Msheireb Museums to inspire young minds with

Transcription

BUILDING AN ECOSYSTEM OF RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
In an interview with QF Telegraph, Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, Executive Vice-President, Qatar Foundation
Research and Development, outlines how QF is shaping a vibrant culture of research, innovation,
and discovery in Qatar
QATAR FOUNDATION’S FORTNIGHTLY NEWSPAPER ISSUE 149 THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2015
HERITAGE Key milestone for Msheireb Properties’ flagship project as the first stage of Heritage Quarter is completed
Msheireb Museums to inspire young
minds with the wisdom of Qatar’s past
MSHEIREB Museums, which showcases
the rich culture and heritage of Qatar,
was officially opened by Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation
(QF), in the presence of Her Highness
Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson
of Qatar Foundation.
Engineer Abdulla Al Mehshadi,
CEO, Msheireb Properties, and other
dignitaries and officials also attended
the museum opening at Msheireb
Downtown Doha (MDD) on 20 October 2015.
The opening of the museum represents another key milestone in the development of MDD, which is Msheireb
Properties’ flagship project, and marks
the completion of the first phase of its
Heritage Quarter.
Consisting of four restored historical buildings, the museums are part of
the wider regeneration of the inner city
to revive the old commercial center –
recreating and modernizing traditional
Qatari life based on community, commerce, and a sense of shared destiny.
A specialized team of leading local
and international architects and experts
has overseen the restoration and preservation of the four historical buildings.
The Heritage Houses – commonly
known as the Bin Jelmood House,
Company House, Mohamed bin Jassim House and Radwani House –
have been restored and converted into
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, at the opening of Msheireb Museums
four culturally significant museums using carefully sourced materials that retain the spirit and building techniques
of the original structures.
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint
Nasser said: “Today Msheireb Downtown Doha enters a new chapter in its
history, through which it will inspire
young minds of the future with the wisdom and beauty of our past. With the
opening of these museums, Msheireb
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Texas A&M University at
Qatar students publish 2015
Best Writing
See page 8
reaches a milestone in fulfilling its vision of maintaining our unique architectural identity in Qatar, in a location
that is set to be the vibrant heart of our
capital.”
Engineer Al Mehshadi said: “This
is a highly significant moment for
Msheireb Properties. The Msheireb
Downtown Doha development is a
testament to Msheireb’s commitment
to Qatar, and to its 2030 Vision.
“Through this development we are
seeking to preserve Qatar’s rich past,
while shaping its identity as a modern,
progressive nation, and the restoration
of the four heritage houses is integral to
this aspiration.
“Together these museums will welcome local, regional, and international
exhibitions and house public educational and outreach programs – with a
vision to becoming a learning tool for
“Workplace safety is a
culture, therefore this
award is deserved
recognition as it confirms
our commitment”
Amal Al Thani, Executive Director, Health, Safety,
Security, & Environment. Turn to page 2
future generations.“
Al Mehshadi added: “The opening
of Msheireb Museums is a very tangible milestone on our journey to delivering MDD, and will give the people
of Doha their first major glimpse into
the caliber and quality that will be exhibited throughout the development,
which has been constructed according
to the highest ethical standards and international best practice.”
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Chilren have an educational
experience at Qatar
National Library event
See page 12
2
News
“Through the
ROS series, we
want to spread
knowledge
about the
excellent
research taking
place in Qatar”
QNRF Research Outcomes
Seminar tackles the serious
issue of smoking
NEWS IN BRIEF
WISH WEBINAR
TO IMPROVE
PATIENT CARE
n The World Innovation
Summit for Health (WISH),
a global initiative of Qatar
Foundation (QF), hosted a
webinar discussing a report
published by the UK’s Royal
College of Physicians, identifying how hospital services
can adapt to meet the needs
of patients, now and in the
future. The webinar, entitled
‘Exploring the Future Hospital’, formed part of the ‘Safer
Care Accelerator’ series by
Leading Health Systems
Network, a WISH initiative
that shares best practice
and inspires health systems
worldwide to provide safer
care for patients. The initiative is in line with QF’s vision
to reinforce Qatar’s pioneering role as an emerging
center for healthcare innovation while unlocking human
potential.
Write to us: [email protected]
ISSUE 149 THURSDAY
THURSDAY
5 NOVEMBER
6 AUGUST 2015
Ghada Saade
Head of Translation and Editorial
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +974 4454 0961
Ibrahim Helal
Editor
Photography: page 1, Aisha Al Sada / HHOPL
Follow QF on twitter.com/QF
facebook.com/qatarfoundation
instagram.com/qatarfoundation
Snapchat username: QFSNAPS
© 2015. Qatar Foundation. All rights reserved. No part of
this publication may be reproduced without the written
permission of Qatar Foundation.
THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2013
, Snapchat username: QFSNAPS
International award recognizes
the high standards QF is setting
QATAR Foundation (QF) has been
given the gold award from the Royal
Society for the Prevention of Accidents
(RoSPA) Occupational Health and
Safety Awards. The award was presented to QF during an official ceremony
held in Glasgow in the UK recently.
The prestigious accolade demonstrates QF’s dedication to raising
health and safety standards in Qatar,
and its commitment to creating a
positive and proactive environment
in the workplace.
Amal Al Thani, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Security, & Environment Directorate (HSSE), commented on the award, saying: “We
are delighted to have been presented
with this award, especially from such
a world-renowned organization as the
RoSPA. Workplace safety is a culture,
therefore this award is deserved recognition as it confirms our continued
commitment to providing the highest possible standards of health and
safety in the workplace.”
Collecting the award in Scotland,
Mohammed Bakhamis, Director, Health, Safety, & Environment,
HSSE, said: “To receive such a prestigious gold award at our first attempt
is a fantastic achievement, and we are
extremely proud to have been recognized in this way.”
The award recognizes a very high
level of performance, demonstrating
well-developed occupational health
and safety management systems
and culture, outstanding control of
risk, and very low levels of error,
Dr Enas Mohamed, Program Officer, Biomedical and
Health Sciences Program, QNRF, addresses the gathering
AWARENESS Collaboration can help to create awareness and to build a smoke-free Qatar
QNRF Research Outcomes Seminar
tackles the serious issue of smoking
Mohammed Bakhamis, Director, Health, Safety, & Environment, receives the gold award from Errol Taylor,
Deputy Chief Executive, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, at the official ceremony
harm, and loss.
David Rawlins, Awards Manager,
RoSPA, said: “The RoSPA Awards
encourage improvement in occupational health and safety management.
Organizations that gain recognition
for their health and safety management systems, such as QF, contribute
to raising standards overall, and we
congratulate them.”
The RoSPA is a registered charity
and has been at the heart of accident
“To receive such a prestigious gold
award at our first attempt is a fantastic
achievement, and we are extremely proud
to have been recognized in this way”
prevention in the UK and around the
world for almost 100 years.
RoSPA promotes safety and the
prevention of accidents at work, at
leisure, on the road, in the home,
and through safety education. Sharing similar values, the organization
encouraged QF to become a member of RoSPA in 2015 and enter into
the annual awards.
Accreditation recognizes quality of TAMUQ’s programs
ENGINEERING Qatar Foundation partner university Texas A&M
University at Qatar (TAMUQ) has
announced that its bachelor’s degree
programs in chemical engineering,
electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and petroleum engineering
have been accredited by ABET, (Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology), the global accreditor of
college and university programs in ap-
QBG promotes cultural awareness
n The Qur’anic Botanic Garden, a member of Qatar Foundation,
recently hosted a training program for more than 130
students from the Community College of Qatar as part of the
organization’s aim to promote cultural awareness among
university students. The training included a number of
interactive courses on ‘Plants and Islamic Heritage’.
plied science, computing, engineering,
and engineering technology.
ABET accreditation assures that
programs meet standards to produce
graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in
innovation and emerging technologies,
and anticipating the welfare and safety
needs of the public.
Dr Mark Weichold, Dean and CEO,
TAMUQ, said: “TAMUQ is most
pleased with the reaccreditation of its
four engineering programs. It is further affirmation that our students have
met the highest standards in engineering education, and they graduate prepared to become the next generation
of engineering leaders.”
Sought worldwide, ABET’s voluntary peer review process is highly respected because it adds critical value
to academic programs in the technical
disciplines, where quality, precision,
and safety are so important.
Developed by technical professionals from ABET’s member societies, ABET criteria focuses on what
students experience and learn, and
looks at program curricula, faculty, facilities, and institutional support. It is
conducted skilled professionals from
industry, academia, and government,
with expertise in the ABET disciplines.
Prominent writer gives talk at VCUQatar
n Renowned American essayist and writer Jennifer Kabat
explored how language, history, and art influence her work
on contemporary art and culture at the recent Crossing
Boundaries event. The event was organized by Virginia
Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQatar), a Qatar
Foundation partner university.
3
Agreement
can take Sidra’s
expertise beyond
Qatar’s borders
HONOR HSSE continues to show commitment to ensuring health and safety in the workplace
CONTACT US
QATAR FOUNDATION
Rima Ismail
Publications Manager
Tel: +974 4454 0960
News
From the
Top
ISSUE 149 THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2015
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RESEARCH being conducted in Qatar to tackle the growing epidemic of
smoking, and smoke-related health
hazards, was highlighted at the 6th
Research Outcomes Seminar (ROS)
organized by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a Qatar Foundation (QF) research funding entity.
The event, held on 14 October
2015, saw five presentations on the
health effects of primary and secondary smoking, and covered both cigarette and shisha smoking.
Dr Enas Mohamed, Program Officer, Biomedical and Health Sciences Program, QNRF explained
that the research conducted aimed to
raise awareness on “a serious health
issue that is socially acceptable.”
She said: “Nicotine is one of the
most powerful addictive substances,
and through our collaborations with
researchers, QNRF is aiming to cre-
ate awareness and address the issue
to build ‘a smoke-free Qatar’.”
She added: “In line with the National Health Strategy 2011-2016,
QNRF is committed to funding research that focuses on developing
and promoting a healthy lifestyle.”
According to Dr Mohamed, the
event not only provided a platform to
disseminate the results of completed
projects funded by QNRF, but also
for researchers and scientists to network and exchange information, and
also develop collaborations.
The Impact of a School-Based Shisha
Use Prevention Program in Qatar: A
Pilot Study was discussed by Dr
Ahmed Al Mulla, Senior Consultant
in Public Health at Hamad Medical
Corporation, and the Head of the
Smoking Cessation Program, who
appreciated the support of QNRF.
He said: “It is important to show
people in Qatar how harmful tobacco
is, and, through such events, we can
showcase our research, and hope
that people can learn from it. We are
grateful for the support extended by
QNRF, and look forward to continuing our collaboration with them and
other stakeholders.”
Dr Ziyad Mahfoud, Associate Professor of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College
in Qatar, a QF partner university, researched The Exposure to, Knowledge
and Attitudes Toward Second-Hand
Smoke among Qatari Pregnant Women
Living in Doha.
Highlighting his study, Dr Mahfoud said: “We collected data from
more than 300 Qatari women over a
period of five months. This is the first
study to estimate the prevalence and
associated factors related to exposure
to second hand smoke during preg-
nancy among Qatari women, and to
estimate the level of knowledge of
health risks, and attitude to tobacco
smoking among these women.”
Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive
Director, QNRF, said: “Through
the ROS series, we want to spread
knowledge about the excellent research taking place in Qatar.
“Our goal at QNRF is to develop
Qatar into a hub of knowledge excellence, and through activities like ROS
we have the opportunity to demonstrate to stakeholders from various
sectors and the public at large how
research funded by QF will benefit all
communities in Qatar and globally.”
Apart from disseminating the results of completed projects funded
by QNRF, the event also provided
a platform for researchers and scientists to network and exchange
information.
Mathaf receive ‘Best Emerging Culture Destination’ award
CULTURE Mathaf: Arab Museum of
Modern Art, a member of Qatar Foundation, was recently named the Middle
East’s ‘Best Emerging Culture Destination’ at the 2015 Leading Culture
Destinations Awards, held in London.
The prestigious awards scheme,
now in its second year, honors the
world’s most visionary arts institu-
tions and emerging cultural hotspots.
Talking about the award, Dr Abdellah Karroum, Director, Mathaf,
said: “This award comes as recognition for the efforts and commitment
of our team in the last five years. It is
very special to receive this honor, as
we are still a very young museum, and
because the jury comprises of inter-
Learning more about ABP at Open House
n The recently held Open House at the Academic Bridge Program
(ABP), a member of Qatar Foundation, provided parents and
students with the opportunity to meet with ABP administrators
and teachers, and learn more about ABP’s grading system,
academic courses, available clubs and activities. They also
learned about the specific application process for students.
national artists, critics, and those who
are truly passionate about art.”
Winners were judged by a panel
of 12 renowned cultural and creative
figures from around the world, and
chaired by Gail Dexter Lord, CoFounder of Lord Cultural Resources,.
According to Dr Karroum, the
recognition was bestowed on Mathaf
due to its commitment to using art
to disseminate knowledge; working
with and promoting young emerging artists, whose work deals with realities; its efforts in the development
of the conservation lab, opening of
the archive room, and performance
space; and its extensive educational
program.
PARTNERSHIP Sidra Medical and
Research Center, a member of Qatar
Foundation, and WuXi NextCODE –
a precision medicine company using
the genome to improve health worldwide – has announced a long-term
agreement to provide and co-develop
comprehensive research and bioinformatics programs.
Within a flexible multi-year
framework, the partnership will enable Sidra to leverage its world-class
clinical, research and bioinformatics
teams to deliver cutting edge genomic
medicine – for its own patients as well
as enhancing its expertise to develop
national, regional, and global genomics research initiatives.
The implementation will also allow
Sidra to develop customized applications to support the genetic research
needs of several health and research
programs currently under way in Qatar, such as the Qatar Genome Project.
“Understanding the genome is the
key to building a roadmap for better
health outcomes,” said Dr Francesco
Marincola, Chief Research Officer,
Sidra.
“We are really excited to be a part
of a ground-breaking national project
like the Qatar Genome Project, as
well as other research programs that
will empower us and our partners to
improve the health of the people in
Qatar.
“Our work on the Qatar Genome
Project has the potential to develop
applications that will take our research and expertise beyond Qatar’s
borders.”
He added: “The partnership with
WuXi NextCODE brings us key capabilities: a fully integrated and truly
scalable bioinformatics system for
ramping up our sequencing effort,
the ability to build a global standard
database and tools using population
genomic, and medical data to benefit
research and clinical care.”
WuXi NextCODE’s system and
its unique genomic database model – which manages and mines more
sequences than any other system in
the world – will streamline the flow
of samples in and data out of Sidra’s
high-throughput sequencing center.
A whole-genome pilot of the Qatari
population with a sample size of
3,000 – using the Wuxi NextCODE
system – is already underway.
WCMC-Q organize healthy cooking event
n Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q), a Qatar
Foundation partner university, and JeemTV organized a healthy
cooking competition for children entitled The Healthy Eating Show
recently. Part of WCMC-Q’s Your Health First campaign, the aim is
to teach children about good nutrition, and encourage them to eat
healthy food.
4
Hot Topic
DYNAMIC, INTERACTIVE, AND
ENGAGING ARE WORDS THAT
PERFECTLY DESCRIBE THE EVOLVING
LANDSCAPE OF THE SCHOOLING
SYSTEMS OF QATAR FOUNDATION (QF).
Have your say
AbdalRahman Rashid Al
Mannai, Grade 5, Awsaj
Academy
QF Telegraph reached out to parents,
students, and teachers within QF
schools to understand their opinions
on whether the facilities at these
schools offer a comfortable learning
environment, where academic
excellence and creativity is promoted. The feedback suggests QF is
doing a good job in developing its
students. “I have children in different
educational stages, and I noticed
that classrooms vary from one stage
to another,” said Aisha Al Hajri,
Information Specialist for Arabic
Materials, Qatar Academy (QA)
Doha. “Each semester, students
are provided with everything they
need for learning. In addition, the
classrooms are divided in a diverse
way that encourages enthusiasm
among students, and enables them to
move to new educational activities. As
a teacher, I believe these facilities will
encourage students to develop a love
for learning and sharing knowledge.”
Tefla Issa Al Muhannadi, a Grade
10 student, also believes her school,
QA Al Khor, creates a favorable
academic atmosphere that motivates
students to seek knowledge. She
said: “As a student at middle school
in QA Al Khor, I have fallen in love
with knowledge, aspiration, and
experimentation,” adding that her
school offers several high-quality
facilities.
“For example, science labs help
us perform tests and achieve deeper
understanding,” she added. “There
are also the crafts rooms that help
develop manual skills and creativity
in the manufacture of new and
innovative things, in addition to the
library, where books provide a variety
of information sources to complete
our research.”
Alyaa Ahmed Al Malik and Ameen
Omer El Minshawi, Grade 5 students
at QA Al Wakra, both agreed that
the facilities in their school also
encourage an interest in education –
Mohammed Al Mahmoud,
cadet, QLA
“The school
facilities
encourage
students in
everything
like doing their
homework, and
everything else by ourselves.
At the same time, the school
encourages students to work
with each other, and promotes
student leadership.”
Do QF schools offer a
nurturing environment to
think, learn, and grow?
Are the facilities at QF conducive to inspiring children to excel?
‘
YO U R O P IN IO N
DO QF SCHOOLS
OFFER A NURTURING
ENVIRONMENT TO
THINK, LEARN, AND
GROW?
Share your views by emailing us at
[email protected] with a ‘YES’ or ‘NO’
as well as a sentence stating your
reason.
All submissions are confidential
unless you state that your name
can be used.
You can also register your vote
anonymously online on Maktabi.
‘
‘ COUNTS
‘
“The classroom
environment
is conducive
to raising
the level of
academic
achievement, and
all facilities encourage education
and learning among students.”
particularly, the science laboratories–
and they consider them to have an
important role in enhancing their
learning process.
“There are many boards and class
corners, such as the library corner and
the computer corner,” El Minshawi
said. “There are also improvement
boards, learning boards, and corners
for gifts and rewards, which make the
classroom a better environment to
motivate students to learn.”
Al Malik, meanwhile, believes that
printed boards are helpful, stating:
“Classrooms help students a lot
because they have printed boards that
help us remember and understand
what we have learned.”
Both QA Al Wakra students are
satisfied with the various multimedia
devices provided by the school, both
in terms of quality and quantity.
Each student enjoys the opportunity
to work with their personal device
to accomplish a variety of projects.
The school offers an array of devices,
including iPads, and laptops, as well
as easy access to safe Internet surfing
when students need to prepare their
research papers, articles, and daily
schoolwork.
Noting that classrooms promote
an interest in academics because of
the interactive way of teaching and
learning, Abdullah Al Mohannadi,
Cadet, Qatar Leadership Academy
(QLA), shared his experience.
Commenting on the extracurricular
facilities at his school, he said: “They
support our learning, and create a
great place for entertainment,” adding,
that, although their campus is well
lit and airy, environmental factors
cannot be ignored in how it affects the
surroundings within the campus.
Al Mohannadi believes that facilities
in his school encourage students to
perform better. “We feel motivated
to workout, try a new technology,
and explore more through these
facilities,” he said. “QLA has a well
equipped gymnasium and a large
multiple purpose sports hall for all
kinds of sports – such as basketball,
badminton, soft tennis, volleyball,
and circuit training. There is also an
obstacle course, rappel towers, and a
heritage majlis.”
Awsaj Academy students stated that
they were happy with the facilities at
their school, including the auditorium,
and indoor sports hall.
Faisal Faisal Al Dosari, Grade
5 student, Awsaj Academy, said in
support of his school: “There are
suitable playgrounds that encourage
exercising and engaging in sports.
There are facilities that encourage
learning among students, but I would
suggest building a science lab in the
elementary school.”
Tina LeMay, a Grade 5
teacher at the Elementary School
of Awsaj Academy, commented
enthusiastically about her school,
stating: “The facilities at the school
promote a positive atmosphere,
where all feel welcomed.”
However, she went on to add that,
while it is nice to have an auditorium,
theater, and video production in high
school, the school could benefit if
they also had a computer lab for the
elementary section. She also feels that
classrooms and the playground could
be larger, and believes the playground
should not be next to classrooms.
Commenting on the provisions at
QA Msheireb,Yousif Saleh Al Kuwari,
a father of two students, said: “I am
impressed by the unique and modern
facilities that create a suitable learning
environment for our dear children.
I hope that all schools in Qatar will
enjoy the same experience in terms
of buildings and equipment as that of
Qatar Academy.”
He went on to explain that, although
he is not a specialist in education,
he has noticed that his children have
developed more interest in learning,
and they enjoy going to school.
Benjamin Tomczak, Senior
School Music
teacher, QA
Doha
One additional
thing that
distinguishes
the QA Doha
campus is the
availability of learning and social
spaces outside of the typical
classroom, where teachers and
students can gather for special
topics and events.
He believes that QA Msheireb has
devoted special attention to school
facilities in a way that stirs the
eagerness in students to learn, study,
and innovate.
At QA Msheireb, his children enjoy
a host of extracurricular activities
that are well laid out. “The design
of the classes, playgrounds, sports
facilities, and swimming pool is really
impressive, as it provides an integrated
education and sports environment,” Al
Kuwari added.
Karina Rachedi Bekka, a mother of
two students at QA Msheireb, shared
her children’s experiences. She said:
“I’ll simply quote my kids, who say:
‘We love our new school, it’s very
big and beautiful with many colors.
We have lots of places to play, our
gymnasium is gigantic, and we have
our own pool’.”
Bekka praised the dining hall
facilities, noting the superior hygiene
qualities and great organization of the
lunch staff. She said: “The cafeteria
is very clean, and the staff are nice
and are patient with the kids. In my
opinion, the kids have a balanced
meal, and I appreciate the system of
the folding table.”
Perspective
From
the Top
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us on: twitter.com/QFTelegraph, facebook.com/QFTelegraph
THURSDAY 7 MARCH 2013
Avoiding cyber security threats
with the use of better education
QCRI’s expertise can make a big impact and boost the economy
BUILDING human capacity through
enhancing knowledge is as pivotal
to ensuring cyber security as
developing new technologies
and safeguards, an expert in the
field of protecting critical ICT
infrastructure has explained while
visiting Qatar Foundation (QF).
Through its role in connecting
its Qatar-based stakeholders to
solutions and expertise that can help
them in addressing pivotal issues,
Qatar Computing Research Institute
(QCRI), a research institute under
Hamad bin Khalifa University,
a member of QF, welcomed Dr
Damiano Bolzoni, Founder and
CEO, SecurityMatters, outlined
why new approaches are required
to detect cyber threats to Industrial
Control Systems, such as those used
in the oil, gas, water, electrical, and
data industries.
However, speaking to QF
Telegraph, Dr Bolzoni emphasized
that cyber security – one of Qatar’s
four Research Grand Challenges –
should not simply be viewed in the
context of preventing such threats,
but also in terms of educating those
engaged in ICT about methods
and processes that can eliminate
avoidable, but “non-malicious”,
issues affecting the cyber world.
This is an area, he believes, in which
QCRI can make a significant impact
ADDRESSING PRIORITIES
Dr Bolzoni’s talk at QCRI focused
on Industrial Control Systems
networks, which allow operators
to monitor and control industrial
processes, including those in sectors
impacting Qatar’s economy. It
allowed those who attended to gain
an overview of a new approach to
safeguarding computer networks
that his company has developed,
with a view to identifying potential
partnerships that could accelerate
this product to the proof of concept
stage, while supporting QCRI’s
research and enhancing Qatar’s pool
of cyber security expertise.
“Many people believe that cyber
security is a tool in itself, or can be
addressed purely by a particular
“Even the best
possible tools
will not achieve
anything without
people; people
who have the
knowledge to use
them”
Dr Damiano Bolzoni, Founder and CEO, SecurityMatters, at the event
OPINION
Ahmed Al Qahtani
Advocating for change through
having a voice in education
Compiled by Deena Newaz, a Foreign Service, Culture and Politics senior at Georgetown
University in Qatar
tool – that is not the case,” Dr
Bolzoni explained to QF Telegraph.
“Even the best possible tools
will not achieve anything without
people; people who have the
knowledge to use them and to
understand their output. I see
the issue as being one of cyber
resilience – it is not simply about
protecting networks against
malicious attacks; it is about poorly
configured systems, human errors,
software errors, right down to
people pressing the wrong buttons.
“These are all cyber incidents,
and they must all be addressed.
Relatively speaking, in Industrial
Control Systems networks, we see a
low percentage of malicious cyber
attacks around the world, when
compared to the issues caused by
other, non-malicious factors.”
ENHANCING UNDERSTANDING
In Dr Bolzoni’s opinion, cyber
security’s focus should primarily
be on “educating people, allowing
them to understand that technology
is only part of the process”. He feels
QCRI can be at the forefront of this,
enhancing the knowledge of those
currently working in ICT, and those
who will pursue computing careers
in the future.
“QCRI conducts extensive
research in relation to cyber
security, but it also can fulfill – and
does fulfill – an important role in
educating people,” he said. “People
listen to what QCRI has to say, and
it can play a key part in illustrating
to industry that there is a need not
just for technology to be developed,
but for processes to be understood.
“This is also a message that QCRI
can emphasize to today’s students,
ensuring that when they are working
in the field of critical infrastructure
in 5-10 years’ time, they will already
be well aware of cyber resilience
processes and how to develop,
implement, and utilize them. If they
have been educated, informed, and
engaged about these processes,
knowledge in this area will be
accelerated, for the benefit of Qatar.”
It will be one element of the
knowledge-based economy that
Qatar is making the transformation
toward; the type of economy that
Dr Bolzoni has seen prosper in his
home country. “In this regard, I see
many similarities between Qatar and
the Netherlands, which has become
a European leader because of its
investment in, and emphasis on,
research,” he said.
“The country chose to take this
direction 20-30 years ago, and
is now seeing that approach pay
dividends. I believe it demonstrates
how a country that invests in
science, research, innovation, and
knowledge, can flourish.”
5
MY interest in the field of education
was ignited by the language barrier
that students face in Qatar while
transitioning from public schools
to universities. Although this
language barrier did not impact me
personally, it meant that working in
the field of education became a goal,
and this goal remained after I was
admitted to Weill Cornell Medical
College in Qatar (WCMC-Q),
a partner university of Qatar
Foundation (QF).
The opportunity to advocate
for the incorporation of English in
public schools was the motivation
for applying to join the Learners’
Voice Program offered by the World
Innovation Summit for Education
(WISE), an initiative of QF. The
Program provides an insight into
numerous educational challenges,
both global and local. I was aware
that the field of education is vast,
but I was surprised by the various
complexities within the field that the
program’s training exposes WISE
Learners to. Being a WISE Learner
has been an enriching experience,
orienting my efforts toward a
specific issue within education.
I am currently working with a
team on creating an online platform
that will provide access to tools
and resources for people delivering
special needs education in Qatar.
Our project aims to integrate
students with physical challenges
into mainstream schools. The online
platform we are working on will
allow teachers, parents and other
stakeholders, to attend workshops
and link service providers with those
who need the services.
Working in a team of seven
members from different parts of the
world has been very challenging.
However, overcoming those
challenges has been very rewarding
in cultivating critical thinking
and problem solving skills. This
experience has helped me realize
that it is important for youth to have
a voice in education, because youth
are the future. We will be taking the
lead in education in 10-20 years, and
the more we learn, the more capable
we will be in our future roles.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Email [email protected]
In order to increase the
presence of Qataris working in
diverse fields, we need to learn,
and strive, to be better prepared
and more experienced from early
on, so we can contribute to the
workforce. Qatar is my country,
and, as a Qatari, it is out of love
and dedication for my country that
I want to contribute to its success.
I feel obliged to give back to my
country for providing me with
many opportunities, and a quality
education.
“Being a WISE
Learner has been
enriching, orienting
my efforts toward a
specific issue within
education”
For the 2015 WISE Summit, I
was aware of where my interests
lay and where. I wanted to create
an impact, easing the process
of choosing suitable sessions to
attend. I also set myself the goal
of networking and reaching out to
stakeholders and potential partners
present at the Summit for our
project. Keeping in mind that this is
only the beginning, learning was my
priority at the Summit.
The year-long WISE Learners’
Voice Program has encouraged me
to link my love for medicine with
education. I want to combine my
passion for medicine and education
by pursuing a career in teaching
medicine. In the meantime, I want
to focus on our project to improve
special needs education in Qatar,
and bring about a tangible change in
the field of education.
COLUMNIST
Ahmed Al Qahtani
2014-15 WISE Learner, and third year
medical student at Weill Cornell
Medical College in Qatar
A Culture of Research
THE PATH TO REALIZING QATAR’S
VISION FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
As Qatar creates the
ecosystem of research that
is central to its knowledgebased vision, Dr Hamad
Al Ibrahim, Executive VicePresident, Qatar Foundation
Research and Development,
speaks to QF Telegraph
about Qatar Foundation’s
(QF’s) pivotal role in
building the infrastructure,
empowering the innovation,
and providing the impetus,
that will lead the nation
toward a sustainable and
prosperous future
THE ROOTS OF
A RESEARCH CULTURE
The framework created by Qatar Foundation underpins Qatar’s vision of being a
global center of excellence in science
and innovation
“Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint
Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation,
envisioned the creation of a research and
development culture, and ecosystem, in Qatar. Following the development of the Qatar
National Research Strategy (QNRS), Qatar
Foundation Research and Development
(QF R&D) developed a five-year integrated
business plan for our national research
institutes, focusing not only on what Qatar’s
existing research would allow us to achieve,
but what could be achieved in the future,
given the opportunity that exists across the
nation’s research landscape.
“The establishment in 2007 of Qatar
National Research Fund (QNRF), a research
funding entity under QF R&D, represented a
key step in the development of this ecosystem. Through being in the arena of research
in Qatar, providing grants based on a competitive application process, QNRF has funded more than 1,000 research projects. And
our goal of transferring knowledge and expertise from international research centers
to Qatar led to us establishing Qatar-based
research offices to ensure the nation has the
knowledge and capacity that is necessary for
science and innovation to thrive.
“In this context, the QNRS was an extremely important milestone in the story of
research and development and Qatar, in that
it provided the first research and development strategy linked to the objectives of
Qatar National Vision 2030.”
CONNECTING RESEARCH TO
QATAR’S PRIORITIES
Establishing Qatar’s vision for research and
development, the QNRS defines where the
nation’s research efforts must be focused,
identifying challenges that are the priority
of the work of QF R&D
“Within the QNRS, we focused on four
critical areas of national priority that are
very much aligned with Qatar National Vision
2030. These are ICT and computing, health,
energy and environment, and social sciences,
arts, and humanities.
“We developed the QNRS through an
exercise that involved all key stakeholders
in Qatar in identifying what its main objectives should be. From these four pillars, we
identified 76 objectives connected to Qatar
National Vision 2030, and, in 2013, Qatar
Foundation chose to focus on four Research
Grand Challenges: water security, energy
security, cybersecurity, and health, all of
which are linked to the needs of Qatar and
our capacity for research and development.”
AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE
KNOWLEDGE FLOWS AND
RESEARCH THRIVES
By enabling and enhancing the transfer of
ideas and knowledge within Qatar’s research
community, QF R&D has created a landscape
in which innovation is activated and energized
“An advantage of Qatar’s size is the increased opportunity this affords for a high
degree of interaction between the nation’s
network of researchers. It enhances direct
interaction, and the exchange of ideas. A key
strength of any country that has performed
well in terms of innovation is the level of
interaction within its research community,
and the smooth flow of ideas, information,
and knowledge.
“Qatar has such a network, and, in QF
R&D, the nation has an entity that can facilitate this interaction between researchers at
Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and its
research institutes, the partner universities
of Qatar Foundation (QF), and other institutions. This will allow us to achieve more in
terms of research and development than
other countries may be able to achieve.”
THE IMPACT OF KNOWLEDGE
AND INNOVATION
Through facilitating, incubating, and accelerating innovation, enabling and empowering cutting-edge research, fostering
interaction, and developing human capital,
QF R&D is at the vanguard of building a
vibrant ecosystem of research in Qatar
“If you were to place the key achievements
of QF R&D in order, they would be: the creation and nurturing of a research and development ecosystem in Qatar; the development of
a research and development strategy based on
the nation’s needs, capacity, and opportunity;
and the development of an integrated business
plan for research and development focused on
Qatar’s Research Grand Challenges.
“QNRF has positioned Qatar to play a major role in funding and enabling research and
development, and has illustrated the nation’s
commitment to research. Indeed, the level of
investment made by Qatar in research and
development places it among the countries
that allocate the greatest amount of resources to this area.
“Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP),
a research entity under QF R&D, represents
a major accomplishment, and is excelling in
the acceleration and incubation of research.
And, on the global front, we are utilizing and
building on the research and development
success stories that have already emerged
from Qatar.
“In Qatar, we have all the components of
successful innovation, and all the factors
that allow a nation to diversify to a knowledge-based economy. We have education
that is of elite standard. In QSTP, we have
a Free Zone where innovation is incubated
and accelerated. We continue to strengthen
our graduate programs in the field of research and development. We have interaction between researchers; increasing levels
of motivation and entrepreneurship; and the
resources, systems, and support to capture and mature ideas, develop them from
concept to reality, and produce tangible outcomes. We have the capacity to transform
challenges into opportunities.
“Now we must place all of these pieces
into a single picture; attract the best research minds to Qatar and, with the support
of our stakeholders, integrate them into a
society where research becomes a culture,
not simply an activity; and ensure synergy
between research, education, and industry.
By doing this, we can create the vibrant
research and development ecosystem that
we aspire to create.”
PROGRESSION AND ACHIEVEMENT
THROUGH COLLABORATION
The partnerships, cooperation, and engagement made possible by QF R&D have
intensified the strength and impact of
THE QNRS DEFINES FOUR CRITICAL NATIONAL PRIORITY
AREAS FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN QATAR
Qatar-based research, and its potential for
national, regional, and global benefit
“In building a research and development
ecosystem, and addressing Qatar’s Research Grand Challenges, QF R&D operates
not in isolation, but through collaboration.
Our role is to coordinate research efforts
that address national priorities across the
community of stakeholders in Qatar, engage
strategic partners, and foster collaboration
that stretches across research disciplines
with institutions and organizations at both
national and international level.
“In 2022, the FIFA World Cup will make
Improve the health and wellbeing of
Qatar’s population
Qatar a destination for the
world, and this has provided
the opportunity for QF R&D
to work closely with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, through the
vehicle of QNRF, to develop
Qatar’s research capacity.
QF R&D’s Annual Research
Conference invites more
than 2,000 researchers
from around the world to
come to Qatar and be part of our research
and development story.
“Attracting international universities to QF
means prestigious academic institutions are
contributing to building the nation’s research
capacity. And this capacity for science, innovation, and technology is also being built
throughout QF’s cycle of education, from high
school to undergraduate, postgraduate and
postdoctoral level, through QF R&D’s educational initiatives and competitions, and Qatar
Research Leadership Program, an initiative
of QF R&D.
“This approach, built on engagement,
empowerment, teamwork, and shared ownership of Qatar’s research and development
processes and successes, will support and
facilitate learning, knowledge, and discovery,
for the benefit of Qatar and the world.”
Preserve Qatar’s unique culture and
protect and enhance its environment
ENVISAGING QATAR’S
RESEARCH FUTURE
QF R&D AIMS TO
Develop human and institutional research
capacity in Qatar
Support a strong, competitive, and
diversified economy built on knowledge
Provide world-class research
infrastructure and progressive research
programs
Enable the transfer of knowledge
Enhance Qatar’s international reputation
as a hub of research and innovation
QNRF’S PROGRAMS SUPPORT
QF’S CYCLE OF EDUCATION
AND RESEARCH, BY
Instilling a research culture among high
school students
Encouraging the application of science in
the classroom
Providing opportunities for undergraduate
research
Activating graduate students to pursue
research-based studies
Promoting research studies at
postdoctoral level
Empowering junior scientists to instigate and
lead research projects
Supporting research of national, regional,
and international benefit
Building human capacity in research
ICT and
computing
Health
Social sciences,
arts, and
humanities
On Qatar’s journey of transition to a knowledge-based economy, QF R&D is focused
on amplifying its efforts to build a research
and development culture that engages and
inspires the whole community of Qatar
“The unique quality of technology and
innovation is that they create undiminishing
returns. Ensuring a sustainable economy for
Qatar requires focus on, and investment in,
these areas. Transitioning to a knowledgebased economy is not an option; it is a destiny. The question is not whether we should
diversify to a knowledge-based economy; it is
how we can prepare ourselves to do so.
“Through QF R&D, world-class research
and development infrastructure has been put
in place, and world-leading research institutes established. We now want to develop
an integrated business plan for research
and development across QF, to ensure the
activities of HBKU and its research institutes, QF partner universities, Sidra Medical
and Research Center, and others, complement each other, and that our resources are
maximized. Into the future, our aims include
the development of an integrated research
and development plan for the whole nation,
STUDENTS HAVE PARTICIPATED
IN THE 17 CYCLES OF QNRF’S
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
and the establishment of a national research
analytics laboratory, providing researchers
with access to the research and development
activities conducted throughout Qatar, and
creating new opportunities.
“The sustainability of Qatar’s economy requires technology, innovation, and science.
This is not the sole responsibility of academic and research institutes; it requires
entrepreneurs, innovators, engineers,
technicians, within a research and development ecosystem that absorbs and empowers them. To achieve this, the cooperation of
all stakeholders is vital. QF R&D is here to
be part of the story of Qatar’s development,
and, in turn, we hope these stakeholders
will be part of QF R&D’s story.
EMPOWERING A NEW
GENERATION OF INNOVATORS
QF R&D’s commitment to supporting a
sustainable knowledge-based economy is
reflected through its work in inspiring and
instilling a dedication to research and innovation among the youth of Qatar – and preparing them to lead their nation into the future
“QF R&D is a long-term project with
a long-term plan. Through our work in
schools, we enable children to engage with
science and math, participate in experiments, and ensure that, regardless of success and failure, their knowledge is enhanced; we are seeking to instill a mindset
of creativity and innovation at an early age,
and, in collaboration with the education
system, bring about change in the culture of
learning. Through Qatar Research Leadership Program, we allow participants to learn
how to deal with, perceive, and react to, risk
and uncertainty.
“Across the whole spectrum of education,
through our programs and initiatives, QF
R&D is encouraging young people to develop
the social attributes of accepting failure and
of taking risks in order to innovate – attributes that represent the soft indicators, and
the intangible value, of innovation. And we
are empowering them to become leaders in
research and development.”
Elevating Qatar’s global research profile
QSTP’S MISSION IS TO
Accelerate the conception and
development of technology
Support and enable the growth of
entrepreneurship in Qatar
Provide a platform for technology firms to
develop their innovations
Energy and
environment
A Culture of Research
instagram.com/qatarfoundation , Snapchat username: QFSNAPS
ABOUT
6
Promote scientific and technological
innovation in areas of priority for Qatar
Become a globally recognized hub
for applied research, and innovation,
entrepreneurship
WE MUST…ENSURE
SYNERGY BETWEEN
RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND
INDUSTRY. BY DOING THIS, WE CAN
CREATE THE VIBRANT RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT ECOSYSTEM
THAT WE ASPIRE TO CREATE
7
BUILDING A
RESEARCH
ECOSYSTEM
THAT UNLOCKS
HUMAN
POTENTIAL
Creating an environment that
empowers discovery through
encouraging researchers to
challenge themselves in their
endeavors, and extend their
horizons, is at the core of
QF R&D’s commitment
to achieving and inspiring
excellence in research
“Innovation is about surprise,
disequilibrium, and uncertainty. Our challenge is to
build a research and development ecosystem in Qatar that
is capable of embracing all of
these factors.
“This ecosystem must not
micro-manage surprise
and disequilibrium, or seek
to remove uncertainty. It
must create the space in
which people can innovate,
and take risks. It must be a
system that recognizes the
fact that a robust economy is
an economy where trial and
error is acknowledged and accepted, and the taking of risks
in the pursuit of innovation is
advocated.
“Within the research environment that QF R&D has created, researchers and research
institutes have the flexibility
to innovate. QSTP invests in
the potential offered by ideas,
providing innovators with an
environment in which they can
attempt, and in which they
may succeed or fail; and its
programs support and build a
culture of entrepreneurship,
focused on redefining industries and creating opportunities. We must not only look at
the institutional or technical
aspects of research; we must
also look at how we create
a culture where, in research
and development, failure is
accepted as a milestone on
the journey to success.
“QF R&D’s role is to guide,
support, and enable, rather
than to manage or control.
Qatar’s research and development culture should be built
on empowerment, ownership,
and trust, and this requires
a clear understanding of
the long-term objectives for
research and development in
Qatar. Investment in research
and development builds Qatar’s human capacity. That, in
itself, is an accomplishment.”
8
Student Spotlight
Students
From
the Top
QBRI and Harvard Medical
School join to tackle cancer
“It takes talent
and tenacity to
get your work
published, and I
believe that these
Aggie engineers
have the ability
to communicate
clearly and
effectively”
Urooj Kamran
Pursuit for research goes
global from NU-Q experience
Compiled by Eun Ah Rhee, a Media
Communication senior at Northwestern University in Qatar
NEWS IN BRIEF
n Five students of UCL
Qatar, a Qatar Foundation
partner university, attended
a range of international
conferences to showcase
their leading research within
cultural heritage recently,
including the Future Talks:
Processes - The Making
of Design and Modern Art
Materials, Technologies and
Conservation Strategies, in
Munich, Germany, Internet
Librarian International
2015, in London, UK, and
the 2015 Warsaw Student
& Emerging Conservator
Conference, October 2015,
in Warsaw, Poland.
CAMPUS LIFE
COLLABORATION Workshop provides participants with advanced training
TAMUQ Students’
anthology displays a
wealth of creativity
UCL QATAR’S
RESEARCH
SHOWCASED
AT GLOBAL
CONFERENCES
9
Participants at the Harvard Medical School Cancer Biology and Therapeutics program
Students read excerpts from their articles at the launch
WRITING Aggie community attend a special event to mark the launch of 2015 Best Writing book
TAMUQ students’ anthology
displays a wealth of creativity
UNDERGRADUATE students of Qatar
Foundation partner university
Texas A&M University at Qatar
(TAMUQ) showcased their literary
skills in the recently published
anthology, 2015 Best Writing.
During the special event held at
TAMUQ campus to launch the
book, students explained why they
grabbed the opportunity to write
and read excerpts from their pieces,
and, in the presence of peers, faculty
and proud family members.
The range of work in 2015 Best
Writing, the compilation of the
university’s second anthology
of student writing, is a 300-plus
page demonstration of the creative
talent that exists among the Aggie
community, including writing skills
and photography skills. It contains
60 pieces including prose, poetry,
and personal recollections and
experiences along with technical
reports, proposals, analyses, and
critical assessments.
Best Writing is the brainchild of Dr
Mysti Rudd, Assistant Professor of
English, Liberal Arts Program, and
Director, Academic Success Center,
TAMUQ, who also served as coeditor of the publication along with
Dr Amy Hodges.
Appreciating the work of the
students at the launch event, she
said: “To write is to reveal ourselves,
and it takes a lot of courage to
share your words with the world.
It takes talent and tenacity to get
your work published, and I believe
that these Aggie engineers have the
ability to communicate clearly and
effectively.”
A picture of a dhow taken by
Najla Badr, Student, TAMUQ, was
chosen to be the cover image for
the book. “When I heard that the
university was taking submissions
for the cover image, I knew that
this was the picture I wanted to
submit,” said Badr. “To me, it is a
representation of our heritage, our
history, and the economic journey
this region has had.”
She added: “My great grandfather
used to be a professional dhow
builder, and when he began to grow
old, and his eyesight became weak,
he started building small models of
dhows as a hobby.
“When I graduated from high
school in 2014, my uncle gifted me
a model that my great grandfather
had made. It was the most precious
gift that I received that night. I
was fascinated by its beauty, and I
couldn’t resist grabbing my camera
to photograph it.”
Sharouq Al Malki, Student,
Electrical Engineering, TAMUQ,
contributed two pieces to the book:
one about her secret hobby, and the
other on helping Qatari mothers and
daughters understand each other.
Sharing her experience, she said:
“For my piece, I spoke to a lot of
mothers and daughters, including
my mother. In my research, I tried to
assess their individual characteristics,
to understand why there was a
communication or generation gap
between them, and I hope my study
has produced results that will help
bridge that gap.
“I was very proud to have my
family at the launch event. Their
support, as well as the incredible
support from the faculty at
TAMUQ, has been very important
for me. Pursuing a degree in
engineering is stressful, and writing
gives us a way to express ourselves,
and de-stress.”
Saeed Binoora, Student, TAMUQ,
contributed a satirical piece on war.
Writing has always been a passion
and he enjoyed the chance to
express himself, saying: “This is a
unique opportunity for us Aggies.
Many people don’t realize how
much writing engineers eventually
have to do, and this is a great
training ground.
“The kind of support and
encouragement we get at TAMUQ is
incomparable. From going through
multiple drafts of the article, to
motivating us to present it in a public
domain, they were with us every step
of the way.”
Dr Mark Weichold, Dean and
CEO, TAMUQ, congratulated the
students and staff involved in the
production, and said: “Our faculty is
dedicated to encouraging students to
express themselves.
“We have extremely talented
students, but without the faculty
behind them, we would not have this
anthology.
“A good engineer must have
technical skills, but must also be able
to think deeply about a problem
and consider not only the technical
solution, but also the economic
and societal solution, and how an
issue will affect people in different
ways. Through writing comes
introspection, and this leads to a
deeper thought process.
“TAMUQ students are individuals
with varied interests, and they are as
expressive and creative as any other
young adults throughout the world.
We are very fortunate to have them
as our students.”
QATAR Biomedical Research Institute
(QBRI), a research and development
entity under Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), recently held
a workshop in Doha in collaboration
with the Harvard Medical School Office of Global Education.
The workshop is the first component of the Harvard Medical School
(HMS) Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (CBT) program, a 12-month
non-clinical blended-learning certificate program that provides participants
with advanced training in key aspects
of cancer research and treatment.
The program’s first intake of students
includes 63 clinicians and scientists
from around the world, with 10 Qataris among 19 participants representing Qatar. Among experts from HMS
and QBRI, the faculty participating in
the workshops included experts from
Hamad Medical Corporation and Weill
Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCMC-Q),
a partner university of QF.
Commenting on the program, Dr
Hilal Lashuel, QBRI’s Executive Director, said: “The HMS and QBRI
partnership represents a strong collaborative commitment to provide
specialized training in cancer research
and therapeutics to future leaders in
biomedical science. This partnership
has led to a program that encourages
a valuable exchange of ideas, and the
building of a global network of experts.”
Over the next year, students will
take part in a wide range of workshops,
lectures, and interactive webinars. The
residential workshop in Doha is the first
of three, and will be followed by similar
workshops in London and at HMS in
Boston in 2016 that will expand on the
program’s key themes.
At the program’s outset, participants
have been assigned to teams to work
together across the world.
Program participant Sara Saleh Al
Khawaga, who completed her Doctor
of Medicine from WCMC-Q, and is
currently a PhD student in Biological
and Biomedical Sciences at HBKU,
noted: “The blended-learning experience of the CBT program will provide me with deep knowledge and
understanding of the cancer biology
that shapes modern preventive and
therapeutic approaches. Having such a
program in Qatar is an important and
influential step in the development of
cancer research here.”
Ali Mohammed, who previously
studied at UCL Qatar, a QF partner university, along with Ahmed El
Ghamrawy, who is a Texas A&M at
Qatar, a QF partner university graduate, are both doctoral candidates at
the Imperial College London.
Both come from an engineering
discipline, and saw the program as an
opportunity to understand the clinical
and biological aspects of cancer. “This
program gave me a clinical and accurate view of what happens in cancer,
the biology of it and the aspect of what
happens in the hospitals,” Mohammed
said. “Also, as we interacted with doctors from Harvard, Doha, and across
the world, the knowledge exchanged
came from world-class scientists.”
Echoing his views, Ghamrawy,
said: “Here we are talking to clinicians
and biologists with decades of experience, and they can tell me whether
my engineering techniques are worth
trying or not.”
VCUQatar students organize activities for charity
By Eun Ah Rhee, a Media Communication
senior at Northwestern University in Qatar
HUMANITY Students from Virginia
Commonwealth University in Qatar
(VCUQatar), a partner university of
Qatar Foundation (QF), organized
fun and creative activities during the
‘National Day on Writing and Charity Week 2015’ event as part of the
VCUQatar Ram’s Charity club activity.
VCUQatar students organized
activities such as henna and face
painting, writing cards, calligraphy,
as well as a student-designed clothes
sale. Students also arranged an event
called ‘Make a Mark’ where students,
faculties, and visitors could use crafty
materials to leave their messages on a
big white form board, and the students
also designed a logo for the Charity
Week.
Neihan Yaqoob, Writing Center Instructor, VCUQatar, said: “Students
took on the challenge. They remained
committed and sincere to this whole
charity week event. They learned a lot
of leadership skills, taking responsibili-
ties along with handling academics.
“Organizing the activities benefited
the students in many ways. They were
sacrificing their time and were making
serious compromise, but they were doing it for the sake of humanity, for the
children they did not even know. So it
groomed them in many senses.”
The charity week was organized to
raise money for orphanages. It was a
collaborative event with other entities
and partner universities of QF, such as
Reach Out to Asia and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.
RESEARCH is a great way to
progress, and I am therefore
interested in pursuing it for a
future career.
I was taking a course in research methods at Northwestern University in Qatar (NUQ), a Qatar Foundation partner
university, when I first got to
know what research really is,
and I found it fascinating.
After the course, I told my
professor I would like to gain
more research experience,
and I asked if I could become
involved in a project she was
working on. She was preparing
a research paper on the FIFA
World Cup 2022 in Qatar, and
I thought this was a really interesting topic, especially from
the social point of view. With
her support, I was able to become involved as a co-author.
My role was not just limited to writing as I was also
required to gather and compile data. For our research: we
examined and analyzed news
articles and statistics from different sources – not just from
Qatar but also from other
places where the World Cup
has been held, like Brazil. It
was basically a qualitative, secondary source-driven research
paper.
During the Eid break, the
professor and I attended a
sports related conference at
Oxford University. People
from all backgrounds – such
as scientific, psychology, and
social – attended the conference to present their research
on sport.
I was honored and thrilled
to realize that I was the only
undergraduate student among
the presenters – all of the others were PhD students or professors.
The experience gained
from this unique opportunity
enabled me, and provided me
with the platform to become
an editor of the e-book for the
research papers presented at
the conference. And the fact
that I was recommended by
my professor when the organizers were looking for people
to edit the e-book for the research papers, makes it more
meaningful.
"I was honored
and thrilled to
realize that I
was the only
undergraduate
student among
the presenters –
all of the others
were PhD
students or
professors"
This experience has definitely influenced my career
path. When I first came to
NU-Q, I was more interested
in production than research.
However, I now realize there
is a way to combine the two
by doing a media research. In
future I would like to pursue
a research career in my country, and increase the media research in the country.
Urooj Kamran is a student at Northwestern University in Qatar.
10
Focus
HOW DO I?
QF Telegraph helps you make
the most of your time at Qatar
Foundation (QF).
n How do I participate in the
Learning from Education City
conference?
Students can register by
visiting http://www.qf.org.qa/
learningfromec/registration.
A fee of QR 50 is applicable
for students, and must be paid
in person at the Hamad bin
Khalifa University (HBKU)
Student Center in Education
City. Early registration is
recommended to secure your
place. A registration desk
will be set up in front of the
gallery on 16 November 2015
(1.30pm-6pm).
n What is this conference
about?
The conference is a
celebration of the investment
made thus far in Education
City’s architecture in a special
event designed to showcase its
significant projects, and offer
a platform for discussions
and critique to capture the
learning from this endeavor.
Internationally renowned
thinkers and architects will
examine the architecture of
learning, from bottom up
initiatives to global projects.
Contributors from the region,
and worldwide, will join in
creating a unique platform
for discussion, critique and
sharing.
Conference sessions will be
held in English.
Write toWrite
us: [email protected]
to us: [email protected]
ISSUE 149 THURSDAY
THURSDAY
5 NOVEMBER
2 APRIL 2015
Mohammed Fiaz Ahmed
Senior Project Planner, Facilities Management, Qatar
Foundation (QF), talks about receiving the Best Employee
of the Group of Capital Projects, Facilities Management
and HSSE accolade, and discusses his job and life at QF
Through offering the opportunity to learn beyond, as well as within, the classroom, a QF education opens eyes, doors, and minds
How do you feel about receiving
this award?
I am extremely proud and happy to
see that my work is being noticed
and appreciated. Appreciation and
recognition acts as motivation, and
encourages us to do better.
What else would you consider to
be your achievements?
We have had the opportunity
to work on some unique and
challenging projects within really
short timelines, including managing
the facilities at Qatar Academy Al
Khor, and QF member Hamad bin
Best
Employee
of the
Group
of Capital Projects, Facilities
Management & HSSE
Khalifa University’s Translation and
Interpreting Institute.
How does your work help QF in
its mission to fulfill Qatar National
Vision 2030?
The work that QF is doing will
enable Qatar to transform into a
knowledge-based economy, by
unlocking human potential. The
What does working in QF
mean to you?
I have been at QF for more than
nine years now, and have seen our
team grow from 10 to 40 members.
Working at QF is like working with
family. There is a close-knit bond
between the community at QF,
and I must say I have many great
memories of my time here.
resources that are being invested
now will reap benefits for years to
come, and will create a strong and
sustainable future not just for Qatar
but also for the region. At Facilities
Management, we keep up with this
objective by providing the facilities
to the schools and universities across
QF, keeping in mind each one’s
requirements and functions.
What are your hobbies?
I am a big fan of cricket, and I was
thrilled to be part of the team that
developed the cricket pitch at QF.
Currently, we try and organize
matches there, and I occasionally
play – bowling is my preference.
What are your future goals?
I hope to continue to serve QF, to
bring my experience and knowledge
to help meet challenging tasks and
objectives, as QF continues in its
mission to develop Qatar and
the region.
n What can I gain from this
conference?
The conference is planned in
partnership with Columbia
University’s Graduate School
of Architecture, Planning and
Preservation, and is partially
offered as learning credits for
AIA members in collaboration
with the AIA Middle East
Chapter.
Do you have a question you
want answered? Email us at:
[email protected]
Displaying artworks from the QF community
THE Student Center at Hamad bin
Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), is
hosting an exhibition that showcases
works of art by the QF community
for the first time.
Opened on 18 October 2015, the
exhibition displays a varied range of
artworks such as sculptures, paintings, drawings, photography, videos,
card games, game boards, fabric
embroidery and fashion outfits. The
exhibition will continue until 19 November 2015, and is open Saturday –
Thursday, from 7.30am until 10pm,
and from 2pm to 10 pm on Fridays.
The inaugural Education City
Arts Exhibition is a unique effort to
bring together a diverse selection of
artists. “This is the first time we have
done an exhibition to attract artists
from all across the QF community,” said Abdulla Al Emadi, Event
Management Co-ordinator, Student
Center, Division of Student Affairs.
Artworks showcased at the
Education City Arts exhibition
Culture
Review
11
CULTIVATING THE TALENT AND ASPIRATION
OF YOUTH TO MEET QATAR’S NEEDS
THE knowledge instilled by, and absorbed
What are the highlights of
your job?
I work within the Planning and
Development department at the
Facilities Management Directorate of
QF. My team is involved in meeting
and facilitating requests from the
various universities, schools, and
directorates on an ad-hoc, and annual
basis, and to assess and develop
business plans to meet their needs.
We are also responsible for overseeing
the work done by contractors, and
ensuring that they work well within
the deadlines, and allocated budgets.
I also develop executive reports and
presentations, as required.
QF 20th Anniversary
He added: “For the criteria, the participant should have been from the
QF Community (faculty, staff, students or alumni).”
A committee with an artistic background reviewed the artworks before
the final pieces were put on display.
Through their work, talented artists offer the exhibition a deep passion for art, combined with a unique
perspective on the world. Together
they offer a glimpse of the breadth
of artistic talent that, in recent years,
has enriched the artistic landscape of
both QF and Qatar.
“We created this exhibition to
bring out all the talents from QF together in one place, and to showcase
and share their artistic talents to the
community and the local artists,” Al
Emadi said.
The exhibition is part of the art
program at the Student Center,
where a new exhibition at the art gallery is presented every month.
through, a world-class education is knowledge
that endures, creating benefit that will resonate
throughout the lives of those who acquire and
utilize it, and containing value that flows from
the academic environment directly into the
world that unfolds beyond the classroom.
It is knowledge of this nature that is imbued
in the young aspirants whose intellect is
activated, whose creativity is nurtured, and
whose horizons are expanded within the
peerless, unique cycle of education provided
by Qatar Foundation (QF).
Two decades on from its establishment, QF
has developed a multidisciplinary, dynamic
landscape of learning, through which a path
runs from the commencement of education at
the age of six months to university level. Along
this path, QF students are not simply taught;
they are empowered to analyze, inquire,
ascertain, and express themselves, developing
their practical skills and invigorating their
minds. And from this path emerge graduates
of the highest academic and personal caliber
– embodiments of the human capacity that
Qatar requires to achieve its goals.
At QF, education is designed for application;
application across the career spectrum,
for Qatar’s enrichment and prosperity, by
a generation shaped and inspired by QF’s
environs of academic excellence, committed
to demonstrating purpose and prowess in the
field they pursue.
And a key factor in the seamlessness of
their passage from academia to employment
is the opportunity that a QF education offers
to equip themselves for a future of impact
and accomplishment – by carrying learning
beyond the classroom, and making it possible
for them to take a step into that future.
Across QF’s partner universities, students
are exposed to, and immersed in, real-world
work settings through work placements,
internships, residencies, and service learning
opportunities, within organizations of global
renown. Guided by mentors, enlightened and
informed by the established professionals
they work alongside, and challenged to extend
the frontiers of their knowledge and make
tangible use of what they discover, students
gain valuable insights, hone their ability to
find solutions and adapt to myriad situations,
accelerate their professional, personal,
and intellectual development, and ready
themselves to assume the responsibilities of
leadership and experience the fulfillment of
active contribution.
By encouraging and enabling Qatari
students to gain experience and understanding
of the workplace – within Qatar, and abroad
-– QF illustrates its devotion to cultivating
the innate promise and talent of the nation’s
youth, to meet the nation’s needs.
It is education that empowers, giving young
Qataris the opportunity to define their future
journey and the way in which they will serve
their country, while guiding them toward
personal achievement. It is education that opens
eyes, doors, and minds, as Asma Al Hemaidi
can testify.
An Information Systems Junior at Carnegie
Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a
QF partner university, she found herself
in unknown territory when she entered a
dedicated summer work placement at the
Siemens Innovation Center at Qatar Science &
Technology Park, a research and development
entity under Qatar Foundation Research and
Empowered to
develop a broader
understanding of their
career path
Able to benefit from the
experience of professionals
and the guidance of mentors
Motivated,
encouraged, and
inspired to extend
their knowledge
saw her help to design a staff uniform, renovate
the uniforms department’s living quarters, and
create a new design for cups for the airline’s
pilots, now in use on flights.
She returned in 2015, working within Qatar
Airways’ Capital Projects Department on
architectural and interior design projects, having
direct involvement with the organization’s
contractors, and familiarizing herself with its
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
building certification program. The benefit
Prepared to support
the future development
of Qatar and grow as
individuals
THROUGH WORK
PLACEMENT
OPPORTUNITIES, QF
STUDENTS ARE
Provided with the
opportunity to showcase
their abilities in the
workplace
Development, from June-July 2015. She also
found herself in inspiring territory.
“Previously, I had never experienced this, as I
had not been able to apply classroom teachings
in the real world,” Al Hemaidi explained.
“Attending the meetings of the departments,
and being a part of their day-to-day work
environment, was eye-opening.
“I understood the concepts of what I had
been learning a lot better by seeing them within
a work environment. Putting these concepts
into practice helped me a lot.”
Since this placement, Al Hemaidi – her
confidence magnified by her time at Siemens –
has been galvanized to enroll in a CMU-Q
sustainability course, as a major elective. The
opportunity has influenced her future outlook,
as it has for Aysha Al Solaiti, an Interior Design
Senior at Virginia Commonwealth University
in Qatar, a QF partner university, following the
completion of two very different, but equally
valuable, work placements at Qatar Airways.
Her initial spell with the company, in 2014,
Instilled with a
sense of service and
dedication
Allowed to apply what
they have learned from
their studies to workplace
situations
Challenged to take
responsibility and
show initiative and
leadership
of this experience – where, she says: “My
input was taken very seriously – it was really
satisfying” – is evident in her studies.
“My professors have noticed the change
in me, especially regarding my confidence
in presenting projects,” she explained.
“The placement made me take things into
consideration a lot more – now, when I
am working on projects in class, I consider
everything.
“Work experience teaches you about the
real world.You have to be in touch with, and
make allowances for, the demands and time
constraints of so many people.”
The skills that young Qataris develop and
refine through their studies at QF are also being
adapted to, and deployed in, work placements
beyond their home country. Reem Al Baker,
a Senior in Journalism at Northwestern
University in Qatar (NU-Q), a QF partner
university, discovered how a QF education
instills qualities that can be instantly applied
to the working environment when, from
February-April 2015, she spent a semester
at an international strategic consultancy’s
New York offices. Working with international
clients, undertaking tasks such as preparing
press releases and media kits, she found that
she was in her element, ready to and capable
of taking on responsibilities and embracing
challenges.
“During my experience, I knew exactly
how to complete a task when it was asked of
me,” she said. “I was able to apply everything
that I have been studying at NU-Q.”
The caliber and high repute of a QF
education means that when its students
undertake placements, the organizations in
which they work recognize the proficiency
of these young people and have confidence
in their abilities and aptitude, enhancing the
experience’s value and relevance even further.
As Al Baker, whose duties were similar
or identical to those of the company’s full
employees, says: “So much trust was placed
upon me”.
Organizations also recognize that QF
does not just elevate its students’ level of
theoretical knowledge; it empowers them
to be compassionate, socially aware, wellrounded individuals, committed to making a
difference to communities. QF’s dedication
to instilling a sense of service is why Khalid
Al Marri, a second year Medicine student at
Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, a QF
partner university, and many others like him,
have made pivotal contributions to enhancing
the lives of others through the overseas service
learning trips that a QF education allows.
With eight fellow students, Al Marri
participated in a range of community service
projects in Tanzania in 2013, including
painting a new school, cleaning community
clinics, planting trees, and visiting the local
Masai tribe. It has, he says, benefited him in
a way that stretches beyond academic and
career circles, broadening his worldview and
heightening his resolve to be a global citizen.
“Being in that environment helped me to
better understand the values of co-operation,
and to appreciate what I have,” said Al Marri,
who has since joined the Educate A Child
initiative of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint
Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation,
and become one of its Youth Advocates.
“I believe that, as a future doctor, my
assistance to other people should not be
limited by the walls of my clinic, and that we
should help those who are in need for as long
as we can.”
Through embracing the real world
experiences that a QF education offers, and
by displaying the practical, intellectual, and
personal skills that this education nurtures,
young Qataris are proving themselves, and
proving something to themselves – that when
classroom gives way to career, they will have
been equipped by QF to contribute, to lead, to
realize their human potential, and to achieve
their goals and their dreams.
12
Community
BUSINESS CARD
Write toWrite
ISSUE 149 THURSDAY
THURSDAY
5 NOVEMBER
2 APRIL 2015
Children given a lesson on
value of cultural heritage
QNL’s Qatar-Turkey 2015 event aims to develop creativity and imagination
Mark Morris
rdinator
Curriculum Co-o
Msheireb
y
em
Qatar Acad
What does your role involve?
My role includes a variety
of responsibilities. I have
the opportunity to evaluate
different curriculums, resources
and assessment tools and
choose – with the input of
others – the one that best fits
the needs of Qatar Foundation
(QF) school, Qatar Academy
Msheireb (QA Msheireb).
Ensuring that assessments
measure student success against
the Common Core Standards
is also part of my job. Using
the data gathered from the
assessments, the Data Teams
and Leadership Team discuss
student strengths, and how
to accelerate the learning of atrisk students. Another important
responsibility is leading
the accreditation process at QA
Msheireb.
What aspect of QA Msheireb
appeals to you the most?
Being able to work at a school
that is just beginning is very
appealing. Building a school
from the ground up allows me
to learn about many different
aspects of the school, and how
it works.
What does working for Qatar
Foundation (QF) mean to you?
Being employed at QF has been
one of the best professional
moves I have made. QF
offers the opportunity to
grow professionally, and
move upwards within the
organization. I have had the
opportunity to learn more
about the inner workings of
a school in the past two years
than I was previously able to.
How does your job contribute
to achieving Qatar National
Vision 2030 (QNV 2030)?
Qatar’s vision is to develop
its economy and society with
an educated population, so my
job at QA Msheireb directly
supports QNV 2030. By
supporting teachers and
parents in the education of the
students at QA Msheireb, both
academically and socially, we
are creating the next generation
of leaders.
What would you consider to
be the highlights of your role?
Although I am not in a
classroom setting, the highlight
of my day is interacting with
the students and watching
them grow. Seeing their smiling
faces, and witnessing their
enthusiasm, makes coming to
work enjoyable. I also enjoy
working with the parents
in supporting their child’s
education.
What are the challenges that
you face in your job?
The challenges of working at
a new school, and in a new
building, are many. One of the
greatest challenges is being
able to prepare a curriculum
and assessment plan that
holds high expectations but
fits the needs of the students
at QA Msheireb, knowing that
students are learning English
as a second language. We have
implemented a dual-language
approach to teaching and
learning at QA Msheireb – 50
percent of the day is in English
and the other half is in Arabic.
This 50/50 schedule creates
great opportunities for success
but the time constraints offer
new challenges. DID YOU KNOW?
QA Msheireb offers a dual language programme in both
English and Arabic based on high standards and benchmarks.
Sports
Follow
us on: twitter.com/QF,
facebook.com/QatarFoundation
THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015
13
“As well as
producing
top-class
performances,
the league
is also keen
to see good
sportsmanship
from the
players”
Footballers improve fitness
while displaying their skills
SPORT IN BRIEF
Children and their families participated in QNL’s ‘Qatar-Turkey 2015’ event
MORE than 100 children and their
families attended the ‘Qatar-Turkey
2015’ Children’s Event, where they
were given an insight and appreciation
into the culture and heritage of Turkey.
Held on 22 October 2015 at the
Education City Clubhouse, the event
was organized by Qatar National
Library (QNL), a member of Qatar
Foundation (QF), in collaboration
with Qatar Museums.
The event included a number of
educational and entertaining activities such as story telling, crafts, fun
games, and cultural activities.
Saadi Al Said, Associate Director
for Administration and Planning,
QNL, explained that these events
were in line with QNL’s mission to
empower young people with knowledge and education in an enjoyable
and interactive manner.
He said: “QNL is committed to
educating the upcoming generation
in Qatar about the significance of
preserving cultural heritage through
holding workshops, events, and read-
§Rital Al Jabari, participant
“I enjoyed the flag painting activity
– with the white moon and star on
the red background, and the arts and
crafts. It was very interesting to know
more about Turkey.”
ing sessions in collaboration with key
stakeholders.”
He added that QNL was committed to organizing events and activities that engage with the community,
across Qatar. “We are thrilled with the
response we received for Qatar-Turkey 2015. It was pleasing to see the
children and their families enjoying
themselves while also learning more
about the cultures of both countries.”
According to Carol Mitchell, Head
of Children’s Program, QNL, these
activities play an important role in
bringing families together for an
educational activity. “Through these
events, children work with their siblings and parents to learn something
new, and as such, I believe this will
have a positive influence on their
growth and development.
“These activities are connected to
learning, developing creativity and
imagination, and building an understanding and acceptance of different
cultures. We are encouraging them to
have an open mind, and unlock their
Sumaiyah Zabihullah, participant
“It was a really enjoyable day
organized by QNL, in collaboration
with Qatar Museums. There were
many activities including arts and
crafts, story telling, and puppet
shows. I had a lot of fun
participating in
Qatar-Turkey 2015
Children’s Activity.”
human potential from a very young
age. This will enable them to become
contributing citizens of a global community as they grow up.”
Huda Al Kilani, a parent who attended with her two children, appreciated the efforts taken by QNL. She
said: “As parents, we are always looking for more opportunities for our
children to learn, grow, and broaden
their horizons. QNL, through the
various activities it does for children,
provides a unique educational program for young people. Whether it
is through reading or interactive activities, QNL is helping our children
become better citizens who have an
interest in reading, and in developing
cultural understanding.”
Sakinah Benlahcene, one of the
participants, told QF Telegraph that
she had learned a lot about Turkish culture. She said: “The shadow
puppet activity was very informative.
The story they shared had a good
lesson, and I hope to implement it
in my life.”
Alreem Ghanim, participant
“I participated in many activities such
as the Turkish Carpet bookmaking and
tile crafts activity. My siblings and I
learned so much about Turkey, and its
tradition and culture. I look forward to
participating in similar
events in the future.”
QF SIGNS MOU
TO IMPROVE
DEVELOPMENT
OF SPORTS
n Qatar Foundation (QF)
has signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU)
with the Qatar Basketball
Federation (QBF) in a bid
to improve the sport’s
development.
Faisal Al Dosari,
Recreation Supervisor,
Community and Lifestyle
Services Directorate, and
Mohammed Mohammed
Ali Hobash Al Marri,
Secretary-General, QBF,
signed the agreement at
the BQF’s headquarters in
Al Gharafa on 12 October
2015. Also present were
Fahad al Darwish, Recreation
Supervisor, Community
and Lifestyle Services
Directorate, and Saadoun
Al Kuwari, Executive
Director, QBF.
The agreement is intended
to engage kids into healthy
exercise, but also develop
talent pools in different age
groups.
Al Dosari said: “We
have about 150 registered
basketball players in the
QF community, and play in
different leagues under the
QBF. We’re very happy to
get the vital support of the
QBF.”
Footballers improve fitness while displaying their skills
The QF Schools and College Football
League, organized by Qatar Foundation
(QF) in collaboration with the Qatar Football
Association (QFA), got under way on 13
October 2015.
The 11-a-side league features 10 teams and
two age groups, with Under 19 sides in action
at 3pm every Tuesday on Pitch Three of QF’s
Community and Recreation Center (behind
Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar),
while the Under 16s play at the same time on
Pitch Four (behind Awsaj Academy).
As well as showing off their football skills,
players are also improving their health and
fitness. Football improves cardiovascular health
and increases aerobic capacity as well as being a
good way to burn off calories.
Fahad Al Darwish, Recreation Supervisor,
Community and Lifestyle Services, said: “Last
season’s league was a great success, and I am
confident this one will be just as good. We are
very pleased to be working alongside the QFA as
we are both committed to encouraging healthy
living through sports.
“As well as producing top-class performances,
the league is also keen to see good
sportsmanship from the players.”
PRIVILEGE PROGRAM
QF members are entitled to discounts and special rates at a variety of outlets and amenities upon showing their QF ID.
ONGOING OFFERS
Doha Bus
15%
Titanium20-30%
Al Malaki Men’s Requirements
25%
Qatar Airways (Up to 12% for
sectors outside GCC, up to 5%
for sectors inside
the GCC, subject to conditions) AXA (home, travel, and vehicle
insurance)
10%
Momtaz Education Centre
10%
The Little Engineer
30%
Lollipops20%
Mosafer15%
Samsonite15%
Inglot10%
(Discount after minimum
purchase
of QR150)
Naturalizer10%
Levi’s15%
Roots20%
Guess15%
Morgan15%
Lab20%
Karisma10%
Aldo10%
Dune10%
Bench10%
Garage10%
Arts & Gems WLL
25-40%
Al Muftah Center
10-35%
TGI Fridays
10%
DHL Express
30%
Aramex (QF staff free shop and ship
registration, QF students 50%
discount)
Nissan-Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana
(Special price list on QF Portal)
Qatar International Beauty
Academy-Tajmeel Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons Co
(10% on labor charges and 30% on spare parts)
Relax Spa
Ezmiralda Beauty Center
Piano Beauty Lounge
Parrot Palace (offer on parrots and birds)
Al Muftah Jewellery
Mouawad Jewellery
Lina’s Paris
Photo Zone
Gulf Furniture
Blossom Flower Shop
Kiddy Zone
20%
5-10%
25%
20%
10-20%
20-50%
10-35%
20%
15-20%
20%
30%
10%
More details about offers and discounts, including a number
of savings on hotel rates, can be found on the QF Portal or by
emailing [email protected]
14
Time Off
“It really
answered many
questions, and
gave beneficial
guidelines to
those who are at
the end of their
master’s
programs”
Learning important skills
to write a better PhD
application
QUR’ANIC BOTANIC
GARDEN
Botanical terms
Arabic: Hadim
English: Ripe/pleasing to
the eye
Definition of the term
The word Hadim is commonly
used to denote things that
are attractive and pleasing
to the eye. When it is used
to describe a plant, Hadim
means ripe, and when a plant
ripens it looks shapely and
pleasant to the eye.
References in the Holy
Qur’an and Hadith
The word Hadim appears
once in the Holy Qur’an
when Allah the merciful, the
compassionate says in the
context of recounting the
story of the Thamūd people:
“Will ye be left secure, in
(the enjoyment of) all that ye
have here? (146) Gardens and
Springs (147) “And corn fields
and date palms with spathes
near breaking (with the weight
of fruit)? (148)”
Surat Ash-Shu’araa, Verses
146-148
Ahmed ElGharib
Assistant researcher
To find out more about
the Qur’anic Botanic Garden,
email: [email protected]
What’s
On
From
the Top
Follow
us on: twitter.com/QF,
twitter.com/QFTelegraph,
facebook.com/QatarFoundation
facebook.com/QFTelegraph
THURSDAY 27 MARCH
APRIL 2015
2013
Learning important skills to
write a better PhD application
EDUCATION CITY MASJID: JOIN THE QF
COMMUNITY FOR PRAYER
Location: Education City (Near Gate 17)
The Education City Masjid is open to the QF community and
the wider public.
Prayer spaces are available for both men and women.
Please see below for prayer timings - the Masjid can be accessed by car
via Gate 17.
QFIS workshop provides vital tips for advanced MA students
Please avail the services of the Education City buses to and from the mosque.
IN ITS efforts to continually provide
a high-quality academic environment, Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS), a college of Hamad bin
Khalifa University, a Qatar Foundation (QF) member, held a workshop
recently for QFIS students on how to
successfully write a PhD application.
The workshop, conducted by Oxford professor Eugene Rogan, was directed toward advanced MA students
who were finishing their theses.
Diving headfirst into a PhD program may seem like the best academic
decision upon completing graduate
school, but according to Rogan, that
choice most often ends up in a disaster.
“It takes up to four years to finish
a doctoral program, and this comes
at an opportunity cost. Many people
leave their doctoral programs in the
middle, but by then they would have
already invested a lot of money, energy and time into something that isn’t
going to see the light of day,” Rogan
said.
Lolwah Al Khater, who completed her MA Public Policy in Islam
from QFIS this year, noted that the
workshop was very informative, and
provided students with the chance
to think about doctorate studies in a
holistic way.
“I like the fact that the presenter
started his presentation by urging
Tried &
Tested
DATE
everyone to think why they want to
pursue a PhD, and elaborated on that
instead of simply listing the PhD requirements,” she said. She believes
that such workshops make it easy
to apply to further studies, adding:
“The more, and the earlier, the student is exposed to such programs the
better.”
QFIS encourages its best students
to apply to PhD programs in the most
prestigious universities worldwide, in
awareness that the reputation of an
MA program depends partly on the
future prospects of its graduates. Dr
Alexandre Caeiro, Research Assistant
Professor, QFIS, said: “The PhD Application Workshop directed by Professor Rogan provided an opportunity to consolidate the links between
the two institutions. He presented the
main elements of a PhD application
in Islamic Studies and related subjects
in Western universities, and advised
students on their applications.”
For Sumejja Kasapovic, a first se-
mester student at QFIS, studying MA
in Contemporary Islamic Thought
and Societies, applying for a doctorate program may not be entirely on
her cards yet, but attending the workshop was very helpful.
“It really answered many questions, and gave beneficial guidelines
to those who are at the end of their
master’s programs, and drew a clear
perspective to those of us who have
just started their postgraduate studies,” she said.
Eat iron-rich foods to fight off anemia
IRON-RICH FOODS
ANEMIA can be caused by an iron deficiency, or a
lack of vitamin B12 or folate.
However, iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a lack of red blood cells caused by a lack
of iron in the body. This dearth of red blood cells
means the body is unable to store and carry the
required amounts of oxygen that the organs need.
This leads to the most common symptoms of
anemia that are fatigue, shortness of breath, a
pronounced heartbeat, and a pale complexion.
Anemia is something a doctor should diagnose through a blood test in order to rule out
other diseases. They will probably prescribe iron
supplements but your iron levels will have to be
monitored over a few months.
Those with anemia may also be encouraged to
eat foods rich in iron such as green leafy vegetables, meat and fish, eggs, and pulses and beans.
Iron can also be found in fortified cereals.
DAY
FAJR
DHUHR
5
Thu
4:24
11:18
6
Fri
4:24
7
Sat
4:26
NOVEMBER
Students were given an insight into writing
a strong PhD application at the workshop
15
ASR
RISE (Live)
SundaysThursdays
6:30 – 8:30
AM
Summarise
SundaysThursdays
12:00 PM
6:21
The Specialist
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1:30 PM
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MAGHRIB
ISHA
2:28
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Takes listeners on a journey through the varied stories in QF, Qatar and the rest of the world
Varied interesting topics, your daily dose of information
Takes a look at record breakers and high achievers in a quick and fun top five listing.
A bilingual show by the British Council to enhance Arabic and English language skills
8
Sun
4:26
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6:19
10
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15
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16
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10/26/2015
18
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Children say the cutest things
Weekly chats with WCMC-Q doctors and experts about a variety of health and wellness topics
Focuses on local and Internationally renowned/ successful business women
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Focuses on arts and culture, events, interviews and discussion
Egos, Legends and Icons
This program highlights an artist and the influence they have had in the region
Follow QF Radio on Facebook and twitter
http://facebook.com/Qfradio
QF Radio’s programs can be downloaded via iTunes.
The station can be found under Radio > International > QF Radio.
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Solutions for Districts
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Resources
Solve our 20th Anniversary
Word Search Puzzle,
win a Fitbit
What We Offer
Who We Are
In celebration of QF’s 20th Anniversary, QF Telegraph’s Word Search Puzzle will be posing questions
relating to the QF story, its history, mission and vision throughout 2015.
Just answer the questions below (you can find all the answers inside this issue) and see if you can find them
on our puzzle grid.Then email them to us at: [email protected] for the chance to win a prize. Answers must
arrive within 5 days of the publication date to be eligible to win. One winner will be drawn at random from
all correct entries. Answers will appear in the next edition of QFT.
hani
Teachers
L
E
K
O
E
F
Y
G
T
J
Q
S
P
S
T
P
A
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ACHIEVEMENT
APPLICATION
S
A
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Q
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Students
ANSWERS FROM THE PREVIOUS PUZZLE
1.Purpose, 2. Pivotal, 3. Activate, 4. Connections,
5. Scope, 6. Innovation, 7. Platform, 8. Collective,
9. Accelerated, 10. Audience
1. Education at QF is designed for what across the career spectrum?
D
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C
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S
S
X
N
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B
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F
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Parents
Curre
2. Across QF’s partner universities, students are exposed to and what
in real-world work settings?
3. QF student Asma Al Hemaidi said her work placement helped her
by allowing her to put what into practice?
4. The skills that young Qataris develop and what through their
studies at QF are being adapted to, and deployed in, work
placements?
5. Participating in community service projects helped Khalid Al Marri
to better understand the what of co-operation?
6. At QF, students are what to analyze, inquire, ascertain, and express
themselves?
7. Reem Al Baker’s international work placement saw her find she
was ready to, and capable of, taking on responsibilities and what
challenges?
8. QF empowers students to be what to making a difference to
communities?
9. According to Aysha Al Solaiti, her work placements have built her
what in presenting projects?
10.A QF education guides young Qataris toward personal what?
} _A _P _P _L _I C_ _A _T _I O_ _N
}_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
LAST
ISSUE’S
WINNER
}_ _ _ _ _ _
Eman
Thowfeek
}_ _ _ _ _ _
Student
}_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
}_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
}_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
}_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
}_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
}_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Georgetown
University in
Qatar
16
Listings
Write toWrite
ISSUE 149 THURSDAY
THURSDAY
5 NOVEMBER
2 APRIL 2015
Have your event listed. Send us an email: [email protected]
LEARNING FROM
EDUCATION CITY:
ARCHITECTURE
CONFERENCE
27-28 November 2015, HBKU
Student Center
This conference brings
internationally renowned
thinkers and architects to
examine the architecture
of learning. From bottom
up initiatives to global
projects, contributors
from the region and
worldwide will join in
creating a unique platform
for discussion, critique,
sharing.
The conference is planned
in partnership with
Columbia University’s
Graduate School of
Architecture, Planning
and Preservation, and
is partially offered as
learning credits for AIA
members in collaboration
with the AIA Middle East
Chapter.
For further information
visit http://www.qf.org.qa/
learningfromec
EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2015
FOCUS: Works from
Mathaf Collection
Ongoing until 14 February
2016
Spanish Class Advanced
Beginners
Ongoing until 16 December
2015
Every Wednesday, 4.30pm6pm
Dukhan Hall, Education
City Clubhouse
Email clubhousereception@
qf.org.qa or call 44540834
for further information
QF Classic Marathon, HalfMarathon, 10km and 5km
6 November 2015, 5am
The first ever marathon
to take place at Education
City will see start and finish
in the parking lot at the
Recreation Center.
Email hbkurecreation@
Jumble Sale
6 & 13 Novemnber 2015,
11am-2pm
EC Clubhouse, Mesaieed &
AlKhor Rooms
Diabetic Cooking Class
Special Occasion Make-Up
Workshop
5 November 2015, 5pm8pm
Dukhan Hall, Education
City Clubhouse
7, 14, 21 & 28 November
2015, 10am-12pm
Qataf Kitchen
Email communityservices@
Sixth Biennial Hamad bin
Khalifa Symposium on
Islamic Art and Culture
7-9 November 2015
Museum of Islamic Art
Visit http://www.
islamicartdoha.org/ for
further information
Arabic Class Absolute
Beginners
9 November-30 November
2015
Every Monday, 4.30pm6pm
EC Clubhouse, Dukhan
Hall
John Patrick Crecine
Distinguished Lecture in
Social Sciences: Wilfried
Sieg
CMU-Q Moot Board
Room 1131
Open to the public.
Wilfried Sieg, Patrick
Suppes Professor of
Philosophy, Carnegie
Mellon University
The Holy Sail
Comparative Religions
11 November 2015, 7pm8.30pm
TV Room, HBKU Student
Center
RVSP to Amani Alyafei at
[email protected]
16 November 2015, 10am12pm
Auditorium, QFIS Building
Email [email protected] for
further information
Longines Global
Champions Tour Final
12-14 November 2015
The competition will see the
world’s top 30 show jumpers
in action.
World Diabetes Day
Walkathon
Aspire Park, approximately
one kilometer walk around
the lake
Qatar Diabetes Association
in collaboration
with Landmark
Group organizes this
awareness walkathon.
Gilani’s Model of the Study
of Religions presented by
Dr Muhammad Modassir
Ali, Assistant Professor of
Benjamin Britten: The
Young Person’s Guide to
the Orchestra, Variations
and Fugue on a Theme of
Purcell (1946), Op. 34
20 November 2015, 5pm
ONGOING EVENTS
Mathaf Collection:
Summary, Part 1
Ongoing Exhibition:
Permanent Collection,
First Floor Galleries,
Mathaf: Arab Museum of
Modern Art,
All Day
Playgroup Pals
Dukhan Hall, Clubhouse,
Education City,
Every Tuesday: 9am-12pm
Every Friday: 5-10pm
Every Saturday: 5-9pm
*For children aged under 5
All activities below are for QF members and students only.
RECREATION
CENTER
COMMUNITY AND RECREATION
MOVIES
Tues, Thurs, and Sat. Times:
4-6pm. Open to all QF staff and
family members.
Ain AlQot Theater, 2nd Floor
Recreation Center. For information
email: [email protected].
qa
HEALTHCARE
The Medical Center
Sun–Thurs: 7am–4pm and Sat:
8am–noon. Tel: 4454 1342
Nutrition Services
Sat, 10am–6pm, Sun, 8am–4pm,
Mon, 10am-6pm, Tues 10am–6pm
and Wed 8am–4pm, Thu, 8am4pm.
To schedule an appointment
with a nutritionist email
[email protected]
Sun and Wed, 6-6.30am
Mixed Yoga
Tues, 4.45-5.30pm
Jacuzzi, Spa and Sauna
Fai Club (women) and Al Wahaa
(men) Sat–Thurs, 1–9.45pm
Kids Activities
Kids Aerobics Class; Basketball
Class; Football Class; Gymnastics
Class; Smash Tennis Class;
Squash Class; Taekwondo Class;
Trampoline Class & Swimming
Classes
For days and timings, please email
Community Recreation Center at
[email protected] or call
4454 0772, 4454 0841
EDUCATION CITY
CLUBHOUSE
SPORT AND FITNESS
Heath and Fitness Classes
SPORT AND FITNESS
Swimming
Public swimming: Sun–Thurs: 6-7am,
3-9.45pm; Fri-Sat: 8am-9.45pm
Ladies Time: Sun and Wed: 5-8pm
Men’s Time: Thurs: 8.15-9.45pm
School swimming: Sun–Thurs:7am–
3pm
Zumba Fitness for Ladies
Sun and Tues, 6.30-7.30pm
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Faculty and Staff Soccer
Outdoor Multipurpose Court
(MPC), 6–8pm, Sun
Rebound Class
Wed and Sat, 4-5pm
Senior Management Football
Wooden floor gym, 7–9pm, Tues
Basketball Social
Outdoor MPC, 7–9pm, Tues
Floorball Social
Wooden floor gym, 7–9pm, Tues
Badminton Social
Wooden floor gym, 6–9pm, Wed
Green floor gym, 10am–1pm, Fri
Heath and Fitness Classes
Mixed Level Yoga for Ladies
Mon, 5-6.15pm
Spin Sanity
Mon, 6.30-7.30pm
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Badminton Social
6-8pm, Tues
Basketball Social
6-8pm, Thurs
Volleyball Social
4.30-6.30pm, Sun
Squash Social
6-7pm, Mon; 4.30-6.30pm, Fri
Tennis Social
6-9pm, Mon and Wed; 8-10am, Fri
Personal Training
Sun, Mon, Wed, and Sat, 6-6.30am
Jacuzzi, Spa and Sauna
Male and female spas open from
1–10pm every day except Tuesday.
Spinning Class
Kids Activities
Squash; Tennis; Zumbatomic;
Taekwondo and Cricket Class
For days and timings, please
email Clubhouse Recreation at
[email protected] or
call 4454 0834, 4454 0829
DINING
Lebaina Restaurant
Sun-Wed: 7am–9.30pm
Thurs–Sat: 7am–10.30pm
Breakfast served daily 7–11am
The Grill
Sun-Wed: 5–9pm
Thurs-Sat: 5–10pm
Meseika Snack Bar
Sun-Wed: 6–9.45pm
Thurs–Sat: 6–10.45pm
CLUBHOUSE MOVIES
Tuesdays (7-9pm - over 18s
only), Thursdays (7-9pm),
Fridays (3-5pm) and Saturdays
(3-5pm). Open to all QF staff
and family members at EC
Clubhouse. For information email
[email protected]
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
SERVICES
Sun–Wed: 8am–10pm
Thurs–Sat: 8am–11pm
AWSAJ
RECREATION CENTER
OPENING HOURS
7am-10pm
RECREATION ACTIVITIES
Swimming Pool
School Swim Time:
Sun-Thurs, 7am-2.30pm
Public swimming:
Sun to Thurs- 2.30-9.45pm, Fri
- 8am-9.45pm, Sat - 12-9.45pm;
Ladies Time: Tues - 5-8pm, Sat 8am-12pm
HEALTH AND FITNESS
Adult Taekwondo
6.30-7.30pm, Sun and Wed
Ladies Zumba Fitness
6-7pm, Sun and Tues; 4-5pm, Mon
Ladies Aqua Fitness
6-7pm, Tues
Girls Learn to Swim 2
5-6pm, Tues
Adults Learn to Swim
6.30-7.30pm, Wed
Ladies Lap Swimming Class
8-9am, Sat
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Badminton Social
5-7pm, Sun
Ladies Football Social
7-8pm, Sun
Volleyball Social
4-6pm, Mon and Wed
Table Tennis Social
6-7pm, Sat
Kids Activities
Swimming Classes; Athletics; Kids
Football; Taekwondo Class
For more information please
contact [email protected].
qa or call 4454 2549
FACILITIES
Multipurpose hall (basketball,
badminton, football, climbing
wall & volleyball courts), Pitch 4,
Swimming Pool, Mixed Fitness
Center, Studio Room, Activity
Room, West Green Spine
(Volleyball, Basketball, Football
Court) and Multipurpose Hall –
Procurement Directorate.
HBKU STUDENT
CENTER
OPENING HOURS
Sat-Wed: 7am-10pm; Thurs: 7amMidnight; Fri: 1pm-Midnight.
HEALTHCARE
Primary Health Care Center
Sun–Thurs: 7.30am–8.30pm
Sat: 12-8pm
SHOPPING
iSpot
Sat-Thurs: 10am-6pm
Sidra
Sat-Wed: 7am-10pm. Thurs: 7am12am. Friday: 1pm-12am
Tribe Bookstore
Sat–Thurs: 8am–9pm
Xerox
Sat-Thurs: 9am-7pm
Kulud Pharmacy
Sat-Thurs: 10am-8pm
DINING
Continental Co
Sat-Thurs: Breakfast 7-10.30am.
Lunch 11am-3pm/Dinner 5-8pm.
Friday: Lunch 1-3pm/Dinner 5-8pm
Papa John’s
Sat-Thur: 10am-10pm.
Friday: 1-10pm
Gloria Jean’s Coffees
Sun-Wed: 8am-10pm. Thurs: 8am11pm. Friday: 3-11pm
Tel: 4480 0448
AL SHAQAB
THE CLUB
Chef’s Garden Restaurant
Daily: 11am-9pm
SHOPPING
LuLu Express
Daily: 7am–11.30pm
HEALTH AND FITNESS
ACTIVITIES
Spinning Class
Sun, 5.30-6.30pm
Zumba for Ladies
Tues and Wed, 6-7pm
For more information please
contact [email protected]
For venue details call Recreation
Center, Tel: 4454 0841; Education
City Clubhouse, Tel: 4454 0829;
Student Center, Tel: 4454 0288; or
Awsaj Recreation Center, Tel: 4454
2549; or find Qatar Foundation
Recreation Services on Facebook

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