evening,
QAR 4.2 million. hundreds of distinguished guests packed the
Q-Tel was behind this remarkable Sheraton Hotel for the Iraqi Civilization
achievement too, sponsoring the event themed dinner. The attendance of His
alongside Exxon Mobil and offering a series of Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al
mobile numbers that helped achieve a total of Thani, the Amir of Qatar, and Her Highness
QAR 28 million in funds. These are now being Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, consort of the
funneled into projects to support Qatari families Amir and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation,
as part of the Tarahom Endowment Fund. was a particular highlight.
12 Thefoundation.

15. His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser at the SDC event.
Guests helped raise enough money to As for the event, said Al-Kuwari, the night enjoyed not only by Iraqis but by Syrians and
continue supporting the SDC’s almost 30,000 was a hit from the offset. Jordanians too.”
beneficiaries and those who will receive “It was good from the beginning,” he said. For many years, the SDC’s Gala Dinner has
funding in the future. “The traditional music was great and could be become one of the most anticipated events on
Mariam Al Mannai, the Head of Social the Qatar Foundation calendar. Its grand
Services at the SDC, said that while the dinners are always characterized by
evening was a financial success, it was also a performances and displays which promote and
truly social occasion. explore global culture. Previous galas have been
“The atmosphere was so humanitarian,” themed on Indian culture, the grandeur of the
she said. “Having His Highness the Amir and Venice Carnival and the romance of Andalusia.
Her Highness Sheikha Moza was my most December’s soiree was titled ‘The Seven
favorite part. In attending, they have shown Letters of Rafidain’. It captured the Golden
the community and the world around us that Age of Islam by using theater to depict some
they support organizations that are designed
to develop a society.”
Key projects at the SDC of the great minds from that era, including Al
Ziryab, the famous musician and artist, and
The dinner also presented an opportunity The SDC helps individuals Al Kindi, a polymath who introduced Greek
for every department in Qatar Foundation to through… philosophy to the Arab world.
learn from one-another and share fundraising n Career counseling, training in areas A musical play portrayed the life of Al
advice. Staff from Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) from beauty schools to opening a small Jahiz, the grandchild of slaves who became a
in particular came out in force. business, and unlocking the creative noted Afro-Arab scholar. He was also one of
“We at SDC are more than happy to work potential in small, home-based the first Islamic zoologists.
with ROTA so we can invest our knowledge businesses by transforming them into Visitors were also able to enjoy a Time
in collaboration. We are happy to discuss the larger enterprises. Tunnel tracing the Golden Age of Islamic
lessons we picked up when organizing the civilization in Iraq from the mid-seventh
gala dinner event,” said Al Mannai. The SDC helps low-income or century to the mid-thirteenth century.
The night also marked the first time men incapacitated families by The celebrated Iraqi theater director Jawad
and women celebrated and raised money for providing… Al-Assadi was involved in choreographing
the organization in a mixed environment at n Medical care, buying furniture, paying the performances with a group of Iraqi artists.
an SDC event. debts, rent, utility bills, giving Eid and Inventions and mechanisms such as the
“It was such a good feeling to be involved,” Ramadan gifts, issuing food coupons, robotic man, armillary sphere, and the
said Hamza Al-Kuwari, the Director of helping to pay education fees and astrolabe, an instrument that was used to
Quality Management Systems Directorate at organizing scholarships. calculate the direction of the Qibla and to
Qatar Foundation. find out prayer times, were also showcased.
As a Qatari himself, the night held a The SDC helps businesses “This is a very important fundraising
special importance. progress by… event for us and we have a team of people
“Being part of the mission to achieve stability n Issuing interest-free loans to support who have worked painstakingly to ensure
within families and train them for the future is business expansion, holding awards that it is a memorable occasion with charitable
wonderful. It’s good to know that in some way ceremonies to boost motivation and outcomes. We are very grateful for the
we helped Qatari families and those who live in celebrate achievement, providing support we have received from our sponsors,”
Doha. I felt lucky to have participated. I know training to improve the quality of a small Amal Al Mannai added.
where this money will go in the end,” he said. business’ end-product. For more information please visit www.sdc.org.qa
www.qf.org.qa 13

16. ReACh out to ASiA
ReCoRD
DoNAtioN
helpS RotA
ReACh out
The largest-ever donation made to ROTA has enabled a
number of projects to raise educational standards in Nepal,
Indonesia and Qatar.
14 Thefoundation.

17. www.qf.org.qa 15

18. ReACh out to ASiA
r
each Out To Asia (ROTA) received of education, and help with making their teachers and improving and providing basic
its largest-ever corporate donation buildings more resilient to natural disaster. facilities such as separate sex bathrooms and
from Vodafone Qatar in December: a ROTA estimated that 300,000 people from clean drinking water. In addition, the funding
gift of $2.5 million to support some of its marginalized communities below the country’s will mean that half of the schools will offer
projects. While the generous sum will be poverty line will benefit from the work. free education.
remembered as a milestone in ROTA’s history, This includes the employment of extra The World Economic Forum’s 2010 Global
the charitable gift is about more than just
money.
“This is about more than just writing a
check,” said Jan Mottram, Vodafone Qatar’s
HR Director. “We are working alongside
ROTA as equals.”
The venture also marks one of the first
steps taken by Vodafone Qatar to embrace the
vision of the late Grahame Maher, the
company’s CEO who passed away suddenly
in November.
“He was so excited about this partnership.
We now feel like we are living his dream,”
added Mottram.
“This level that Vodafone Qatar has raised
is a celebration for both of our organizations,”
said Essa Al Mannai, ROTA’s Acting Director.
“I would like to dedicate this moment of
happiness to Grahame Maher.”
Vodafone Qatar and ROTA began talks a
year ago to decide how the phone company
can help in ROTA’s mission to empower the
needy through education.
Projects in Nepal, Indonesia and, perhaps
surprisingly, Qatar, were selected.
In Nepal, 157 schools in the Kailali district
will benefit from improvements in the quality
16 Thefoundation.

19. Vodafone Qatar’s
donation will go towards
ROTA’s local humanitarian
projects and education
initiatives in Asia. At $2.5
million, the donation is the
largest corporate sum given
to ROTA in the
organization’s history.
Competitive Index highlighted Nepal as one of Among the accepted proposals there is an impact the community,” added Stevens. “It
the neediest countries in terms of education. initiative called ‘I Care’ to embrace migrant also allows the students to learn lessons in
The section on schooling said that Nepal workers and change the attitudes of students project design, how to run an organization
ranked at 116 out of 139 for quality of primary towards those that work in universities; a and apply their skill sets to make a difference
education, while Indonesia was at 55 and campaign to promote safe driving; and a in someone’s life.”
Qatar coming in fifth. Finland was the highest project to explore the behavioral issues The winning entries were given budgets of
rated country for primary education, and among young children in schools. up to QAR 8,000 to carry out their seven-
Angola the poorest. “‘I Care’ for example teaches people to month projects, which are designed to have a
respect those that are working for you. They long-lasting impact on the local community.
i n indonesia, the joint venture plans to
upgrade the quality of education for 72,000
students and 11,200 teachers from 200
are challenging stereotypes by creating videos
and posters. The students know that it will be
challenging but it will raise an important
Vodafone Qatar had been particularly
keen to support local projects, said Luisa
Gentile, the company’s Head of Corporate
schools in Central Java. A scheme to improve issue. We are not under an illusion that this Responsibility. “It took us three months to
the teaching quality for students from low- will change the world in a year, but it does identify projects: it was a long negotiation.
income families will help in terms of finance With the Youth Service Club we wanted to
and psychological support. work with the local community in Qatar and
In Qatar, Vodafone Qatar chose to assist it tOOk us thrEE we have been very impressed with how
ROTA’s Youth Service Clubs. Students from mOnths tO enterprising the proposals have been.”
universities in Doha between the ages of 18 idEntify prOJECts: it A number of Vodafone Qatar staff will
and 24 were invited to make proposals for accompany ROTA and volunteering students
projects that help the community in which
wAs A lOng to take part in foreign trips.
they live. Nine projects, including three led by nEgOtiAtiOn. with thE “But this is not a holiday volunteer trip.
Qatari groups, were accepted and their work yOuth sErviCE Club They won’t just be painting schools. They
will be completed in June. wE wAntEd tO wOrk need the right spirit; it’s a skilled trip and they
“I have been inspired by the level of with thE lOCAl need a full skill set,” said Gentile. “If someone
commitment from these young people,” said COmmunity in QAtAr at Vodafone Qatar is an expert in finance, for
Alberta Stevens, the Head of ROTA Qatar. And wE hAvE bEEn example, we will use those skills.”
“I’ve been working with them for two years There will be 22 Vodafone Qatar volunteers
and they are like a family now. They go out
vEry imprEssEd with in total.
and bring more students to us. The movement hOw EntErprising thE “This will strengthen Qatar’s efforts to
is getting bigger and bigger and they are prOpOsAls hAvE bEEn. build the capacity of Asian schools and
enthusiastic to make a difference in the world, educational facilities,” said Mottram at
not just in Qatar.” Vodafone Qatar.
www.qf.org.qa 17

20. QAtAR philhARmoNiC oRCheStRA
oRCheStRA moveS
to New home
told The Foundation. “They are very much
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s new home in the impressed by the hall, the acoustics and the
Cultural Village will allow it to dramatically increase stage design.
“The orchestra is very glad to have their
both its performances and its outreach programs. own venue to perform. For the orchestra it’s
very important to have the facilities and also
for rehearsing, preparing for chamber music
Q
atar philharmonic Orchestra’s fillip when it moved into its new home in and practicing. Everything is now together:
(QPO) mission is to educate local Doha’s Cultural Village last month. the venue for the concerts, stores for the
audiences on classical music; to With seating for 500 guests, the Opera instruments and offices for administrations.
engage its school children, encouraging them House is modeled on the world-famous La “If you see the new Opera House you’ll
to pursue music and take up instruments; to Scala in Milan, and features rows of regal understand. I walked in and thought ‘ok, this
play an important role in preserving local seats and grand balconies. It played a key role is our home’.
musical traditions; and to take Arabic music in the recent National Day celebrations, with “Now we have the opera house you can sell
to new audiences in other parts of the world. hundreds of people attending a special boxes, seats, special parking, special catering:
Since its formation in 2008, QPO has had a performance of Qatar Symphony. it’s very important,” Meister added. “You can
dramatic impact, with spectacular The response of the audience to the new even have subscription rolls, because people
performances in Doha, London’s Royal Albert venue was wonderful, said QPO’s Managing like to have their own seats.”
Hall and OPEC’s 50th anniversary celebrations Director Kurt Meister. “The audience Since its inception QPO has maintained a
in Vienna. And its work was given yet another appreciated the Opera House very much,” he strong focus on community outreach. For the
18 Thefoundation.

21. concerts. As a result of that we have family
“suppOrting ArAbiC concerts, which consist of a short program
musiC is vEry with narrators, so I try to convince the parents
impOrtAnt,” hE sAid. through the children.
“bEEthOvEn And “The main thing we want to get across
mOzArt ArE pErfOrmEd though is that classical music is fun. We want
by All thE EurOpEAn people to understand that you can come,
OrChEstrAs, but if listen and relax: it’s a kind of education.”
Meister is also firm in his support for Arab
yOu’rE living in An music, whether it be working with local
ArAbiC COuntry thEn musicians – such as Dr Salem Abdul-Kareem,
yOu hAvE tO suppOrt the man who composed Qatar Symphony – or
ArAbiC COmpOsErs. playing Arab pieces to Western audiences –
such as Marcel Khalife’s Arabian Concerto,
“I think it’s important to bring something to performed for the first time by the orchestra
the children, to let them be a part of the at its inaugural concert, as well as at the
production,” said Meister. Previous events have Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and the
included giving schoolchildren the chance to Champs Elysees Theater in Paris.
conduct the orchestra and the opportunity to “Supporting Arabic music is very
speak with the musicians and try out their important,” he said. “Beethoven and Mozart
instruments. “I think that’s very important to are performed by all the European orchestras,
show them that it’s fun,” he said. “We give them but if you’re living in an Arabic country then
past two years, for example, it has involved the idea that music is not boring… We’re hoping you have to support Arabic composers.”
local children in annual performances of the that we’ll inspire more people in the region to QPO now features either an Arabic piece or
opera Hansel and Gretel. Around 40 children take up these instruments. an Arabic soloist in about 80% of its programs,
were responsible for decorating the stage, “I saw many children who were a little bit something that has proved to be extremely
making the costumes and, of course, shy at first, but once they’ve seen the popular with audiences. Meister gives the
performing in the show. instruments they start taking an interest and example of QPO’s recent performance in
Meister says the end result was a are asking about lessons.” Vienna as part of OPEC’s birthday celebrations.
celebration of Qatar’s diversity. “They were “Everybody expects that we don’t only come
asked, for example, to paint a tree, because we
needed to create a forest to cover the
orchestra. So everyone painted a tree from
u ltimately, meister hopes that the
result will be a local pool of talent on
which QPO and other orchestras can draw,
with Western classical music.
“We performed in Paris [in May 2010] and
it was a good program: we started with Arabic
where they were from: we had small and large although he’s realistic about the timeframe: and then the second part we played Western
trees, all different kinds of trees in the world. “We can’t expect that in five years we’ll have music. You still need to give people what they
It was very nice to see.” 20 or 30 Qataris [in the orchestra],” he said. know, because if you play only Arabic music
While undoubtedly lots of fun for those Focussing on children also allows QPO to then people cannot compare the level of the
involved, such community projects are reach their parents. After the Hansel and orchestra. We should show them that we can
important for two reasons. First, they engage Gretel events, for example, each child is given do both.”
children with music and second, as any a CD of the music. “Many parents said their The result, Meister says, is that QPO, in its
parent will attest, the most effective way to child insisted on playing it in the car. So the own humble way, can help form a bridge
reach adults is through their offspring. result is that parents hear it and come to the between cultures.
www.qf.org.qa 19

22. Destination
of
Choice
With more than 20 years in the hospitality industry,
Abdul Aziz Al Emadi has played a key role in its
growth in Qatar. Now, as CEO of Dohaland
Hospitality, he tells The Foundation about his
plans to help develop the country as a destination for
business and leisure, and to promote the industry as a
The Foundation With Qatar hosting the
World Cup 2022, how will it affect the
career choice to young Qataris.
hospitality market in Qatar?
Abdul Aziz Al Emadi The hospitality planning Abdul Aziz Al Emadi There are a couple of
for the World Cup needs to be as balanced as reasons. If you look at developments in the
possible; it is important to tackle this issue economy today it’s a good time for owners
with the big picture in mind, to have a unique because you have more influence: you can
and integrated approach to the hospitality push for a better management agreement, for
market in Qatar – focus on it as a whole unit better commercial terms.
instead of competing with each other. Another reason is that we wanted
This development will strongly support our Mandarin to add to the destination, to have
thoughts on the need to develop nationals to that niche level of hospitality experience
play a bigger role in the hospitality sector in the within our development.
near future. So, it becomes mandatory to
prepare Qatari youth with relevant hospitality The Foundation And you approached
education and work experience to be ready for Mandarin Oriental directly to come to Qatar?
the biggest sport event in the world. Abdul Aziz Al Emadi Yes, we specifically went
to Mandarin. We have a strategy of whom to
The Foundation You’ve signed a deal for attract. While it’s a good time for owners, it’s
Mandarin Oriental to manage a hotel in also important to have that synergy and
Musheireb, but the company does not yet ensure that you’re adding to a destination
have a hotel in the region. Why did you not from a tourism and development point of
opt for someone with more experience of the Abdul Aziz Al Emadi, left, in the view. You have to have the right fit for
Middle East? early stage of his career. Musheireb.
20 Thefoundation.

23. foRwARD thiNKeRS
The Foundation How closely will you work lots of training and development, you have to
with the Mandarin Oriental? move among different departments, and only
Abdul Aziz Al Emadi For any operator, then do you have the knowledge relevant to
whenever they enter a new market they need really succeed in the industry. People don’t
to have support. Of course they have always want to be working for 10 or 15 years
experience of the technical side of things, their like that.
policies and procedures, but you need the local When people think of hotels, they look at
knowledge, and that’s true of any country. If the lobby, the restaurants, and they think about
you build another hotel in Abu Dhabi or something beautiful that is there to be enjoyed.
Oman, it doesn’t mean you can take the exact But to make that happen you have to see what
same model and move it to Doha. You need to goes on in the back of the house. The people
assess the location, have the right policies, and there are very important, and without them
that’s where we add value to the project. you cannot reach the requisite level of service.
The Foundation As well as Mandarin
Oriental you’ve also announced a joint yOu nEEd tO gO thrOugh lOts Of trAining
venture with Premier Inn, through which And dEvElOpmEnt, yOu hAvE tO mOvE AmOng
you’ll open a hotel in Education City. Are
diffErEnt dEpArtmEnts, And Only thEn dO yOu
there more in the pipeline?
Abdul Aziz Al Emadi We have four more hotels
hAvE thE knOwlEdgE rElEvAnt tO rEAlly
in the pipeline: three more in Musheireb and suCCEEd in thE industry. pEOplE dOn’t AlwAys
one in cooperation with Qatar Foundation. wAnt tO bE wOrking fOr 10 Or 15 yEArs likE thAt.
One can announce a lot of projects, but at
Dohaland we believe in building the right
foundation, and ensure that when we that we can say we own one too. No. We have to The Foundation What do you think the
announce something it’s really happening. evaluate what we are adding to the country. solution might be?
Abdul Aziz Al Emadi People really need to
The Foundation Will any of those additional The Foundation So far you’ve announced one spend more time in the back of house and
hotels be under the Premier Inn brand? luxury- and one mid-market hotel. Are you understand the real hospitality business. Then
Abdul Aziz Al Emadi In today’s market it’s very going to look to maintain that balance or they can decide if this is what they want to do.
important to position the first hotel. With a will you focus more on one area as you open Many of them accept the offer but the reality of
joint venture, you need to test the relationship more properties? long working hours might not be appealing, or
and see how it works. And then if the Abdul Aziz Al Emadi With Mandarin at luxury, there’s that better offer in banking... Now, if
opportunity comes to have a second budget we’re looking at other levels – four and five you compare it with any other sector, even
hotel in the country then we will not hesitate to stars – to ensure we have a mixed use sport, the pay scales are sometimes higher
have a second Premier Inn. development to fulfill different needs, so when than the hospitality industry. But as I say, it’s a
we have customers with different budgets we long-term investment and we have to select the
The Foundation Do you have plans to expand have something for them. right people.
beyond the six hotels you’ve already I have a couple of ideas based on my
mentioned? The Foundation As someone who has worked experience but I moved from day-to-day
Abdul Aziz Al Emadi We need to take a while all his life in hospitality I know that operations over three years ago, so I have to
to review and evaluate what we’re doing before promoting the hotel industry as a career update myself on the market today and reflect
we take the next step. The right strategy doesn’t choice for young Qataris is important to you. on the thinking of the young nationals. I don’t
have to be very fast or very slow. At this stage Is that something you’ll be looking to do at want to make a judgment based on my
we’re not thinking about it, but if you ask me Dohaland Hospitality? previous knowledge, because it might not be
the same question later in the year, I might Abdul Aziz Al Emadi Yes, we want to really accurate anymore. So I have to do some market
have a different answer. support nationals. As we have a number of analysis before we come to any conclusions.
hotels and new operators moving to Doha, it’s
The Foundation It’s interesting that you’ve very important that we encourage nationals to The Foundation Do you think that one
gone for a budget brand when a lot of the work in the hospitality sector. solution might be more formal training in
focus in the last few years was on building hospitality? Do universities not offer that
bigger, better and more luxurious hotels. Do The Foundation Why do you think it’s not currently?
you think that the mid-market sector has always seen as being as attractive as other Abdul Aziz Al Emadi They do, but the problem
been overlooked? industries? is the other way around. Not all students
Abdul Aziz Al Emadi Think of cars – everyone Abdul Aziz Al Emadi Today, there are many attending the course want to work in hotels.
wants to buy luxury cars but it’s also important sectors available to young graduates and there’s Many of them finish the course as they want to
to think of the maintenance, about how much huge competition to attract them. Fresh earn their degree, because that’s what you need
it costs and the value you’re adding to life. graduates find it difficult to make up their for a graduate level job, and not because they
While building five-star hotels, you have to minds as to where they want to work. want to work in the hotels.
make sure that you are adding to the market. It’s Honestly, working in the hotel sector is a For more information please visit
not just about adding more five-star hotels so long-term investment. You need to go through www.dohaland.com
www.qf.org.qa 21

24. bioethiCS
AN iSlAmiC
peRSpeCtive
oN bioethiCS
A pioneering project at Georgetown University School of Foreign Studies in Qatar
is compiling Islamic thought on bioethics in a single resource for the first time.
t
he largest collection of bioethical The huge database of material is being Areas such as organ transplant, cloning and
research material in the Muslim world compiled by librarian and research associate in vitro fertilization have all emerged in a
is taking shape at Georgetown Ayman Shabana. He intends, with other relatively short space of time. Through
University School of Foreign Studies in Qatar researchers, to identify, collect and index Islamic collating documents and books about bioethics
(SFS-Qatar). materials on bioethics which have been written in an Islamic context, it is hoped the resource
The three-year project secured $1 million in predominantly Muslim countries. will be of great use to scholars, doctors, lawyers
of funding from Qatar National Research The issue of bioethics in the context of and even members of the public.
Fund and Georgetown University in the Islam is a relatively new topic, but with the Shabana said: “This literature will help
United States, and it is hoped it will put Qatar pace of scientific and medical breakthroughs, answer the questions of whether these
on the map as a leading centre for bioethical it is one that has increasing importance for processes are permissible from the Islamic
research. the Islamic world. legal point of view or not. Most of the material
22 Thefoundation.