At the recent 2026 Qatar Foundation Excellence Awards, several Qatari awardees expressed that being recognized by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has inspired them to further strive for excellence and contribute significantly to Qatar's national development.
During the ceremony, the recipients shared with Qatar News Agency that this honor showcases Qatar Foundation’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talented individuals, innovators, and future leaders.
This year saw over 120 applicants vying for this distinguished accolade. A special committee from Qatar Foundation’s partner universities selected 16 remarkable graduates, eight of whom are Qatari, based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions in areas like technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, healthcare, law, and the arts.
The awardees commended Qatar Foundation’s educational system for shaping their ambitions and aiding their academic and professional journeys. They also emphasized their dedication to research, innovation, and community service initiatives in Qatar.
One of the laureates, Sheikha Noura Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who earned a PhD in Law from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, remarked that the award deepens her commitment to utilizing legal expertise for societal benefits.
Khalid Al Abdullah, a Biological Sciences bachelor from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, expressed his ambition to specialize in oncology, aiming to bolster cancer research and treatment in the nation.
Executive MBA graduate Mashael Mohammed Al Sulaiti from HEC Paris in Qatar indicated that the award underscores the necessity of discipline and well-defined objectives for success.
Khawla Zaki Al Essa from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar highlighted the transformative influence of art in fostering positive and enduring social change.
Lolwa Mohammed Al Misnad from Northwestern University in Qatar emphasized the vital role of teamwork in spearheading meaningful transformations.
Ali Ibrahim Al Emadi, who obtained a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University at Qatar, stated that Qatar Foundation’s progressive learning environment motivated him to pursue doctoral research aimed at merging industrial applications with academic advancements.
Officials from Qatar Foundation commended the graduates for their capability to navigate diverse disciplines while upholding strong ethical standards. They also noted that nearly 30 percent of the award winners have already embarked on innovative startups blending sectors like healthcare, computing, education, and design.
The event also honored other graduates from Qatar Foundation’s partner universities, showcasing a vast array of academic disciplines.
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