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Qatar / Education

Qatar Foundation launches initiative to nurture leadership talent

Published: 06 Mar 2025 - 10:17 am | Last Updated: 06 Mar 2025 - 10:18 am
Executive Director, Human Capital, QF, Hamad F Dalmouk (left) and Dean of HEC Paris, Doha, Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan signing the partnership.

Executive Director, Human Capital, QF, Hamad F Dalmouk (left) and Dean of HEC Paris, Doha, Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan signing the partnership.

The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation (QF) has launched a new initiative with two top executive education providers to nurture present and future leaders, aiming to raise leadership excellence and expand this pathway across Qatar.

Reyada is the result of a partnership between QF, HEC Paris, and Duke Corporate Education (Duke CE), a leading custom education provider and support organisation to Duke University in the US. Established in the year that marks QF’s 30th anniversary, the programme is designed to develop a sustainable pipeline of top-calibre talent that supports QF’s future growth and impact in key sectors.

Areas that the programme will focus on include aligning leadership qualities with the culture of QF; exposing participants to both local and global leadership and corporate trends through immersive learning experiences; and honing non-technical skills such as people management through a process known as ‘leadership multiskilling’. As Reyada becomes established, it is intended to be scaled beyond QF to support talent development on a national scale and help to cultivate a future-ready workforce for Qatar.

Reyada was unveiled at a ceremony at the 2015 Building (QF Headquarters).

Executive Director, Human Capital, QF, Hamad F Dalmouk said, “At Qatar Foundation, we believe that leadership is not just about holding a position – it’s about shaping the future with vision, resilience, and integrity.

“Through Reyada, we will sculpt the ideal leaders of tomorrow and elevate current leaders by equipping them with the skills, mindsets, and cultural awareness needed to drive meaningful impact, resulting in a brand new, next-generation leadership pool that brings benefit both within and beyond QF.

“This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering a world-class talent pipeline that will elevate excellence and innovation across Qatar while remaining rooted to the vision of the country.”

HEC Paris, one of the world’s foremost business schools, is a longstanding partner of QF, with the two organisations’ partnership – which led to the establishment of HEC Paris, Doha, one of QF’s international partner universities – being extended in 2024 for 10 more years.

“Leadership is more than just management – it is about inspiring others, adapting to change, creating lasting impact, and growing personally and professionally, ultimately becoming a better person and a better leader,” said Dean of HEC Paris, Doha, Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan.

“We are proud to support Qatar Foundation’s mission by equipping its high-potential leaders with the strategic mindset and practical tools needed to navigate complexity, foster innovation, and lead with purpose.” CEO of Duke Corporate Education, Dr. Sharmla Chetty said: “Our partnership with Qatar Foundation is grounded in a shared belief that human potential is the world’s most valuable resource.

“As a global leader in education and research, Qatar Foundation applies its innovative, integrated, and ambitious solutions to advance communities in Qatar and worldwide. We are proud to support its senior leaders in driving this mission with even greater impact.

“Leadership is more essential now than ever in today’s complex, fast-evolving digital landscape. We are honoured to collaborate with Qatar Foundation to cultivate resilient leaders who prioritise humanity in their pursuit of progress.”

Reyada will develop leadership competencies such as inspiring others, pioneering disruptive innovation, communicating and influencing, and demonstrating ownership and drive.