INVENTING THE FUTUREStars of Science showcases the innovators of tomorrow – today

GROWTH STORYCharting the QF estate’s rapid development

ACHIEVING GLOBAL STANDARDS

QF Directorate presented with internationally recognized quality certificates

PRECIOUS RESOURCEThe research projects aiming to safeguard Qatar’s water supply

The monThly magazine of qaTar foundaTion issue 35 november 2011

www.qf.org.qa

GROWTH STORYCharting the QF estate’s rapid development

ACHIEVING GLOBAL STANDARDS

QF Directorate presented with internationally recognized quality certificates

PRECIOUS RESOURCEThe research projects aiming to safeguard Qatar’s water supply

INVENTING THE FUTUREStars of Science showcases the innovators of tomorrow – today

AS AN ASSISTANT TEACHING PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, she teaches a variety of courses, including writing composition and postcolonial literature, and has published articles in numerous academic journals. Outside of her academic roles, she is also the author of a forthcoming book, in which she explores and analyzes the portrayal of Arab women in the Arabic media.

Qatar Foundation is proud to be home to leaders like Dr. Al-Malki. Together, we are making Qatar a center of knowledge that is helping the entire world move forward. Learn more about Dr. Al-Malki’s work and discover the people of Qatar Foundation at qfachievers.com.

WHEN DR. AMAL AL-MALKI’S STUDENTS WERE SEARCHINGFOR A ROLE MODEL,they didn’t have to look much furtherthan the front of their classroom.

WHEN DR. AMAL AL-MALKI’S STUDENTSWERE SEARCHING FOR A ROLE MODEL,they didn’t have to look much further thanthe front of their classroom.

Amal-foundation.indd 1 10/26/11 11:57 AM

Special report

ContentsNEWSQF backs global environmental campaign; Construction firm awards scholarships; Campuses collaborate on new course; Funding the academics of the future; Qatar to host global forum; Branch campuses spread the word; Her Highness visits journalism students; Summit for student leaders; Retail group sponsors internships; Collaboration on data analysis; VCUQatar student scoops design prize; School counselor advice session; Distinguished Lecture Series restarts

~ QF RadioVOICE OF YOUTHNew live show offers young people across the Arab world a chance to speak frankly on issues of the day

CALENDAR

PLANNING FOR A PROSPEROUS FUTUREAnalysts at RAND-Qatar Policy Institute bring the culture of academia to research on pressing public affairs issues, providing a sound basis for decisions made at the very top of government

~ QF AchieversDREAMS OF YOUTHTen-year-old Ahmed Zayed tells The Foundation about his memories of growing up in Palestine, his family’s move to Qatar and his appearances on Al Jazeera Children’s Channel

BOUNDLESS AMBITIONThe Foundation charts the rapid expansion of the QF estate over the past 16 years and looks forward to the ambitious construction plans of the future with the Capital Projects Directorate

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ISSUE #35 NOVEMBER 2011

“When I saw what Qatar looks like from the plane, I saw the modern towers and the trees – I was amazed.”

ahmed zayed

ACHIEVING GLOBAL STANDARDSQF’s Health, Safety, Security and Environment Directorate celebrates achieving international quality standards in one third of the usual time

INVENTING THE FUTURETV show Stars of Science gives budding innovators a chance to shine

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DEFENDING EDUCATIONQF students join campaign to protect Palestinians’ right to learn

SAFEGUARDING A PRECIOUS RESOURCEResearchers at Texas A&M University at Qatar are developing innovative technologies to squeeze every drop of use from the country’s scarcest commodity – water

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© 2 0 1 0 Q a t a r Fo u n d a t i o n . A l l R i g h t s r e s e r v e d . N o p a r t o f t h i s p u b l i c a t i o n m a y b e r e p r o d u c e d w i t h o u t t h e w r i t t e n p e r m i s s i o n o f Q a t a r Fo u n d a t i o n .

Editorial CommuniCation DireCtorate Rima Ismail rismail@qf.org.qa Tel: +974 4454 0960 Ghada Saade gsaade@qf.org.qa Tel: +974 4454 0961 Asma Al Binali asalbinali@qf.org.qa eDitor John Hayward john@switch.ae Tel: +974 4454 1027 Senior WriterS Richard Harris, Lauren Steadman, Philippa Stewart, Gemma Taylor dEsign Creative DireCtor Carl Bergman

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WELCOME LETTER

Right across the Arab World, the attitudes of young people are changing in all manner of ways as they embrace the opportunities offered by the advances in education and technology sweeping our region. This ‘attitude shift’ among the younger generation should be a source of great encouragement for all of us at Qatar Foundation (QF), strengthening our conviction that we can achieve the transition to a sustainable, post-carbon economy founded on innovation and technology.

Channeling the enthusiasm and curiosity of young people lies at the heart of everything QF does, and for this reason the recent launch of the third season of the popular Stars of Science television show was greeted with great excitement. Through Stars of Science, QF is helping to spread an inspiring message of hope to ever more people across the region, demonstrating just what can be achieved when we work together to unlock the human potential of our gifted young people.

The show, devised by QF, pits young innovators from Qatar and seven other Arab countries against each other in a contest to create the best new invention and has proven a huge hit with audiences throughout the region. Wonderful inventions spanning every discipline of science and engineering have been on show, ranging from robotic disability aids to iPhone apps and environmentally friendly bio fuels made from fermented algae.

While the technical expertise of the young men and women on the show is testament to the investment in education made by QF and other organizations in the region, the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity on show speaks of a deep cultural shift taking place in the Arab World.

Young Arabs are no longer content to passively consume technology produced elsewhere, but now show the appetite and ability to create their own inventions here in the Middle East.

Haya Khalifa Al NassrDirector of Communication, Qatar Foundation

A new generation of innovators

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS ExTENDEDQatar Building Company (QBC) is to sponsor six student scholarships this year.

The company has been providing scholarships since 2005 and helped 15 young people to date. This year, three new awards are being offered and a further three have been renewed.

Romy M Haddad, QBC’s Public Relations Manager, said: “These scholarships are part of our greater commitment to corporate social responsibility.

“At Qatar Building Company we sincerely believe that education is the most honorable way to empower our youth and strengthen the next generation.”

Scholarships are awarded annually by application. Students on the scheme must maintain an outstanding academic record, with no disciplinary or conduct demerits during their studies.

This year participants will have the option of undertaking a six to 12-week internship with QBC.

NEWS

In brief

in the neWS~ Qatar Foundation stories in the international press.Three writers whose work has been published at Qatar Foundation have visited the UK, reports British paper Cambridge News.

Khaled AlKhamissi, Ahmed Mourad and Ahmed Khaled Towfik were due to speak at King’s College, Cambridge University, on 19 October.

The article said: “The event is sponsored by the college, Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing, the Centre of Islamic Studies, and the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.

“Khaled AlKhamissi is a novelist, TV producer and former publisher. His novel Taxi transports the reader to the streets of Cairo during the final years of the Hosni Mubarak era.

“Ahmed Khaled Towfik is the Arab world’s most prominent and bestselling author of fantasy and horror genres.

“Ahmed Mourad is a photographer, graphic designer and a novelist who has won several awards for his short films.”

Staff, faculty members and students joined hundreds of universities around the world in late October as they gathered at QF’s Student Center to mark Campus Sustainability Day.

Ambassadors from the Health, Safety, Security & Environment Directorate (HSSE) were on hand to distribute information about sustainable living and organize interactive activities such as making reusable canvas bags from scrap materials.

Recycling bins were provided so visitors could throw away potentially useful waste such as printer cartridges and electrical goods.

Free coffee was offered to those who brought their own mugs and

complimentary bike servicing was provided by sports shop SkateShack.

Computer Science major El Hassan Wanas said: “Something I like to do to help the environment is instead of using plastic air fresheners or chemicals I use the leftover peel of an orange.

“If you place this in your car the heat of the day will cause the peel to infuse your vehicle with a beautiful citrus smell, totally naturally.”

Those who committed to carpooling or using an environmentally friendly method of transportation were offered a free lunch.

Visit tinyurl.com/csd1 to sign up to the campaign.

~ HSSE Directorate backs global environmental campaign.

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Celebrating sustainability

CAMPUSES COLLABORATE ON BIOLOGY COURSESCarnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) and Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) are to work in partnership on two new undergraduate degree programs in biological sciences and computational biology.

The programs will be delivered jointly, with degrees issued by CMU-Q. Dr Ilker Baybars, Dean of CMU-Q, welcomed the partnership.

He said: “Carnegie Mellon Qatar is excited to partner with Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar to offer new programs in biological sciences and computational biology. Graduates will be uniquely qualified to solve problems and contribute to cutting-edge research in fields such as biomedicine, health care and global health.”

Dr Javaid Sheikh, Dean, WCMC-Q, said: “WCMC-Q is delighted to join CMU-Q in offering bachelor’s degrees in biological sciences, which will be an important contribution to the vision of Qatar becoming a knowledge-based society by 2030.”

environment Specialists aisha Ghani, left, and abdulla al hajjaj of the health, Safety, Security & environment directorate, with Chris Silva, Sustainability education Coordinator, Faculty & Student Services education division.

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Funding the academics of the future

Budding scientists, linguists and mathematicians have the chance to shine in their chosen fields thanks to a Qatar Foundation member.

Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) has launched the second funding cycle of its Secondary School Research Experience Program (SSREP).

Teachers and students across Qatar are being encouraged to submit ideas for research papers, with both groups eligible for QR5,000 if their project idea earns a mark of distinction.

Winning projects from the first cycle of the SSREP were praised in an October ceremony.

cycles depends on how much we can continue to provide real opportunities for all students across educational institutions to integrate research into their school activities.”

The program was launched in September 2010 in association with Qatar’s Supreme Education Council.

It aims to instill an interest in research among students and increase their opportunities for teamwork with their teachers.

Proposals on a diverse range of subjects were accepted, including science, mathematics, social sciences, English, Arabic and physical education.

In the third funding cycle, research papers focusing on Islamic studies will also be acceptable.

SSREP is designed to encourage research and improve students’ understanding of the skills they will need at university.

During a question and answer session at the awards ceremony, panelists Ibrahim Al Mannai, Supreme Education Council Special Representative, Dr Al Taie and Dr Al Kamali fielded queries from teachers and students.

They asked why team sizes were limited to two students and why previously rejected ideas could not be resubmitted.

QNRF has launched three other funding schemes – the flagship National Priorities Research Program, Undergraduate Research Experience Program and Young Scientists Research Experience Program.

Visit www.qnrf.org for details.

~ Students encouraged to apply for QNRF program.

QNRF’s Executive Director, Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, and SSREP Program Manager Dr Abdulla Al Kamali presented the winners with their rewards and encouraged the next round of students to apply.

Dr Al Taie said: “We encourage all students in Qatar to connect the value of research with the prospect of a valuable career path.

“This program encourages the creation of a community network with like-minded individuals from other schools and places them in touch with the local industry and medical institutions.

“The success of our program in its future

Panelists Ibrahim al mannai, Supreme education Council special representative, left, dr abdul Sattar al Taie, director, QNRF, and dr abdulla al Kamali, Program manager at SSReP, address assembled teachers and pupils.

NEWS

a high school student accepts a certificate from dr Saif ali al hajari, Vice-Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.

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NEWS

~ World leaders in energy will gather for 20th edition of global forum.his excellency Dr Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada will attend a major event at Qatar Foundation.

The Minister of Energy and Industry will speak at the 20th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) – the conference of Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

The forum, organized by the UK-based World Petroleum Council, will run from 4-8 December and unite industry leaders from around the globe.

All delegates will attend the first session, including six Middle East oil and gas executives.

His Excellency Dr Al Sada will join ExxonMobil’s CEO, Rex Tillerson, and Shell CEO Peter Voser to deliver a presentation on Qatar’s role in changes to the energy industry.

Session topics will reflect the official conference theme of ‘Energy Solutions for All: Promoting Cooperation, Innovation and Investment’.

Oil and gas professionals have been invited to submit technical papers across a broad range of topics to the conference.

Prize money will be awarded to the best authors aged under 35 as part of ithe WPC’s youth program, intended to encourage younger delegates to work towards a sustainable future.

Qatar to host World Petroleum Congress

Branch campuses spread the wordTeenagers packed QF’s Student Center to learn about its branch campuses.

About 1,500 prospective freshmen attended the Discover Education City Fair to learn about courses at QF’s six college sites.

The event, held at QF’s Student Center, featured information booths from each institution. Representatives from Academic Bridge Program (ABP) were on hand to advise young people needing to boost their grades.

Jassim Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Student Center Business Operations Supervisor, addressed the event to welcome the students and explain the benefits of studying at QF.

He said: “Qatar Foundation has asked six renowned universities to bring their top-ranking programs here.

“Having these six universities in one place means Education City can offer a unique opportunity in education. You will not just be getting an education from one world-class university, you will get one from a combination of all six universities.”

Al Muftah said students majoring at one QF

university could expand their degree programs by taking classes at the others. He added that students would benefit from access to the knowledge and expertise of faculty at their US parent campuses and be offered the chance to study overseas.

The event also gave information about the application process and applying for financial aid.

Abdulla Al Obidli, 17, said he had been inspired by the event.

The Tariq Bin Zyad Independent School student said: “I think I would like to study at Texas A&M University at Qatar because I like chemistry, physics and math, and the college has a very good reputation.

“I would like to become an electrical engineer and I think Texas is the best college in Qatar for me to achieve this.”

~ Event gives high school students a glimpse of college life.

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NEWS

her highness Sheikha moza bint Nasser met media and journalism students during a recent visit to Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q).

Her Highness, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, joined about 150 undergraduates in the NU-Q Forum. Seated casually on the edge of the stage, she heard about some of their current projects before going on to discuss the importance of journalism and communications in Qatar and the wider region.

Students were encouraged to speak their minds and Her Highness listened to a number of views, including concerns that they would have difficulty finding media jobs in the region after graduation and would be forced to look towards the West to start their careers.

Her Highness explained that efforts were being made to create opportunities for young journalists and communications professionals,

~ Undergraduates encouraged to be bold in building the future of media in Qatar.

Her Highness meets NU-Q students for inspiring discussion

and she exhorted the students to be bold and drive forward the change towards media openness that has begun in Qatar.

She said: “We need you in the region. You are now equipped to change the mentality – so take the initiative.

“My dream is to see graduates – not just from Northwestern University, but all Education City – reconstruct their societies in the way they’ve been educated. Changes take time but we’re counting on you not to give up.

“I am really proud of you and when I come out of any meeting like this I feel really energized. I feel that the future is much better than the past and I feel that we are advancing to a good place and the right place.”

During the session, Her Highness also emphasized the importance of mastering the Arabic language for communications specialists and journalists, and urged students

to prepare themselves for both Arabic and English language media jobs and careers.

Everette Dennis, Dean of NU-Q, said: “This was an inspirational experience for our students, underscoring Qatar Foundation’s commitment to the freedom of expression and the need for professional communicators, and a talent bench for the country and the region.

“She simply gave our students a rocket boost of energy.”

After the session concluded, the students were enthused.

Journalism sophomore Saif Udin Alnuweiri said: “It was impressive seeing someone of her importance being as down to earth as she was, despite being such an internationally known figure these days.

“She was very approachable and open to new questions and ideas.”

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NEWS

Students at Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) sent representatives to a national conference in Washington DC.

Organized by the American Student Government Association (ASGA), the summit was a chance for class leaders to meet other students and discuss ways of leading their university to new success.

It was held in the American capital from 29 September until 2 October and attended by four students from TAMUQ’s Student Body Government (SBG).

Mouhammed Hijab, Student Body President, said: “On my return from the conference, I shared information and experiences concerning TAMUQ, focusing on the needs of student leaders, more specifically, those of student government.

“Being the president of the student body, I believe attending this conference will be very beneficial in leading SBG.

“We had the chance to meet other student governments from all around the US and exchange our ideas.

“We also had the chance to attend lectures and sessions prepared by student governments and by professionals, which guided us toward better governing.”

~ Texas A&M at Qatar group visit Washington DC to learn leadership techniques.

Summit for student leaders

The 2011 national summit was the largest ASGA conference to date and was attended by more than 700 young leaders.

Mouhammad Hijab, Dina Hammada, Akanksha Menon and Firas AlKadhi went along from TAMUQ.

Dina said: “I heard about the conference from our Student Body Government Advisor, Rachel White.

“It was very beneficial because of the quantity

and quality of the workshops offered. There were about 50 different workshops on different topics – for example tips to improve the elections and the voting turnout. Another important category of workshops was public relations and media, as in how to get publicity for our student government.

“These workshops will provide us with new and creative ideas that will have a positive impact on our student government.”

a partnership has been forged between retailer Ali Bin Ali Group (ABA) and Qatar Foundation (QF) to offer students experience of working in the commercial sector.

ABA, one of Qatar’s biggest retail and distribution firms, will offer four placements each year in a variety of industries.

The company’s divisions include Qatar

~ Retail group scholarships to help QF undergraduates.

mouhammad hijab, dina hammada, akanksha menon and Firas alKhadi, all from Texas a&m University at Qatar, in the United States.

Quality Products, Ali Bin Ali Medical and the gourmet food brand Fauchon.

Nabeel Ali Bin Ali, Vice Chairman of ABA, said: “We came up with the mentoring initiative because we wanted to be part of something that reflected our commitment to the overall education sector and to the growth of professionalism among the youth of this country, so we came up with this idea of supporting a few students on an annual basis, bringing

them in to allow them to gain valuable hands-on exposure to our industries.”

Dr Ahmad Hasnah, Associate Vice President of Higher Education at QF, said: “We are happy because we know the group truly believes in fostering local talent and equipping young people with professional skills in order to prepare the next generation of business leaders.”

“This is a goal QF shares and supports.”

Ali Bin Ali Group gives students hands-on experience

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Two national agencies will collaborate to improve data analysis and research techniques.

Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), part of Qatar Foundation, will work with Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA), the country’s official statistics agency.

It is hoped the move could lead to long-term benefits for residents.

His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of QSA, said: “Sound policy is based on sound data and QSA’s goal is to provide government and industry leaders with ever-more refined development data that will aid in mapping the route forward for the State of Qatar.

“We are confident that the computer scientists at QCRI will find innovative ways to clean, mine, and analyze our statistical data to yield new, sophisticated datasets to help guide and monitor Qatar’s national development.”

Data analytics uses mathematical and statistical tools to examine raw data and draw conclusions about the information buried within it.

It can then be used by government and industry to shape policies and improve decision making.

QCRI’s Data Analytics group focuses on tackling a broad spectrum of data management problems to address Qatar’s development of a knowledge-based economy.

The vast database of demographic information developed and maintained by QSA represents an opportunity for QCRI scientists.

Dr Ahmed K Elmagarmid, QCRI’s Executive Director, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Qatar Statistics Authority, the premier source of statistical information about the State of Qatar.

“By sharing its data with QCRI, QSA has conferred a tremendous opportunity upon our scientists in the area of data analytics.

“We believe we can use QSA’s data to create scalable knowledge models that assist with decision making and planning for the future of Qatar.”

~ QCRI and Qatar Statistics Authority join forces to help advance knowledge economy.

Collaboration could yield better data

~ Interior design graduate wins mascot competition for major Qatari firm.

Meet Mr Ethylene

The friendly face of a national company was unveiled after students competed to design it.

Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) joined forces with Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQatar) to create its new mascot.

VCUQatar was chosen because of its reputation for innovative work.

Interior design graduate Noora Abdulaziz Muftah was named the winner for her creation, Mr Ethylene. His body is based on the shape of the substance’s molecular structure, widely used in the petrochemical industry.

Noora said: “I thought the competition was a great opportunity and so I did some research into what the company did.

“They wanted the mascot to appeal to children so I made him friendly and also based him on the ethylene structure.

“I didn’t expect to win – I was very surprised. My family really supported me and inspired me in this.

“It is exciting to think my design might be seen all over the world.”

QAPCO had been seeking a mascot that would appeal to children and be understood by people of different cultures, ages and genders.

A selection panel considered all the designs and named Mr Ethylene the winner in front of the company’s management team.

QAPCO CEO Dr Mohammed Yousef Al Mulla said: “It’s hard to imagine a mascot more in tune with what we were searching for.

“I am sure Noora’s design will prove a winning formula – a solid character that will capture the public’s imagination and help build a lasting legacy for QAPCO.”

Mr Ethylene wears a helmet and cape in the QAPCO colors – he also wears goggles.

VCUQatar dean Allyson Vanstone said: “We have been in Qatar for 14 years now and we are already an established design school.

“Our reputation is why we were approached for this competition.

“With competitions such as this one organized by QAPCO, VCUQatar students have the opportunity to leave their own mark on history.

“I was impressed with the design – I think she has done very well.”

ahmed elmagarmid, executive director of QCRI, left, greets QSa Chairman his excellency Sheikh hamad Bin Jabor Bin Jassim al Thani.

NEWS

NEWS

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high school counselors were shown how to prepare their students for their further education and future careers.

Qatar Foundation (QF), its university partners and Academic Bridge Program (ABP) hosted an event for about 90 counselors from schools from across the country at the Student Center.

The annual event is part of the Discover

Education City campaign, recognizing the role high school counselors play in preparing students to make decisions about their futures.

Addressing the counselors, Dr Dennis Roberts, Assistant Vice President for Faculty and Student Services, said: “You are the door openers – the people who connect with the students to promote the work we do at

Education City and advise the students how they should prepare for admissions and reach their potential.”

In sessions held in both English and Arabic, admissions directors and representatives from the universities and APB gave presentations explaining what they looked for in university applications.

Maha Ayyash, Director of Admissions at Texas A&M University at Qatar, said: “Doha Counselors Day is important as it provides a platform to a diverse range of high school counselors in Qatar to get the latest information about the universities in Education City, and provides the tools to help guide the students to prepare and apply for admission.”

Case studies were discussed to give the counselors further insight into how applicants are evaluated during the admissions process.

“The most valuable resource from today was bringing the counselors together to share ideas to improve individual systems, and to learn from each other in order to streamline different forms of technology to help students apply to college,” said Julie Thompson, a counselor at Al Khor International School.

QF has organized subsequent counselor workshops to focus on specific topics, with the first held on 19 October and further events scheduled for 17 November and 6 December.

Counselors key to student success~ Staff give university application advice.

a Nobel Laureate will open Qatar Foundation’s fall Distinguished Lecture Series.

Professor David Baltimore will deliver the address Gene Therapy and the Future of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.

The event, on 17 November, will be the 11th lecture in the series, which is restarting after the summer recess.

Prof Baltimore was the Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 1975 and worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology for more than 30 years.

In 1970 he identified an enzyme in tumor virus particles called reverse transcriptase.

The discovery was strong evidence that

Nobel Laureate to address medical school

~ The Distinguished Lecture Series featuring renowned scientists is back. RNA – a molecule similar to DNA – was being converted into DNA itself.

Prof Baltimore and colleague Howard Temin shared the 1975 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery, a key to understanding the life cycle of HIV.

In later years, his work advanced the understanding of cancer, AIDS and the immune system.

Prof Baltimore’s current research focuses on controlling inflammatory and immune responses, and on gene therapy to treat HIV and cancer.

On 12 December, Professor Zur Hausen, winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2008, will speak on The Search for Viruses in Human Cancers.

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NEWS

a new QF Radio program aims to stimulate discussion among young people in Qatar.

The Voic e of the Youth is a live show addressing issues of concern across the Arab world.

A vibrant forum for debate, it is broadcast every day except Fridays, with producer and presenter Adnan Abdulrahman fielding calls from listeners and joining their conversations.

Issues range from the popular protests sweeping the Middle East to domestic problems such as how young Arabs can balance work and social pressures with family responsibilities.

In tune with the Arab awakening and Qatar’s decision to embrace a free media, Abdulrahman encourages his callers to speak frankly.

The 29-year-old, from Yemen, said: “The whole idea of the program is to give young Arabs everywhere a place where they can talk about important issues.

“We receive many calls and emails from young people all over the world – within Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Egypt and the Arab community in the United Kingdom.

“The great thing about the show is the freedom we have to talk openly.”

The Voice of the Youth is broadcast from Saturday to Thursday, from 3-4pm, on QF Radio 93.7 FM.

Abdulrahman also presents QF Radio’s live morning news from 9-10am.

~ As pioneering radio show The Voice of the Youth is launched, its presenter discusses how it can help young Arabs air their views.

TAkING A STAND ON FREE SPEECH

~ QF Radio’s programs can now be downloaded via iTunes.The station can be found under Radio > International > QF Radio.

Follow QF Radio on

SatuRday – FRiday.....................................................

06:00 QF News07:00 Bright Mornings! (Live)09:00 International News (Live)10.00 English News11.00 Sports Global (Live)13:00 Economic News15:00 The Voice of the Youth (Live)18:00 Corners (Live)20:00 Straight Up (Live)21:00 Legendary Artists23:00 Audible Whispers00:00 International News01:00 Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra02:00 Piano03:00 Classical Music Pieces04:00 The Orchestra05:00 OUD

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novemBer ....................................................

What distinguished Lecture SeriesWhere Weill Cornell Medical College in QatarWhen 17 NovemberNobel Laureate Professor David Baltimore will deliver the address Gene Therapy and the Future of Medicine in the 11th lecture in the series, which is restarting after the summer recess. Prof Baltimore was the Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine 1975 and worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology for more than 30 years.Visit www.qf-research-division.org for more information.

What Rachmaninoff’s third Piano ConcertoWhere Qatar PhilharmonicOrchestra, KataraWhen 19 November, 7.30pmGuest artist Nader Abbasi will conduct the performance, which will feature Arsha Kaviani on piano and Saber Abdel Sattar on kanoun.The show will feature renditions of Abbasi’s own Dance for Peace, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.3 in D Minor and Shostakovich’s Symphony No.5 in D minor. Visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org for more information.

What QF annual Research ForumWhere QF Student CenterWhen 20-22 NovemberThe event will showcase the latest research conducted in Qatar, acknowledge the best projects with an awards ceremony and discuss themes of globalization of research and entrepreneurship in science and technology. Visit www.qf-arf.org for more information.

DeCemBer....................................................

What World Petroleum ConferenceWhere Qatar National Convention CentreWhen 4-8 DecemberDoha will host the 20th triennial WPC at the landmark Qatar National Convention Centre, welcoming delegates from all over the world to promote co-operation, innovation and investment with the aim of providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for all. Visit www.20wpc.com for more information.

What CS4Qatar for Women Where Lecture Hall 2012 & Computer Classroom 1185, Carnegie Mellon University in QatarWhen 10 DecemberAn outreach day for female secondary school students and their parents to visit the university and learn about the opportunities for studying Computer Science. Visit www.qatar.cmu.edu or call 4454 8400 for more information.

What Chamber Music: Music with Flute and HarpWhere Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Katara When 14 December, 7.30pmNine musicians will perform five pieces, including Mozart’s Quartet for Oboe, Violin, Viola and Cello in F Major, Tournier’s Suite for Flute, Harp and String Trio, and Jolivet’s Chant de Linos for Flute, Harp and String Trio. Tickets can be bought online or at Virgin Megastores at the Villagio and Landmark malls.Visit qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org for more information.

What Qatar National dayWhere Various locationsWhen 18 DecemberQatar National Day commemorates the assumption of power by Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani in 1878. Light and water shows, parades, and spectacular fireworks displays are the main highlights of the celebrations.

JanuarY....................................................

What 14th international union of Pure and applied Conference on Polymers and Organic Chemistry (POC 2012)Where Renaissance Doha City Center HotelWhen 6-9 January 2012The QF-sponsored conference will be held in an Arab country for the first time since its inception in 1982. Distinguished scientists from across the world will come to Doha to exchange knowledge and advance Qatar’s culture of research and development. More than 40 speakers from academia and industry in 14 countries will attend. Visit www.poc2012.com for more information.

NEWS

CALENDAR 2011/12

her highness Sheikha moza bint Nasser addressing the 2010 QF annual Research Forum.

Nader abbasi

12 Thefoundation.

Qatar’s rapid development over the past two decades has presented policy makers with great opportunities and

stern challenges. Meeting the needs of a growing population while balancing competing pressures of industrial development and environmental protection requires sound policies and institutions.

To ensure the country’s enviable budget surplus is effectively channeled to create a modern, prosperous and sustainable society, RAND Corporation, a global nonprofit public policy research institute, was invited to establish a branch in Doha in partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF).

The result is RAND-Qatar Policy Institute (RQPI), which opened in 2003 and aims “to help improve policy and decision making through research and analysis”.

RQPI’s director, Dr Obaid Younossi, joined

~ RAND-Qatar Policy Institute offers access to a global network of highly trained analysts, ensuring crucial decisions about the country’s future are made with eyes wide open.

PLANNING FOR A PROSPEROUS FUTURE

NEWS FEATURE

the institute in 1998. He served as Associate Director at the Qatar office from 2009 before taking over from outgoing former director Dr Bruce Nardulli in July.

He said: “In the early days, our work in Qatar focused on three main fields – education, which is what brought RAND here in the first place, health and institutional reform.

“Initially, we were approached to assist with the development of strategies for reform of Qatar’s education system, from kindergarten through to grade 12. Through this project and other projects, we developed a strong relationship with Qatar Foundation and this office is a result of that collaboration.”

The Qatar office is staffed by eight analysts – six senior and two junior researchers. Each specializes in a different field. In addition, two Qatari senior analysts will join the RQPI team this year.

To date, RQPI has produced a number of exhaustively researched reports, including Education for a New Era: Design and Implementation of K-12 Education Reform in Qatar, Post-Secondary Education in Qatar: Employer Demand, Student Choice, and Options for Policy: The Reform of Qatar University.

It has recently worked with Qatar National Food Security Programme and on a project to improve the country’s school transportation system. RQPI also designed a seminar on public-policy analysis for senior staff of Qatar’s Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA).

Dr Younossi holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering, an MA in International Affairs and an MPhil and PhD in Public Policy and Public Administration from The George Washington University, USA.

He underlined the importance of RQPI’s relationship with RAND divisions around the world. He said: “We have 10 analysts here in Qatar, but we are able to draw on the expertise of close to 1,000 experts in offices in the US and Europe. In fact, part of our remit from QF is that we produce research focusing on issues affecting

13

the entire region, not just those particular to Qatar.”

As such, RQPI is tasked with covering an area that includes north Africa, stretching as far as Mauritania in the west, through the Gulf States and the Horn of Africa and encompassing Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the east. This regional approach is reflected in RAND Qatar’s 2008 report Facing Human Capital Challenges of the 21st Century: Education and Labor Market Initiatives in Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

RQPI’s business outside Qatar has been growing, with ongoing projects working for the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and various public sector projects in Abu Dhabi.

Each RAND report is a collaborative effort, pooling the knowledge of a group of analysts from various educational backgrounds.

“Our approach to creating reports is both similar to and different from academic research,” said Dr Younossi.

“It is different in that reports are not written by only one or two experts in a single field – we have experts in the social sciences, physical sciences, political science, engineering, computing, economics and more, so we bring these capabilities together in a multidisciplinary approach. But we are similar to academia in that our reports are peer reviewed with the same level of scrutiny and rigor and to the same high standards.

“We also pride ourselves on maintaining objectivity and quality in all our research, just as an elite university would – these are the core values RAND has always espoused.”

RAND was established in 1948 as an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science, education and charity.

Dr Younossi said: “RAND has a very unique mission that had remained the same over the six decades it has been in existence to provide objective research and analysis to help improve policy and decision making.

“In the USA RAND initially dealt with national security issues but then it quickly expanded its remit to other areas of public policy, like poverty, unemployment, education reform, science and research and healthcare. These are all areas that benefit the community but often will not attract investment from the private sector unless governments are engaged to make the initial investment and set a clear direction.”

a key part of RAND’s mission, both internationally and in Qatar, is investment in the next generation of researchers and analysts. In 1970, it established The Frederick S Pardee RAND Graduate School (PRGS) offering a PhD in policy analysis, with a curriculum focused on analytical tools including economics, statistics, operations research and the behavioral and social sciences. In

conjunction with PRGS, RQPI has brought a customized policy analysis short course to clients in Qatar.

RQPI actively seeks out Qatari graduates to join the institute as researchers to gain direct experience of policy analysis. Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, a graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, is a Policy Associate and both the institute’s junior researchers are Qatari. Bothina Ahmad is a graduate of Qatar University and an MA candidate on its Gulf States Policy Program. Sarah Al Dorani studied at Georgetown University in Washington DC.

Sarah said: “While at RQPI, I have had the opportunity to work on high-level policy analysis that visibly impacts the public service sector in Qatar and regionally.

“Part of RQPI’s mission is to equip Qataris with the analytical tools to improve policy and decision making in the hope that they will become leaders and policy advisors across various sectors. Many of our past Qatari analysts currently hold important positions at organizations shaping the future of Qatar including QF, SCFA, Sidra Medical and Research Center and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   Others have followed their RQPI experience by pursuing graduate degrees at prestigious institutions such as Cambridge University, London Business School and HEC Paris.”

Dr Younossi believes this approach will pay dividends for Qatar’s future.

He said: “Ultimately, our legacy will be judged by the analytical capacity of a cadre of Qataris, so that Qatar would be able to conduct RAND-like analyses itself, with progressively less involvement by RQPI. We expect our Qatari alumna will be contributing their analytic skills and objective analysis to help guide their future decisions.

“The skills and knowledge they are learning here will be of great value to Qatar in the coming years as the country will be able to formulate public policy with more independence.

“But we are happy to stay and help monitor and implement public policy reforms here for as long as we are needed.”

PaRT oF RQPI’S mISSIoN IS To eQUIP

QaTaRIS wITh The aNaLyTICaL TooLS To ImPRoVe PoLICy aNd deCISIoN maKING IN The hoPe ThaT TheywILL BeCome LeadeRS aNd PoLICy adVISoRS

Researchers at the RaNd-Qatar Policy Institute are able to draw upon the expertise of almost 1,000 colleagues in the central office in the US and other sites around the world.

www.qf.org.qa

14 Thefoundation.

QF ACHIEVERS

Ahmed Zayed may only be 10 years old, but he has already achieved a lot. After enrolling at Qatar Academy, he learned English within six months and has become a regular guest on Al Jazeera Children’s Channel. He tells The Foundation about his memories of Palestine and the move to Doha.

Dreams of youth

past my head. If I moved my head a centimeter I would have been hit. We also talk about the time we went to UNICEF schools. [A brief pause] Can I ask a question? Do [FC] Barcelona have ‘Qatar Foundation’ or ‘UNICEF’ on their training gear?

The Foundation They have ‘Qatar Foundation’ on the front and ‘UNICEF’ on the back. Could you tell us more about your TV program? How does the show come together?Zayed The presenters ask me questions and I answer them. Last time I recited a poem on the show. It was about the war and Palestine. Sometimes it is difficult to remember what happened. What I witnessed in Palestine were the worst moments in my life, but it is easy to talk about them. I like going on TV.

The Foundation Why do you like talking about Palestine?Zayed My stories can help people understand what is happening there. I don’t want to forget about it, though there are days when I do want to forget. When I see my brothers in Palestine we play games. We frisk each other and pretend we have guns – boom boom! But I don’t want this to be real. The first war I witnessed in my life happened when I was five or six years old. My father’s big toenail was damaged when he stepped on a bomb with a timer… a mine. It was near our house. My father carried it out and the mine was so heavy it fell on his toe. Luckily my uncle is a nurse and helped him.

What gets on my nerves is that a mine doesn’t hurt a tank. It hurts people.

The Foundation What do you do at Al Jazeera Children’s Channel (JCC)?Zayed Mostly lots of meetings.

The Foundation How did you initially get here?Zayed With Mr Mahmoud Bouneb’s [Executive GM of JCC] driver.

The Foundation I mean, why were you asked to work at JCC?Zayed I was asked to appear on a TV show. I have been a guest on 40 episodes already. I talk about things like war and stuff.

The Foundation What do you talk about on the show?Zayed I tell stories about Palestine, like one day when I was walking and the shots were going

15www.qf.org.qa

The Foundation When did you find out you were going to Qatar?Zayed One day Her Highness’ office called my dad and told him they’d like to invite us to Qatar. I was so happy, I almost didn’t believe it. I immediately started imagining what it would be like.

It was the first time for me to travel and be far away from my family. I wanted to get away from Palestine – I didn’t like seeing these landscapes. We knew the trip was going to be so hard – most of the time the border is closed.

I thought that everyone in Qatar would wear a thobe and that it would look like a desert. When I saw what Qatar looks like from the plane, I saw the modern towers and the trees – I was amazed. So far, I have probably traveled 11 times to and from Qatar.

The Foundation What was the first thing you learned in Qatar?Zayed I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton for a month, which was ‘wow!’ Every day I would ask my father if I could go swimming in the pool. I didn’t know how to swim, but immediately

learned how to when I started going to Qatar Academy.

I also didn’t know English before I came here, but I learned it within six months at school. Thank God I have a very good memory. When the boys were playing football outside I was at home studying. I made a small dictionary for myself and wrote in it every morning.

I always thought it was very important to learn English. Most people in the world speak English and it is good to know this so I can get a job later. I like reading books too.

The Foundation What’s your favorite book?Zayed It’s a book called 12,500 Facts for Your Mind. It has questions and answers such as who invented the telephone and who discovered America.

I mostly like stories with morals so that at the end of it I will have learned a lesson. The Hare and the Tortoise is my favorite story. The tortoise said: ‘I’ll just do my best – I don’t mind that you are laughing at me’ and at the end he won the race even though the hare was faster. Sometimes I feel these stories are

talking about me because I don’t stop working either.

The Foundation When did you start attending Qatar Academy? Zayed I started going to Qatar Academy last year. I’m in Grade 4. I like it a lot. I mostly like the after-school activities like football, but I am not allowed to sign up. My father says that if you want to be a football player like Messi and Ronaldo you do not have time to be intelligent too. He also says professional players should start when they’re four years old. I’m good at football – in one month I scored five goals at school.

The Foundation What is your dream for the future? Don’t say it is to become a professional football player.Zayed Why not?

The Foundation Because your dad doesn’t think you should do that.Zayed Well, I’m not saying I want to be a football player. I want to be a scientist but play football at the same too.

The Foundation What would you like to work on?Zayed I would like to invent things that will help my country or other countries. I would like to build improved tanks or find ways to create better roads. I need to plan for my future right now. I hope I will go to university after school.

ahmed visiting the stables at al Shaqab.

ahmed in one of his many television appearances on al Jazeera Children’s Channel.

16 Thefoundation.

Boundless ambitionBoundless ambition

16 Thefoundation.

www.qf.org.qa 17

CAPITAL PROjECTS

When a unique high school was

planned in 1996, few could imagine how the

desert around it would bloom. As these photographs show,

Qatar Foundation has come a long way since that time – and

more exciting developments are in the pipeline.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 16 years since Qatar Foundation (QF) was born.

The site is due for completion within five years – but achieving this aim will be no small task. Overseeing its construction is Capital Projects.

The directorate has managed QF’s rapid expansion, from the creation of Qatar Academy to its current form occupying 15 million square meters. The mammoth complex is almost half complete – but there is more work to do.

Mubarak Al Khulaifi is Capital Projects’ Business Development Director. Since joining QF in 2005 he has project managed various initiatives, including the construction of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), the Ceremonial Court and Al Shaqab.

Currently working on Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies and Qatar Foundation’s headquarters, he has witnessed many changes.

He said: “When I started here there was Qatar Academy, VCUQatar, Weill Cornell and the LAS (Liberal Arts and Sciences building).

“I started working on the Texas A&M building, which was newly under construction. After that came Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and the Student Center.

“I witnessed all of that development coming up very fast and very impressively.”

Qatar Foundation’s main site was planned in 1996 as a small college campus with Qatar Academy as its nucleus.

All centers of learning come under the umbrella of Education City, sitting within a

CAPITAL PROjECTS

broader complex occupied by research institutes, community groups and world-class public facilities.

The scheme is split into north and south zones, divided by Dukhan Highway.

It was initially designed by KEO International Consultants, and in 2001 Japanese architect Arata Isozaki was commissioned to oversee the site. Isozaki remodeled the master plan, splitting the complex into two distinct zones.

The north side would house most of QF’s public facilities, with the south dedicated to education. His core concept was the Green Spine – a strip of grass running through the center.

University campuses were built to the immediate east and west, with the Ceremonial Court and Al Shaqab added to the south.

Public facilities including Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), Sidra Medical and Research Center and Qatar Science & Technology Park occupy the north.

Isozaki’s scheme underwent major changes in 2004 and 2005. Space between the buildings was landscaped to create a sense of unity, with sidewalks and passageways connecting different institutions, giving the complex a unified, cohesive character.

While many architectural styles have been used, the overall effect is harmonious, as guidelines on factors such as height, scale and materials ensure structures complement one another.

Al Khulaifi said: “The master plan is a live document. It changes often – every time we receive new initiatives and requirements.

“You have end users that require new space in which to operate. For example, we have just received an initiative for University

we have many well-known contractors coming aboard. Back in 2003 and 2004, contractors that could give you the quality you required were very limited.”

Capital Projects nurtured relationships with a few ‘tried and tested’ companies, but this is no longer necessary.

“Now we have more options – we can get competitive prices,” he said. “At Qatar Foundation we really seek the best quality and best standard we can get. We need to be very picky and very careful when selecting the contractors and consultants.

“We work with well-known architects that don’t work everywhere, so implementing these complicated designs is very hard. But, thank God, we have been able to successfully build many projects with great architects.”

He added: “Most of the challenges are as

College London. This vision keeps growing and it keeps expanding.”

Capital Projects directorate has faced many challenges, some of which have faded as Qatar’s world standing has grown.

In the early years, few construction firms operated in the country and staff initially struggled to find contractors of a suitably high caliber.

Al Khulaifi said: “I think this is something we are getting better at because now Qatar is a very well-known destination for business and

The maSTeR PLaN IS a LIVe doCUmeNT. IT

ChaNGeS oFTeN – eVeRy TIme we ReCeIVe New INITIaTIVeS aNd ReQUIRemeNTS

18 Thefoundation.

‘PEOPLE MOVER’ SHUTTLE SYSTEMQF will operate a ‘park and ride’ system using a novel form of transport. The eagerly awaited ‘people mover’ will shuttle staff, students and visitors from parking lots to their places of work or study. A motorized vehicle resembling a train, it should appear by 2013.

Telefat said: “It’s designed to be a cart. When you get in you will push a button linked to your destination. Unfortunately, we don’t have great details of what it will look like because it’s still at the tendering stage. Cars will not be widely driven within QF – people will be dependent on this system.”

www.qf.org.qa 19

with any project – trying to minimize changes during design and construction. That’s why we co-ordinate closely with the end users – to understand their requirements and what they need for each building.

“This will actually save a lot of time and money when constructing or designing the project, because when it’s constructed and agreed upon everything can go smoothly.”

University College London joined QF last year and will run graduate courses in museum studies, conservation and archaeology.

It will initially be based on the campus of Georgetown University – School of Foreign Service in Qatar, and Capital Projects will work closely with college staff to ensure its future needs are met.

A golf course is also planned, while Al Shaqab should be finished this month – in time for the 2011 Arab Games.

An important part of the Directorate’s work involves helping staff, students and visitors navigate the site more easily. Capital Projects’ Technical Director, Jassim Telefat, outlined how his team is improving transport across the vast complex.

He said: “When we talk about car parking the numbers are scary sometimes. When I talk about Qatar National Convention Centre I’m talking about 7,000 seats. So we really need to

have a very good traffic management system.”Two huge parking lots are being built to QF’s

southern and western edges to supplement existing spaces to the north.

The western site will have space for almost 8,000 vehicles, while its southern counterpart will accommodate 2,000 cars.

Cycling isn’t a common pursuit in Qatar – but from winter QF hopes to make this cheap, environmentally friendly form of transport a realistic option.

Using a system found in many cities worldwide, bicycles will be available for hire at designated stations.

A network of cycle paths will link buildings across QF and, once riders reach their destinations, bikes can be securely parked for future users.

Telefat added: “We are trying to be very sustainable in all aspects of the development – in landscaping, transport, building, in thinking and in practice.

“Most of Capital Projects’ staff members have taken courses in sustainability and all new projects have to meet minimum sustainability standards – we want certification from the US Green Building Council for all buildings in QF.”

He has just returned from Germany, where he toured a solar panel factory. The technology has already been used at QNCC and will soon be installed on student housing.

“This was the first solar technology to be implemented in Qatar,” Telefat said proudly. “We’re trying to feed the mind, the soul, the body of QF people. To be sustainable we are trying to change how we think about things.”

HAMAD BIN kHALIFA UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION CITY ~ Key FactsOccupies 15 million square meters

Currently approximately 50 per cent complete

Site begun in 1996 with construction of Qatar Academy

Site design overseen by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki from 2001

‘People Mover’ shuttle billed to appear by 2013

QNCC has seating for 7,000 people

2 new car parks with space for 10,000 vehicles planned

20 Thefoundation.20 Thefoundation.

Students from QF branch campuses are leading an initiative to defend the basic human right to education for

people living behind the Gaza blockade.The Al Fakhoora Majlis Circle project uses

video conferencing to create a virtual ‘majlis’ – Arabic for lounge – where university students in Gaza, the US, the UK and Qatar can meet to interact, foster cultural understanding and raise global awareness of young Palestinians’ lack of access to education.

The student-led Majlis Circle project is co-ordinated by Al Fakhoora, an international campaign working to secure the freedom to

Alhafidh is the volunteer facilitator of the Majlis Circle, working alongside fellow NU-Q sophomores Haya Al Mannai, who promotes the group’s activities via social media, and Rashad Al Aani, who is tasked with public relations.

Tessniem said: “I got involved because I think there are not many students around the world who really understand what’s going on in Gaza.

“The impact of simply chatting with students in Gaza has been huge. Students in the US, Qatar and the UK have been able to talk directly to people their own age and see for themselves how difficult the situation is

learn for Palestinian students in Gaza, established in response to the destruction of schools and universities by Israeli tank fire during the 22-day assault in 2008/09.

Under Article 26 of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, access to education is a basic human right. The bombing of educational institutions and the blockade of Gaza has prevented the transit of building materials for repairs and severely restricted importation of basic educational supplies such as textbooks, paper, chalk, stationery and school furniture.

Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) sophomore journalism student Tessniem

Defending educationQF students join campaign to protect Palestinians’ right to learn.

www.qf.org.qa 2121www.qf.org.qa

and students in Gaza have been to be able to make their voices heard.”

Tessniem said that the Majlis Circle had grown from a few students in a classroom talking to each other on Skype to sessions held in the high-tech Moot Room video conferencing suite at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.

Al Fakhoora Director Farooq Burney applauded the efforts of QF branch university volunteers.

He said: “Gaza has been very cut off from the world, both in a material and a human sense. The human connection the student volunteers have made with their counterparts in Gaza has been very powerful.

“The Majlis Circle and Al Fakhoora as a whole hope to alleviate the physical

blockade by increasing empathy and advocacy among students in the participating countries who will defend the basic human right of Palestinian students to an education.”

STUdeNTS who want to support the Al Fakhoora Majlis Circle can do so by attending a virtual majlis, joining as a volunteer or by signing an online petition.

For more details visit www.fakhoora.org or email themajliscircle@hotmail.com

Facebook.com/fakhooraTwitter.com/fakhooraTwitter.com/themajliscircle

Dynamic Futures Providing 100 higher education scholarships for Palestinian students each year

Extreme University Makeover Reconstruction of damaged or destroyed higher education institutions

Winners Against All Odds Supporting young people in Gaza with disabilities and psychological and social problems

Youth Empowerment Helping young entrepreneurs in Gaza start their own companies

Al Fakhoora’s four key strategies

about 100 students convened to pledge their support for young Palestinians’ right to education.

aL FaKhooRa maJLIS CIRCLe wILL hoLd NINe VIRTUaL maJLIS SeSSIoNS ThIS SemeSTeR aNd

NINe NexT SemeSTeR

AL FAkHOORA

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

22 Thefoundation.

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

WATER RESEARCH

SAFEGUARDING A PRECIOUS RESOURCE

SAFEGUARDING A PRECIOUS RESOURCE

Qatar’s growth continues to impress international observers as it develops its economy – in particular

the energy and education sectors – with extraordinary speed.

But, while much is made of Qatar’s reliance on the oil and gas sector, little public attention is given to a resource that is essential to a multitude of industrial processes in the energy, construction and agricultural sectors, as well as being needed to sustain all forms of biological life – water.

To address concerns about the scarcity of water in Qatar, experts from Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) formed the Qatar Sustainable Water and Energy Utilization Initiative (QWE), led by Dr Patrick Linke and Dr Ahmed Abdel-Wahab of the Department of Chemical Engineering.

23www.qf.org.qa

Since its inception in 2010, QWE has successfully launched research projects to design more efficient membranes for use in the purification of seawater and the drawing of a detailed water resource map for Qatar so that available water and its biggest users can be monitored.

QWE has also developed technology to transform waste heat and renewable energy into power and new innovations for improving energy efficiency in the industrial sector.

At the root of everything QWE does is the desire to contribute towards making Qatar a sustainable, environmentally sound country equipped with the skilled workforce it needs to thrive.

Dr Abdel-Wahab said: “QWE was founded in February 2010 to meet a very important need of Qatar and the wider region.

“Since we were founded we have been doing research into water and environmental sustainability, which is essential for the continued growth of Qatar as one of the most water scarce countries in the world.

“We have also been working to extend beyond research and are developing practical solutions to the water shortage. Part of our focus is on human capacity building by training people within the government and the energy industry on how to use the techniques we have developed.

“This means that Qatar is becoming far less dependent on imported expertise from people who come from other countries for a short period of time. We are keeping the skills and the training and knowledge in Qatar, and that is very important for the continued sustainability of the industry.”

Qwe research enhances the undergraduate and graduate programs in chemical engineering at Texas a&m University at Qatar by offering students an opportunity to learn more about environmental issues and research.

24 Thefoundation.

WATER RESEARCH

Dr Linke added: “In addition to our water and environmental activities, our work is focused on issues of energy utilization efficiency and the water-energy nexus.”

The water-energy nexus is the relationship between the amount of water used to generate and transmit energy and the energy needed to collect, clean, move, store, and dispose of it.

“Qatar is a very energy-intensive economy that will greatly benefit from energy efficiency gains, which will minimize the environmental footprint of the industrial sector and conserve Qatar’s natural resources. The provision of water largely depends upon the desalination of sea water, which is an energy intensive process in itself,” Dr Linke continued.

“The sustainable management of water therefore depends to a large extent on the ability to identify sustainable energy solutions.”

Currently working with $10 million in funding, largely provided by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), with significant additional contributions from other private and public entities such as QSTP, Qafco, QP, Chevron, GDF Suez and RasGas, QWE is gaining a reputation for innovative solutions that could tackle the problems caused by lack of pure water in Qatar, and other challenges

associated with the high energy intensity of its economy.

“At the moment we have 10 different projects that we are working on, and we are being very generously funded by QNRF to continue our research,” said Dr Abdel-Wahab.

“The work has practical outcomes that will prove incredibly beneficial to Qatar.

“We are not working in theoretical research – the research has the potential to be applied to real-world situations. To further this application we have interactions with industry and governmental agencies.

“Much of our research addresses existing problems within Qatar, but it is applicable to

the whole region and it is of international importance.”

Speaking at the QWE launch event in February 2010, His Excellency Dr Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, said: “QWE is a very relevant and crucial initiative for Qatar and the region. Building a Qatar-based core group of engineers trained with the scientific and technical know-how to research sustainable long-lasting solutions to make energy utilization a reality, I am confident QWE will be a major factor in Qatar’s educational and industrial infrastructure.”

Dr Abdel-Wahab revealed that QWE is close to gaining intellectual property rights for a new inland desalination process that is far more efficient than the method currently in popular usage.

He said: “We have just done our final tests for one project and we are hoping to get the patent on it soon.

“Because of seawater intrusion and other human activities, groundwater quality is deteriorating to the stage that causes many environmental side effects on the agricultural sector in Qatar. This has led to the use of inland desalination to produce good-quality water.

“During this process about 25 percent of the

Khaled elsaid, Technical Laboratory Coordinator.

A COLLABORATIVE PROCESSQwe draws funding, expertise and guidance from a number of sources:

Public sector funding $10 million contributed by Qatar National Research Fund. Supported by Qatar Science & Technology Park

Private sector funding Contributions from Qatar Fertiliser Company (QATCO), Qatar Petroleum, Chevron, GDF Suez and RasGas, among others

Expertise Researchers and students at TAMUQ

Guidance Works closely with Ministry of Energy and Industry, and Qatar National Food Security Programme.

www.qf.org.qa 25

Biocides: QWE is studying the chemical, physical, and biological processes of biocide reactions. Biocides are pesticides or anti-microbial substances designed to kill living organisms and pose a substantial environmental risk. QWE is developing tools to measure environmental dispersal of biocides with the aim of offering advice for regulatory standards for biocide concentrations in seawater cooling systems.

Sustainable energy: QWE appliedcomputer-aided molecular design techniquesto develop technology that transforms heatinto power - known as Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technologies - more efficient. QWE received the Angelino Award at the ORC 2011 conference for this work.

Hazardous waste management: QWE is working on new projects to develop advanced techniques for hazardous waste treatment. These techniques are intended to maximize water reuse by recycling waste streams into valuable water resources.

QWE Projects

water is wasted. It becomes what we call brine and is a big waste as it is much purer than sea water.

“With the new process we are able to purify 100 percent of the groundwater and are left with a solid salt residue rather than brine.

“This has obvious benefits because we can increase the amount of usable water from the process but it also has environmental benefits.”

dr abdel-wahab said that when a desalination plant is located near the shore, brine can be safely disposed of in the sea, though this is wasteful as it has been partly purified. Conversely, when located far from the sea, brine is often disposed of improperly on land.

He added: “This can cause major problems to soil quality and has other environmental impacts.”

In the past, processes that left no waste water were prohibitively expensive, preventing all but major industries from using them. The new process has the potential to be far more cost effective, saving the energy industry money and resulting in better-quality water.

Increasing public awareness of the environmental impact of some practices is also a cornerstone of the QWE, said Dr Abdel-Wahab.

As part of TAMUQ’s mandate to serve the community in Qatar, QWE also supports government initiatives.

Since 2008, Dr Linke has served on the executive board of Qatar National Food Security Programme, part of the Office of The Heir Apparent, His Highness Sheikh Tamim

Bin Hamad Al Thani, and has overseen all its work involving energy and water.

Dr Linke said: “It is important for us to engage in such national programs, not only to help with our expertise, but also to better understand the challenges involved in working towards the national vision for sustainable development. This directly benefits our research and our teaching activities.”

Dr Abdel-Wahab added: “As well as research and human capacity building, we also raise public awareness about water preservation.

“Environmental work is very important to us here and we do a lot of studies into the negative effects some processes can have. One research project investigates the impact on the environment of the process of using sea water as a coolant in industry.

“It is a standard practice within industry, but what they do is add chlorine to the water, which is then sent back into the sea. We have been doing studies on how this water that is discharged back into the Arabian Gulf affects the seawater quality and the aquatic life.”

Once in the sea, chlorine reacts with bromide and other natural elements and the resulting oxidants can form toxic compounds, posing a risk to both the environment and public health.

QWE is also pursuing projects related to the effects of pesticides on the environment, sustainable energy and hazardous waste management.

As with all QWE projects, the ultimate aim is to develop practical measures to mitigate harm to Qatar’s environment, while simultaneously drawing public attention to the underlying issues.

addressing the Qwe launch event, his excellency dr mohammed Bin Saleh al Sada, minister of energy and Industry, hailed the scheme as “a relevant and crucial initiative for Qatar and the region”.

Thefoundation.26

ACHIEVING GLOBAL STANDARDS

magdi Nawawi, left, eng Saad al muhannadi, Vice President of Capital Projects and Facilities management, abdulla al mudahka, director, hSSe, and maher Cheikhrouhou at the presentation ceremony of two international quality awards.

27www.qf.org.qa

Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Health, Safety, Security and Environment Directorate (HSSE) has been presented

with two international certificates only a year after staff began working towards the qualifications.

HSSE received certification after meeting the criteria of the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Standard 18001 (OHSAS 18001) and the Environmental Management Standard. The management awards were handed to HSSE by Bureau Veritas, an international body that works with organizations to ensure their health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility obligations are met.

Eng Saad Al Muhannadi, Vice President of Capital Projects and Facilities Management, said: “This is really a very remarkable achievement. It normally takes three years to reach just one of these standards so to gain both in one year is extraordinary and I put it down to the hard work of Abdulla [Al Mudahka, Director of HSSE] and his directorate.

“We are taking a holistic approach that includes a link to legal compliance. The impact of this certification will be felt throughout the organization and will help us to create a more competitive and healthy work environment.”

The certificates were presented to HSSE in a ceremony at Qatar Science & Technology Park, attended by representatives from many other QF Directorates. As part of a QF drive to establish systems for compliance with international standards, HSSE has been working towards the qualifications since shortly after the Directorate was created in 2009.

OHSAS 18001 was adopted with the specific

International quality standards reached in one third of usual time.

aim of implementing a formal procedure to reduce the risk to the health and safety for QF employees in the workplace as well as to the student population, contractors and the general public.

OHSAS 18001 was created through collaboration by a number of the world’s leading national standards bodies, certification bodies, and specialist consultancies in order to remove confusion in the workplace created by the proliferation of certifiable occupational health and safety awards. It has become internationally recognized as the gold standard of health and safety awards.

aChIeVING The standard involves fulfilling detailed technical criteria that provide a framework for identifying and controlling health and safety risks, reducing the potential for accidents, and complying with international legislation.

Al Mudahka welcomed the achievement of OHSAS 18001, but said HSSE would continue to strive for ever higher standards.

“We knew we had to reach the standards, which are the highest there are, but just getting them is not enough. Now we must continue to work hard to stay at the top,” he said.

Kevin Murray, Manger of Health, Safety and Environment at HSSE, said: “We have introduced health checks for workers dealing with potentially hazardous materials, along with regular eyesight and blood pressure checks. We have also introduced procedures that need to be followed when, for example, people are putting up a stage to make sure everything is done safely. “It all goes towards making sure people are safe and well looked after.”

Double victory for QF HSSE Directorate

28 Thefoundation.

STARS OF SCIENCE

As Stars of Science returns to our TV screens, former winners reflect on how the show changed their lives.

A new reality for wannabe inventors

Reality TV shows don’t often mix with technology. They highlight pop singers, dancers or dinner party hosts – but a hit series filmed in

Doha makes a serious subject fun. Stars of Science was devised by Qatar Foundation

(QF) to inspire young Arab inventors. Now in its third season, it is a sensation across the Middle East, giving thousands of viewers new confidence in their ideas.

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SPECIAL REPORT

30 Thefoundation.

STARS OF SCIENCE

Bassam Jalgha from Lebanon won the show’s first series. He says people in the Arab world – especially younger generations – don’t see themselves as innovators when it comes to science.

He said: “We basically consume technology – whatever’s produced in the West. The most important thing I’ve learned is that we can actually invest some time in developing the product and transforming it from an idea into reality.”

Inventions featured on the show have been varied. Ideas have ranged from an iPhone app to promote healthy eating to a vest that could reduce the severity of car crash injuries. Other innovations have included swimming goggles that can measure heart rates, a robotic articulated joint and motorized walker for disabled people.

The current series saw judges Mohamed Al Kuwari and Professor Fouad Mrad tour the region to recruit contestants. They traveled to eight countries in search of future science stars, visiting Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon and Syria.

IN Show ThRee, viewers followed the 16 top candidates as they tried to impress a 10-strong panel in Doha. The successful few were invited to attend a workshop at QSTP, where they had access to an array of sophisticated resources and the support of engineering, design and business professionals.

Bassam Jalgha, winner of the first season of Stars of Science.

ThIS IS a QaTaR FoUNdaTIoN INITIaTIVe To eNCoURaGe aRaB INVeNToRS To haVe moRe

PaRTICIPaTIoN IN SCIeNCe aNd TeChNoLoGy ThRoUGh The TV Show

Sadek Qassim won Stars of Science 2 with his invention – a device for testing oil samples.

his excellency dr abdulla Bin ali al Thani, Vice President of education at Qatar Foundation, third from left, with members of the jury and previous winners of the show.

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Viewers are currently following the candidates’ progress as their concepts, engineering and design skills are put to the test. The series will culminate in a live finale on 1 December in which a cash prize of $600,000 will be up for grabs.

IN LINe with previous series, the money will be distributed among four finalists, with viewers and jury members choosing a winner and three runners up. For the first time, Stars of Science is being broadcast exclusively on free-to-air satellite station MBC4.

Watched by millions of young Arabs – particularly women – it seemed the perfect platform on which to promote scientific innovation. Fahad Al Kuwari, the show’s Media Relations Manager, said: “This is a Qatar Foundation initiative to encourage Arab inventors to have more participation in science and technology through the TV show.

“This channel targets Arab youth and we hope more people will watch the program.

music and science are shared passions of Beirut’s Bassam Jalgha. A talented oud player, he created the ‘dozan’ – an automatic tuning device for string musical instruments.

The 24-year-old said: “Back in 2009 I was fresh graduating from university as a mechanical engineer. I had a product idea in my head but I didn’t find an opportunity to develop it.”

He learned about the program from his former professor, Stars of Science judge Dr Fouad Mrad.

“He proposed to me the idea: ‘Okay, why don’t you come on the show? Why don’t you participate and see if you can develop your product? Maybe it’ll work out for you.’”

Jalgha traveled to Qatar to be filmed, eventually winning first prize.

He added: “It was a great opportunity, to come here,

because during three months I learned whatever I couldn’t learn during 10 years of my life.

“It was a condensed three months of really hard work.”

Jalgha said appearing on Stars of Science had taught him how to transform an idea into a real product.

He said: “The most important aspect that I gained is to not be afraid of failure. If I have an idea I can just do it and implement it, no matter what, and if I really want to believe in it, it will eventually win.”

In February Jalgha co-founded DepotBeirut, a firm that develops electronic

consumer products. Inventors who lack technical expertise can draw on its network of engineering professionals to make prototypes of their ideas.

His advice for future contestants is simple: “I just tell them to go for it. I know that, as engineers, we don’t really like reality shows, but go for it because you’ll learn a lot and you’ll be missing out on a lot if you don’t.”

Sadek Qassim has been inventing all his life. The Kuwaiti accountant won Stars of Science 2 with ‘The Alchemist’ – a device for testing oil samples – and says his life altered completely.

“It changed 180 degrees because this is my hobby – inventions.”

Qassim, 27, attends Kuwait Science Club, a non-profit organization which disseminates research. While the organization was supportive, he says his success surprised other members. “It changed their minds about Arab inventions.

“Once before I told them about my idea but they didn’t believe I could make it, but after seeing the idea in the media it became real and they believed in it. That’s why the (Kuwaiti) government invested in my company, the idea, after Stars of Science.”

Qassim already has four products under his belt and has won several contests in the United States and Switzerland.

Since appearing on the show, he has won medals in several prestigious contests, including the 39th Geneva International Exhibition of New inventions and Techniques and EMPICS, held in Pittsburgh, USA.

CONTESTANT PROFILES

We encourage all young inventors to apply for Season 4.”

He added: “MBC is one of the top channels in the Arab world. Last season we gave the program to any channel that wanted to broadcast it – we had 15 last year. This year the program makers decided to target one channel with a big share of the youth audience across the Arab world.”

Stars of Science is supported by a number of universities, including Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.

It airs every Thursday at 10pm on MBC4, with brief updates broadcast at 4.30pm each day until the show’s finale on 1 December.

host Khalid al Jumaily presides over the drama and dance routines that have made Stars of Science a hit across the arab world.

SPECIAL REPORT