Doha: HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the Qatar Foundation Annual Alumni Forum 2025, held under the theme of 'Togetherness', as it celebrated the achievements and impact of those who have graduated from a unique ecosystem of education, and the enduring ties between them. Taking place in the year that marks the 30th anniversary of Qatar Foundation (QF), the event was also attended by ministers and dignitaries, as it brought together over 450 graduates from QF's Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), its seven partner universities, and its schools to build connections - and to share stories, experiences, and the pride and purpose that comes from being an alumna or alumnus of QF.
According to Qatar News Agency, the 2025 edition of the forum marked the inaugural presentation of the QF Alumni Awards, established to honor QF alumni who have made significant contributions to society through their dedication to social responsibility and civic engagement. The awards - divided into four categories, and designed by Othman Khunji, a graduate of QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar - were presented by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
Her Highness said: "We gather today, as we do every year, to renew the commitment and the social contract that has united us from the beginning - to remain one family, committed to carrying QF's mission forward: building a society armed with knowledge, guided by values, and driven by excellence and global competition."
Recipients of the Legacy Awards for senior graduates, awarded to those whose graduation was 10 or more years ago, were HEC Paris, Doha graduate Hamad Al Hajri, and Mouhamed Yazan Abou-Ismail, who graduated from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. The Rising Star Awards for junior graduates, given to those who graduated up to five years ago, were presented to Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Subaiey, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) and HBKU, and Mariam Al-Dhubhani, a graduate of Northwestern University in Qatar as well as UCL Qatar.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador Awards, recognizing international impact, were awarded to Sheikha Alanoud Al-Thani and Oweis Al-Salahi. The Mentorship Awards, honoring alumni who have provided outstanding guidance to others, were presented to CMU-Q graduate Asma Aljefairi and HEC Paris, Doha graduate Salman Shaban.
As part of the forum - sponsored by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Snoonu, Huawei, and Alfardan Group - a panel discussion titled 'The Bridge Between Impact and the Future' featured a diverse group of alumni, reflecting on the evolving role of graduates in shaping Qatar's future.
Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education and Education Advisor, QF, remarked on the pivotal role of alumni in advancing Qatar's development, highlighting their leadership and influence across business, government, and civil society. Over 19,000 students have graduated from QF's schools and universities, equipped to be leaders, change-makers, and active social citizens who make positive contributions.
HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, emphasized the alignment of QF's legacy of nurturing knowledge and innovation with the vision of Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030. Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri, CEO of Snoonu, and Rico Lin, President of Huawei Gulf North Region, also expressed their support and commitment to fostering talent and innovation in Qatar.