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.
Qatar Charity Celebrates International Day for Social Justice
Sustainable Projects Reflecting Its Commitment to Achieving a Just Transition Toward a Sustainable Future Doha, Qatar | February 20, 2025: On the International Day for Social Justice, observed on February 20 each year, which aims to promote economic and social justice for all, Qatar Charity highlights its humanitarian and developmental projects implemented in Somalia and Pakistan during 2024. These projects, executed with generous support from philanthropists in Qatar, contribute to achieving a just transition toward a sustainable future by integrating environmental sustainability with social justice, ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities benefit from these initiatives. In this way, they reflect Qatar Charity’s commitment to the principles of “just transition” within the context of sustainable development. A Just Transition Toward a Sustainable Future in SomaliaAfter a series of humanitarian crises in Somalia, including severe droughts, sudden floods, and ongoing conflicts, Qatar Charity committed to supporting the Somali people through the implementation of around 300 humanitarian and developmental projects in various regions and provinces of Somalia, with a total cost exceeding 40 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting more than 600,000 people.These projects focused on balancing the needs of both people and the environment, with initiatives in the sectors of water and sanitation, food security, education, health, social welfare, economic empowerment, and social housing. These projects were part of a comprehensive response Qatar Charity adopted to address the humanitarian crises caused by environmental changes and ongoing conflicts. Water and Sanitation ProjectsThe water and sanitation sector has been a priority for Qatar Charity in Somalia, where the projects contributed to addressing the shortage of clean water exacerbated by the ongoing drought. In this context, 78 projects were implemented at a cost of 10.3 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting over 140,000 people. These projects included drilling deep and shallow wells, constructing sewage networks, and building facilities to provide clean water. These initiatives were not only a response to the drinking water crisis but also part of a long-term strategy to improve residents’ lives and reduce waterborne diseases. Food SecurityIn urgent response to the food crisis caused by drought and conflict, Qatar Charity launched 84 projects with a total cost of 8.6 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting more than 300,000 people. The projects included distributing food baskets to affected families, as well as supporting agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing boats, helping rural communities secure sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives contributed to strengthening resilience against environmental and economic crises and made communities more capable of facing future challenges. Searching for Sustainable Solutions in PakistanQatar Charity implemented sustainable projects in Pakistan during 2024, benefiting more than 990,000 people through approximately 1,800 projects in the fields of water and sanitation, education, health, and economic empowerment. These projects were a direct response to the crises facing the country, whether due to harsh weather conditions or ongoing conflicts.Water and sanitation projects in Pakistan included drilling wells, installing solar-powered water pumps, and building comprehensive health facilities. The economic empowerment sector also included establishing craft workshops and commercial shops, as well as supporting small businesses, which helped provide stable sources of income for many families in rural areas. Global Partnerships for Broader ImpactQatar Charity seeks to enhance its collaboration with international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, with the aim of coordinating efforts and achieving a greater impact in crisis-affected areas. In 2024, several cooperation agreements were signed with these entities in Somalia and Pakistan, reflecting Qatar Charity’s vision of joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and social justice for all sectors of society.
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.
