Al Abdulghani Motors Celebrates Young Talent at the 18th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest in Qatar
Empowering Youth, Inspiring Creativity, and Supporting Future Champions Al Abdulghani Motors, the authorised distributor of Toyota in Qatar, proudly hosted the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest Award Ceremony at its state-of-the-art showroom in Lusail. The event marked the culmination of the 18th edition of the global art competition, celebrating the imagination, creativity, and dreams of Qatar’s young artists. The ceremony brought together over 500 participants from more than 200 schools across Qatar, along with their families, educators, and special guests, including celebrated Qatari athletes Ali Arshid and Cherif Younousse. The event underscored Al Abdulghani Motors’ ongoing commitment to nurturing local talent, promoting artistic expression, and inspiring the next generation of dreamers. A Canvas of Innovation and Hope The theme of the contest invited children to envision their “Dream Car”—a vehicle capable of making the world a better place. Submissions ranged from eco-friendly innovations and futuristic vehicles to designs that symbolised unity, compassion, and environmental consciousness. The contest was divided into three age categories: Three winners were chosen from each category and were recognised with certificates and exciting prizes during the event. Their artworks will now represent Qatar in the World Contest in Japan, where winners may receive prestigious accolades from Toyota Motor Corporation. Additionally, 25 finalists were acknowledged for their creativity, and three students were recognised in a special online voting competition hosted by Al Abdulghani Motors, giving the community a chance to support their favourite young artists. Inspiring the Next Generation with Qatari Champions Adding to the excitement, the event welcomed two of Qatar’s inspiring sports figures: The athletes engaged with students, shared stories of perseverance and discipline, and emphasised the importance of dreaming big—values that align with the spirit of the Dream Car Art Contest and Toyota’s global mission. A Legacy of Creativity and Social Responsibility Since its launch in 2004, the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest has inspired more than 9.4 million children from 144 countries. In Qatar, Al Abdulghani Motors continues to champion this initiative as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. The contest not only celebrates creativity but also aligns with the company’s broader goals of empowering youth, promoting innovation, and achieving excellence in art, academics, and athletics. Driving the Future with Imagination The 18th edition of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest reaffirmed Al Abdulghani Motors’ belief in the power of youth and the importance of creative thinking in shaping a brighter tomorrow. By providing young talents with a global stage, the company remains dedicated to driving dreams forward and fueling a culture of imagination, passion, and positive change.
VCUarts Qatar and Ministry of Education and Higher Education Celebrate Winners of the 2024–2025 High School Fine Art Awards
(Doha, Qatar) VCUarts Qatar, in partnership with the Division of Art and Theater at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, proudly announces the winners of the 2024–2025 High School Fine Art Awards. This year’s competition was titled, “God is Beautiful and Loves Beauty”: A Dialogue on the Concept of Beauty in Arab and Islamic Culture. The Fine Art Awards recognize high school students seeking to explore beauty as it is expressed in nature, Islamic art, ethics, and the pursuit of knowledge. Dean Amir Berbić from VCUarts Qatar welcomed everyone saying, “This project is so important because it supports the development of new talent, young people with unlimited potential who are brave enough to show the world what they are capable of. This partnership represents an exciting step forward in nurturing the artistic talents of the next generation of art and design students here in Qatar.” The students, teachers, families, and friends were also welcomed and congratulated by Hemayan Al-Kaabi, Head of the Visual, Literary, and Drama Section, Department of Educational Supervision, Ministry of Higher Education, and Dr. Cherif Amor, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and professor at VCUarts Qatar. The awards were announced by Dr. Aissa Deebi, Director of the Painting + Printmaking department at VCUarts Qatar; and Dr. Amro Abouelhoda, Visual Education Standards Specialist, Office of The Assistant Undersecretary For Educational Affairs. Winning artworks are currently on display at the Saffron Hall at VCUarts Qatar, and will remain open to the public until April 3. The exhibition is open Saturday through Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed on Fridays and public holidays.
HEC Paris, Doha Celebrates Unity and Connection During Annual Ramadan Ghabga
Doha, Qatar – 15 March 2025: In a world where strong connections define success, HEC Paris, Doha continues to cultivate a powerful network of leaders. This commitment was on full display at its Annual Ramadan Ghabga in Doha, where esteemed alumni, current participants, and faculty gathered to celebrate unity, connection, and the spirit of Ramadan. This year’s event was especially significant, marking HEC Paris, Doha’s 15th anniversary, a milestone that reflects its dedication to academic excellence and community engagement in Qatar. Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris, Doha, shared his heartfelt remarks, highlighting the importance of community bonds and the shared values that drive HEC Paris’ mission. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Hamad J. Al Thani, Chairman of the HEC Paris Alumni Qatar Chapter and Director of the Department of Non-communicable Disease Prevention Programs at the Ministry of Public Health, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strength of the alumni network and the lifelong connections it nurtures. Beyond celebration, the event provided a meaningful platform for networking, reinforcing HEC Paris, Doha’s role in shaping a thriving community of leaders who continue to make a lasting impact in Qatar and beyond.
HEC Paris Partners with Emirates Global Aluminum to Deliver Transformational Leadership Program
Doha, 4 March 2025 – HEC Paris, the world’s top-ranked business school for Executive Education, is delivering a custom leadership program for Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA). Ascend is a bespoke leadership program for high-potential leaders from non-supervisory to Directors. The program supports leaders to cultivate a forward-thinking mindset through immersive experiences and masterclasses to drive innovation. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Developing our people has been a key foundation of our global competitiveness for decades, and is an important priority at EGA to achieve our bold aspiration to become a talent-driven organisation. Our goal with Ascend programme is to equip our top talent with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in their roles and accelerate their growth.” Led by Professor Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Academic Director and Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Diversity at HEC Paris, Doha, the program provides participants with high-impact strategies that can immediately be applied within EGA. The recent module, delivered in Doha, focused on essential leadership competencies for managing large-scale organizational change. Participants explored proven frameworks to diagnose challenges, manage disruption, and implement transformation strategies with confidence and precision. Professor Shaheena emphasized the significance of the program, stating, “Leading transformation requires more than technical expertise; it demands vision, adaptability, and the ability to inspire action across an organization. This program equips participants with the strategic tools and leadership insights needed to drive innovation and transformation and create meaningful impact.” To complement in-class learning, participants engaged in a site visit to Microsoft’s Digital Center of Excellence and headquarters in Doha, where they explored cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainable technology. The visit also showcased the launch of Qatar’s first data center, a pivotal milestone in digital transformation, local data residency, and cybersecurity. Participants gained insights into the Microsoft AI for Good initiative, which promotes responsible AI applications across industries, including transportation, sports, and tourism. The Ascend Level 3 program unfolds across three modules. The first module, ‘Innovation & Sustainability’, took place in Dubai in November, and focused on sustainable business strategies. The final module will take place in Dubai this April, where participants will engage in a business simulation – a high-pressure strategic exercise requiring real-time decision-making in investment, marketing, procurement, and finance. Building on its legacy of excellence in executive education, HEC Paris continues to partner with leading organizations across the GCC, including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Through its custom-designed programs, HEC Paris empowers senior executives to drive innovation, create lasting impact, and lead with confidence in an increasingly complex business landscape.
HEC Paris, Doha Welcomes Diverse Executive MBA Class of 2026
Doha, Qatar – 24 February 2025: HEC Paris, the world’s top-ranked business school for Executive Education, proudly welcomes its Executive MBA (EMBA) Class of 2026 to its Doha campus. This cohort represents one of the most diverse groups in the program’s local history, featuring professionals from 16 nationalities across Qatar, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America. Together, they bring rich expertise from industries including banking, education, and healthcare. Notably, the program’s commitment to gender diversity is reflected in the large number of female participants, accounting for approximately 40% of the cohort. “The EMBA Class of 2026 reflects the strength that comes from bringing together very diverse people who all share a desire to become a better version of themselves,” said Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris, Doha. “What unites them is the love of learning and the desire to grow personally and professionally, and to make a difference – in their organizations, communities, and beyond. The richness of their backgrounds helps them learn from one another and provides innovative solutions to real-world problems.” He added: “Our Executive MBA attracts professionals from across the Gulf and beyond. This group represents the spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and purpose that defines HEC Paris. By helping participants build strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, we prepare them to create a lasting impact, not just in their careers but in their families, in their communities, and in the societies they serve. Over the next 18 months, participants will embark on a transformative journey to refine their leadership and strategic decision-making skills. The program’s curriculum is closely aligned with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, the final phase of Qatar National Vision 2030. This roadmap focuses on sustainable economic growth, workforce diversification, financial resilience, and sustainability. The HEC Paris Executive MBA provides participants with a global edge, offering nine specializations taught by world-renowned faculty in Doha, Paris, and other international hubs. Delivered from the state-of-the-art Doha campus, the program provides the tools and insights required to lead organizations effectively in a rapidly evolving global economy. “Ultimately, the EMBA is not just an academic journey – it’s a personal one,” Dr. Martin de Holan concluded. “Through this experience, participants gain the skills, the tools, and the confidence to lead with purpose and ethics and to adapt to change. With each step, they carry the lessons forward, shaping a brighter future for us all. Learning should never stop.” Participants in the program are eager to apply their learnings to real-world challenges: “The program’s unique blend of core business fundamentals and leadership development is what drew me here. Moreover, the Capstone Project will allow me to directly apply what I learn to elevate my organization’s strategic initiatives,” said Abdulaziz Al-Thani, an EMBA participant.” Dr. Muna Altamimi, another participant, shared her perspective, “I chose this program because of its strong emphasis on immediate real-world application. I look forward to each module providing cutting-edge tools and strategic frameworks that I will be able to implement in my organization right away. The interactive learning environment, combined with insights from world-class faculty and diverse peers, will not only strengthen my leadership abilities but also broaden my perspective on global business challenges. This experience will equip me with the confidence and expertise to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and create a lasting impact in my field.” Graduates of the EMBA Class of 2026 will join the prestigious HEC Paris alumni network, which includes over 1,400 alumni who graduated from the Doha campus and more than 83,000 influential leaders worldwide. Locally, the alumni network boasts 61% Qatari membership, reflecting the institution’s strong ties to Qatar’s business community. Globally, it offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and innovation. In addition to the Doha Track, the HEC Paris EMBA program is also welcoming a new cohort in Riyadh, further expanding the program’s reach, and fostering the development of leaders across the region. A third cohort, offered in partnership with the Public Investment Fund, is set to launch in April this year. The HEC Paris EMBA, now with four tracks in the GCC, allows professionals from across the region to build their networks, and to gain the tools and insights needed to lead with impact. With its rigorous curriculum, commitment to diversity, and alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, the HEC Paris EMBA Class of 2026 is poised to lead change, spur innovation, and contribute to building a thriving, sustainable economy.
VCUarts Qatar Holds Comics Retreat
From ideation and storyboarding to scriptwriting and visualization, QF partner university’s three-day workshop was a huge success. Doha, Qatar: A football coach, a psychologist, a musician and an aspiring journalist – in addition to the expected attendee profile of graphic designers and artists, these were just some of the other professionals who participated in the first Comics Retreat to be hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university, recently. The diversity of backgrounds and professions of the participants reminded one of the evergreen and universal appeal of comic books – even in a digital landscape dominated by complex animation, special effects, and computer-generated imagery. The three-day retreat was organized by the Comics Lab, a research lab under the Institute for Creative Research at VCUarts Qatar, led by Michael Wirtz, Head of Research and Library Technology, and Leland Hill, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, at VCUarts Qatar. The retreat was led by Dr. S J Sindu (Sinduja Sathiyaseelan), Assistant Professor of Creative Writing, and Dr. Geoff Bouvier, Instructor, both from the Department of English at VCU, Richmond. Explaining the inspiration behind the lab, and the retreat, Wirtz said, “Part of the Comics Lab’s mission is to facilitate the production of comic and sequential art featuring voices and narratives of Qatar and the people who live here. Generally, when narratives of this region are depicted in comics, they are either stereotypical of how Western cultures view the people who live here, or they feature orientalist tropes that do not reflect the voices of the people who live here. Not only do we want to collect the authentic graphic narratives being produced in the region, or by people from the region, we want to encourage the creative community to create their own narratives.” He continued, “For this retreat, we chose the theme of “Third Culture Kids” due to the ubiquity of that experience in Qatar. Most people who live in Qatar have some experience with living or working in a culture that is different from that of their “home” or family’s culture. How people negotiate that experience can generate authentic narratives that can be shared through comic and sequential art.” Wirtz observed that the success of the first iteration of the retreat demonstrates that many people believe that comics may be a viable way of communicating those stories. He said, “Comics aren’t just stories about superheroes in tights and masks. They can be a powerful medium to depict complex characters and stories.” He also noted how as a format, comics may forge a stronger connection between the story, the characters and the readers. He said, “Unlike certain types of media where the narrative is fed to the reader, in reading a comic, the reader still has to participate in generating the narrative. For instance, the panel structure – the frames that contain the images – of a comic is similar to that of a film. However, unlike a film, the reader controls how quickly that narrative is consumed. One of the participants, Gilson de Souza, a football coach at Aspire Academy, said he always enjoyed reading comics and fiction both as a child and an adult. He said, “At a certain point in my life, I started playing Dungeons and Dunes and other role-playing games which involved creating worlds, characters and stories. This sparked my love for creative writing, and I began to write. “Since childhood, I’ve had two sides: a ‘geek’ side that loved stories, and an athletic side, influenced by my dad steering me more towards sports. This led me to my current career as a football coach. However, I never considered my creative side as something that could develop into a profession or even a hobby. Hence this journey of rediscovering this part of myself through this comic retreat has been deeply important to me as a person.” During the workshop, participants had ample opportunities to work both individually and in groups and share feedback on work produced during the retreat. Anna Luisa Almeida, a Brazilian psychologist who attended the workshop, said she found the topics and sessions to be highly interactive and engaging. She said, “The workshop kicked off with a discussion of the main theme, which was ‘Third Culture Kids’. I feel the topic was excellent, because it was something most of us could relate to, given the large number of expats in Qatar. Our final comics focused on this theme, and it was essential for everyone to share ideas.” She added, “In our introduction to script writing for comic books, I realized it was quite different from other forms of scripts. Our instructors shared tips and examples that we could refer to. For instance, Sindu, one of the retreat instructors, advised me to refer to Neil Gaiman’s scripts for ‘Sandman’. We also learned about the technical terms used in the design of comic spreads, the importance of the kind of media in which your comic will be read – paper or digital – and explored graphic poems.” In 2021, the VCUarts Qatar Art and Design Library, the library of the Qatar campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond, decided to establish a dedicated Comics Lab to foster further exploration within the medium – particularly in the creation, consumption and themes of comic books in the region. Although the Lab is currently building its resources to meet the research and educational needs of the school, it has also embarked on a second phase of its conception – one of coordinating the dissemination of comic and sequential art from the region.
VCUarts Qatar offers an array of Community Learning opportunities for Spring 2025
QF partner university opens registration for workshops and courses ranging from Journaling to Interior Design Doha, Qatar: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university, has announced its lineup for the Community and Continuing Education (CCE) short courses and taster sessions for spring 2025. The courses cater to various age groups and members of the public who would like to learn more about art and design or take their existing creative skills to the next level. The courses and taster sessions are led by professional artists and designers, many of whom are VCUarts Qatar graduates themselves. According to Rasha Alkasab, Program Manager for VCUarts Qatar’s Community & Continuing Education, “The 2025 line-up reflects our pledge to providing innovative courses that are relevant and responsive to the interests of our community. Our ongoing commitment remains steadfast – to curate engaging and educational opportunities that cater to diverse community interests and age groups, while ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of art and design.” For example, an introduction to journaling two-hour workshop is a tasting session that will take place on January 20th. This workshop is focused on the intentionality of journaling and its contribution to creativity and productivity and is timed to coincide with the new calendar year when people are focusing on a more productive and mindful approach to life. This session will be offered free of charge and take place online. Those with an interest in illustration can join an upcoming online workshop that will be taking place on April 7th, focusing on the art of children’s book cover design and illustration for young readers. This course will be led by the well-known Pakistani artist and designer Hazem Asif. A six-week advanced interior design course is also on offer for those eager to deepen their spatial design skills and explore architectural elements, multifunctional spaces and the impact of cultural influence on design. The course will provide hands on practice in creating space plans, and guide participants in creating their own designs. Later in the Spring, VCUarts Qatar will offer an Introduction to Virtual Reality, an evening course taking place over eight weeks, two nights a week, where participants will be immersed in virtual reality design and become familiar with innovative VR design tools like Tilt Brush and Gravity Sketch. For children, VCUarts Qatar is offering a course in acrylic design painting for kids, planned for Tuesday evenings from January 21st to February 25th. Children from 10-14 years old can explore and develop their artistic talents through color theory, brush skills and painting styles and will be guided through projects like landscapes, animals and imaginative scenes. These are just a few examples of the taster workshops and courses coming up soon at VCUarts Qatar. To register, or for further information including course descriptions, times and costs, please visit https://qatar.vcu.edu/campus-community/community-education/ or contact vcuqcommunity@vcu.edu
Ministry of Education and Higher Education completes development of “Educational Institutions Licensing” platform
Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has launched the “Educational Institutions Licensing” platform, now accessible to educational entities throughout Qatar. This initiative forms part of the Ministry’s commitment to bolstering the digital infrastructure for private education, streamlining licensing procedures, and providing a user-friendly, secure online experience for stakeholders. Designed to improve administrative efficiency, the platform allows educational institutions to apply for and monitor licensing processes more effectively, a step anticipated to elevate the quality of educational services across Qatar. Omar Abdulaziz Al-Naama, Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs, commented on the initiative: “The launch of the Private Educational Institutions Licensing Platform represents a significant advancement in the automation of educational services. It aligns with the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, to foster a supportive environment for education sector investment and meet the country’s developmental needs.” Dr. Mona Salem Al-Fadhli, Director of the Information Systems Department, also emphasized the platform’s role in the Ministry’s digital transformation: “This platform offers a streamlined, integrated experience for licensing applications, covering all services for nurseries, educational centers, schools, and private kindergartens. Investors can complete, manage, and follow up on transactions online through a fully automated portal, reducing the need for in-person visits.” The platform offers various services, including issuing, renewing, and managing licenses for educational institutions, modifying entity details, granting permissions for advertising and events, and providing options for license cancellations. With a focus on Qatar’s National Vision 2030, the platform also establishes a modern framework to enhance private education standards, benefiting both investors and educational service providers. This launch marks a transformative shift towards efficiency, accessibility, and higher quality service in Qatar’s private education sector.
Qatar National Library Explores History of Ancient Moroccan Libraries
Library hosts study day to investigate the evolution of Moroccan libraries as part of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture The history of ancient Moroccan libraries was the focus of a study day organized by Qatar National Library as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture celebrations. Titled “The Ancient Libraries of Morocco: From Preserving Manuscripts to Beacons of Knowledge,” the event traced the founding and evolution of Moroccan libraries, highlighting the key role they played in facilitating knowledge exchange both locally and overseas. The study day brought together Dr. Al-Khayali Abdelmajid, Head of Human Resources, Finance, and Scientific Research at the Hassania Library in Rabat, along with Dr. Mustafa Al-Tubi, Head of the Research Team on Moroccan Manuscript Heritage at Ibn Zohr University, and Abdelfattah Boukchouf, Director of the Qaraouiyine Library in Fez. Participants discussed how ancient libraries facilitated the circulation of texts within intellectual circles, serving as communication bridges between the local community and scientific institutions overseas. The discussions also touched on the future role of libraries in an increasingly digital world, reflecting on the challenges and successes that Moroccan institutions have experienced throughout their history. Dr. Moez Dridi, Senior Archivist at Qatar National Library, who moderated the study day, said the event demonstrates the Library’s commitment to promoting Arab heritage and providing insights into the history of the region. “Today’s event reflects our belief in the importance of preserving our collective Arab heritage and shedding light on the key role that libraries across the region played in disseminating knowledge and bringing people together,” he noted.
