On the eve of this summer’s HEC Paris commencement ceremony, more than 144 graduates and their families from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) gathered in the French capital for the 4th edition of the HEC Paris, Doha Graduation Reception. The evening was dedicated to celebrating the achievements, leadership, and transformative journeys of the Class of 2026.
Organised by HEC Paris, Doha, the reception brought together participants from four Executive MBA cohorts – Executive MBA Doha, Executive MBA Riyadh, Executive MBA Riyadh PIF, and the Executive MBA – Emerging Leaders Track – representing GCC, the Middle East and beyond.
The reception was held at Hotel Le Marois, a landmark venue located on Avenue Franklin D Roosevelt, steps away from the Champs-Elysées and opposite the Grand Palais. Co-hosted by Djelloul Bekka, Chief Operating and Administrative Officer, and Joshua Kobb, Chief Growth and Impact Officer, and led by Nayef Sabeh as the Master of Ceremonies, the evening brought together graduates, alumni, faculty members, families, and distinguished guests. Speakers included Joshua Kobb; Philippe Oster, executive director of International Affairs at HEC Paris; and Veronique Ehrhard, vice-president of the HEC Alumni Association; alongside cohort representatives Kholoud al-Ghati and Abdulrahman al-Jumaily.
Each emphasised the importance of leadership in a constantly evolving world, the growing influence of the HEC Paris community across the Gulf region, and the responsibility entrusted to tomorrow’s leaders in shaping business, innovation, and society. The Class of 2026 reflects the richness and diversity of HEC Paris Doha’s executive education ecosystem.
This year, 144 participants graduated across the four Executive MBA cohorts, representing a wide range of industries including finance, healthcare, energy, technology, telecommunications, public services, manufacturing, consulting, and entrepreneurship, as well as a diversity of nationalities and leadership backgrounds. More than 430 graduates and family members registered to take part in the celebrations in Paris, demonstrating the strong bonds forged throughout the program.
“The HEC Paris Executive MBA enabled me to complete my vision of the transformation taking place in the financial sector. The programme provided me with new perspectives on fintech, financial data, and innovation, while equipping me with the knowledge needed to contribute to this transformation,” said Shaikha Maryam al-Thani from the Executive MBA Doha cohort, who joined the programme after more than 20 years of experience in the financial sector. As CEO of the Qatar Credit Bureau, she plays a key role in financial innovation, the development of financial services, and the transformation of Qatar’s financial ecosystem.
For Shaikha Maryam al-Thani, the Executive MBA was fully aligned with her ambition to support the sector's evolution and help shape the future of finance. Throughout the evening, graduates shared stories of career transitions, personal challenges, and professional ambitions that inspired them to return to learning despite already holding significant responsibilities.
Whether working in finance, healthcare, technology, energy, or the public sector, many described the Executive MBA as an opportunity to gain new perspectives, expand their networks, and develop the strategic mindset required to lead in an uncertain environment.
More than a degree, the programme emerged as a powerful driver of personal development, professional growth, and meaningful exchanges among leaders from across the Gulf region and beyond.
“I began my career as a specialised dental surgeon and continue to practice today. However, as I gradually moved into operational and managerial roles, I felt the need to develop the skills required to lead at a higher level. That is what led me to choose the Executive MBA,” said Nour El Houda Zorgui, part of Executive MBA Riyadh cohort. Trained as a dental surgeon, she now serves as director of Operational Excellence at Alcare, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading private healthcare groups, where she oversees the operational performance of a network of hospitals and medical facilities.
For her, HEC Paris had long been a professional aspiration. Originally from Tunisia, she viewed the institution as a benchmark for academic excellence and an opportunity to strengthen the entrepreneurial mindset and agility that are essential in today’s business environment.
Throughout the evening, one theme emerged repeatedly: transformation. Although the graduates came from different countries, industries, and professional backgrounds, many described their time at HEC Paris as a genuine turning point in their careers, equipping them not only with advanced leadership capabilities but also with the capacity to create meaningful impact within their organisations and contribute to the development and progress of their respective countries.
This spirit of transformation was also reflected in Tarek Atiyah's testimony. “It was not simply about acquiring knowledge; it was about refining the way I think, decide, and lead. Through strategy, negotiation, and leadership, this experience enabled me to move beyond theory and develop genuine conviction, make clearer decisions, create greater value, and lead with confidence and transparency.”
United by shared experiences and strengthened by lasting connections, HEC Paris Doha Class of 2026 graduates now join HEC Paris's influential global alumni network. It brings together more than 83,000 members across 152 countries, opening opportunities for collaboration, career development, and international exchange. They leave Paris as HEC Paris Alumni, ready to shape the future across the Gulf region and far beyond.