Toastmasters French-speaking Club of Qatar, a first in the Gulf countries to use the French language with the aim to develop the leadership and communication skills of its members, hosted its first open house in a Qatari setting.The club enjoys Qatari patronage from Khalid bin Abdullah al-Binali, who has dedicated his Majlis to host and support its various activities. The open house was attended by numerous personalities, from the world of media, communications, diplomacy, education, and management, as well as Toastmasters leaders and members from other clubs in Qatar.Al-Binali, the sponsor of the club, said that the Majlis is not just a reception space, but an interactive platform that brings people together around the values of dialogue, cultural exchange and self-development. Hosting the Francophone Club is part of this approach.“The Majlis is a space where speakers from different nationalities come together in an authentic Qatari environment that values the power of the word and maximises the value of effective communication. My exclusive sponsorship expresses a personal and intellectual commitment to supporting initiatives that foster leadership skills and cross-cultural communication. Empowering individuals in a space that combines professionalism, and diversity is an investment in people and the future.”Al-Binali emphasised that he is a lover of the culture and heritage of his country and is keen to support cultural and community initiatives, especially those that open channels for intercultural dialogue and reflect the bright face of Qatari society.“I believe that openness to the other is only complete when we start from our roots. The Qatari tradition, with its generous spirit, does not go in opposite line with the interest in global cultures, but rather complements them. Blending the two is what creates balance and gives us a renewed identity that is open to the world.”Abdulrahman Ali Zainal, a legal researcher and club member, said that as a Qatari national fluent in French, he sees himself as a bearer of a mission that requires him to explain the many facets of Qatari culture and traditions to the Francophone community residing in this country.“The sponsorship of this club by a Qatari citizen is evidence of this community’s interest in cultural diversity and other international languages. Qatari culture is characterised by a rich heritage and deep-rooted traditions that are passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, while being keen to engage in modernity and openness to the world.”He noted that Qatari society highly esteems the values of hospitality, generosity, and cultural diversity, but at the same time, cherishes the status of the Arabic language and Islamic identity and accords paramount importance to the consolidation of the cohesive family, which remains the solid nucleus of the Qatari society.Founder and president Rashida Mezgani said that two years ago, this club was a mere idea. “I am happy to have contributed to the creation of this club, which is beginning to impose itself – both in terms of activities and membership - within the structures of Toastmasters International.” At the end of the event, a shield of recognition was presented to al-Binali.