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25 Years of Qatar Foundation
It’s been 25 years since we established Qatar Foundation as a way to invest in our people through education. We’ve grown a lot since then.
Introduction
01In 1995, we established Qatar Foundation with the idea of revolutionizing the landscape of education in Qatar. Over the past 25 years, this idea has grown into a unique ecosystem of learning and knowledge.
Our ecosystem now spans dozens of schools, multiple universities, a range of research and innovation hubs, and an array of community development programs, located primarily in Education City, Doha, along with some offshoots around the world.
At the core of our ambitious journey are our people—and their potential that has powered all our achievements over the past 25 years.
Every day, the generations of knowledge seekers and change drivers that have come out of our organization are questioning what we know and answering what we don’t, transforming the present to sustain the future.
Our Journey
02The creation of Qatar Foundation was a challenge to the status quo in education at that time. And while we successfully remodeled what existed back then, we haven’t stopped transforming what exists today. Here are some key Highlights from our journey of learning, innovation, and creativity.
A new model of disruptive education
Instead of establishing a single university offering programs in various fields, we pioneered a new approach to higher education. Education City consists of top universities from around the world located on one campus. Students here can study at multiple universities at the same time and foster unique multidisciplinary collaborations between different schools.
Bridging the gap between schools and the real world
We wanted young students to tackle real world challenges from day one. That’s why we integrated our K–12 schools into an array of entities and centers that serve Qatar’s needs for education, research, and community development. Our students interact with universities before graduating high school, regularly work with surrounding entities to get a sense of their future careers, and are pushed to be active global citizens with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Addressing global challenges heads on
Attaining education isn’t enough—it needs to be put to practical use. Over the past 25 years, we have built a science and research ecosystem where tech giants and budding start-ups, experts, and young curious minds work together to spark the next great breakthroughs. This ecosystem is now saving lives through precision medicine, preparing for the use of artificial intelligence ahead of its time, fighting climate crises through innovation, and empowering tomorrow's entrepreneurs.
Removing limits on learning and social engagement
Unlike traditional schools, we didn’t want to limit our offerings only to our students and employees. Therefore, our community programs offer learning opportunities to kids and adults alike, stay-at-home parents as well as corporate employees, and anyone interested in learning irrespective of their age, background, or needs. Through programming in sports, mental health, culture and heritage, civic engagement, and more, we are developing our nation as a whole.
Sparking difficult conversations, globally
In line with our spirit to push boundaries beyond Qatar, we created several initiatives along the way that ask difficult questions about issues that matter the most. From platforms like QatarDebate and Doha Debates to programs for global discussions like Education City Speaker Series and our innovation summits, we have been pushing to unite the world through ideas and dialogue.
How well do you know QF?
03Qatar Foundation (QF) is a non-profit organization made up of more than 50 entities working in education, research, and community development.
Our unique ecosystem—supported by partnerships with leading international institutions—is built on initiatives that address our most pressing challenges, create global opportunities, and empower people to shape our present and future.
Our Stories
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Op-ed: State capitalism and sovereign investors - between global governance and national sovereignty
