MOHAMED ZIED CHAARI-WIRELESS POWER CHARGING.

1. The monThly magazine of qaTar foundaTion issue 35 november 2011
GROWTH STORY ACHIEVING GLOBAL PRECIOUS RESOURCE
Charting the QF estate’s STANDARDS The research projects aiming to
rapid development QF Directorate presented with safeguard Qatar’s water supply
internationally recognized quality certificates
INVENTING
THE FUTURE
Stars of Science showcases the
innovators of tomorrow – today
www.qf.org.qa

2. WHEN DR. AMAL AL-MALKI’S STUDENTS
WERE SEARCHING FOR A ROLE MODEL,
they didn’t have to look much further than
the front of their classroom.
AS AN ASSISTANT TEACHING PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, she teaches
a variety of courses, including writing composition and postcolonial literature, and has published articles in numerous
academic journals. Outside of her academic roles, she is also the author of a forthcoming book, in which she explores
and analyzes the portrayal of Arab women in the Arabic media.
Qatar Foundation is proud to be home to leaders like Dr. Al-Malki. Together, we are making Qatar a center of
knowledge that is helping the entire world move forward. Learn more about Dr. Al-Malki’s work and discover the
people of Qatar Foundation at qfachievers.com.

3. “When I saw what Qatar looks like from
the plane, I saw the modern towers and the
trees – I was amazed.”
ahmed zayed
Contents ISSUE #35 NOVEMBER 2011
03 NEWS
QF backs global environmental
campaign; Construction firm awards
scholarships; Campuses collaborate on
new course; Funding the academics of
the future; Qatar to host global forum;
Branch campuses spread the word; Her
Highness visits journalism students;
Summit for student leaders; Retail
group sponsors internships;
Collaboration on data analysis;
VCUQatar student scoops design prize;
School counselor advice session;
Distinguished Lecture Series restarts
10 ~ QF Radio
VOICE OF YOUTH
New live show offers young people
across the Arab world a chance to
speak frankly on issues of the day
11 CALENDAR
12 PLANNING FOR A
PROSPEROUS FUTURE
Analysts at RAND-Qatar Policy Institute 26 ACHIEVING GLOBAL
bring the culture of academia to research STANDARDS
on pressing public affairs issues, QF’s Health, Safety, Security and
providing a sound basis for decisions Environment Directorate celebrates
made at the very top of government achieving international quality standards
in one third of the usual time
14 ~ QF Achievers
DREAMS OF YOUTH
Ten-year-old Ahmed Zayed tells The
Foundation about his memories of
growing up in Palestine, his family’s 20 DEFENDING EDUCATION
move to Qatar and his appearances on QF students join campaign to protect
Al Jazeera Children’s Channel Palestinians’ right to learn
16 BOUNDLESS AMBITION 22 SAFEGUARDING A
PRECIOUS RESOURCE
The Foundation charts the rapid
expansion of the QF estate over the Researchers at Texas A&M University at Special report
past 16 years and looks forward to the Qatar are developing innovative
ambitious construction plans of the technologies to squeeze every drop of 28 INVENTING THE FUTURE
future with the Capital Projects use from the country’s scarcest TV show Stars of Science gives budding
Directorate commodity – water innovators a chance to shine
Editorial CommuniCation DireCtorate Rima Ismail rismail@qf.org.qa Tel: +974 4454 0960
Ghada Saade gsaade@qf.org.qa Tel: +974 4454 0961 Asma Al Binali asalbinali@qf.org.qa
eDitor John Hayward john@switch.ae Tel: +974 4454 1027
Senior WriterS Richard Harris, Lauren Steadman, Philippa Stewart, Gemma Taylor
©2010 Qatar Foundation. All Rights reserved. No part of this publication dEsign Creative DireCtor Carl Bergman
may be reproduced without the written permission of Qatar Foundation.

4. WELCOME LETTER
A new generation
of innovators
Right across the Arab World, the attitudes of young people are changing in all manner of
ways as they embrace the opportunities offered by the advances in education and
technology sweeping our region. This ‘attitude shift’ among the younger generation should
be a source of great encouragement for all of us at Qatar Foundation (QF), strengthening
our conviction that we can achieve the transition to a sustainable, post-carbon economy
founded on innovation and technology.
Channeling the enthusiasm and curiosity of young people lies at the heart of everything
QF does, and for this reason the recent launch of the third season of the popular Stars of
Science television show was greeted with great excitement. Through Stars of Science, QF is
helping to spread an inspiring message of hope to ever more people across the region,
demonstrating just what can be achieved when we work together to unlock the human
potential of our gifted young people.
The show, devised by QF, pits young innovators from Qatar and seven other Arab
countries against each other in a contest to create the best new invention and has proven a
huge hit with audiences throughout the region. Wonderful inventions spanning every
discipline of science and engineering have been on show, ranging from robotic disability
aids to iPhone apps and environmentally friendly bio fuels made from fermented algae.
While the technical expertise of the young men and women on the show is testament to
the investment in education made by QF and other organizations in the region, the spirit of
entrepreneurship and creativity on show speaks of a deep cultural shift taking place in the
Arab World.
Young Arabs are no longer content to passively consume technology produced
elsewhere, but now show the appetite and ability to create their own inventions here in the
Middle East.
Haya Khalifa Al Nassr
Director of Communication, Qatar Foundation
2 Thefoundation.

5. NEWS
In brief
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS ExTENDED
Qatar Building Company (QBC) is to sponsor six
student scholarships this year.
The company has been providing scholarships
since 2005 and helped 15 young people to date. This
year, three new awards are being offered and a
further three have been renewed.
Romy M Haddad, QBC’s Public Relations Manager,
said: “These scholarships are part of our greater
environment Specialists aisha Ghani, left, and abdulla al hajjaj of the health, commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Safety, Security & environment directorate, with Chris Silva, Sustainability “At Qatar Building Company we sincerely believe
education Coordinator, Faculty & Student Services education division.
that education is the most honorable way to empower
Celebrating sustainability
our youth and strengthen the next generation.”
Scholarships are awarded annually by application.
Students on the scheme must maintain an
~ HSSE Directorate backs global environmental campaign. outstanding academic record, with no disciplinary or
conduct demerits during their studies.
Staff, faculty members and students complimentary bike servicing was This year participants will have the option of
joined hundreds of universities around provided by sports shop SkateShack. undertaking a six to 12-week internship with QBC.
the world in late October as they Computer Science major El Hassan
gathered at QF’s Student Center to Wanas said: “Something I like to do to
mark Campus Sustainability Day. help the environment is instead of using
Ambassadors from the Health, Safety, plastic air fresheners or chemicals I use
Security & Environment Directorate the leftover peel of an orange.
(HSSE) were on hand to distribute “If you place this in your car the heat of
information about sustainable living and the day will cause the peel to infuse your
organize interactive activities such as vehicle with a beautiful citrus smell,
making reusable canvas bags from scrap totally naturally.”
materials. Those who committed to carpooling or
Recycling bins were provided so using an environmentally friendly
visitors could throw away potentially method of transportation were offered a
useful waste such as printer cartridges free lunch.
and electrical goods.
Free coffee was offered to those who Visit tinyurl.com/csd1 to sign up to the
brought their own mugs and campaign.
CAMPUSES COLLABORATE
ON BIOLOGY COURSES
in the neWS Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) and
Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) are
~ Qatar Foundation stories in the international press. to work in partnership on two new undergraduate
degree programs in biological sciences and
Three writers whose work has been published at Qatar Foundation have
computational biology.
visited the UK, reports British paper Cambridge News. The programs will be delivered jointly, with degrees
Khaled AlKhamissi, Ahmed Mourad and Ahmed Khaled Towfik were issued by CMU-Q. Dr Ilker Baybars, Dean of CMU-Q,
due to speak at King’s College, Cambridge University, on 19 October. welcomed the partnership.
He said: “Carnegie Mellon Qatar is excited to
The article said: “The event is sponsored by the college, Bloomsbury
partner with Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar to
Qatar Foundation Publishing, the Centre of Islamic Studies, and the Centre offer new programs in biological sciences and
for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. computational biology. Graduates will be uniquely
“Khaled AlKhamissi is a novelist, TV producer and former publisher. His qualified to solve problems and contribute to
novel Taxi transports the reader to the streets of Cairo during the final years cutting-edge research in fields such as biomedicine,
health care and global health.”
of the Hosni Mubarak era. Dr Javaid Sheikh, Dean, WCMC-Q, said: “WCMC-Q
“Ahmed Khaled Towfik is the Arab world’s most prominent and bestselling is delighted to join CMU-Q in offering bachelor’s
author of fantasy and horror genres. degrees in biological sciences, which will be an
“Ahmed Mourad is a photographer, graphic designer and a novelist who important contribution to the vision of Qatar becoming
a knowledge-based society by 2030.”
has won several awards for his short films.”
www.qf.org.qa 3

6. NEWS
Funding the academics
of the future
Panelists Ibrahim al mannai, Supreme education Council special representative, left, dr abdul Sattar al Taie, director, QNRF, and
dr abdulla al Kamali, Program manager at SSReP address assembled teachers and pupils.
,
~ Students encouraged to apply for QNRF program. cycles depends on how much we can continue
to provide real opportunities for all students
Budding scientists, linguists and QNRF’s Executive Director, Dr Abdul Sattar across educational institutions to integrate
mathematicians have the chance to shine in Al Taie, and SSREP Program Manager Dr research into their school activities.”
their chosen fields thanks to a Qatar Foundation Abdulla Al Kamali presented the winners with The program was launched in September
member. their rewards and encouraged the next round of 2010 in association with Qatar’s Supreme
Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) has students to apply. Education Council.
launched the second funding cycle of its Dr Al Taie said: “We encourage all students in It aims to instill an interest in research
Secondary School Research Experience Qatar to connect the value of research with the among students and increase their
Program (SSREP). prospect of a valuable career path. opportunities for teamwork with their
Teachers and students across Qatar are being “This program encourages the creation of a teachers.
encouraged to submit ideas for research papers, community network with like-minded Proposals on a diverse range of subjects
with both groups eligible for QR5,000 if their individuals from other schools and places them were accepted, including science,
project idea earns a mark of distinction. in touch with the local industry and medical mathematics, social sciences, English, Arabic
Winning projects from the first cycle of the institutions. and physical education.
SSREP were praised in an October ceremony. “The success of our program in its future In the third funding cycle, research papers
focusing on Islamic studies will also be
acceptable.
SSREP is designed to encourage research
and improve students’ understanding of the
skills they will need at university.
During a question and answer session at
the awards ceremony, panelists Ibrahim Al
Mannai, Supreme Education Council Special
Representative, Dr Al Taie and Dr Al Kamali
fielded queries from teachers and students.
They asked why team sizes were limited to
two students and why previously rejected
ideas could not be resubmitted.
QNRF has launched three other funding
schemes – the flagship National Priorities
Research Program, Undergraduate Research
Experience Program and Young Scientists
Research Experience Program.
a high school student accepts a certificate from dr Saif ali al hajari, Vice-Chairperson of
Qatar Foundation. Visit www.qnrf.org for details.
4 Thefoundation.

7. NEWS
Qatar to host World Petroleum Congress
~ World leaders in energy will gather for 20th edition of global forum.
his excellency Dr Mohammed Bin Saleh Al
Sada will attend a major event at Qatar
Foundation.
The Minister of Energy and Industry will
speak at the 20th World Petroleum Congress
(WPC) – the conference of Qatar National
Convention Centre (QNCC).
The forum, organized by the UK-based
World Petroleum Council, will run from 4-8
December and unite industry leaders from
around the globe.
All delegates will attend the first session,
including six Middle East oil and gas executives.
His Excellency Dr Al Sada will join
ExxonMobil’s CEO, Rex Tillerson, and Shell
CEO Peter Voser to deliver a presentation on
Qatar’s role in changes to the energy industry.
Session topics will reflect the official
conference theme of ‘Energy Solutions for All:
Promoting Cooperation, Innovation and
Investment’.
Oil and gas professionals have been invited
to submit technical papers across a broad
range of topics to the conference.
Prize money will be awarded to the best
authors aged under 35 as part of ithe WPC’s
youth program, intended to encourage
younger delegates to work towards a
sustainable future.
Branch campuses spread the word
~ Event gives high school students a glimpse of college life. university could expand their degree
programs by taking classes at the others.
Teenagers packed QF’s Student Center He added that students would benefit from
to learn about its branch campuses. access to the knowledge and expertise of
About 1,500 prospective freshmen faculty at their US parent campuses and be
attended the Discover Education City Fair offered the chance to study overseas.
to learn about courses at QF’s six college The event also gave information about
sites. the application process and applying for
The event, held at QF’s Student Center, financial aid.
featured information booths from each He said: “Qatar Foundation has asked six Abdulla Al Obidli, 17, said he had been
institution. Representatives from Academic renowned universities to bring their inspired by the event.
Bridge Program (ABP) were on hand to top-ranking programs here. The Tariq Bin Zyad Independent School
advise young people needing to boost their “Having these six universities in one place student said: “I think I would like to study at
grades. means Education City can offer a unique Texas A&M University at Qatar because I
Jassim Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Student opportunity in education. You will not just be like chemistry, physics and math, and the
Center Business Operations Supervisor, getting an education from one world-class college has a very good reputation.
addressed the event to welcome the university, you will get one from a “I would like to become an electrical
students and explain the benefits of combination of all six universities.” engineer and I think Texas is the best
studying at QF. Al Muftah said students majoring at one QF college in Qatar for me to achieve this.”
www.qf.org.qa 5

8. NEWS
Her Highness meets NU-Q
students for inspiring discussion
~ Undergraduates encouraged to be bold in building the future of media in Qatar.
her highness Sheikha moza bint Nasser and she exhorted the students to be bold and to prepare themselves for both Arabic and
met media and journalism students during a drive forward the change towards media English language media jobs and careers.
recent visit to Northwestern University in openness that has begun in Qatar. Everette Dennis, Dean of NU-Q, said:
Qatar (NU-Q). She said: “We need you in the region. You “This was an inspirational experience for our
Her Highness, Chairperson of Qatar are now equipped to change the mentality – students, underscoring Qatar Foundation’s
Foundation, joined about 150 undergraduates so take the initiative. commitment to the freedom of expression
in the NU-Q Forum. Seated casually on the “My dream is to see graduates – not just and the need for professional communicators,
edge of the stage, she heard about some of their from Northwestern University, but all and a talent bench for the country and the
current projects before going on to discuss the Education City – reconstruct their societies in region.
importance of journalism and communications the way they’ve been educated. Changes take “She simply gave our students a rocket
in Qatar and the wider region. time but we’re counting on you not to give up. boost of energy.”
Students were encouraged to speak their “I am really proud of you and when I come After the session concluded, the students
minds and Her Highness listened to a number out of any meeting like this I feel really were enthused.
of views, including concerns that they would energized. I feel that the future is much better Journalism sophomore Saif Udin
have difficulty finding media jobs in the than the past and I feel that we are advancing Alnuweiri said: “It was impressive seeing
region after graduation and would be forced to a good place and the right place.” someone of her importance being as down to
to look towards the West to start their careers. During the session, Her Highness also earth as she was, despite being such an
Her Highness explained that efforts were emphasized the importance of mastering the internationally known figure these days.
being made to create opportunities for young Arabic language for communications “She was very approachable and open to
journalists and communications professionals, specialists and journalists, and urged students new questions and ideas.”
6 Thefoundation.

9. NEWS
Summit for student leaders
~ Texas A&M at Qatar group visit Washington DC to learn leadership techniques.
Students at Texas A&M University at Qatar
(TAMUQ) sent representatives to a national
conference in Washington DC.
Organized by the American Student
Government Association (ASGA), the summit
was a chance for class leaders to meet other
students and discuss ways of leading their
university to new success.
It was held in the American capital from 29
September until 2 October and attended by four
students from TAMUQ’s Student Body
Government (SBG).
Mouhammed Hijab, Student Body President,
said: “On my return from the conference, I
shared information and experiences concerning
TAMUQ, focusing on the needs of student
leaders, more specifically, those of student mouhammad hijab, dina hammada, akanksha menon and Firas alKhadi, all from
Texas a&m University at Qatar, in the United States.
government.
“Being the president of the student body, I The 2011 national summit was the largest and quality of the workshops offered. There
believe attending this conference will be very ASGA conference to date and was attended by were about 50 different workshops on different
beneficial in leading SBG. more than 700 young leaders. topics – for example tips to improve the elections
“We had the chance to meet other student Mouhammad Hijab, Dina Hammada, and the voting turnout. Another important
governments from all around the US and Akanksha Menon and Firas AlKadhi went along category of workshops was public relations and
exchange our ideas. from TAMUQ. media, as in how to get publicity for our student
“We also had the chance to attend lectures Dina said: “I heard about the conference from government.
and sessions prepared by student governments our Student Body Government Advisor, Rachel “These workshops will provide us with new
and by professionals, which guided us toward White. and creative ideas that will have a positive
better governing.” “It was very beneficial because of the quantity impact on our student government.”
Ali Bin Ali
Group gives
students
hands-on
experience
~ Retail group scholarships to help
QF undergraduates. Quality Products, Ali Bin Ali Medical and the them in to allow them to gain valuable hands-
gourmet food brand Fauchon. on exposure to our industries.”
a partnership has been forged between Nabeel Ali Bin Ali, Vice Chairman of ABA, Dr Ahmad Hasnah, Associate Vice
retailer Ali Bin Ali Group (ABA) and Qatar said: “We came up with the mentoring initiative President of Higher Education at QF, said:
Foundation (QF) to offer students experience because we wanted to be part of something that “We are happy because we know the group
of working in the commercial sector. reflected our commitment to the overall truly believes in fostering local talent and
ABA, one of Qatar’s biggest retail and education sector and to the growth of equipping young people with professional
distribution firms, will offer four placements professionalism among the youth of this country, skills in order to prepare the next generation
each year in a variety of industries. so we came up with this idea of supporting a of business leaders.”
The company’s divisions include Qatar few students on an annual basis, bringing “This is a goal QF shares and supports.”
www.qf.org.qa 7

10. NEWS
ahmed elmagarmid, executive director of QCRI, left, greets
Meet Mr Ethylene
QSa Chairman his excellency Sheikh hamad Bin Jabor Bin
Jassim al Thani.
Collaboration could ~ Interior design graduate wins mascot
yield better data competition for major Qatari firm.
The friendly face of a QAPCO had been seeking a
~ QCRI and Qatar Statistics Authority join national company was unveiled mascot that would appeal to
after students competed to children and be understood by
forces to help advance knowledge economy. design it. people of different cultures,
Two national agencies will collaborate to improve data Qatar Petrochemical ages and genders.
analysis and research techniques. Company (QAPCO) joined A selection panel considered
Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), part of forces with Virginia all the designs and named Mr
Qatar Foundation, will work with Qatar Statistics Authority Commonwealth University in Ethylene the winner in front of
(QSA), the country’s official statistics agency. Qatar (VCUQatar) to create its the company’s management
It is hoped the move could lead to long-term benefits for new mascot. team.
residents. VCUQatar was chosen QAPCO CEO Dr Mohammed
His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al because of its reputation for Yousef Al Mulla said: “It’s hard
Thani, Chairman of QSA, said: “Sound policy is based on innovative work. to imagine a mascot more in
sound data and QSA’s goal is to provide government and Interior design graduate tune with what we were
industry leaders with ever-more refined development data Noora Abdulaziz Muftah was searching for.
that will aid in mapping the route forward for the State of named the winner for her “I am sure Noora’s design
Qatar. creation, Mr Ethylene. His body will prove a winning formula – a
“We are confident that the computer scientists at QCRI is based on the shape of the solid character that will capture
will find innovative ways to clean, mine, and analyze our substance’s molecular the public’s imagination and
statistical data to yield new, sophisticated datasets to help structure, widely used in the help build a lasting legacy for
guide and monitor Qatar’s national development.” petrochemical industry. QAPCO.”
Data analytics uses mathematical and statistical tools to Noora said: “I thought the Mr Ethylene wears a helmet
examine raw data and draw conclusions about the competition was a great and cape in the QAPCO colors
information buried within it. opportunity and so I did some – he also wears goggles.
It can then be used by government and industry to shape research into what the VCUQatar dean Allyson
policies and improve decision making. company did. Vanstone said: “We have
QCRI’s Data Analytics group focuses on tackling a broad “They wanted the mascot to been in Qatar for 14 years
spectrum of data management problems to address Qatar’s appeal to children so I made now and we are already an
development of a knowledge-based economy. him friendly and also based established design school.
The vast database of demographic information developed him on the ethylene structure. “Our reputation is why we
and maintained by QSA represents an opportunity for QCRI “I didn’t expect to were approached for
scientists. win – I was very this competition.
Dr Ahmed K Elmagarmid, QCRI’s Executive Director, surprised. My “With competitions such
said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with family really as this one organized by
Qatar Statistics Authority, the premier source of statistical supported me QAPCO, VCUQatar students
information about the State of Qatar. and inspired me in this. have the opportunity to
“By sharing its data with QCRI, QSA has conferred a “It is exciting leave their own mark
tremendous opportunity upon our scientists in the area of to think my on history.
data analytics. design might “I was impressed with
“We believe we can use QSA’s data to create scalable be seen all the design – I think she
knowledge models that assist with decision making and over the world.” has done very well.”
planning for the future of Qatar.”
8 Thefoundation.

11. NEWS
Education City and advise the students how
they should prepare for admissions and reach
their potential.”
In sessions held in both English and
Arabic, admissions directors and
representatives from the universities and
APB gave presentations explaining what they
looked for in university applications.
Maha Ayyash, Director of Admissions at
Texas A&M University at Qatar, said: “Doha
Counselors Day is important as it provides a
platform to a diverse range of high school
counselors in Qatar to get the latest
information about the universities in
Education City, and provides the tools to help
guide the students to prepare and apply for
Counselors key
admission.”
Case studies were discussed to give the
counselors further insight into how
to student success
applicants are evaluated during the
admissions process.
“The most valuable resource from today
was bringing the counselors together to
~ Staff give university application advice. share ideas to improve individual systems,
and to learn from each other in order to
high school counselors were shown how Education City campaign, recognizing the streamline different forms of technology to
to prepare their students for their further role high school counselors play in preparing help students apply to college,” said Julie
education and future careers. students to make decisions about their Thompson, a counselor at Al Khor
Qatar Foundation (QF), its university futures. International School.
partners and Academic Bridge Program Addressing the counselors, Dr Dennis QF has organized subsequent counselor
(ABP) hosted an event for about 90 counselors Roberts, Assistant Vice President for Faculty workshops to focus on specific topics, with
from schools from across the country at the and Student Services, said: “You are the door the first held on 19 October and further
Student Center. openers – the people who connect with the events scheduled for 17 November and 6
The annual event is part of the Discover students to promote the work we do at December.
Nobel Laureate to
address medical school
~ The Distinguished Lecture Series featuring renowned scientists is back.
a Nobel Laureate will open Qatar RNA – a molecule similar to DNA – was
Foundation’s fall Distinguished Lecture being converted into DNA itself.
Series. Prof Baltimore and colleague Howard
Professor David Baltimore will deliver the Temin shared the 1975 Nobel Prize in
address Gene Therapy and the Future of Physiology or Medicine for the discovery, a
Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College key to understanding the life cycle of HIV.
in Qatar. In later years, his work advanced the
The event, on 17 November, will be the understanding of cancer, AIDS and the
11th lecture in the series, which is restarting immune system.
after the summer recess. Prof Baltimore’s current research focuses
Prof Baltimore was the Nobel Laureate in on controlling inflammatory and immune
Physiology or Medicine 1975 and worked responses, and on gene therapy to treat HIV
at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and cancer.
for more than 30 years. On 12 December, Professor Zur Hausen,
In 1970 he identified an enzyme in tumor winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine in
virus particles called reverse transcriptase. 2008, will speak on The Search for Viruses in
The discovery was strong evidence that Human Cancers.
www.qf.org.qa 9

12. NEWS
TAkING A STAND
ON FREE SPEECH
~ As pioneering radio show The Voice of the Youth is launched, its
presenter discusses how it can help young Arabs air their views. Follow QF Radio on
a new QF Radio program aims to stimulate discussion among
young people in Qatar. ~ QF Radio’s programs can now
The Voic e of the Youth is a live show addressing issues of concern be downloaded via iTunes.The
across the Arab world. station can be found under Radio >
A vibrant forum for debate, it is broadcast every day except Fridays,
with producer and presenter Adnan Abdulrahman fielding calls from
International > QF Radio.
listeners and joining their conversations.
SatuRday – FRiday
Issues range from the popular protests sweeping the Middle East to .....................................................
domestic problems such as how young Arabs can balance work and
06:00 QF News
social pressures with family responsibilities.
07:00 Bright Mornings! (Live)
In tune with the Arab awakening and Qatar’s decision to embrace a 09:00 International News (Live)
free media, Abdulrahman encourages his callers to speak frankly. 10.00 English News
The 29-year-old, from Yemen, said: “The whole idea of the program 11.00 Sports Global (Live)
is to give young Arabs everywhere a place where they can talk about 13:00 Economic News
important issues. 15:00 The Voice of the Youth (Live)
“We receive many calls and emails from young people all over the 18:00 Corners (Live)
world – within Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Egypt and the Arab community 20:00 Straight Up (Live)
21:00 Legendary Artists
in the United Kingdom.
23:00 Audible Whispers
“The great thing about the show is the freedom we have to talk 00:00 International News
openly.” 01:00 Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra
The Voice of the Youth is broadcast from Saturday to Thursday, from 02:00 Piano
3-4pm, on QF Radio 93.7 FM. 03:00 Classical Music Pieces
Abdulrahman also presents QF Radio’s live morning news from 04:00 The Orchestra
9-10am. 05:00 OUD
10 Thefoundation.

13. NEWS
CALENDAR 2011/12
novemBer
....................................................
What distinguished
Lecture Series
Where Weill Cornell Medical
College in Qatar
When 17 November
Nobel Laureate Professor David
Baltimore will deliver the address
Gene Therapy and the Future of
Medicine in the 11th lecture in the
series, which is restarting after the
summer recess. Prof Baltimore
was the Nobel Laureate in
Physiology or Medicine 1975 and
worked at Massachusetts Institute
of Technology for more than 30
years.
Visit www.qf-research-division.org
for more information.
What Rachmaninoff’s
third Piano Concerto
Where Qatar Philharmonic
Orchestra, Katara
When 19 November, 7.30pm her highness Sheikha moza bint Nasser
addressing the 2010 QF annual Research Forum.
Guest artist Nader Abbasi will
conduct the performance, which
will feature Arsha Kaviani on piano What QF annual Research Forum What CS4Qatar for Women What Qatar National day
and Saber Abdel Sattar on kanoun. Where QF Student Center Where Lecture Hall 2012 & Where Various locations
When 20-22 November Computer Classroom 1185, When 18 December
The show will feature renditions of
The event will showcase the latest Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Qatar National Day commemorates
Abbasi’s own Dance for Peace,
research conducted in Qatar, When 10 December the assumption of power by Sheikh
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto
acknowledge the best projects with An outreach day for female Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani
No.3 in D Minor and
an awards ceremony and discuss in 1878. Light and water shows,
Shostakovich’s Symphony secondary school students and
parades, and spectacular fireworks
No.5 in D minor. Visit www. themes of globalization of research their parents to visit the university
displays are the main highlights of
qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org for and entrepreneurship in science and learn about the opportunities
the celebrations.
more information. and technology. for studying Computer Science.
Visit www.qf-arf.org for more Visit www.qatar.cmu.edu or call JanuarY
information. 4454 8400 for more information. ....................................................
DeCemBer What Chamber Music: Music with What 14th international union of
.................................................... Flute and Harp Pure and applied Conference on
Where Qatar Philharmonic Polymers and Organic Chemistry
What World Petroleum Orchestra, Katara (POC 2012)
Conference When 14 December, 7.30pm Where Renaissance Doha City
Where Qatar National Convention Nine musicians will perform five Center Hotel
Centre pieces, including Mozart’s Quartet When 6-9 January 2012
When 4-8 December for Oboe, Violin, Viola and Cello in The QF-sponsored conference will
be held in an Arab country for the
Doha will host the 20th triennial F Major, Tournier’s Suite for Flute,
first time since its inception in
WPC at the landmark Qatar Harp and String Trio, and Jolivet’s
1982. Distinguished scientists from
National Convention Centre, Chant de Linos for Flute, Harp and
across the world will come to Doha
welcoming delegates from all over String Trio. to exchange knowledge and
the world to promote co-operation, Tickets can be bought online or at advance Qatar’s culture of research
innovation and investment with the Virgin Megastores at the Villagio and development. More than 40
aim of providing reliable, affordable and Landmark malls. speakers from academia and
and sustainable energy for all. Visit qatarphilharmonicorchestra. industry in 14 countries will attend.
Visit www.20wpc.com for more org for more information. Visit www.poc2012.com for more
Nader abbasi information. information.
www.qf.org.qa 11

14. NEWS FEATURE
PLANNING FOR A
PROSPEROUS FUTURE
~ RAND-Qatar Policy Institute offers access to a global To date, RQPI has produced a number of
exhaustively researched reports, including
network of highly trained analysts, ensuring crucial decisions Education for a New Era: Design and
about the country’s future are made with eyes wide open. Implementation of K-12 Education Reform in
Qatar, Post-Secondary Education in Qatar:
Employer Demand, Student Choice, and
Q
atar’s rapid development over the the institute in 1998. He served as Associate Options for Policy: The Reform of Qatar
past two decades has presented policy Director at the Qatar office from 2009 before University.
makers with great opportunities and taking over from outgoing former director Dr It has recently worked with Qatar National
stern challenges. Meeting the needs of a growing Bruce Nardulli in July. Food Security Programme and on a project to
population while balancing competing He said: “In the early days, our work in Qatar improve the country’s school transportation
pressures of industrial development and focused on three main fields – education, which system. RQPI also designed a seminar on
environmental protection requires sound is what brought RAND here in the first place, public-policy analysis for senior staff of Qatar’s
policies and institutions. health and institutional reform. Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA).
To ensure the country’s enviable budget “Initially, we were approached to assist with Dr Younossi holds a BS in Mechanical
surplus is effectively channeled to create a the development of strategies for reform of Engineering, an MA in International Affairs
modern, prosperous and sustainable society, Qatar’s education system, from kindergarten and an MPhil and PhD in Public Policy and
RAND Corporation, a global nonprofit public through to grade 12. Through this project and Public Administration from The George
policy research institute, was invited to establish other projects, we developed a strong Washington University, USA.
a branch in Doha in partnership with Qatar relationship with Qatar Foundation and this He underlined the importance of RQPI’s
Foundation (QF). office is a result of that collaboration.” relationship with RAND divisions around the
The result is RAND-Qatar Policy Institute The Qatar office is staffed by eight analysts – world. He said: “We have 10 analysts here in
(RQPI), which opened in 2003 and aims “to six senior and two junior researchers. Each Qatar, but we are able to draw on the expertise
help improve policy and decision making specializes in a different field. In addition, two of close to 1,000 experts in offices in the US and
through research and analysis”. Qatari senior analysts will join the RQPI team Europe. In fact, part of our remit from QF is that
RQPI’s director, Dr Obaid Younossi, joined this year. we produce research focusing on issues affecting
12 Thefoundation.

15. PaRT oF RQPI’S
mISSIoN IS To eQUIP
QaTaRIS wITh The
aNaLyTICaL TooLS To
ImPRoVe PoLICy aNd
deCISIoN maKING IN The
hoPe ThaT They
wILL BeCome LeadeRS
aNd PoLICy adVISoRS
conjunction with PRGS, RQPI has brought a
customized policy analysis short course to
clients in Qatar.
RQPI actively seeks out Qatari graduates to
join the institute as researchers to gain direct
experience of policy analysis. Dr Hamad Al
Ibrahim, a graduate of the Royal College of
Surgeons in Ireland, is a Policy Associate and
both the institute’s junior researchers are
Qatari. Bothina Ahmad is a graduate of Qatar
University and an MA candidate on its Gulf
States Policy Program. Sarah Al Dorani
studied at Georgetown University in
Researchers at the RaNd-Qatar Policy Institute are able to draw upon the expertise of Washington DC.
almost 1,000 colleagues in the central office in the US and other sites around the world. Sarah said: “While at RQPI, I have had the
opportunity to work on high-level policy
the entire region, not just those particular to “We also pride ourselves on maintaining analysis that visibly impacts the public service
Qatar.” objectivity and quality in all our research, just sector in Qatar and regionally.
As such, RQPI is tasked with covering an area as an elite university would – these are the core “Part of RQPI’s mission is to equip Qataris
that includes north Africa, stretching as far as values RAND has always espoused.” with the analytical tools to improve policy
Mauritania in the west, through the Gulf States RAND was established in 1948 as an and decision making in the hope that they
and the Horn of Africa and encompassing Iran, independent, non-partisan, non-profit will become leaders and policy advisors
Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and organization dedicated to promoting science, across various sectors. Many of our past
Sri Lanka in the east. This regional approach is education and charity. Qatari analysts currently hold important
reflected in RAND Qatar’s 2008 report Facing Dr Younossi said: “RAND has a very unique positions at organizations shaping the future
Human Capital Challenges of the 21st Century: mission that had remained the same over the of Qatar including QF, SCFA, Sidra Medical
Education and Labor Market Initiatives in six decades it has been in existence to provide and Research Center and the Ministry of
Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab objective research and analysis to help improve Foreign Affairs. Others have followed their
Emirates. policy and decision making. RQPI experience by pursuing graduate
RQPI’s business outside Qatar has been “In the USA RAND initially dealt with degrees at prestigious institutions such as
growing, with ongoing projects working for the national security issues but then it quickly Cambridge University, London Business
Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and expanded its remit to other areas of public School and HEC Paris.”
various public sector projects in Abu Dhabi. policy, like poverty, unemployment, education Dr Younossi believes this approach will pay
Each RAND report is a collaborative effort, reform, science and research and healthcare. dividends for Qatar’s future.
pooling the knowledge of a group of analysts These are all areas that benefit the community He said: “Ultimately, our legacy will be
from various educational backgrounds. but often will not attract investment from the judged by the analytical capacity of a cadre of
“Our approach to creating reports is both private sector unless governments are engaged Qataris, so that Qatar would be able to
similar to and different from academic research,” to make the initial investment and set a clear conduct RAND-like analyses itself, with
said Dr Younossi. direction.” progressively less involvement by RQPI. We
“It is different in that reports are not written expect our Qatari alumna will be contributing
by only one or two experts in a single field – we a key part of RAND’s mission, both their analytic skills and objective analysis to
have experts in the social sciences, physical internationally and in Qatar, is investment in help guide their future decisions.
sciences, political science, engineering, the next generation of researchers and analysts. “The skills and knowledge they are learning
computing, economics and more, so we bring In 1970, it established The Frederick S Pardee here will be of great value to Qatar in the coming
these capabilities together in a multidisciplinary RAND Graduate School (PRGS) offering a years as the country will be able to formulate
approach. But we are similar to academia in that PhD in policy analysis, with a curriculum public policy with more independence.
our reports are peer reviewed with the same focused on analytical tools including “But we are happy to stay and help monitor
level of scrutiny and rigor and to the same high economics, statistics, operations research and and implement public policy reforms here for
standards. the behavioral and social sciences. In as long as we are needed.”
www.qf.org.qa 13

16. QF ACHIEVERS
Dreams
of youth
Ahmed Zayed may only be
10 years old, but he has
already achieved a lot. After
enrolling at Qatar Academy,
he learned English within six
months and has become a
regular guest on Al Jazeera
Children’s Channel. He tells
The Foundation about
his memories of Palestine
and the move to Doha.
The Foundation What do you do at Al Jazeera
Children’s Channel (JCC)? past my head. If I moved my head a centimeter The Foundation Why do you like talking
Zayed Mostly lots of meetings. I would have been hit. We also talk about the about Palestine?
time we went to UNICEF schools. [A brief Zayed My stories can help people understand
The Foundation How did you initially get pause] Can I ask a question? Do [FC] Barcelona what is happening there. I don’t want to forget
here? have ‘Qatar Foundation’ or ‘UNICEF’ on their about it, though there are days when I do want
Zayed With Mr Mahmoud Bouneb’s [Executive training gear? to forget. When I see my brothers in Palestine
GM of JCC] driver. we play games. We frisk each other and pretend
The Foundation They have ‘Qatar Foundation’ we have guns – boom boom! But I don’t want
The Foundation I mean, why were you asked on the front and ‘UNICEF’ on the back. Could this to be real.
to work at JCC? you tell us more about your TV program? The first war I witnessed in my life happened
Zayed I was asked to appear on a TV show. I How does the show come together? when I was five or six years old. My father’s big
have been a guest on 40 episodes already. I talk Zayed The presenters ask me questions and I toenail was damaged when he stepped on a
about things like war and stuff. answer them. Last time I recited a poem on the bomb with a timer… a mine. It was near our
show. It was about the war and Palestine. house. My father carried it out and the mine was
The Foundation What do you talk about on Sometimes it is difficult to remember what so heavy it fell on his toe. Luckily my uncle is a
the show? happened. What I witnessed in Palestine were nurse and helped him.
Zayed I tell stories about Palestine, like one day the worst moments in my life, but it is easy to What gets on my nerves is that a mine doesn’t
when I was walking and the shots were going talk about them. I like going on TV. hurt a tank. It hurts people.
14 Thefoundation.

17. ahmed visiting the stables at al Shaqab.
talking about me because I don’t stop working
either.
The Foundation When did you start
attending Qatar Academy?
Zayed I started going to Qatar Academy last
year. I’m in Grade 4. I like it a lot. I mostly like
the after-school activities like football, but I
ahmed in one of his many television appearances on al Jazeera Children’s Channel. am not allowed to sign up. My father says that
if you want to be a football player like Messi
The Foundation When did you find out you learned how to when I started going to Qatar and Ronaldo you do not have time to be
were going to Qatar? Academy. intelligent too. He also says professional
Zayed One day Her Highness’ office called my I also didn’t know English before I came here, players should start when they’re four years
dad and told him they’d like to invite us to but I learned it within six months at school. old. I’m good at football – in one month I
Qatar. I was so happy, I almost didn’t believe it. Thank God I have a very good memory. When scored five goals at school.
I immediately started imagining what it would the boys were playing football outside I was at
be like. home studying. I made a small dictionary for The Foundation What is your dream for the
It was the first time for me to travel and be far myself and wrote in it every morning. future? Don’t say it is to become a
away from my family. I wanted to get away from I always thought it was very important to professional football player.
Palestine – I didn’t like seeing these landscapes. learn English. Most people in the world speak Zayed Why not?
We knew the trip was going to be so hard – English and it is good to know this so I can get a
most of the time the border is closed. job later. I like reading books too. The Foundation Because your dad doesn’t
I thought that everyone in Qatar would wear think you should do that.
a thobe and that it would look like a desert. The Foundation What’s your favorite book? Zayed Well, I’m not saying I want to be a
When I saw what Qatar looks like from the Zayed It’s a book called 12,500 Facts for Your football player. I want to be a scientist but play
plane, I saw the modern towers and the trees – I Mind. It has questions and answers such as football at the same too.
was amazed. So far, I have probably traveled 11 who invented the telephone and who
times to and from Qatar. discovered America. The Foundation What would you like to
I mostly like stories with morals so that at work on?
The Foundation What was the first thing you the end of it I will have learned a lesson. The Zayed I would like to invent things that will
learned in Qatar? Hare and the Tortoise is my favorite story. The help my country or other countries. I would
Zayed I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton for a month, tortoise said: ‘I’ll just do my best – I don’t like to build improved tanks or find ways to
which was ‘wow!’ Every day I would ask my mind that you are laughing at me’ and at the create better roads. I need to plan for my
father if I could go swimming in the pool. I end he won the race even though the hare was future right now. I hope I will go to university
didn’t know how to swim, but immediately faster. Sometimes I feel these stories are after school.
www.qf.org.qa 15

18. Boundless
ambition
16 Thefoundation.

19. CAPITAL PROjECTS
I
t’s hard to believe it’s
been 16 years since Qatar
Foundation (QF) was born.
The site is due for completion
within five years – but achieving
this aim will be no small task.
Overseeing its construction is
Capital Projects.
The directorate has managed
QF’s rapid expansion, from the
creation of Qatar Academy to
its current form occupying 15
million square meters. The
mammoth complex is almost
half complete – but there is
more work to do.
Mubarak Al Khulaifi is Capital Projects’
When a unique Business Development Director. Since joining
QF in 2005 he has project managed various
high school was initiatives, including the construction of
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q),
planned in 1996, few the Ceremonial Court and Al Shaqab.
Currently working on Qatar Faculty of
could imagine how the Islamic Studies and Qatar Foundation’s
headquarters, he has witnessed many changes.
desert around it would bloom. He said: “When I started here there was Qatar
Academy, VCUQatar, Weill Cornell and the
As these photographs show, LAS (Liberal Arts and Sciences building).
Qatar Foundation has come a “I started working on the Texas A&M
building, which was newly under construction.
long way since that time – and After that came Carnegie Mellon University in
Qatar and the Student Center.
more exciting developments are “I witnessed all of that development coming
up very fast and very impressively.”
in the pipeline. Qatar Foundation’s main site was planned in
1996 as a small college campus with Qatar
Academy as its nucleus.
All centers of learning come under the
umbrella of Education City, sitting within a
www.qf.org.qa 17

20. CAPITAL PROjECTS
broader complex occupied by research
institutes, community groups and world-
class public facilities.
The scheme is split into north and south
zones, divided by Dukhan Highway.
It was initially designed by KEO
International Consultants, and in 2001
Japanese architect Arata Isozaki was
commissioned to oversee the site. Isozaki
remodeled the master plan, splitting the
complex into two distinct zones.
The north side would house most of QF’s
public facilities, with the south dedicated to
education. His core concept was the Green
Spine – a strip of grass running through the
center.
University campuses were built to the
immediate east and west, with the Ceremonial
Court and Al Shaqab added to the south.
Public facilities including Qatar National we have many well-known contractors
The maSTeR PLaN IS
Convention Centre (QNCC), Sidra Medical coming aboard. Back in 2003 and 2004,
and Research Center and Qatar Science &
a LIVe doCUmeNT. IT contractors that could give you the quality
Technology Park occupy the north. ChaNGeS oFTeN – eVeRy you required were very limited.”
Isozaki’s scheme underwent major changes TIme we ReCeIVe New
in 2004 and 2005. Space between the INITIaTIVeS aNd Capital Projects nurtured relationships
buildings was landscaped to create a sense of ReQUIRemeNTS with a few ‘tried and tested’ companies, but
unity, with sidewalks and passageways this is no longer necessary.
connecting different institutions, giving the College London. This vision keeps growing “Now we have more options – we can get
complex a unified, cohesive character. and it keeps expanding.” competitive prices,” he said. “At Qatar
While many architectural styles have been Foundation we really seek the best quality
used, the overall effect is harmonious, as Capital Projects directorate has faced and best standard we can get. We need to be
guidelines on factors such as height, scale and many challenges, some of which have faded as very picky and very careful when selecting
materials ensure structures complement one Qatar’s world standing has grown. the contractors and consultants.
another. In the early years, few construction firms “We work with well-known architects
Al Khulaifi said: “The master plan is a live operated in the country and staff initially that don’t work everywhere, so
document. It changes often – every time we struggled to find contractors of a suitably high implementing these complicated designs is
receive new initiatives and requirements. caliber. very hard. But, thank God, we have been
“You have end users that require new space Al Khulaifi said: “I think this is something able to successfully build many projects
in which to operate. For example, we have we are getting better at because now Qatar is a with great architects.”
just received an initiative for University very well-known destination for business and He added: “Most of the challenges are as
‘PEOPLE MOVER’
SHUTTLE SYSTEM
QF will operate a ‘park and ride’
system using a novel form of transport.
The eagerly awaited ‘people mover’ will
shuttle staff, students and visitors from
parking lots to their places of work or
study. A motorized vehicle resembling a
train, it should appear by 2013.
Telefat said: “It’s designed to be a cart.
When you get in you will push a button
linked to your destination. Unfortunately,
we don’t have great details of what it will
look like because it’s still at the tendering
stage. Cars will not be widely driven
within QF – people will be dependent on
this system.”
18 Thefoundation.

21. with any project – trying to minimize changes HAMAD BIN kHALIFA Cycling isn’t a common pursuit in Qatar –
during design and construction. That’s why we UNIVERSITY OF but from winter QF hopes to make this cheap,
co-ordinate closely with the end users – to environmentally friendly form of transport a
EDUCATION CITY
understand their requirements and what they
need for each building.
~ Key Facts realistic option.
Using a system found in many cities
“This will actually save a lot of time and Occupies 15 million square meters worldwide, bicycles will be available for hire
money when constructing or designing the at designated stations.
project, because when it’s constructed and Currently approximately A network of cycle paths will link buildings
agreed upon everything can go smoothly.” 50 per cent complete across QF and, once riders reach their
University College London joined QF last destinations, bikes can be securely parked for
year and will run graduate courses in museum Site begun in 1996 with future users.
studies, conservation and archaeology. construction of Qatar Academy Telefat added: “We are trying to be very
It will initially be based on the campus of sustainable in all aspects of the development
Georgetown University – School of Foreign
Site design overseen by Japanese – in landscaping, transport, building, in
Service in Qatar, and Capital Projects will work architect Arata Isozaki from 2001 thinking and in practice.
closely with college staff to ensure its future ‘People Mover’ shuttle billed “Most of Capital Projects’ staff members
needs are met. have taken courses in sustainability and all
to appear by 2013
A golf course is also planned, while Al new projects have to meet minimum
Shaqab should be finished this month – in time QNCC has seating for 7,000 people sustainability standards – we want
for the 2011 Arab Games. certification from the US Green Building
An important part of the Directorate’s work 2 new car parks with space for Council for all buildings in QF.”
involves helping staff, students and visitors 10,000 vehicles planned He has just returned from Germany, where
navigate the site more easily. Capital Projects’ he toured a solar panel factory. The
Technical Director, Jassim Telefat, outlined have a very good traffic management system.” technology has already been used at QNCC
how his team is improving transport across the Two huge parking lots are being built to QF’s and will soon be installed on student housing.
vast complex. southern and western edges to supplement “This was the first solar technology to be
He said: “When we talk about car parking existing spaces to the north. implemented in Qatar,” Telefat said proudly.
the numbers are scary sometimes. When I talk The western site will have space for almost “We’re trying to feed the mind, the soul, the
about Qatar National Convention Centre I’m 8,000 vehicles, while its southern counterpart body of QF people. To be sustainable we are
talking about 7,000 seats. So we really need to will accommodate 2,000 cars. trying to change how we think about things.”
www.qf.org.qa 19

22. Defending education
QF students join campaign to protect Palestinians’ right to learn.
S
tudents from QF branch campuses learn for Palestinian students in Gaza, Alhafidh is the volunteer facilitator of the
are leading an initiative to defend the established in response to the destruction of Majlis Circle, working alongside fellow
basic human right to education for schools and universities by Israeli tank fire NU-Q sophomores Haya Al Mannai, who
people living behind the Gaza blockade. during the 22-day assault in 2008/09. promotes the group’s activities via social
The Al Fakhoora Majlis Circle project uses Under Article 26 of the UN’s Universal media, and Rashad Al Aani, who is tasked
video conferencing to create a virtual ‘majlis’ Declaration of Human Rights, access to with public relations.
– Arabic for lounge – where university education is a basic human right. The Tessniem said: “I got involved because I
students in Gaza, the US, the UK and Qatar bombing of educational institutions and the think there are not many students around the
can meet to interact, foster cultural blockade of Gaza has prevented the transit of world who really understand what’s going on
understanding and raise global awareness of building materials for repairs and severely in Gaza.
young Palestinians’ lack of access to restricted importation of basic educational “The impact of simply chatting with
education. supplies such as textbooks, paper, chalk, students in Gaza has been huge. Students in
The student-led Majlis Circle project is co- stationery and school furniture. the US, Qatar and the UK have been able to
ordinated by Al Fakhoora, an international Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) talk directly to people their own age and see
campaign working to secure the freedom to sophomore journalism student Tessniem for themselves how difficult the situation is
20 Thefoundation.

23. AL FAkHOORA
about 100 students convened to pledge their support for young Palestinians’ right to
education.
aL FaKhooRa maJLIS CIRCLe wILL hoLd NINe
VIRTUaL maJLIS SeSSIoNS ThIS SemeSTeR aNd
NINe NexT SemeSTeR
Al Fakhoora’s
and students in Gaza have been to be able to blockade by increasing empathy and
four key strategies
make their voices heard.” advocacy among students in the Dynamic Futures Providing 100
Tessniem said that the Majlis Circle had participating countries who will defend the higher education scholarships for
grown from a few students in a classroom basic human right of Palestinian students Palestinian students each year
talking to each other on Skype to sessions to an education.”
held in the high-tech Moot Room video Extreme University Makeover
conferencing suite at Carnegie Mellon STUdeNTS who want to support the Al Reconstruction of damaged or
University in Qatar. Fakhoora Majlis Circle can do so by attending destroyed higher education
Al Fakhoora Director Farooq Burney a virtual majlis, joining as a volunteer or by institutions
applauded the efforts of QF branch university signing an online petition.
volunteers. Winners Against All Odds
He said: “Gaza has been very cut off from Supporting young people in Gaza
the world, both in a material and a human For more details visit www.fakhoora.org or with disabilities and psychological
sense. The human connection the student email themajliscircle@hotmail.com and social problems
volunteers have made with their counterparts
in Gaza has been very powerful. Facebook.com/fakhoora Youth Empowerment Helping young
“The Majlis Circle and Al Fakhoora as a Twitter.com/fakhoora entrepreneurs in Gaza start their own
whole hope to alleviate the physical Twitter.com/themajliscircle companies
www.qf.org.qa 21

24. WATER RESEARCH
SAFEGUARDING
A PRECIOUS
RESOURCE
As a nation, Qatar is the fifth most water-scarce in
the world and has the highest carbon emissions per
capita. A team at TAMUQ is striving to develop
tools to mitigate environmental impact while
maintaining industrial development.
22 Thefoundation.