Qatar’s advancements and progress, that continue to flourish and grow, are all an outcome to ambitious vision, dedication and leadership. Known as ‘The Woman Behind Doha’s Educational City’, the co-founder and chair of Qatar Foundation, founder of the organization Silatcech. One of the most influential leaders behind this - Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. She has not only transformed Qatar into the heart of innovations and knowledge, but she has committed to countries around the world to provide the sufficient aid they require.

Her Highness is certain that proper education for all is the key that Qatar needs to build a strong and successful future to enhance for the future generations. She also believes culture is the root that connects people to their identity and heritage - something we should treasure and protect. Her inspiring leadership is the reason why Qatar has established many world-class universities,cultural institutions and global programmes that continue to help millions of students and communities worldwide.

This essay will delve into Her Highness’s exceptional contributions to education and culture, and how her powerful vision has shaped Qatar into the dynamic, rapidly growing nation we know today. Her many achievements are a symbol of pride in the country and spark young minds to make a meaningful impact and pursue their goals with the same determination and resilience she has.

Her Highness’s objective is to prompt young people to learn,discover and innovate in an environment that fosters the needs for all. One of Her Highness’s greatest and most valuable achievements is the establishment of a not-for-profit organization, focused primarily on education,research and innovation to benefit Qatar and the world - Qatar Foundation. Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) constructed in 1995, mirrors her beliefs of education acting as a foundation for a thriving, knowledge-based economy that would undeniably advance Qatar. And as they themselves emphasize, ‘We are addressing Qatar’s most pressing challenges; creating local, regional, and global impact; and empowering people to shape both the present and the future.’ This quote highlights the strong cultivation of future leaders, thinkers and trailblazers. Likewise, its flagship project - Education city, continues to prosper each year as a hub of academic excellence, like a home that brings together universities from across the world. Currently, they continue to host a large,diverse variety of renowned international universities and institutions such as:

HBKU - Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Texas A&M
Weill Cornell (Medecine)
Northwestern Qatar
Georgetown University 
CMUQ - Carnegie Mellon University Qatar
And more.

Together these world-class institutions provide prestigious, high-quality education in  fields such as Science, Medicine, Engineering, and International affairs, making Education city a unique model of academic and research excellence. Moreover, many of these universities are free of cost, making them highly accessible for a diverse range of students seeking to benefit from premier education.

Over and above that, Education City includes a ton of research centers,technology parks and spaces for community service. 

As Her Highness reminds us, ‘ “Education is our key to changing the world. We need the skills and the willingness of our able young people to unlock the door of opportunities.” This statement perfectly demonstrates the mission of Qatar Foundation - empowering young minds to reach beyond their limits and make significant impacts locally and globally.

Her Highness’s unwavering dedication for ground-breaking initiatives in education and youth development stretches beyond the borders of Qatar. To bring her vision to life of a global initiative that guarantees equal access to education for children affected by poverty,conflict, or natural disaster, she founded the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation in 2012. EAA remains committed to empowering millions of children with ongoing effort in countries such as Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Palestine by harnessing quality education for positive, sustainable, and inclusive change. Following destruction caused by war, EAA reconstructs the schools, grants scholarships, and equips the teachers in need of support. Furthermore, in 2018, EAA’s Educate a Child program reached its initial target of ensuring the education of 10 million marginalized children, and it remains committed to educating those in need around the world. Today, EAA works in more than 60 countries and partners with organizations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and the UN.

“We can break the cycle, we can find ways to educate the vulnerable. We can redesign education to make learning more accessible. We can use technology to bring accelerated learning to millions. And if we do so, those millions can achieve so much.” 

Here Her Highness is expressing that meaningful change is possible. She believes that by reimagining how education is delivered, we can disrupt the ongoing cycle of poverty and lost opportunities. Education isn't merely about inputting knowledge - it’s a real life catalyst for transformation. And when we make it accessible and adaptable, we unlock the potential of millions of children to shape their own futures and influence the world around them. 

She went on to establish Silatech in 2008 to address the challenges of youth unemployment in the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. It strives to enable the youth in the most challenging circumstances and environment to take control of their lives and future and lead change in their communities. Silatech creates impactful employment opportunities and programs in enterprise development, career training, and micro financing among multiple sectors. By helping the youth step by step to reach successes, Her Highness empowers the next generation to contribute more positively to their society. The name Silatech itself emphasizes its aim to connect youth to jobs and businesses; Sila in Arabic means connection.

Because of these efforts, Her Highness was appointed UNESCO Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education from 2003 to 2023 for launching multiple projects including the international Fund for Higher Education in Iraq, and in 2016 she was appointed as an Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals. Her numerous distinguished honours include the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy and the George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. These accomplishments position Her Highness not only a national leader, but a global patron for human development and social progress.

As well as Her Highness’ extensive work in education, she continues to play a vital role in promoting Qatar’s culture and heritage. Education builds the future while culture preserves the nation’s identity and connects our generations. The establishment of Qatar National Library (QNL) is known as one of her greatest cultural achievements. QNL was originally designed as a cultural hub for the community, providing access to a significant digital heritage collection about Qatar and the Gulf region. It includes digitised materials from the British library’s archives and free access to books; serving as a key cultural asset for researchers, students and the public. Additionally, Her Highness leads countless initiatives that support and empower women and the youth. In January 2024, she initiated the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women, through which they offer religious, developmental, and social programming to Muslim women to study, communicate and worship together in an inclusive environment. She is equally involved in the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI): a platform for knowledge, insight, and research into the trends and developments of Arab families on an international level. It aims to strengthen facilities globally by conducting research, shaping policies, and raising awareness about issues affecting family life. Her Highness has been a driving force behind DIFI, guiding its mission to support families, promote gender equality, and ensure that children and parents have the resources and opportunities to thrive in a modern society. Complimenting her dedication to culture, Her Highness has championed the Msheireb Downtown Doha Project, marketed as the world’s first sustainable downtown. The project deliberately incorporates traditional Qatari architecture and urban design patterns alongside modern sustainable technology. For example, the heritage quarter of Msheirab includes four restored historic houses which now function as museums.

By connecting education and culture, she ensures that Qatar develops as a modern nation while maintaining pride in its history.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has profoundly shaped education and culture in Qatar while leaving a global imprint on other international countries too. Through her leadership of Qatar Foundation and Education City, she has created impactful opportunities for students to learn, innovate and lead. Initiatives such as Education Above all and Silatch, she has ignited hope for the youth worldwide. Her participation and guidance of the Qatar National Library preserves Qatar’s rich history, while illuminating pride and a sense of identity amongst her people. Her achievements, knowledge, and compassion continue to inspire students in Qatar and beyond to dream ambitiously and work diligently to contribute to their communities. As Qatar celebrates its National Day, we come together to honor a leader whose dedication has shaped Qatar into what we admire now. Her Highness reminds us that education and culture remains and will always remain the foundation of a brighter, shared future.

“By nurturing minds and honoring heritage, we build a future where every individual is empowered to shape their world.” — Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.