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Qatar Foundation will launch Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum - a new addition to Qatar's cultural landscape, dedicated to the life and work of one of the most influential figures in the history of modern art: Maqbool Fida Husain.The museum, which opens its doors to the public on Nov. 28, 2025, will foster creativity and dialogue while being a space for learning and discovery, as it joins the growing number of public spaces within Qatar Foundation's Education City that celebrate and perpetuate art, heritage, and innovation.Offering a deeply immersive art experience, the museum will invite visitors to step inside the world of Maqbool Fida Husain and explore the influences, philosophies, and memories that shaped his artistic journey. Through multimedia storytelling and art forms including paintings, films, tapestry, photography, and poetry, the museum will bring Husain's creativity to life in bold and innovative ways that resonate with audiences across Qatar and the wider region.The design of the museum mirrors a sketch by Husain depicting the architectural concept he envisioned for the building, which he saw as being an artwork in itself, reflecting his lifelong pursuit of innovation and his artistic work across diverse fields.The opening of the museum reflects Qatar Foundation's mission to create spaces where education, culture, and community come together for the benefit of Qatar and beyond. This vision is reflected across Education City's centers of learning as well as its cultural and public spaces that encourage discovery and connection - with Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum being the latest example."Designed as a space for inspiration and creativity, Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum reflects Qatar Foundation's dedication to providing spaces for everyone to explore, enjoy, learn from, and be inspired by art and culture," said Executive Director of Community Engagement and Programming, Qatar Foundation Kholoud Mohammed Al Ali."This immersive museum will provide a space for exploration, discovery, and critical thinking, fostering artistic dialogue and creating meaningful connections with audiences of all ages and backgrounds."Husain's remarkable journey as an artist mirrors the vibrant spirit of Education City, and his timeless works that will be displayed for all to experience in Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum will further enrich Qatar Foundation's portfolio of public art, with over 100 works currently being displayed across Education City. Within the multidisciplinary environment of knowledge that is Education City, this museum will illustrate the power of creativity to inspire, educate, and foster the cross-cultural understanding that connects communities and worlds," Kholoud added.Seeroo fi al ardh - the Education City-based art installation that represents Husain's final masterpiece, celebrating the progress of humanity - will form part of Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum, as a gallery in itself where visitors will have the opportunity to experience the celebrated artist's work being brought to life through a specially-curated show.

The QatarDebate Centre (QDC), a member of Qatar Foundation, convened the second Debaters for Change Roundtables, in continuation of its endeavour to empower youth and engage them in deliberating some of the foremost global issues, an undertaking that marked the current session of the UN General Assembly in New York.The event came as a natural extension of the success achieved by the inaugural round held during the same period last year, which explored the trajectories of international co-operation, and the Pact for the Future adopted at the Summit of the Future.The event convened more than 150 young debaters and adjudicators from over 40 American and Canadian universities.The initiative drilled down on fostering a culture of dialogue and critical thinking through youth-led deliberations that grappled with global and regional issues tied to their collective future, contributing to a deeper understanding of the formidable challenges confronting societies.It further provided a safe space for the unfettered exchange of perspectives, shining a spotlight on the role of young people as catalysts for shaping global policies and as architects of constructive change, through effective dialogue and the building of bridges of understanding across cultures.In the spirit of nurturing constructive dialogue and broadening the aperture of strategic thinking, three roundtable sessions convened experts, decision-makers, and young intellectuals from a host of countries to probe the pressing themes of progressive education, social inclusion, and global governance.The first panel centred on progressive education and the avenues for refining educational systems to keep up with the demands of the future while enhancing students’ capacity for innovation and critical thought.Participants affirmed that investment in education represents a direct investment in a more equitable and sustainable future.The second panel, held under the theme Supporting civil society initiatives to strengthen social cohesion, revisited the precepts of social inclusion enshrined in the 1995 Copenhagen Summit, reimagining them in light of present-day transformations.Discussions confronted the challenges stemming from social, economic, and cultural disparities, and tabled proposals to bolster equality and fair opportunity, stressing the indispensable role of civil society and sound public policy in building more inclusive communities.The third panel was devoted to addressing the mounting challenges of global governance amid intensifying humanitarian and environmental crises and a widening chasm between North and South.It underscored the urgent need to flip the script from lofty pledges and cosmetic initiatives to tangible practices that deliver justice in the allocation of resources and ensure access to technology, education, and healthcare.The discussion further stressed the imperative of amplifying the representation of developing nations in global decision-making centres and of integrating youth into the design of governance systems that are more inclusive and responsive to the exigencies of the future.The deliberations distilled into a set of recommendations, chief among them: restructuring selected mechanisms of global governance to make them more pluralistic and inclusive, reinforcing North-South co-operation on a basis of fairness, and supporting youth-driven initiatives that pioneer innovative solutions to global challenges.The panellists voiced their aspiration to construct a world more just, advanced, and harmonious, affirming that young people are not merely partners in the future but leaders in the present, wielding the capacity to drive development and engineer constructive change.They emphasised that granting them the space to articulate their visions constitutes an investment in a brighter tomorrow.This initiative falls within the QDC’s broader commitment to empowering young people with the tools of expression and influence, positioning them as active stakeholders in shaping future policies both within their societies and on the global stage.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), has hailed the launch of Global Autism Advocacy Coalition at UN General Assembly (UNGA).A call to join an action-driven global alliance focused on building a more inclusive future for people with autism around the world has been sounded by Qatar, alongside international partners, at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.**media[362112]**“I welcome the launch of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition, marking a milestone that shifts our efforts beyond awareness to collective action,” Her Highness Sheikha Moza said. “This platform urges the international community to embrace its shared responsibility in addressing autism. As the first coalition of its kind, it will ensure autism becomes an international priority.”“The State of Qatar’s commitment to the causes of autism extends beyond its national border, and is rooted in our belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and lead a fulfilling life,” she continued.“On this occasion, I urge governments, stakeholders, and development partners to move beyond awareness and commit to concrete collective action, including the meaningful allocation of necessary resources,” Her Highness Sheikha Moza added.**media[362110]**The launch of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC) – announced at an event led by Qatar, together with the QF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), Unicef, and Autism Speaks, during the UN General Assembly’s International High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health – marks an opportunity for the international community to shape a unified worldwide approach to supporting those with autism and their families.Calling on decision-makers to move beyond advancing autism awareness, and to commit to allocating the necessary resources and taking collective steps to address the world’s shared autism challenge, the GAAC aims to advance a global autism agenda encompassing policy, advocacy, collaboration and knowledge sharing – including in the fields of research, technology, and education – co-ordinated outreach, and the formation of strategic partnerships that generate autism solutions.The GAAC has issued an invitation to government bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), philanthropic organisations, companies, and others to join, and to be part of an international collaboration that advances the social integration, economic prospects, and wellbeing of people with autism worldwide.“The Global Autism Advocacy Coalition is a beacon of what can be achieved when nations unite for good,” HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud said. “By working together, we can improve the lives of millions of individuals with autism, helping them reach their full potential and showing the world that collective action delivers hope, dignity, and opportunity.”“This moment reflects the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, whose leadership has long advanced dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with autism,” said HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi. “It was through her efforts that, in December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139, designating April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.”“Qatar has long been a regional pioneer in supporting autistic children and their families,” she said. “In 2017, it launched its first national autism strategy, creating a foundation for inclusive policies and services.”“Since then, Qatar has championed the rights of the autistic community through early diagnosis, education, and community services – ensuring inclusion at every stage of life,” HE al-Nuaimi added.Areas identified by the GAAC as being in need of globally unified resources, investment, and action include early diagnosis of autism, innovation, inclusive education, adult services, employment, and community integration, as highlighted at the event by Dr Dena al-Thani, associate professor at the QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University and co-founder of the A-sense Centre of Excellence, which focuses on innovative technology in autism assessment and intervention.Dr Hilal Lashuel, the Research, Development, and Innovation adviser to the Chairperson’s Office and Executive Director of Research, Development and Innovation at the QF, said: “We take pride in the leading role that Qatar Foundation, together with its partners, has played in establishing this coalition.”“Having a global voice for autism and launching supportive platforms for individuals with autism has become a global necessity, not a choice,” Dr Lashuel said. “Autism has become a worldwide challenge that requires a global response and resources that exceed the capacity of any single country or institution.”Her Highness Sheikha Moza is a leading global advocate for greater autism awareness and support.In 2007, her proposal for the establishment of World Autism Awareness Day – now held on April 2 each year – was adopted without a vote by the UN General Assembly, and QF programmes, centres, and educational methodologies are increasing inclusivity for people with autism, including within its specialised school Renad Academy.

The inaugural Qiyada conference by Qatar Foundation (QF) has seen athletes from Qatar reveal how faith has guided their journeys in sport – teaching them discipline, resilience and purpose, and helping to make it about more than just winning.The conference took place from September 19-20 at Multaqa, bringing together Muslim youth from schools and universities across Qatar to engage, share challenges, and explore faith-driven solutions.Athletic Edge founder Rabaah al-Musleh spoke about her journey as a runner – from struggling to run more than a minute when she started in 2018, to completing marathons.“Faith has shaped me a lot as an athlete – faith has added a deeper purpose to my running,” she said.“For every runner, the purpose of running and participating in marathons is to achieve personal bests,” al-Musleh said. “But because of faith, my purpose is to show gratitude for the things Allah has given me – health, physical strength, and mental strength.”“Truly believing in Allah, and the support that Allah will give you during this journey, will make the journey easier, more enjoyable, and more spiritual,” she added. “It gives running a deeper purpose, beyond just achieving personal goals.”Ahmed al-Shahrani, an adaptive athlete and Guinness World Record holder as the first and fastest para-athlete to cross Qatar by wheelchair, encouraged attendees to embrace their identity.“A part of being human is to be an ambassador for your culture: who you are, what you are,” he said.“You also have to know that you're going to play multiple roles in your life,” al-Shahrani continued. “You have to know that your identity has to be more than just what you do and what you enjoy – it has to be rooted in something deeper. And I find nothing deeper than faith.”He also spoke about the role of discipline, particularly during Ramadan.“It's just amazing how much you can achieve when you put your mind to it, and when you're disciplined,” al-Shahrani added. “And discipline is a big part of Ramadan."Amal Mohammed Saleh, captain of Qatar’s women’s national basketball team and an internationally licensed basketball referee, shared her experience of advocating for Muslim women athletes.In 2014, her team attended a tournament, but could not compete because players were not allowed to wear the hijab on court.“But we had faith,” Saleh said. “In 2017, basketball’s rules were changed, allowing Muslim women to fully participate while wearing the hijab.”

The Statistical and Data Training Centre at the National Planning Council (NPC), in co-operation with Qatar Foundation (QF), has concluded a specialised training programme entitled ‘Economic Statistics for Managers: From Data to Decisions’.The initiative, held at QF headquarters, was part of national efforts to enhance government efficiency and advance knowledge-based sustainable development, a statement said.The aim is to qualify government leaders in economic fields, empowering them to effectively utilise data and statistics to impact public policies.The programme focused on developing skills for using data efficiently as a fundamental element in improving institutional performance and enhancing decision-making effectiveness.It is also a significant step towards qualifying national cadres and developing their capabilities in statistical leadership, as well as building integrated, collaborative systems for data exchange among various entities. The programme emphasised the importance of building trust in government data as a cornerstone for ensuring effective governance.It highlighted the pivotal role of integration and data exchange between institutions, and encouraged the adoption of modern tools and techniques in future planning.This reinforces the concept of leadership empowerment in the field of data, which enables leaders to support national decisions with accurate and reliable information. The intensive six-day programme covered several key themes, including: fundamentals of data and statistics, national statistical system, statistical literacy for executive leaders, data integration and ethics, statistical data management, strategic leadership, and roadmap design.Hessa Ali al-Malki, director of the Statistical and Data Training Centre at NPC, said: “Organising the programme with Qatar Foundation strengthens our partnerships with the country’s leading academic institutions.”QF’s talent management director Sheikha Ghalia al-Thani, said: “This initiative is part of our strategic co-operation with national institutions, reflecting QF’s steadfast commitment to enhancing national capabilities through knowledge exchange and leadership development across various sectors.”

Stars of Science, Qatar Foundation’s (QF) flagship edutainment programme will launch its Season 17 on September 12, introducing a lineup of innovators and digital creators, joining long-time presenter, Khalid Aljumaily. Joining the jury this season is Dr Bothaina al-Mulla, a Qatari Ob-Gyn physician at Sidra Medicine and Hamad Medical Corporation, as well as a motivational speaker. “Being invited to join the jury of a show I’ve long admired was an honour,” said Dr al-Mulla. “What struck me most this season is the calibre of the contestants. As a medical professional, it is exciting to see so many bright minds tackling real-world challenges with purpose and precision.” The participants’ journey unfolds at Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of QF a place designed not just for invention, but for scale and substance — where science meets entrepreneurship to tackle real-world challenges and turn ideas into lasting impact. Seven innovators from across the Arab world will develop and refine their ideas in the Stars of Science studios at QSTP. Over the course of 12 weeks, they will receive expert mentorship and access to resources as they set their sights on the title of Top Arab Innovator. Each innovator will play a role in contributing to QSTP’s vision of creating a future where technology and science positively impact humanity and the natural world.

The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has wrapped up Creative Labs, a two-week, studio-based training programme where more than 30 students turned their ideas into working prototypes. Hosted at the QSTP and Qatar Scientific Club (QSC), the programme attracted more than 160 applications. By the end of the programme, participants had developed 17 prototypes after an intensive journey through hands-on innovation, design thinking, and technology integration. Teams developed inclusive health wearables, designed playful furniture for the elderly, reimagined single-use event items with biodegradable alternatives such as mycelium and potato starch, and built games that spark conversations about social issues. Each project combined social purpose with emerging technology, encouraging participants to explore problems from fresh angles and to design solutions with impact. Developed with NuVuX, a global leader in creative education, impacting more than 13,000 students and 1,850 teachers through their design-based practices, and delivered in partnership with the QSC and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), Creative Labs brought high school and university students, educators, mentors, and industry partners together under one roof. “Creative Labs proves what is possible when curiosity and purpose come together,” QSTP Innovation and Entrepreneurship director Hayfa al-Abdulla said. “In our studios, educators and students are not just learning – they are inventing, prototyping, and building solutions the world needs, backed by Qatar’s leading innovation partners.” “The QSTP, through programmes like these, is shaping a generation of impact-driven innovators who will redefine industries, drive new ventures, and disrupt markets,” she said. “We take pride in our collaboration with the QSTP through the Creative Labs programme, empowering students and innovative educators,” said QSC deputy executive director Abdulrahman Saleh Khamis. “By opening our fully equipped and advanced laboratories and workshops to participants, we aim to support the development of promising prototypes and innovations.” “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fostering research, innovation, and advancing Qatar’s knowledge-based economy,” he said. Participants left with practical solutions and the skills to apply them. The ideas developed hold promise to impact community, meet human purpose, and reinforce the QSTP’s role as a global tech hub, a statement added.

Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Doha Debates has welcomed a new cohort of 195 young leaders from across the globe into its ambassador programme.Furthering Doha Debates’ goal of empowering young people to bridge differences and build consensus through constructive debate, participants in the Doha Debates Ambassador Programme learn to engage in intercultural dialogue and generate solutions to the world’s most timely and complex issues.At the start of the 12-week programme, ambassadors join an online community of practice guided by facilitation and intercultural communication expert Dr Brandon Ferderer, systems-thinking specialist Jennifer Geist, and several international guest speakers.Participants will build critical communication, systems-thinking, and consensus-building skills to prepare them for the second half of the programme, where they work in small teams to produce a Majlis-style debate that examines a global issue of concern to their generation.As well as acquiring valuable intercultural communication tools and techniques, ambassadors form lifelong connections with their peers and often engage with Doha Debates long after the programme concludes. Programme graduates have participated in live debates and town halls, podcasts and other special events. A group of 20 alumni will mentor the incoming cohort.Alumni have also created their own community projects showcasing the skills they acquired in the programme and reflecting its majlis-style approach. Former ambassador Ahmed Berramdane hosted Majlis-style workshops at the American Cultural Center Algiers, while Murshidul Alam Bhuiyan launched the Human Heroes Project, a space for authentic story-sharing to bridge divides. Meanwhile, Ayomide Emmanuel Akinwale, Rami Mroueh, Fils Jean Pierre Mutsinzi, Hafsa Rasheed, and Azra Shahab co-created a global affairs podcast promoting peaceful dialogue among youth.This cohort represents 68 countries across six continents, including Iraq, Somalia, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Afghanistan, Qatar, the US, and the UK. Many are current students or alumni of QF partner universities.“We warmly welcome our seventh cohort into the Doha Debates Ambassador Programme,” said Amjad Atallah, managing director of Doha Debates.

Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with QIIB to explore collaborative pathways that will broaden access to services and create business development opportunities.The MoU was signed between Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer of Sidra Medicine and Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei, Chief Executive Officer of QIIB. Tinubu-Karch said: “The MoU with QIIB is a testament to Sidra Medicine’s commitment to improving our service delivery model and securing new and innovative ways of providing access to care as well as expanding our brand presence in Qatar.This also highlights our mutual goal to establish partnerships that extends the reach of the banking sector to patient communities.” QIIB is a privately owned Islamic bank in Qatar that offers personal and corporate Islamic banking solutions.The MoU with Sidra Medicine will also seek to establish new access points for patients including healthcare financing options. Dr al-Shaibei stated: “We are pleased at QIIB to sign this memorandum of understanding with Sidra Medicine, which we consider an important milestone in strengthening co-operation with a leading medical institution of distinguished reputation. “We hope that this partnership will contribute to providing innovative solutions that offer patients broader options and support the sustainability of medical services.This collaboration also reflects our commitment to our social role and our drive to build strategic partnerships that align with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and promote comprehensive development.” He added: “At QIIB, we place our commitment to society at the core of our strategy, ensuring that our initiatives are aligned with the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan launched by the Qatar Central Bank, which places strong emphasis on sustainability and financial inclusion. Through such partnerships, we reaffirm our role in supporting the national economy and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, with positive impact on both individuals and the wider community.”

An emerging field of research, known as epigenetics, has become a focal point at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, which is making significant strides in advancing this cutting-edge discipline. In alignment with its mission to drive transformative scientific research, HBKU is exploring how a combination of environmental, lifestyle, behavioural, and genetic factors interact to influence gene expression. Dr Nady El Hajj, an associate professor at the College of Health and Life Sciences at HBKU, said, “Epigenetics is the study of how external factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and environment, affect the way our genes function. “These changes help determine how our genotype – our genetic makeup – is expressed in our phenotype – our physical traits characteristics – impacting everything from disease development to the way we age,” he explained. Dr El Hajj and his team are studying the role of epigenetics in aging and longevity, focusing on how DNA methylation – the process by which a methyl group is added to DNA – influences the aging process. “We are using a tool called epigenetic clocks that measure DNA methylation at specific sites to predict both chronological and biological age,” said Dr El Hajj. “This allows us to assess not only someone’s biological age, but also how lifestyle factors, like diet and exercise, can impact their true biological age.” According to Dr El Hajj, the significance of studying biological age cannot be overstated. “Two individuals of the same chronological age may have very different biological ages,” he says. “For example, someone with a healthy lifestyle will have a younger biological age than someone with a poor diet and unhealthy habits.” Dr El Hajj’s work extends to the detection of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease through epigenetic biomarkers. As he explains: “Epigenetic changes can occur early in disease progression, sometimes even before symptoms manifest, allowing for timely intervention.” In addition to these advancements, Dr El Hajj and his team are investigating the impact of epigenetics on mental health, particularly how traumatic experiences can leave an imprint on the epigenome. “Epigenetic modifications have been shown to affect genes linked to mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said. “People who experience trauma, whether from war or other life events, can pass on epigenetic changes that influence their mental health. This raises important questions about the potential intergenerational impact of trauma.” HBKU is also exploring how these epigenetic changes may be inherited across generations. “There is evidence that certain epigenetic modifications, especially those caused by environmental stressors, can be passed down from parents to their children,” says Dr El Hajj. “However, it is important to understand that not all epigenetic changes are inherited. During fertilisation, most epigenetic patterns are reprogrammed, but some can escape this reprogramming and be transmitted to offspring."

At Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Marhaba event – the traditional welcome to its new students at the start of the academic year – the latest arrivals to Education City learned about the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones and seizing service-learning opportunities – from local outreach initiatives to international projects – to help tackle real-world challenges and drive meaningful, positive change.Juyoung Kim, a senior at Northwestern University in Qatar, spoke to more than 800 new students who attended the event at Multaqa, telling the story of her service trips to Laos and Nepal.In Laos, she helped build an eco-dorm for students who once had to walk long distances just to attend school.The new facility allowed them to live nearby and focus on their education.In Nepal, Kim contributed to a sustainable project that provided clean energy for a family living in the mountains.“It’s about being part of something – something bigger than yourself,” she told the students.“It’s about connection, empathy, and understanding,” Kim added. “These trips taught me to approach every community with humility, respect, I learned how to work with people – not just for them. And the value of every small act of kindness and collaboration.”Her advice for students is “step outside your comfort zone, be willing to learn, to contribute, and to grow”.“These opportunities may feel intimidating at first, but trust me, they will be the most meaningful experiences that you will have – not just as a student but as the global citizens you will all very proudly grow into,” she said.Amani Benamor, from QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), also spoke at Marhaba.She recounted that when she first began her journey at Education City last year, she believed – like many new students – that university, and especially medicine, was only about achieving good grades, sitting exams, and ultimately earning a degree.“However, the further I’ve gone into my journey, the more I ask the question: ‘Shouldn’t we, as active global citizens, be more than just a number on a transcript?’” Benamor recounted. “And shouldn’t life – the centre of all disciplines taught at the QF – be more than just memorising facts and checking off boxes?”“In Education City, learning goes far beyond the classroom,” she continued. “From volunteering, research, or even extracurriculars, real growth happens when we apply what we’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges.”“The QF is not just a place to study,” Benamor told the students, adding: “It is a place to learn how to grow, and how to help.”At QF universities, community service begins the moment they arrive.Their orientation week is more than just introductions and icebreakers; it is a chance to make a difference.At the WCM-Q, for example, new students took part in a hands-on initiative by packing donation boxes for Qatar Charity and serving a luncheon to recognise the contributions of support workers, learning from day one that service is a cornerstone of their journey at Education City.