Qatar foundation presents its green projects to Japan

QLA creatES our future leaders
the worth of guest speakers
Brigadier Muftah Mahbob Rasheed, Qatar Leadership Academy Director,
tells us how the QF center inspires young men from across the world.
Read more on page 7
Do high-profile foreign lecturers really represent good value,
and what benefits do they bring to QF?
Read more on page 4
issue 69 Thursday 4 October 2012
Environment QSTec and Green Gulf among QF partnerships presented at celebratory event
Qatar Foundation presents
its green projects to Japan
QATAR FOUNDATION (QF) participated in Qatar Japan ‘Ferjaan’
in Tokyo at the end of September
2012. This offered an opportunity
for QF to promote its green credentials
and to showcase innovative initiatives to
a highly receptive audience.
At the week-long event, which
was nominally a celebration marking
40 years of diplomatic ties between
the two countries, QF presented a
number of its partnerships and institutions, including those with Qatar Solar
Technologies (QSTec) and Green Gulf.
Qatar is the world’s leading exporter
of liquefied natural gas (LNG), while
Japan is importing increasingly vast
amounts of the fuel. Last year’s Fukushima nuclear disaster led to the closure
of almost all of the country’s nuclear
plants. As a result, Japan suffered a
huge shortfall in its energy supply.
Qatar has stepped in to help fill this
void and the two nations’ economic
relationship is blossoming, with Japan
now the world’s biggest importer of Qatari products.
However, Qatar is determined to
secure its long-term economic future
by lessening its reliance on LNG and
moving towards a knowledge-based
economy. Through partnerships with
cutting-edge organisations such as Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) and
Green Gulf, QF’s investment in solar
technology research continues to grow.
QSTec will soon be producing polysilicon, the key ingredient needed for
the most efficient solar technologies
such as cells and modules that convert
the power of the sun into energy. This
solar energy will help make Qatar’s oil
and gas reserves go further and for
much longer, thereby creating a sustainable energy solution.
Meanwhile, Green Gulf seeks to invest in alternative energy projects across
the region and beyond.
Omran Al Kuwari, CEO of Green
Gulf, said: “Solar energy has demonstrated massive potential as a renewable
energy source that can effectively satisfy
our current and future needs.
“Green Gulf’s present focus is on
improving the technology to harness
this resource to make it a practical longterm complement to fossil fuels.We see
many similarities with our Japanese
counterparts and we believe that the
clean technology industry is one platform where Japan and Qatar can find
many opportunities for collaboration.”
research
The Arab Expatriate Scientists Network on teaming
up with QF’s Annual Research Forum. See page 11
The Qatari delegation was headed by His Excellency Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah (center), Chairman of the
Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, while the Japanese delegation was headed by Her Imperial
Highness Princess Takamado, who was presented with a commemorative gift from Qatar Foundation
“The WISE Awards have recognized
successful, transformative projects in
education in order to generate a pool
of sound practices and to inspire their
adoption and adaptation elsewhere”
His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, PhD, President, Hamad bin Khalifa
University and Vice President, Education, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science
and Community Development; and Chairman of WISE. Read more on page 6
music
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra opens new season with
a performance by Dimitris Sgouros. See page 5
News
2
Write to us: qft@qf.org.qa
Thursday 4 October 2012
Technology World’s engineering leaders will gather at QF to attend innovative forum in 2013
“We are a
volunteerbased
organization,
so we do
depend on
people to step
up and help”
QGBC recognizes work of
volunteers at event to herald their
achievements
News in Brief
QDA offers
nurses
accredited
training
n Qatar Diabetes Association
(QDA) is supporting Action
on Diabetes’ latest campaign.
The new program, running
until May 2013, offers
nurses accredited training.
The Diabetes Educator
Certification course will be
delivered by the Canadian
Michener Institute for
Applied Health Sciences, with
support from staff at Calgary
University-Qatar and is the first
accredited program of its kind
to be run in the country.
contact us
communication Directorate
Rima Ismail
Publications Manager
Email: rismail@qf.org.qa
Tel: +974 4454 0960
Ghada Saade
Head of Translation and Editorial
Email: gsaade@qf.org.qa
Tel: +974 4454 0961
Contact us at qft@qf.org.qa
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© 2012. Qatar Foundation. All rights reserved. No part of
this publication may be reproduced without the written
permission of Qatar Foundation.
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liters
TAMUQ to host inaugural World
Congress on Engineering Education
Texas A&M University at Qatar
(TAMUQ) is to host more than 200
of the world’s engineering leaders
and innovators at the inaugural World
Congress on Engineering Education
(WCEE) in January next year.
Organized in collaboration with
Maersk Oil Qatar, the conference will
be held at Qatar Foundation (QF)
from 7-9 January 2013.
TAMUQ has stated that the aim
of the WCEE is to become the preeminent forum for national and
international researchers, engineers
and academics to present and disseminate their research results and
development activities on modern
engineering education.
“The WCEE will act as a catalyst
to foster engineering and engineering technology education in the region
and beyond,” said Dr Mark Weichold,
Dean and CEO of TAMUQ.
“Our objective in organizing this
congress is to bring together engineering educators from around the globe
to promote and exchange ideas.”
Dr Weichold’s sentiments were
echoed by Lewis Affleck, Managing
Director of Maersk Oil Qatar, who
described the collaboration as the
perfect opportunity to: “Share good
practices in engineering education and
therefore benefit educational institutions – and future engineering students – here in Qatar.”
The honorary Chair of the WCCE
is His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla bin
Ali Al-Thani, PhD, President, Hamad
bin Khalifa University and Vice President, Education, Qatar Foundation for
Education, Science and Community
Development.
Confirmed Keynote Speakers and
Session Chairs include His Excellency
Dr Ali Al Bemani, Vice Chancellor,
Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, and
Dr Jihad Nader, Provost and Chief
Academic Officer, American University in Dubai, UAE.
The WCEE will also feature a
student poster presentation. Faculty
members may nominate student poster presenters using a form available on
the conference’s official website www.
engineeringleaders.org. Nominations
must be received before 15 October
2012.
An Engineer at work in TAMUQ, which will be hosting the inaugural World
Congress on Engineering Education
QGBC recognizes work of volunteers
at event to herald their achievements
COMMUNITY. Qatar Green Building
Council (QGBC) volunteers were
praised at a recent event to honor and
recognize their contributions.
QGBC, a non-profit organization
and Qatar Foundation (QF) member,
depends on its volunteers to promote
environmentally sustainable practices for green building design and
development.
Engineer Meshal Al Shamari, Director of QGBC, said: “I would sincerely like to thank each and every
one of you for giving up your time –
your most valuable asset – to serving
our cause.
“Your efforts and support are essential to promoting a culture of sustainability in Qatar. I am excited about
the priorities we have discussed for
the coming months and look forward
to building on these achievements
through continuing to work in collaboration together.”
The volunteers undertake a variety
of tasks, including providing support
at events, serving on committees,
and participating in educational
outreach projects.
Mohamed Jaber, Head of the Education Committee at QGBC, and an
electrical engineer at KEO International Consultants, added his praise
to the activities of QGBC volunteers.
“This is a great cause,” he said.
“The only way to achieve results is
through volunteers. We are a volunteer-based organization, so we do depend on people to step up and help.
“The environment is important to
QGBC volunteers were thanked at appreciation event
mankind, not just to a certain community. It is important in Qatar, just as it is
important in any part of the world, that
we try to preserve our environment.”
Following the recognition ceremony, QGBC held a brainstorming session designed to generate ideas to help
promote sustainability within Qatar.
of landfill
VCUQatar awards two scholarships
n Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar recently held its annual
Awards Ceremony and awarded two ‘Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint
Nasser Scholarships’ for Creativity, having received 218 applications
for the 2012-2013 academic year. The two four-year scholarships were
awarded to Malak Elzahed, from Doha College, (left in picture), and
Dana Chua (center), from the Middle East International School.
Microsoft Qatar launches Cloud OS platform
n Qatar Science & Technology Park member Microsoft Qatar has
announced the launch of its Windows Server 2012 in Qatar and Cloud
OS platform. The launch of the Cloud OS platform is considered a
milestone in Qatar as it will allow organizations to take advantage of
cloud technology advancements in achieving data centers without
boundaries.
News
Follow us on: twitter.com/QFTelegraph, facebook.com/QFTelegraph
Thursday 4 October 2012
Health Employee competition launched to help raise fitness awareness
Sidra motivates its staff
to focus on their health
Sidra launched a
six-month
health competition for its employees on 1 October. The Sidra Health
Competition will offer QR1,000 to the
winner.
Bothina Al Naimi, Senior Graduate
Trainee at Sidra, who is orchestrating
the competition, explained why it had
been launched.
“We have been considering operating an employees’ competition like
this for some time,” she said. “But we
decided to wait until we had the necessary time and tools in place to ensure
we were able to maintain high levels
of motivation. The response has been
very positive and 70 members of staff
have so far signed up.”
Medical staff from Qatar Foundation’s Health, Safety, Security and
Environment (HSSE) Directorate attended Sidra’s offices for three days
before the competition got under way
to carry out health screening checks,
including blood-pressure monitoring,
body-mass index calculations and tests
for diabetes.
These measurements will be retaken
at the end of the competition to help
determine the winner.
Staff then attended a presentation
giving practical advice on increas-
Dr Mahmood Nori, HSSE General Practitioner, offers health consultations ahead of the
launch of Sidra’s employee fitness competition
ing daily activity before being given
a ‘Fitbit’ device to use during the
competition. The advanced pedometers measure the number of steps
taken, calories burned and distance
travelled throughout the day.
“The Fitbits are complex tools
and should help to keep participants
motivated,” said Al Naimi. “They can
even measure sleep quality. We will
also be compiling weekly newsletters,
which should help maintain focus
throughout the competition.”
Trevor Wicks, a laboratory opera-
tions manager, agreed. He said: “We
all work within the health industry,
but it’s much easier for us to say than
do. We all know what we should be
doing to maintain our health and this
campaign should help to motivate us
to do so.”
CMU-Q and SEC agree new education plan
COMMUNITY. More
than 500
educators, students and community
members turned out for Carnegie
Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q)
Dean’s Lecture Series.
During the event, His Excellency
Saad bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Secretary General of the Supreme Education Council (SEC), and Scott Hill,
Director of the Office of Program Review and Audit at the SEC, premiered
Qatar’s National Education Strategy.
In its presentation of Qatar’s strategy, the SEC addressed several important issues, including ways in which to
address skills and knowledge gaps be-
tween primary and secondary school
and higher education; attrition rates
among secondary school students, especially Qatari males; increasing student motivation; and synchronizing
curricula across the education sector.
His Excellency said: “Qatar’s Education and Training Sector Strategy
has been developed in consultation
with our key partners, both within
and external to the sector.
“Strategic plans and project roadmaps have been formulated to be in
alignment with all strategies of kindergarten to 12th grade and through
higher education to be consistent with
QF Facebook page hits milestone
n Qatar Foundation (QF) has reached 100,000 ‘likes’ on its Facebook
page. The page has grown at a steady rate since it was launched in
February 2010. Last year interest began to surge, with fan numbers
quadrupling and finally reaching the 100,000 mark on 12 September
2012. QF’s Facebook content has had 8,391 comments posted and
3,519 stories shared.
the plans of other institutions and to
serve as key pathways in realizing Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Following the presentation, CMUQ and the SEC signed a Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing to
work together on education, community development and scientific
research.
Hill, meanwhile, called for an alignment of the education sector from
kindergarten level up to 12th grade
through scientific research in order
to develop system-wide solutions
for meeting the goals set by both the
Qatar National Development Strat-
egy 2011-2016 and Qatar National
Vision 2030.
Hill said: “Qatar’s strategy is built
around the notion that decisionmakers will be able to identify policy
priorities for the educational system
for seamless connection amongst all
institutions, where feedback mechanisms will be put in place across
the system.
“It’s not just about undertaking
one project at a time. It is projects
supporting each other – allowing for
potential symmetry and synergy –
creating a sector where institutions
support each other.”
3
Williams to
demonstrate
QSTP-built
road safety
simulator
technology. Williams Advanced
Engineering in Qatar is to introduce
the Middle East’s most advanced
road-safety simulator at an upcoming
road-safety forum in Doha.
The simulator, built and developed
at the Williams Technology Centre
in Qatar Science & Technology Park
(QSTP), has been adapted from racing driver technology to be used as a
training tool that uses a road-mapping
software package called ‘3D Doha’.
The simulator will be showcased at the
inaugural ITS and Road Safety Forum
from 2-4 October.
“Road safety is an important issue
to Williams and our team in Doha has
spent the past three years developing
this simulator to help improve Qatar’s
road safety record,” said Damien Scott,
General Manager of the Williams
Technology Centre in Qatar. “I’m sure
those visiting will be impressed with the
realism of the simulator, which is quite
astounding.’’
The simulator has been built by Williams Advanced Engineering in Qatar –
a division of Williams F1 with a base at
QSTP – with the intention of training
and certifying regular and commercial
drivers to improve road safety and fuel
efficiency in Qatar.
“Road safety in
Qatar is a top
priority”
Speaking on behalf of organizers
International Quality & Productivity
Center (IQPC), Conference
Producer Ashley Phillips said: “IQPC
are delighted to welcome Williams
Advanced Engineering at the ITS &
Road Safety Forum in Qatar. It will be
exciting to see them launch their new
simulator to the market and we are
pleased to provide the forum to allow
them to do this.
“Road safety in Qatar is a top
priority for the forum participants and
Williams, which is in line with the top
government agencies also trying to
improve road safety in the country for
all road users,” she added.
Among the ITS and Road Safety
Forum speakers will be Dr Munir Tag,
Program Manager of Information and
Communication Technologies at the
Qatar National Research Fund.
MEEZA acquires top certification
n MEEZA has been certified by the Service Desk Institute (SDI) as the
first IT company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region
to acquire the three-star IT Service Desk certification. The Service
Desk Institute (SDI) is a leading global organization for professionals
working in the IT service and support industry. MEEZA underwent an
evidenced-based audit which analyzed all aspects of service support.
4
Hot Topic
Write to us: qft@qf.org.qa
Thursday 4 October 2012
A great deal of time and effort
is spent on bringing high-profile
lecturers to qatar foundation
to give presentations to both
staff and students. but Is there
a measurement of success and a
return on this commitment?
If you look at the noticeboards
dotted around Qatar Foundation’s
(QF’s) branch universities and
administrative offices, it soon
becomes clear that QF is a magnet
for visiting speakers.
Whether they are launching a
book, linked to a branch campus or
otherwise unconnected to QF, guest
lecturers are an integral part of the
QF calendar of events.
Among them are celebrated
academics, business leaders,
politicians and radical thinkers from
around the world. But does QF
make the best use of them? Do they
get more out of a visit than we get
out of them? Are they always the
right people, and do they reach the
optimum target audience?
Canvassing opinion across QF
produced a wide variety of responses.
Among the positive responses, many
felt that the visits, particularly those
by high-profile speakers, offer great
kudos to those who host them as well
as a chance for an exchange of ideas
and for those in the audience to be
inspired by what they hear.
Carnegie Mellon University in
Qatar (CMU-Q) student Hadya
Elshakh explained: “I have only been
to one lecture by a prominent visiting
speaker, a couple of years ago at Weill
Cornell Medical College in Qatar,
but I really think that these kinds of
lectures are worth pursuing because,
as I recall, the lecturer I saw was a
Nobel Prize winner, and for such an
individual to visit, that can only be
of benefit to students. So I think it’s
definitely worthwhile that these sort
of visits occur.”
This sentiment was echoed
by Sabah Khadri, a student at
Georgetown University – School of
Foreign Service in Qatar: “Even if a
lecturer or professor is visiting just for
one lecture, a series of lectures or a
semester, it provides students with the
Interact with us through
social media.
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Twitter, and we’re keen to hear your
views. Join the debate via
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QFTelegraph
Have your say
Ghoroor Al Ahmad,
student, Weill
Cornell Medical
College in Qatar:
“The visiting
lecturers and professors allow
us an opportunity to discover
new knowledge from other parts
of the world, from a variety of
cultures and experiences, so we
gain new perspectives. When
we consider different points of
view from people from other
countries, then we can look at
issues in different ways. It is what
every student needs – to have
this kind of knowledge.”
Anonymous male
student: “Some
Do guest lecturers give
enough benefit to QF?
QF and its partners spend effort on bringing out high-profile lecturers
who give presentations to both staff and students. What are the
benefits? Is there a measurement of success and a return on investment?
opportunity to interact with people
that they would otherwise not be able
to meet.
“It also provides us with a broader
outlook on world perspectives. Most
of these people are among the best in
their fields.”
Regardless of the caliber of
visiting speakers, the main concern
voiced related to the return on the
time invested in attracting guest
speakers.
One student from Virginia
Commonwealth University in Qatar,
who asked not to be identified, told
QF Telegraph: “Yes, the guest speakers
are experts in their field and, yes,
they give some value, but sometimes
there are only a handful of people
present to hear them, so I don’t think
it’s worth the effort of bringing them
to QF.”
“I imagine that it must be
frustrating when you do get an
important visitor, but very few
people turn up – maybe because
the talk is given in the middle of the
day when the number of those who
are free to attend is limited. I don’t
think it’s enough to simply create
an impressive list of prominent
people who visited. They need to
have spoken to a full hall and to have
inspired those who heard them. If
this is not possible then their visit is a
waste of time.”
Evan Witt, a Hamad bin Khalifa
University staff member, also felt
that care needs to be taken in order
to ensure that a tangible benefit
for attendees exists. “Although the
cost implications are very high,”
he explained, “I think that the need
for regular visits is obvious. But the
reaction to talks certainly needs to be
monitored and assessed in order to
draw a clear picture of the measure of
success of the talks.”
One student, currently studying
Information Systems at CMU-Q,
pointed out: “I think that students
and staff benefit a lot from the
majority of visiting lecturers and
guests. However, the impact of the
Do guest lecturers give
enough benefit to QF?
Send us an email at
qft@qf.org.qa with your views
(Yes or No to the above questions
followed by a sentence stating
your reason). All submissions are
confidential unless you state that
your name can be used.
talks that are given do not have longlasting benefits. They are a short-term
solution, a brief inspiration. I believe
more dialogue between attendees
and the organizers of events would
provide better feedback.”
Finding a way to measure the
success of visits may be difficult.
Some of the lectures may be attended
by very small numbers, but if the
visiting lecturer is speaking on a topic
that is highly specialized, then those
few who attend are likely to share the
same highly targeted interest, and so
the benefit they may get may
be great.
Looking at the wider picture, some,
such as CMU-Q student Zamzam
Al Assmakh, remain unconvinced
that there is a lasting benefit for QF
students and staff who attend lectures
by visiting speakers. “These kind of
lectures are simply not worth the
time and effort taken to secure them,”
she said.
“Sometimes, these lectures are
important. For example, when the
lecture is about a specific topic that
helps specific students in their studies.
But when the lecture is on motivation
or issues like that, you feel motivated
when you attend the lecture but forget
about it the next day.”
of these visiting
professors are
here because they
just want to visit the country,
not really because they are
concerned about teaching
students. Whether it is worth
bringing the lecturer to Doha
really depends on the type of
lecturer or quality of what they
have to teach. I can see that
visiting lecturers or professors
can be important for introducing
new ideas.”
Florent D’Souza,
digital producer
at Doha Debates
and Northwestern
University of Qatar
alumnus: “I think it is
a tremendous opportunity. It
takes a lot of effort and energy
to attract leading people from
particular fields to come all the
way here to Doha for more than
one lecture or one semester.
I have learned so much from
visiting professors and guest
lecturers, who represent very
good value for the time and
effort taken to bring them here,
not just for Qatar Foundation,
but also this part of the world.
The knowledge they have to
teach us may not have reached
the same level here, so we need
to import it, and then we have
the power to use what we have
learned in our day-to-day lives.”
Shaikha Al Kuwari,
student, Carnegie
Mellon University
in Qatar: “Whether
it is worthwhile having a guest
speaker visit QF really depends
on the quality of the lecturer.
As students, there are specific
lectures that we are really
interested in, but others we see
as very boring.”
Perspective
Follow us on: twitter.com/QFTelegraph, facebook.com/QFTelegraph
Thursday 4 October 2012
In perfect harmony
Music World-class pianist Dimitris Sgouros shares his delight at
the chance to perform with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra
OPINION
Dr Khaled Machaca
Research crosses
global boundaries
Improving clinical research
in order to find solutions to major
health problems is one of the key
focuses of medical institutions
around the world.
Weill Cornell Medical
College (WCMC) in New York
recently received a Clinical and
Translational Science Center
(CTSC) renewal grant of
$49.6million from the US National
Institutes of Health (NIH). The
benefits of this will be significant to
Weill Cornell Medical College in
Qatar (WCMC-Q).
This grant is basically structured
to manage the complexity at the
clinical end of research. When
I say clinical, I mean research
AS ONE OF the world’s leading
classical pianists, Dimitris Sgouros is
used to waking up in a new city on a
fairly regular basis.
A former child prodigy who gave
his first performance at the tender age
of seven, the Greek-born musician
has since wowed audiences at major
concert halls across the globe, playing
with some of the world’s best-known
conductors and with orchestras
such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the
London Symphony and the Vienna
Symphony, to name but a few.
He has played for royalty, for
celebrities and to mark major
international celebrations, such as the
Olympic Games.
The late Arthur Rubinstein,
widely considered one of the greatest
classical pianists of the 20th century,
was among his biggest fans. After
hearing Sgouros play, Rubinstein was
reported to have remarked that he
had produced “the best playing I have
ever heard”, before taking off his gold
watch and putting it on the wrist of
the young prodigy.
Given such an overwhelming
resume, Sgouros’ observations of
the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra
(QPO) during a trip to Doha to open
the orchestra’s latest season on 22
September are a significant stamp
of approval.
Working with the QPO’s recently
appointed music director, Michalis
Economou, a fellow Greek, Sgouros
headlined a performance of
Rachmaninoff’s demanding Second
Piano Concerto at Katara Cultural
Village Opera House.
“The choice was one of my favorite
concertos and one that I would say is
also a favorite of many music lovers,”
Sgouros says. “Although it is very
difficult to play technically, as all
Rachmaninoff concertos are, it is a
great pleasure for me to perform.
“I believe that, in art, you can never
say that something is easy or difficult.
Everything is very, very difficult if it
is to be approached properly. In some
cases, the technically demanding
pieces are sometimes much more
comfortable to play for somebody
who has the technique than, for
example, a very small waltz. It
depends on how you play something,
and that is the mystery and majesty of
classical music.
“You are very fortunate that Qatar
Foundation had the vision to provide
such an orchestra as the QPO for the
Middle East’s classical-music lovers.”
Despite the youth of the
orchestra, which was formed just
four years ago, Sgouros believes
the orchestra has already made
significant progress.
“You cannot tell it is a young
orchestra because of the way it has
been formed with some really great,
very experienced musicians who have
“You are very
fortunate that
Qatar Foundation had
the vision to provide
such an orchestra
as the QPO for the
Middle East’s classical
music lovers”
wonderful tonal and pitch quality,” he
explained.
“Some orchestras find that very
difficult to achieve even within
their first 20 or 30 years. I am also
impressed with the construction of
the building here and its acoustics.
“I would say the Katara Opera
House is one of the loveliest opera
houses I have ever seen. It combines
classical style with all of the modern
facilities that you can imagine, and it
has a wonderful ambience for
a performer.”
Sgouros would know. He has
played in Carnegie Hall, London’s
Royal Festival Hall, the Prince’s
Palace of Monaco and the Sydney
Opera House, among countless
other venues.
He says he tries not to perform
every night if he could help it, so that
he keeps in top form, but he also has
the opportunity to see some of the
sights in each city he visited.
In Doha, he has been struck by
the beauty and bustle of Souq Waqif,
enjoying the spectacle of watching the
people pass by.
However, in keeping with his usual
cracking pace, Sgouros will spend the
rest of this year performing, including
as a headline act for the 2012-2013
season with Germany’s Mannheim
Philharmonic Orchestra. He will
also try to fit in some time in the
recording studio.
Watching his face become
animated as he discusses the various
joys and challenges of performing
Rachmaninoff, Mozart or Chopin,
it is evident he would not have it any
other way.
5
“Most of the
research workforce
is coming from
Qatar and those
that are coming
from outside are
staying in Qatar”
that’s using human subjects to
tackle human problems – how
do we find a cure for diabetes?
How do we find a better drug for
hypertension?
The complexities involve a lot
of training, a lot of databases,
and that’s the goal of these large
consortium grants from the NIH
– to build an infrastructure to help
support clinical researchers.
We recognize that clinical
research is more complex than
basic science research. Very
broadly, that is the goal of this
grant. A clinical research center
such as the CTSC identifies
processes that are not specific to a
research group, and it implements
them institutionally so that
everyone can access them, which
improves efficiency. This is where
WCMC-Q benefits.
For some of these processes, it’s
not realistic to expect a single group
to implement them because they are
too expensive and time-consuming,
but ultimately they are needed to
advance the research program.
The QF institutions are branch
campuses of the main campuses
of the universities in the United
States and Europe, so in that
What do you think?
Send us your opinion at qft@qf.org.qa
regard the infrastructure found in
Manhattan’s WCMC is something
that we can tap into – and we’re
already doing that.
The grant from the NIH is
going to improve the know-how
and capacity in terms of clinical
research in Manhattan. Once that
knowhow is at WCMC, it’s going
to benefit WCMC-Q’s partners,
which include Hamad Medical
Corporation, Sidra Medical and
Research Center, and Qatar
University.
This funding from the NIH to
the main campus can benefit Qatar
– it’s not a one-way street. It’s the
same institution, it’s a continuum,
so from that point of view, any
growth and improvements in terms
of services to researchers or faculty
that are done at WCMC will
benefit the Qatar campus.
When the Qatar campus benefits,
Qatar benefits. Most of the research
workforce is coming from Qatar
and those that are coming from
outside are staying in Qatar.
That workforce is going to
become more important in terms
of building an infrastructure to
conduct research in the long term
to support the Qatar National
Vision 2030 and the goal of a
knowledge-based economy – one
based on local funding, research,
and commercialization.
The CTSC grant in Manhattan
is going to improve our knowhow
and our ability to do clinical
research, and will improve our
cycle leading to a knowledge-based
economy more efficiently.
That means using dollars more
efficiently and, hopefully, in the
medium to long-term, to start
generating funds back into the
country.
columnist
Dr Khaled Machaca
is Professor of Physiology and Biophysics and
Associate Dean for Research at WCMC-Q.
6
QF Spotlight
Write to us: qft@qf.org.qa
Thursday 4 October 2012
how do I?
QFTelegraph helps
you make the most of
your life at QF
WISE award winners 2012
1
2
3
4
5
6
n How do I attend Qatar
Foundation (QF) Mental
Health Day activities?
QF’s Health, Safety,
Security & Environment
(HSSE) healthcare
specialists are hosting a
‘Healthy Minds, Healthy
Lives’ event on 10 October
at Msheireb Properties’
offices on the second floor
of Tornado Tower, West
Bay, from 9.30am until
2.00pm. The program
will include advice on the
dangers of ignoring mental
health issues, how to harness
emotional feelings, and
research showing the effects
on family and children of
mental-health problems.
n Who is invited?
The solar-powered floating schools project in Bangladesh is one of six WISE Award winners
Cristo Rey Network Corporate Work
Study Program
USA
PSU Educarchile
Chile
RoboBraille
Denmark
Satya Bharti School Program
India
Solar-Powered Floating Schools
Bangladesh
Cambodian Children’s Fund –
Transforming Steung Meanchey
Through Education
Cambodia
Education WISE provides vital support and finance for global education initiatives
An open invitation to
all QF staff, community
members and their families
has been issued via QF’s
Maktabi newsletter.You do
not need to pre-register
or bring along a copy of
your invitation.
Six projects from around the world
announced as WISE Award winners
n Which mental health experts
will be in attendance?
Under the theme ‘Transforming
Education’, the World Innovation
Summit for Education (WISE)
has announced six groundbreaking
projects from around the world as
winners of the 2012 WISE Awards.
Now in their fourth year, the
WISE Awards identify, showcase
and promote innovative educational
projects from all sectors and regions
of the world in order to inspire change
in education.
This year’s winning projects, which
have been selected for their concrete,
positive impact upon society,
will receive global visibility and a
monetary prize to help them continue
their work.
Hailing from Bangladesh,
Cambodia, Chile, Denmark, India
and the United States, the winning
initiatives were selected by a jury of
leading education experts following
a pre-selection of 24 WISE Awards
finalists from 14 countries. Winning
projects were selected for their
tangible, positive impact upon society
and their innovative approach to
solving important global problems.
His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla
bin Ali Al-Thani, PhD, President,
Hamad bin Khalifa University and
Vice President, Education, Qatar
Foundation for Education, Science
and Community Development; and
Chairman of WISE and Chairman
of the WISE Awards Jury, said:
“Since 2009, the WISE Awards have
Experts in attendance will
include Mr Abdulla Al
Modhaki, HSSE Director,
Dr Eman Mahmud, Staff
and Student Wellness
Specialist, doctors and
students from Hamad
Medical Corporation,
Family Consulting Center,
Qatar Diabetes Association,
the Center for Protection
of Mother and Child, and
FANAR – Qatar Islamic
Cultural Center.
n How will the day be
organized?
Information will be
presented through film,
discussions and booklets
at the event. Literature will
be available to take away.
There will also be the
chance to speak to doctors
on a one-to-one basis, with
information provided on
where to go for further help
and advice.
Do you have questions you
want answered? Email us at:
qft@qf.org.qa and we will do
our best to help you
recognized successful, transformative
projects in education in order to
generate a pool of sound practices
and to inspire their adoption and
adaptation elsewhere.
“When determining the best
projects, we look at what is being
achieved as well as how it is done.
The winning initiatives were
selected because they are successful,
but also because of their innovative
approach. These are not ordinary
education efforts.”
The diverse projects offer
unique solutions to today’s most
important challenges, from poverty
to climate change.
Award-winning projects include
one from Bangladesh, where solarpowered floating schools ensure
year-round primary education to
students in flood-prone areas,
even during the height of the
monsoon period.
Mohammed Rezwan, Executive
Director of Shidhulai Swanirvar
Sangstha, said: “The floating school
project has great potential for
replication as there are millions of
children living in flood-prone areas
around the world.
“The WISE Awards will help
other organizations learn about
us, particularly our innovations
for adapting to climate changeinduced flooding. This recognition
for the project will also encourage
international organizations to join
partnerships in order to scale up the
project within Bangladesh.”
THE CAMBODIAN winning project,
Transforming Steung Meanchey
Through Education (Cambodia),
helps the children who reside and
work in the Steung Meanchey landfill
district on the outskirts of Phnom
Penh, one of the most impoverished
regions of the world.
Scott Neeson, Executive Director
of the Cambodian Children’s Fund,
said: “Being recognized by WISE, a
leading international initiative that
understands and values education as
a means of creating change, is truly
an honor, especially because
we share with WISE the belief
that we can make a difference
through education.
“This WISE Award will help us
ensure every child in our care receives
the highest-quality education, and
the opportunity to go to college
and beyond.”
In Denmark, RaboBraille is another
“The winning
initiatives were
selected because
they are successful,
but also because
of their innovative
approach”
project to be selected as a WISE
winner. The project is an email and
web-based service that transforms
documents into alternative formats
for the blind and partially sighted, and
for others with special needs.
Lars Balieu Christensen, Project
Manager of RoboBraille, said: “Being
a WISE Awards winner represents
an important moment of recognition
within our organization and within
the entire education community. We
were first interested in applying for
this award because of the efforts made
by WISE to encourage innovation in
education, and because of the global
platform it offers for communicating
best practices and replicating them
around the world.
“As a winner of a WISE Award,
we hope to use this platform to
further disseminate the RoboBraille
service to parts of the world where
it can dramatically improve the
opportunities of those with
special needs.”
The other WISE Awards winners
for 2012 include; PSU Educarchile
in Chile, Cristo Rey Network
Corporate Work Study Program in
the United States, and Satya Bharti
School Program in India. Finalists
and winners of the WISE Awards
will participate in the annual WISE
Summit taking place between 13-15
November at the Qatar National
Convention Centre, under the theme
‘Collaborating for Change’.
Director’s Note
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Thursday 4 October 2012
7
Leadership
Academy sets
the standard
Brigadier Muftah Mahbob Rasheed, Director,
Qatar Leadership Academy, explains how lessons
learned young can have a long-lasting impact
We are at the start of a new
academic year, and when I consider
the high quality of staff and cadets at
Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA),
I am extremely optimistic about what
lies ahead.
What we offer at QLA is
something special and unique in
this region. As you would expect,
we develop the skills of young men
from across Qatar, but among our
cadets there are students from across
the region – from Saudi Arabia,
from Bahrain, from Oman and from
Kuwait – plus students from further
afield, from the likes of Sudan,
Tunisia, and Algeria amongst others.
We are attracting great interest
in QLA, and we are creating a
community made up of a diverse
range of individuals, because we
offer a very compelling combination
of exceptional academic standards
mixed with the benefits of leadership
training. We teach the International
Baccalaureate as well as an American
academic program and life skills that
come from the military world, such as
discipline and teamwork.
Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA)
the story so far
2005
2009
The year QLA opened its doors
The year that the first International
Baccalaureate Diploma was awarded
10
Nationalities currently
represented at QLA
48
140
Cadets enrolled in first year of QLA
Cadets currently at QLA
When cadets join us, QLA becomes
their home. There are benefits from
being based in Al Khor. There is more
peace and privacy here, and there is
plenty of space. There are very few
distractions, and there’s more of an
opportunity for the cadets to work
together as a community.
Even cadets living in nearby Doha
move from their family homes and
live in QLA accommodation. During
their time as cadets, they spend
more time with us than they do with
their families, which means that they
very quickly form strong bonds.
They learn to live together as well as
study together, and I know that the
exceptional friendships they form will
last a lifetime.
They come to us from different
countries and from diverse parts of
society, but they leave as graduates
who have learned to live together as
a strong unit. I know that in 20 years’
time, at the point at which they have
become very successful adults with
children of their own, my current
cadets will be part of a rich network
that will spread across the world.
I was the first Director of QLA
back in 2005, and as someone who
left and has returned, I can see great
improvements. QLA goes from
strength to strength, and the skills
of our staff, both the academic staff
and those working in administration,
are of the highest level. The
professionalism they all show is
a credit to QLA and sets a great
example to the cadets.
We welcome cadets to QLA at a
very important time in their lives –
the period during which they make
the transition from boys to men. I
believe that we are raising our boys
using the best aspects of military
life. They learn discipline, of course,
but they also learn to problem solve.
At times our cadets have to live
under pressure. By learning to solve
problems under pressure now they
will find that their future problems
will be much more manageable. This
is extremely valuable experience to
encounter at an early age.
Our primary aim at QLA is to
create leaders, and it is a responsibility
that we take very seriously. They may
go into a military career, and we’ve
had cadets go on to study at West
Point in the US and at Sandhurst
Military Academy in the UK, or they
may go on to have civilian careers. It
is for them to decide what path they
will take, but it is our responsibility
to make sure that they are prepared
for whatever they do. We give them
knowledge and we teach them how
to plan for the future, but after that,
what they do is up to them.
We build confidence and we teach
the cadets about the value of working
together in a structured way. With
the support of the staff, they enjoy
the practical experience of taking the
lead in many situations. Inside the
classroom, cadet team leaders assist
their teachers. Outside the classroom,
team leaders continue to take
responsibility for organizing the lives
of their fellow cadets.
MY JOB is extremely rewarding. I am
very lucky, along with my staff, to
be able to share the opportunity of
raising cadets who are going to be
leaders in the future. It’s a real honor
to do this.
For people working in an
institution such as QLA, the start
QLA held their 2012 graduation ceremony at QNCC
“Our primary aim
at QLA is to create
leaders, and it is
a responsibility
that we take very
seriously”
of the academic year offers a good
time to reflect on the past and to look
towards the future. We are a place of
learning, so it is only right that we
learn from the past as we build for
the future.
With this in mind, we have
been taking stock and have been
identifying any weaknesses that may
have been present so that we can
address these weaknesses and make
any necessary improvements. Having
made this honest appraisal, we have
been able to move forward, and I am
confident that this year will be a great
one for QLA.
NOT FINDING WHAT YOU WANT
IN ANY BOOKSTORES
IS A GOOD REASON TO COMPLAIN.
For Jinanne Tabra, it was a good reason
to open her own bookstore.
WHILE STILL A BUSINESS STUDENT AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY IN QATAR, Jinanne Tabra
realized that Arabs living outside the Middle East had very few options for buying Arab language literature.
So shortly after graduation, she founded ARABOH.com, one of the first, and most successful, online bookstores
dedicated to the Arabic language. Since then, CEO Middle East magazine named her as one of the “Top 30
under 30” and her company has become a vital resource for Arabs around the world.
Qatar Foundation is proud to support young leaders like Jinanne Tabra. Together, we are making Qatar a center
of knowledge that is helping the entire world move forward. Learn more about Jinanne’s work and discover the
people of Qatar Foundation at qfachievers.com.
Students
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Thursday 4 October 2012
9
campus life
Yoonsuk Choi
I’m looking forward to
my new life in Qatar
Students from across the world attended Qatar MUN and Film Leadership Conference at QF
Education First Qatar leadership conference attracts hundreds of students
Qatar MUN puts leadership skills
at heart of high school curriculum
MORE THAN 350 high school
students and their advisors from
a multitude of countries visited
Qatar Foundation for a three-day
conference which aimed to build
leadership skills.
The first annual Qatar MUN
(Model United Nations) and Film
Leadership Conference, held from
20 to 22 September, attracted young
people from across the Gulf region,
the US, and Europe.
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual
support, and encouraged high school
students to make positive changes
within their own communities.
Organized by The Hague International Model United Nations
(THIMUN) Qatar, which partners
with Qatar Academy, Northwestern
University in Qatar (NU-Q) and
Georgetown University – School of
Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Q),
the conference involved a student executive committee with school representatives from across Qatar.
Dr Sandra Richards, Director of
the Liberal Arts Program at NU-Q,
opened the event with an address
about the meaning and importance
of global citizenship in times of
turmoil.
Students then had the opportunity
to attend workshops on topics such
as effective debating, running a successful committee, and filmmaking
concepts.
Tariq Atiyah, a Qatar Academy
student and Secretary General for
the event, explained in his welcome
letter that he hoped attendees would
have the chance to learn new leadership skills, meet leaders from around
the world and from Qatar and discover their hidden talents.
“The conference organizers also
believe that student leadership is
not a bonus or afterthought of extra-curricular activities, but should
be at the core of the program,”
Atiyah explained.
“This is one of the reasons that,
during the conference sessions, students and teachers attend and present seminars together.”
THIMUN Foundation is an international group that supports Model
United Nations programs and conferences in schools around the world.
Its Qatar regional office serves
schools across the Middle East and
North Africa (MENA) region.
Translation students head to class
language. The Translation and
Interpreting Institute (TII) held an
orientation event on 15 September, welcoming students to its first
Master’s program in Translation
Studies (MATS).
The students were warmly welcomed by Dr Amal Al Malki, TII
Executive Director, Dr Moneera Al
Ghadir, Director of Postgraduate
Studies and Research, and MATS
faculty members.
The event, held the day before
classes commenced, included a tour
of the institute’s cutting-edge facilities
at its new quarters in Awsaj Academy.
Facilities include interpreting labs,
self-study labs and multimedia labs,
as well as lecture and seminar rooms
equipped with the latest audiovisual
equipment.
With an international team of faculty and staff, TII offers a Master’s
degree in Translation Studies. This
provides students with theoretical
and practical translation competencies in the areas of business and
commerce, science and technology,
literature and media.
TII is part of Hamad bin Khalifa
TII aims to become an
international center
of excellence for the
study of translation,
interpretation and
languages
University, and aims to become an
international center of excellence for
the study of translation, interpretation
and languages.
It offers a comprehensive range
of translation and language activities unique to the Gulf Co-operation
Council (GCC) region, including
postgraduate degrees in translation
and interpreting, high-level language
training and quality translation and
interpreting services.
The institute consists of a postgraduate studies section, a research
center, a language center and a professional services section.
For more information about TII,
please visit www.tii.qa or email
admissions@tii.qa
My Qatar education
experience has only just
begun, but already I know
that this will be a period in
my life that will leave a lasting
impression – a time that will
not only shape my future, but
will also allow me to fulfill my
dreams.
I think my ultimate dream
of becoming a diplomat
can be made possible by
graduating from Georgetown
University – School of
Foreign Service in Qatar
(SFS-Q).
I gave a lot of thought
to coming here while I was
finishing high school in Seoul,
South Korea. In fact, it has
taken a lot of hard work to get
a scholarship to study here.
It has only been a few
weeks since I arrived, but
already I’m feeling part of the
bigger picture.
I was recently elected as
the Georgetown Student
Government Class of 2016
representative by my 86
fellow students.
It’s an honor to be
entrusted with this duty. My
election means that I am now
a member of the Student
Government Association
(SGA) for the next four
years and will be responsible
for putting their views and
concerns forward.
Orientation is past us now
and I’ve begun to focus more
on my course. Eventually,
I would like to major in
International Politics or
International Economics but,
for now, I am concentrating on
getting and maintaining high
grades, so that I continue my
scholarship through to 2016.
I’ve already learnt so
much from the professors at
Georgetown. One of the big
advantages of studying here
is that the students get a lot
of direct interaction with our
professors. I had lunch with
one of mine the other day, and
that’s a rarity in many other
universities around the world.
Life in Qatar is certainly
different from Korea. The
climate was a shock to the
system at first, but I’ve started
to acclimatize. The peaceful
and calm environment is
what struck me most about
Qatar. There is no threat in
the air here and that is very
comforting for someone like
me who is living a long way
from home.
My interests outside of the
classroom mostly have some
kind of link to what I am
studying.
“My ultimate
dream of
becoming
a diplomat
can be made
possible by
graduating
from SFS-Q”
For example, I have
signed up to the Model
United Nations and the
debate club. I also have a
keen interest in sports. Back
in Korea I played lacrosse
and golf.
I don’t think lacrosse is
played here at the moment,
but I have visited Doha
Golf Course and was very
impressed by what I saw.
I’m looking forward to the
semester ahead and I think I
have my priorities in order.
Just like getting this far, I
know it will take an enormous
amount of hard work to
achieve my goals.
Yoonsuk Choi is an international student from Seoul,
South Korea, studying at Georgetown University – School of
Foreign Service in Qatar.
10
Focus
“We all live
in a very
fast-moving
world, and I
think every
one of us
is trying to
balance our
lives”
VCUQatar hosts
renowned sculptor
my qf
Dr Abdelilah Arredouani
Title: Scientist at Qatar
Biomedical Research Institute
(QBRI)
Time at QF: Two Years
Describe your role:
My role is in the establishment
of a research group and
my research interest is
understanding the remission
of Type 2 Diabetes observed
in obese people undergoing
bariatric surgery. As QBRI is
a new institute, we need to
promote ourselves in Qatar
and worldwide. My recent
attendance at the Nature Job
Fair in London is a part of that.
I now have the ability to better
answer the questions from other
researchers who are interested
in joining Qatar Foundation.
What I like about my job:
I like tackling new challenges
that we face every day. Science
is about curiosity and you
have to be up to date with new
discoveries if you want to be
a good researcher. For a new
institute such as QBRI, this is a
big challenge, but it will be very
rewarding in the long term. The
Nature Job Fair was a chance to
present the different research
groups and subjects we work on
at the institute.
Want to be featured in
MY QF? Send us an email at:
qft@qf.org.qa
Write to us: qft@qf.org.qa
Thursday 4 October 2012
Moza Al Naemi
Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) Research Executive tells of the
satisfaction her role brings her and what she likes most about living in Qatar
What is the most satisfying aspect
of your work?
I’m part of the QSTP environment
research network – more
specifically the marine element.
We’re the connection point
between core research and
applied industrialization and
commercialization projects, so we
look at the applied research and try
to commercialize it.
For me, the most satisfying
aspect of this role is applying
technology and innovation to the
preservation and sustainability of our
environment, knowing that the work
we do will be making a difference.
If you could switch jobs with
anyone at QF for a day, who would
it be and why?
I’m not sure, actually. I like where I
am. Working in a laboratory a little
more would be nice, so perhaps a
role at one of the universities, such
as Weill Cornell Medical College
in Qatar.
What are the best things about
living in Qatar?
The opportunities. There are a lot of
new emerging fields and everything
feels like it is on the cusp of change.
Being in this transition phase is
interesting. Every day you see things
that reflect how Qatar used to be and
you also see things that show you
how it will be, so it’s very exciting.
What is your greatest
achievement?
I think I’ve done well to find work
in the field in which I studied. Most
people might not be lucky enough
to work in their fields of interest.
For example, a lot of people who
study biology or the environment
rarely end up in jobs that are exactly
related to what they studied. I feel
quite privileged that I can carry over
everything that I studied into my
working life.
Apart from your workplace,
what part of Qatar Foundation’s
operations interest you most?
I like the Distinguished Lecture
Series a lot. I attend every now and
then, especially when the lectures
have topics that I find particularly
interesting. It’s good to keep up to
date with different developments in
different fields and to then consider
how each of them can carry over
into one another.
If you had to live somewhere else
apart from Qatar, where would it
be and why?
The whole world is interesting, so it’s
hard to pick just one place. Perhaps
the USA because the country is so
diverse. You have everything there –
deserts, forests, oceans, lakes. There’s
just so much geographical diversity
and living there would give you the
freedom to go wherever you want.
VCUQatar hosts renowned sculptor
John O’Connor reveals the inspirations behind his latest collection
Finding some balance within the
hectic pace of modern life is difficult
for most people.
For Irish sculptor John O’Connor,
this everyday juggling act between
competing responsibilities provided
the inspiration for a collection
exhibited during September at
The Gallery within Virginia
Commonwealth University in Qatar
(VCUQatar).
Aptly titled Equilibrium – New
Works by John O’Connor, the
collection brought together glass,
stainless steel and wood in bold
designs featuring circular elements
that pay tribute to the artist’s interest
in prehistoric Irish art.
O’Connor says: “We all live in a
very fast-moving world, and I think
every one of us is trying to balance
our lives – that is very much an
element of my work. I use elements
that balance together into a
cohesive form. I also have a
particular interest in archeology,
and some of my research informs
my art practice.”
While O’Connor has held more
than 30 exhibitions, his work often
takes on a grander scale in the form
of sculptures for public spaces in
Ireland. He has also worked for
more than 30 years within art
education.
Caitlin Doherty, Exhibitions
and Speaker Curator at VCUQatar,
said she had worked with
O’Connor on a number of
exhibitions in the past and had been
impressed by his ability to always
deliver something new.
She was also pleased that the
artist has available to participate in
Cultural
Review
Sculptor John O’Connor meets visitors to his exhibition
workshops and gallery talks for the
university’s students. Maria Stabio, an
artist in residence at VCUQatar, said
she had been particularly interested to
see O’Connor use of a variety
of materials.
Behind the scenes
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Thursday 4 October 2012
11
The power of partnership
The AES Network explains the complexities behind teaming up with QF’s Annual Research Forum
Dr Nabeel Al Salem, Program Chair of AES
Network Symposium and Deputy Director of
the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), addressing the
Arab Expatriate Scientists Network Symposium 2011
UNDER THE DIRECTION of Faisal
Alsuwaidi, Qatar Foundation’s
(QF’s) President of Research and
Development, this year’s Joint
Qatar Foundation Annual Research
Forum (ARF) and Arab Expatriate
Scientists (AES) Network
Symposium 2012 will be an event
unlike any other.
For the first time in the history
of both prestigious research
forums, the two entities will be
joined together, bringing national
stakeholders, international partners
and multinational companies in
Qatar under one roof – the Qatar
National Convention Centre
(QNCC), from 21-23 October.
This joint effort has required
planning through every stage of the
development process; a challenge
to which Dr Nabeel Al Salem,
Program Chair of AES Network
Symposium and Deputy Director of
the Qatar National Research Fund
(QNRF), and Vikash Sananda,
Co-ordinator of AES Network
Symposium, have certainly risen.
As Sananda explains, this year’s
forum will be similar in many
ways to last year’s event – identical
location and close co-ordination
with the ARF – but with a
heightened degree of partnership.
“Last year’s event was not truly
joint in the traditional sense of the
word because we featured it around
the ARF,” he says. “The ARF was
a stand-alone event, and afterwards
there was a mandate to have the
AES involved and create an event
in which both could interact and
collaborate between research
centers.”
After the success of last
year’s inaugural AES Network
Symposium, the new directive
meant that there was no time for the
AES to rest on its laurels.
“As soon as we received the
mandate, we got rolling on it
straight away,” says Sananda.
“The groundwork has been
going on at different levels; on the
directorial levels, from the institutes,
and then it trickles down to the
actual execution, the operational
aspect of it.”
Last year’s ARF alone reported
three times the number of attendees
compared with that of 2010’s event,
so from the start it was clear to
AES Program Chair Dr Al Salem
that for the network to achieve its
goals would require a huge degree
of co-operation.
“We are a small team and rely on
a lot of infrastructure here at
Qatar Foundation to make such
a big event a reality,” says Dr Al
Salem. “A forum of this scale
Did you know?
As part of Qatar Foundation’s effort to fulfill His Highness the Amir Sheikh Hamad
bin Khalifa Al Thani’s vision of creating a knowledge-based society, QF held the
first Arab Expatriate Scientists Conference “QFIRST 2007” in December 2007.
cannot be accomplished by us on
our own.
“We have had to rely on the QF
infrastructure, facilities and services,
as well as help from the Research
and Development enterprise offices,
which are making a tremendous
effort on our behalf behind the
scenes. It’s all possible because we
are all under the QF umbrella.”
help of the research institutes, we
compile the names of the scientists,
their research areas, contact
information, backgrounds and
where they are located. From there
we select scientists with the help of
the research institutes. There is a
lot of collaboration between these
institutes and the AES and there is
a lot of history between each.
“For instance, QCRI
selects the Arab Expat
scientists who are
prominent in the areas
of IT and computing.
Upon their selection
they will further
break down the
nominees in their
specialty and decide
who will be judges,
speakers etc.
“That’s the process, but
it is not done without sending
invitations to the correct people,
getting acceptance and, upon
approval, co-ordinating the details
with them.”
With the highly anticipated
forum just weeks away, co-ordinator
Sananda admits that he has been
surprised by how smoothly the
operation has gone, although he
knows that its success thus far is by
virtue of extensive collaboration.
“We were very happy to join
forces,” he says of the ARF
partnership. “Of course it was a
mandate, but when people talk
of mandates they tend to speak
of something that they had to do
because they were asked to do it.
“This time around, it has been a
very pleasant experience working
with all the sister centers. The level
of communication, interaction and
support that each has extended has
been amazing.
“It’s not something that we
anticipated, but it’s so close-knit
that we don’t really feel as though
we’re operating from separate teams
– we function as one.”
Outside of the AES, there are
multiple phases to plan and present
an event as big as this.
QF’s Qatar MICE Development
Institute (QMDI) has been
handling the logistics, invitations
and travel arrangements of those
invited, while QF Communications
Directorate has been taking care
of all documentation, translations
and press releases.
In the case of speakers, panelists
and moderators, this remit falls
to QF’s three research institutes –
QBRI, QCRI, QEERI – which work
closely with the AES Network.
Says Dr Al Salem: “With the
Delegates at last year’s AES Network Symposium
12
Community
Write to us: qft@qf.org.qa
Thursday 4 October 2012
my diary
Noor Al Shahwani describes a typical day
With the Joint Qatar
Foundation (QF) Annual
Research Forum (ARF) and
Arab Expatriate Scientists
(AES) Network Symposium
2012 fast approaching, a great
deal of work is being undertaken
by those of the Forum’s Joint
Organizing Committee.
In the case of Noor Al
Shahwani, a translator for
Research and Development,
and Joint Organizing
Committee member, each
working day is devoted to
making sure that plans for
the prestigious event run as
smoothly as possible.
workload and complete the
high-priority translation before
beginning my lower-priority
tasks. Lower-priority work
would involve making revisions
on Arabic translations already
sent from other departments. I
also help the ARF committee
organize the upcoming event
by discussing the confirmed
speakers and assessing who is
or isn’t attending.
4.00
am I wake up
quite early, have
my breakfast and prepare for
the day ahead.
Pm Before I finish
work I return to
the abstract summaries and
assign them to reviewers. After
doing so, I read the abstracts to
see if they are related to Qatar
and if they are, then they are
approved. Lastly, I have a quick
check of my emails and see if
anyone needs my assistance.
7.30
5.00
6.30
am After arriving
at work I check my
emails and start prioritizing
every unread message in my
inbox. Other than translation,
my job entails helping the
Research Division with their
responsibilities related to the
Forum’s abstract submissions
too, so I will assess the
abstracts.
8.00
am After
arranging these
tasks I begin translating and
concentrating on everything
that is related to the Forum.
So, for example, a typical
day might involve the task of
translating a map or updating
the Forum’s schedule of events.
It changes every day but press
releases always have the highest
priority.
12.30
PM Usually at
this time our
Directorate will have a meeting
with the QF Communications
department regarding issues
related to the Forum. We
discuss what should be done,
when, how and why.
1.30
PM I don’t usually
have lunch, so
at this time I return to my
PM Once I am
home, I have a
quick nap before waking and
having dinner with my family.
Sometimes I’ll go to the gym.
7.00
PM I log into
the ARF system
and finalize everything that’s
related to the abstracts.
This isn’t something that
I regularly do but at this
point in time, and with the
event fast approaching, it is
necessary. Also, if I receive an
email regarding translation
in the evening, or even on
weekends, then I commit to it,
as I like to finish my work and
have nothing left over in the
morning or the next week.
9.00
PM When I want
to relax, I tend
to watch TV or play games
on my iPad. I’m particularly
fond of watching documentary
channels like National
Geographic and Al Jazeera
Documentary or playing chess
on my iPad.
11.00
PM I pray before
going to bed. I
guess it is an early time to go
to sleep but 6.30am comes
around very quickly!
N
oor Al Shahwani, Translator, Research and Development
Staff had the opportunity to ask for health advice at the event
QNCC gives staff healthy living tips
Health, Safety, Security, and Environment Directorate and Hamad Medical Corporation team up
In an effort to dispel some of the
confusion surrounding healthy
nutrition, Qatar National Convention
Centre’s (QNCC) Human Resources
Department recently organized a
lecture for staff. It was hosted alongside
Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Health,
Safety, Security, and Environment
Directorate (HSSE), and Hamad
Medical Corporation (HMC).
At the event, which is part of a
wider awareness series, two HMC
clinical dieticians gave a short talk
followed by one-to-one consultations
with 40 QNCC staff members.
Debbie Rogers, QNCC Director
of Human Resources, explained why
the lectures were offered to staff: “We
work in a high-pressure environment,
with lots of shift work, so it’s important
that staff feel as healthy as they can.
“We put this awareness series
together with HSSE to help give
staff the information they need. The
previous talk considered heart health
and people were able to get their
blood pressure checked. The next
will offer assistance to those wanting
to stop smoking.”
In welcoming everyone to the
lecture, Dr Eman Mahmud, Senior
Health and Wellness Specialist, HSSE,
congratulated those attending. “You
Patrick Cha Ilho, Events Co-ordinator
“One of the reasons I attended today’s
lecture is that I’m from South Korea,
where it is very easy to access health
advice. I have noticed it’s not so easy to
source accurate information here, so
I was interested to find
out what the up-to-date
thinking is as regards
nutrition. I run marathons,
so it’s important to
eat wisely. The most
important piece of
advice I would give
to others is to make
changes gradually.”
are taking the first step in beginning a
program of healthy eating,” she said.
“Changing habits takes time but you
are showing your commitment by
being here.”
Dr Mahmud then introduced
Ashwaq Mohammed Salah and
Hela Abdullatif Mehdi, HMC
clinical dieticians, who explained
the fundamental theories of sound
nutrition.
Mehdi said. “A healthy diet should
be a pleasurable experience. It does
not mean that your intake should be
stopped, or that you cut out particular
nutritional groups, but that you learn
what to have in each meal and in what
quantity for your gender, age, and
activity level.”
She then used a pyramid diagram
to illustrate the different nutritional
groups which should be included in
every meal to provide a balanced diet.
The pyramid also shows a staircase
that serves as a reminder that physical
activity needs to be scheduled into life.
“A balanced diet should include all
nutritional groups – grains, vegetables,
fruits, oils, dairy products, and meat,
beans, or eggs,” Mehdi added, as she
explained the importance of each in a
balanced diet.
Meanwhile, Salah considered what
constitutes a balanced meal and the
importance of water.
“You need between nine and 13
cups of fluid a day for good health.This
should ideally be taken as water,” she
explained, as she went on to distribute
a portion plate as an aid to obtaining
a balanced meal.This comprised a
quarter for carbohydrates, a quarter for
protein sources and half for vegetables.
“I would advise anyone looking to
make dietary changes to make them
gradually,” she said. “Make them one
step at a time over two to three weeks
and then it will become a habit for life.”
In addressing issues surrounding
shift work, Salah was able to advise
staff to get into a routine for meals,
including healthy snacks throughout
the day.
“Avoid late dinners, but if this is
not possible then reduce portions
and have lighter foods so as not to
interrupt your sleep,” she added.
The nutritionists then took
questions from attendees, with most
involving different popular weight-loss
plans that avoid certain food groups.
Mehdi said: “It’s important to have a
balanced diet. Cutting out a particular
nutritional element makes the diet
unbalanced and can have long-term
health risks.”
Pamela Dacera, Event Manager
“When we are busy we can be running
three to five events in one day, from early
morning into the evening. It’s a stressful
and physically active job,
and I often skip meals. As
the dieticians from HMC
explained, this is not good
as the temptation is
then to eat badly to try
to catch up. Thanks
to their advice, I am
now going to try to
plan ahead and bring
healthy snacks from
home.”
Mohamed El Fatihi,
Loading Dock Assistant
“I have an active role at QNCC and we
are also reaching our busiest time of
the year, so it’s important that I have the
correct nutrition to have the stamina
to get the job done.
I’m Moroccan and I
love preparing meals,
especially using organic
produce, but it’s easy
to get lazy in this
environment and let
the portions increase
in size or to have
meals out too often.”
Sports
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Thursday 4 October 2012
13
“This
tournament is
further proof
of the range
of activities
on offer to QF
students and
staff”
Table tennis tournament
draws large crowd
sport in BrIEf
QF gets set
for annual
race
n The Qatar Foundation (QF)
community is gearing up
for the annual Run and Walk
Competition organized by
QF Recreation Center to take
place on 6 October. The 5km
race for men and women
and the 3km race for children
(aged between nine and 13
years old) will start at 4pm. All
participants will begin their
walk or run at QF Recreation
Center, with the finishing line
located at Awsaj Academy’s
Recreation Center. Registration
for the competition is closed
but spectators are welcome
to come along and join in
the occasion. QF Recreation
Center is also encouraging QF
colleagues to enroll in their
Fitness Evaluation program for
males and females.
QF table tennis tournament draws large crowd
The annual Qatar Foundation (QF) table tennis
tournament at Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
Student Center was deemed a huge success with a
large number of of participants for the event on
22 September.
The tournament, organized in collaboration between
staff at HBKU and QF Recreation Center, took place at
the Student Center’s multi-purpose court over a fivehour period.
Competitions were divided into categories for
children, ladies, men’s singles and men’s doubles.
Simon Jones, QF Recreation Service Supervisor,
said: “This tournament is further proof of the range of
activities on offer to QF students and staff. Stretching
the tournament across a whole evening allows people to
drop in and out, whether they intended on competing or
spectating. From talking to people who participated, I’m
sure the tournament was well received.”
The staff at HBKU Student Center and QF Recreation
Center is promising a host of sporting events
throughout the new semester on campus.
Privilege program
QF members are entitled to discounts and special rates at a variety of outlets and amenities upon showing their QF ID.
Valid till 30 November 2012
British Airways PO Box 1989, Dubai
5-10%
Valid till 31 December 2012
Six Senses
Sharq Village & Spa
PO Box 26662 Doha
Qatar International Beauty Academy 20%
PO Box 3509, Doha
Accor
Atlantis The Palm 15%
PO Box 211222, Dubai
discount on our best available rate
(5% on peak periods)
Dubai Festival City
PO Box 45777, Dubai
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
PO Box 114304, Dubai
Fairmont Dubai
PO Box 97555, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Forty Four West Bay Tower
PO Box 200638, Doha
George II Hotel
Al Sadd Signal, Doha
Intercontinental Doha - The City
PO Box 22178 Doha
Ozone 15%
City Center and Lulu Hyper Gharafa
Q-Tire Services,
Doha
Ramada Encore Doha
Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Thani Street Weekend Package
The Ritz Carlton-Dubai 20%
PO Box 48203, Dubai
Volvo
PO Box 1427, Kalifa Street, Doha
Q-Tire Services
Doha
Regency Fleets
PO Box 9012, Doha
Technical Care Center
10-12%
Landmark, City Center, Hyatt Plaza, Villaggio, Naser Street, Salwa Road
Valid till 31 january 2013
Anytime Fitness Orxy Building next to QNB, Al Wakrah
Al Jaber Watches
PO Box 11117, Doha
George V Spa
Doha
30% off in one-year, single and couple
membership
La Peche
Al Wajba Petrol Station
Qatar Insurance Company
PO Box 666, Doha
Qatar Optics,
Doha
Valid till 7 May 2013
Impression The Pearl, Qatar
Ongoing offer
Unique
C Ring Road, PO Box 23344, Doha
10-30%
10%
Valid to may 2013
Bambinos (Child Care) Towwar Compound, behind Landmark
Mall, Duhail south Doha
15%
10-15%
As per QF Corporate Rates
Four Seasons Doha
Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
Ritz-Carlton
Grand Hyatt
Intercontinental Hotel
Marriot Doha Hotel
W Doha Hotel
Ramada Plaza Doha
Movenpick Tower & Suites
Sharq Village & Spa
La Cigale Hotel
Grand Regency
Millennium Hotel
Gloria Hotel
Holiday Villa
Merweb Central Hotel
Merweb Hotel Al Saadd
Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel
Retaj Residence
Sealine Beach Resort
Al Sultan Beach Resort
Movenpick Hotel
More details about offers and
discounts can be found on QF Portal
or email pprogram@qf.org.qa
14
Time off
Athletes
begin the
rehabilitation
processes
only a few
hours after
the treatment
through
arthroscopy
has been done
The benefits of
arthroscopy
qur’anic garden
Plant’s name
Scientific: Nigella Sativa
Arabic: Al Habatu As-Sawdaa/
Shownaze
English: Black Cumin
About the plant
Nigella Sativa is an annual
flowering plant, native to south
and southwest Asia. It grows to
20–30 cm in height. The flowers
are coloured pale blue and white,
with five to 10 petals. The fruit
is a large and inflated capsule
composed of three to seven
united follicles. Black Cumin is
considered a widespread crop in
many parts in the world.
Plant in the Holy Qur’an
and Hadith
The Black Cumin is mentioned in
Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet
Muhammad PBUH). Narrated
Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s
Apostle saying, “There is healing
in Black cumin for all diseases
except death.”
Did you know?
The used part of Black Cumin
plant is seeds. In Islam, it is
regarded as one of the greatest
forms of healing medicine
available. The active ingredients
of seeds are essential and fatty
oils and tannins. Essential oils of
Nigella Sativa help with bronchial
spasms.
Ahmed E El Gharib
Assistant Researcher
To find out more about
the Qur’anic Garden,
email: qg@qf.org.qa
Write to us: qft@qf.org.qa
Thursday 4 October 2012
Students hit the right notes
QF Recreation Center offers piano lessons for all ages and abilities
It’s never too late to become a
student of music. That’s the message
from piano teacher Catherine
Gnatuk at Qatar Foundation (QF)
Recreation Center. Every Sunday
and Wednesday afternoon from
September to December, students,
both young and mature, beginner
or advanced, can receive high-class
piano lessons from Catherine.
Haya Kardan, a Qatar Academy
student, has developed a passion and
excellence for piano over the past six
years through lessons at QF and is
thoroughly enjoying her progression
under the guidance of her teacher.
“I enjoy the new challenges that
each grade brings,” Kardan says.
“Learning more difficult pieces with
my teacher is half of the fun, the other
half is rehearsing in my own time.
I have had a number of different
teachers since I began to learn the
piano, but it was with Catherine
whom I started to learn with at the
very beginning. She is very patient
and understanding with me and I
hope to continue my progression
through the grades with her help.”
Teacher Gnatuk adds: “Learning
piano is a wonderful experience, for
both the student and the teacher.
“I love to watch my students
progress through the grades. One of
Tried &
Tested
the best things about learning piano,
particularly for complete beginners,
is that a class is a private, one-on-one
experience. So, adult students need
not to be concerned about being
under pressure.
“They will not be under a watchful
gaze of other students and learning
is in a very relaxed environment with
each class lasting 30 minutes. I would
certainly be happy to see more adults
come forward who are interested in
learning piano.”
Piano lessons for children from five
years and upwards and for adults are held
at QF Recreation Center every Sunday
from 1pm-2pm and every Wednesday
from 12pm-1.30pm and 2pm-3pm at Ain Al
Qot Theater on the 2nd floor of the building. For registration, email communityservices@qf.org.qa or call 44540770.
The benefits of arthroscopy
Procedure reduces an athlete’s recovery time from injury
More and more athletes with joint
injuries are undergoing arthroscopy,
which is a surgical technique by
which joint injuries are diagnosed
and treated. Its name comes from the
arthroscope, a device that looks into
the joint through small incisions in
the skin.
Once the arthroscope is inserted,
optical fibers transmit images to a
camera connected to a television
monitor. This not only allows the
surgeon to diagnose the problem, but
also treat it.
Before joint injuries were treated
with arthroscopy, an injured athlete
requiring an operation would involve
a much larger incision affecting large
areas of tissue, thus extending the
postoperative period.
The advantages of arthroscopy
versus traditional surgery are
numerous. Due to the small size of
the arthroscope, incisions around the
joint are less invasive, and carry less
significant scarring and thus the side
effects of surgery are minimized. A
lower inflammatory response allows
for a return to more vigorous physical
activity within a few weeks.
Furthermore, arthroscopy allows
for better diagnoses, since those that
are based on clinical findings and
laboratory investigations – MRI, CT,
etc – are sometimes incomplete.
The reduction of complications and
side effects are other aspects that make
this technique more beneficial.
Only 0.1 or 0.2 percent of cases lead
to complications, a much lower rate
than during open procedures. Among
the different types of arthroscopy,
the knee and shoulder are the most
common. Some of the injuries that
can be treated by arthroscopy are:
torn cruciate ligament, meniscal
fracture and certain types of other
fractures. In shoulder arthroscopies,
among the injuries that can be treated
are: recurrent dislocations, tendon
calcifications and pathologies in the
biceps tendon.
Athletes begin the rehabilitation
processes only a few hours after the
treatment through arthroscopy has
been done. In the case of incisions
with little complexity, the patient may
return to competitive sport within six
to eight weeks.
In more complicated arthroscopy,
though, the patient cannot play sports
such as basketball or football for
six months. Although less frequent,
arthroscopy is also practised in other
parts of the body such as the elbow,
wrist, ankle and hip.
Time Off
Follow us on: twitter.com/QFTelegraph, facebook.com/QFTelegraph
Thursday 4 October 2012
publications
review
qft@qf.org.qa
Burnt Shadows
by Kamila Shamsie
(Arabic translation)
UNFOLDING IN four sections,
this novel traces the shared
histories of two families, from
the final days of the Second
World War in Japan, and
India on the brink of partition
in 1947, to Pakistan in the
early 1980s, New York in the
aftermath of 11 September
and Afghanistan in the wake
of the ensuing US bombing
campaign.
At its heart is the beautifully
portrayed Hiroko Tanaka, first
seen in Nagasaki in August
1945 as a young schoolteacher
turned munitions factory
worker whose artist father
is branded a traitor for his
outbursts against the emperor
and kamikaze militarism.
Kamila Shamsie is the
author of five novels: In the
City by the Sea, Kartography
(both shortlisted for the John
Llewellyn Rhys Prize), Salt and
Saffron, BrokenVerses and Burnt
Shadows, which was shortlisted
for the Orange Prize and has
been translated into more than
20 languages.
Burnt Shadows is a story
for our time by a writer
of immense ambition and
strength. This is an absorbing
novel that commands in the
reader a powerful emotional
and intellectual response.
It is audacious in its
ambition and epic in its scope
– a startling expansion of the
author’s intentions, imagination
and craftsmanship.
Owned by Qatar Foundation
and managed by Bloomsbury
Publishing Plc, BQFP
publishes books of excellence
and originality in English and
Arabic.
Published by BQFP; For more
information email
bqfp@qf.org.qa.
my favorite
Jawaher Al Khuzaei
Manager – Communications, Msheireb Properties
‘I am fascinated by what brings people together’
After a busy week in the office I like nothing better than spending
time unwinding while painting.
My medium of choice is acrylic and I mainly compose abstract
pieces, taking inspiration from the vibrant community around me.
I am fascinated by what brings people together and triggers
a connection. Photography helps me capture a moment in time
or an object to use for ideas in a composition, so I’ll often have a
camera by my side.
One of the pieces I’m working on at the moment considers how
tea and coffee help create bonds between individuals. The subject
involves karak and green tea to illustrate Qatar and China and the
associations between the people of these countries.
new season
QF Radio: show highlights
Program: Green Tea
Presenter: Younis Al Araj
Air Date: Saturday, 22
September
Headline: A look at
diabetes and how to cope
with the disease
Guests: Dr Ibrahim Al
Shaar, Family Medical
Consultant
Overview: Diabetes
has become an issue
of national importance.
The Gulf region has a
much higher rate than
other parts of the world.
This episode of Green Tea
explored the topic and
provided practical advice for
people to effectively manage
the disease.
The presenter opened
the program by asking Dr
Ibrahim to first describe what
diabetes is and how it affects
the body. He explained that
this disorder occurs when a
person’s body is unable to
process the intake of sugar.
Normally, a substance
called insulin is produced
15
to balance sugar levels by
converting it to energy or
storing it for later use. If
insulin is no longer being
created, a person is said to
have diabetes. There are
three types of the disease.
The first is Type 1 and is
often seen in young people.
Through no fault of their
own, their pancreas does
not produce enough insulin.
This is seen in roughly 10
percent of all cases.
Type 2 is different because
the pancreas is working
correctly, but the cells in the
body do not recognize the
insulin being created. This
is often seen in overweight
people and accounts for
the majority of observed
cases. Type 3, also called
Gestational Diabetes, is
sometimes seen in pregnant
women. This is usually
temporary with proper
medication, but can lead to
Type 2 if not treated.
Younis Al Araj then asked
Dr Ibrahim the best way to
manage the disease. He said
the first step is to accept the
diagnosis from the doctor.
The patient must take it
seriously and understand
that lifestyle changes must
be made.
The next step to make
sure that the nature of the
condition is fully understood.
Listen to the physician and
take notes. Finally, it is critical
that regular check-ups
are performed to monitor
changes in the body. The
presenter closed the show by
reminding the audience to
take care of themselves and
stay healthy.
QF Radio’s programs can now be downloaded via iTunes. The station can
be found under Radio > International > QF Radio.
Follow QF Radio on:
Bright Morning International News Innovations *
The Movie Guide English News *
Market Economics Stars of Science Green Tea Therapeutic Fatwas Voice of the Youth Raising a Child Corners *
Fashion *
Straight up Twitter Legendary Artists Sport Global 07.00 09.30
10.00
12.00
13.00
15.00
15.00
16.00
16.00
17.00
17.00
18.00
18.00
19.00
19.00
20.00
21.00
Sunday to Thursday
Daily
Monday
Thursday
Daily
Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Friday
Thursday
Monday
Sunday to Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
Tuesday
Daily
Daily
All programs are in Arabic only, except those marked with * which are in English
16
Listings
Write to us: qft@qf.org.qa
Thursday 4 October 2012
For kids aged six years and
above. Discover the game
or learn to become a better
player. QF Clubhouse.
Limited seats. QR250
per participant. Please
call 44540824 or email
communityservices@qf.org.qa
for more details.
events
we recommend
Piano and
violin
lessons
October 2012
Every Tuesday
A one-on-one lesson from
ages five to adults. Learn
about note identification and
rhythm by playing piano and
violin. Lessons offered by
professional instructor from
overseas. Registration: QR100
per 30 minutes lesson.
For more information email communityservices@qf.org.qa
Starting in October
A range of classes designed
to inspire creativity are
being held at Virginia
Commonwealth University
in Qatar (VCUQatar). The
wide-ranging program of
practical courses is expected
to include drawing and
painting, fashion, textiles,
photography, film-making
and graphic design. Classes
are open to the general public.To
register, go to www.qatar.vcu.edu
Community Art and Design
Classes at VCUQatar
Al Tahadi Diabetes Camp
6-11 October
Thirty male teenagers with
diabetes from Qatar, UAE
and Kuwait will participate in
Al Tahadi Diabetes Camp.
This camp is organized for
male teenagers with diabetes.
It aims to help participants
deal with diabetes in a
healthy way and provide
psychological support in
dealing with problems related
to diabetes.
The schedule at the camp
includes diabetes workshops,
sports and fun activities.
For more information email
Exhibition: UP by Droog
Design
Chess classes will begin this month at Clubhouse
Awatif Elsayed, Qatar Diabetes
Association, at ahussain@qf.org.qa
Mental Health Day
10 October
Students and staff at QF will
learn about the effects that
mental health issues can have
on an individual’s career and
family life, as part of QF’s
‘Healthy Minds’, Healthy
Lives event.
The day-long event,
which will take place at
QF’s Mshreib Center,
is organized by the
Health, Safety, Security
& Environment (HSSE)
Directorate as part of its
on-going responsibility for
providing a psychologically
and physically healthy
and secured working
environment for staff,
students and visitors to QF.
A Night with the Stars
October 12
A costume party at the
Clubhouse, Mesaieed & Al
Khor Rooms. Dress up as
your favorite Hollywood star
and become the celebrity of
the night. Open to kids and
parents. Best costume and
other awards await the lucky
stars. We are also looking
for great talents such as
singing, dancing and playing
instruments to grace the
occasion. Call us now. Free.
Please call 44540824 or email
communityservices@qf.org.qa
for more details.
Chess Class
Beginners: 14 October to
16 December, Every Sunday
5.00-6.00pm. Advanced: 10
October to 12 December 12,
EveryWednesday 4.00-5.00pm
14 October – 15 November.
Opening Reception: Sunday, 14
October, 6pm
Initiated by Droog, UP is an
investigative economic model
that aims to increase the
value of dead stock through
redesign. An alternative
to recycling and disposal,
UP treats leftover goods as
raw material for creative
reinterpretation in order to
bring leftovers back into
circulation. Free, open to public.
Qur’an & Tajweed Class for
Women Only
13-15 October
Qur’an lessons for women
who wish to take their first
steps towards learning to
read and write the Arabic
script of the Qur’an. The
Tajweed lesson is a more
advanced lesson for women
who are keen to improve
their recitation of the Qur’an.
Maximum 10 women per
course. QR300 for the course.
Please call 44540824 or email
clubhousecommunity@qf.org.qa
for more details.
Unveiling the Qatar National
Research Strategy
21-23 October
The Joint Qatar Foundation
Annual Research Forum and
Arab Expatriate Scientists
Network Symposium 2012
will bring together Arab
scientists from around the
world, encourage discourse
and collaboration through
future research.
Held at QNCC. Register at
www.qf-arf.org or by email to
research-forum@qf.org.qa
Fall Community Classes
& Portfolio Development
Classes
October to December,
Registration is now open
VCUQatar offers a wide
range of community classes
in both English and Arabic
as part of its mission to
provide educational, cultural
and design opportunities
to the community. Courses
include portfolio development
courses for high school
seniors interested in applying
to VCUQatar; classes in silver
jewelry, oil painting basics,
photography, ceramics and
graphic design. Please visit
www.qatar.vcu.edu or contact
AnnetteWendling-Willeke at
awendlingwil@qatar.vcu.edu.
Phone: 44020555.
n All activities below are for QF members and students only.
RECREATION
CENTER
Community and Recreation
Movies
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Times: 4pm-6pm. Open to all QF staff
and family members.
Ain Al-Qot Theater, 2nd Floor
Recreation Center. For information
email: communitysupport@qf.org.qa
HEALTH CARE
The Medical Center
Sun–Thurs: 7am–4pm and Sat:
8am–12noon. Tel: 4454 1342
Have your event listed. Send
us an email: qft@qf.org.qa
SPORT AND FITNESS
Swimming
Public swimming (Olympic pool –
early laps only): Sun–Thurs: 5.30–8am
School swimming time: 7am–2.30pm,
Sun–Thurs. Public swimming:
2.30–3.30pm (Olympic pool, laps
only); 3.30–9.45pm (all three pools).
Exceptions apply. Public swimming,
8am–9.45pm, Fri and Sat
Children’s swimming courses QR250.
Call 44540801 for details.
Jacuzzi, spa and sauna
Fai Club (women) and Al Wahaa (men)
run Sat–Thurs, 1–9.45pm. Closed Fri
Faculty and staff soccer
Pitch 1, 6–8pm, Sun
Volleyball
Green floor gym, 4.30–6pm, Mon
Basketball
Green floor gym, 7–9pm, Tues
Floorball
Wooden floor gym, 7–9pm, Tues and
10am–12noon, Sat
Indoor football
Green floor gym, 5.30–7pm, Wed
Badminton
Wooden floor gym, 6–9pm, Wed
Green floor gym, 10am–1pm, Fri
Squash
Squash court, 5–7pm, Thurs
Ladies only: Squash court, 4–5pm, Sat
Water polo
Olympic pool, 4–6pm, Fri
Circuit training
Mon and Thurs, 4–4.45pm. Free
Fitness evaluation
A new program to help members
develop a suitable exercise regime.
Contact any Recreation City fitness
instructor for details. Sun–Thurs,
5.30–10pm
Children’s football
For youngsters aged six to 17.
Tues, 2.30–3.30pm and 3.30–4.30pm
Classes cost QR400 per week
Ring or email Recreation Center for
details.
Zumba
Tues and Wed 4.30–5.30pm, activity
room. Sessions cost QR30 per class
or QR250 for 10 sessions. Call or
email Recreation Center for details of
how to reserve your place in the class
Ladies’ aerobics
Wed, 4.30–5.30pm, Sat 10.30–
11.30am. Free
HEalth Care
Nutrition services
EDUCATION
CITY
Clubhouse
Sat, 8am–4pm, Sun, 11am–7pm, Tues
8am–4pm and Wed 11am–7pm.
To schedule an appointment
with a nutritionist email
clubhousenutrition@qf.org.qa
SPORT AND FITNESS
Jacuzzi, spa and sauna
Male and female spas open from
1pm–10pm every day except Tuesday.
Circuit training
Wed, 5–6pm, Sat, 8.30–9.15am. Free
Tennis lessons
Individual classes cost QR35 for half
an hour, QR60 for one hour or QR500
for a block of 12. Payment by credit
card only. Contact Education City
Clubhouse for details.
Ladies’ aerobics
Tues, 9–10am and Tues, Thurs and
Sun: 5–6pm. Free
Contact Education City Clubhouse.
DINING
Lebaina Restaurant
Sun-Wed: 6am–9.45pm
Thurs–Sat: 6am–10.45pm
Breakfast served daily 6am–11am
The Grill
Sun-Wed: 4.30pm–9.45pm
Thurs-Sat: 4.30pm–10.45pm
Meseika Snack Bar
Sun-Wed: 6am–9.45pm
Thurs–Sat: 6am–10.45pm
ClubHouse Movies
Tuesdays (7pm-9pm - over 18s only),
Thursdays (7pm-9pm), Fridays
(3pm-5pm) and Saturdays (3pm5pm). Open to all QF staff and family
members. EC Clubhouse.
For information email:
clubhousecommunity@qf.org.qa
COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Sun–Wed: 8am–10pm
Thurs–Sat: 8am–11pm
lulu EXPRESS
HEALTH CARE
Dental clinic
Inside LuLu Express building
Sat–Thurs: 7–11am
Fri: 5–9pm
By appointment only. Tel: 4454 1244
to arrange.
General Physician
Based inside LuLu Express building
Sat–Thurs: 7am–10pm
Fri: 1–9pm
Tel: 4454 1244 for details or to make
an appointment.
SHOPPING
LuLu Express
Daily: 7am–11.30pm
Tel: 4480 0448
STUDENT
CENTER
Opening hours
Sat-Wed: 7am-10pm; Thurs: 7amMidnight; Fri: 1pm-Midnight
SHOPPING
iSpot
Sat-Thurs: 10am-6pm
Sidra
Sat-Wed: 7am-10pm. Thurs: 7am-12am.
Friday: 1pm-12am
Tribe Bookstore
Sat–Thurs: 8am–9pm
Xerox
Sat-Thurs: 9am-7pm
Kulud Pharmacy
Sat-Thurs: 10am-8pm
DINING
Continental Co
Sat-Thurs: Breakfast 7am-10:30am.
Lunch 11am-3pm/Dinner 5pm-8pm.
Friday: Lunch 1pm-3pm/Dinner
5pm-8pm
Papa John’s
Sat-Thur: 10am-10pm.
Friday: 1pm-10pm
Gloria Jean’s Coffees
Sun-Wed: 8am-10pm. Thurs: 8am11pm. Friday: 3pm-11pm
For venue details call Recreation
Center, Tel: 4454 0801, Education
City Clubhouse, Tel: 4454 0834, or
Student Center, Tel: 4454 0288, or
find Qatar Foundation Recreation
Services on Facebook