Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and The Center for Wellbeing have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen research and knowledge exchange in community development, and support evidence-based policies and programs in Qatar.
The agreement was signed by Prof. Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Emadi, Acting CEO, The Center for Wellbeing, and Dr. Maryam Al-Mannai, Vice President for Student Affairs Hamad Bin Khalifa University in the presence of executive leadership from both institutions.
The university stated in a statement Wednesday that this partnership will combine the research capabilities of HBKU and the community-focused expertise of The Center for Wellbeing to reinforce institutional capacity. It will support joint research, professional development, and specialized training, with opportunities for researchers, professionals and other members of both institutions to exchange expertise and engage in shared initiatives.
A key area of the MoU will be the collection and analysis of data on wellbeing and quality-of-life indicators, contributing to the development of a scientific database for The Center’s Wellbeing Observatory. By connecting research, data, and professional expertise with community needs, the partnership will help generate evidence that can inform community initiatives, policies, and programs, reinforcing HBKU’s commitment to driving locally relevant, high-impact solutions for Qatar and the region.
Commenting on the collaboration, Prof. Al Emadi said: "This agreement with Hamad Bin Khalifa University marks a milestone in the journey of The Center for Wellbeing. We are confident that our efforts and the alignment of visions between our two institutions will serve as a cornerstone for advancing sustainability, benefiting our society while opening new horizons for integration, innovation, and collaboration.”
Dr. Al Mannai stated: "We are pleased to partner with The Center for Wellbeing, bringing together academic expertise and field experience to address issues central to the wellbeing and development of Qatari society.
By connecting research with real-world needs, this collaboration will create opportunities for our researchers and students to contribute to meaningful research, enrich their understanding of community challenges, and translate knowledge into impact.” She added: "This collaboration also aligns with the university’s commitment to developing practical solutions that support Qatar’s environmental and economic goals and enhance quality of life. It enables greater integration across sectors such as health, education, and the social sciences, while leveraging technology and innovation to drive sustainable impact.”
Under the agreement, the two institutions will take on projects and studies focused on well-being, social cohesion, and community values, while also organizing joint conferences, seminars, workshops, and scientific panel discussions. HBKU and The Center for Wellbeing will exchange research data, reports, policy papers, and scholarly publications to strengthen knowledge exchange and support continued research.
As a leading national academic institution, HBKU is committed to advancing knowledge through research, high-quality education, and meaningful community engagement, contributing to the intellectual, social, economic, and cultural development of the country, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.