Over the course of this week, nearly 400 students have graduated from eight universities at Qatar Foundation.
This year’s ceremony was special in that it is the first under the auspices of Hamad bin Khalifa University, the institution established last year and pioneering research and education in the country.
 This week of celebration offers an opportunity to recognise the emphasis that the nation’s leadership has placed on education and developing human potential.
While there are those who have consistently regarded the investment in Qatar Foundation as little more than a vacuous status symbol, the reality is that the investment in education has paved a clear path for the country’s youth. Undoubtedly the arrival of top international universities and educational institutions to Qatar has brought attention to the country from all over the world.
 However, this has never been the main priority of the development.
The organisation has remained steadfast in its declaration of intent and its commitment to contributing towards the development of a knowledge-based economy. Bringing in the world’s top universities on the branch campus model involved a number of risks and raised questions about the quality of the education on offer here, as it seems incongruous that the standards maintained in Qatar can live up to those offered at the home campuses.
However, ask anyone who has come to QF from abroad, and they will tell you that students here are receiving an education which is directly comparable to their US-based peers.
 Combine this fact with the excitement the faculty feel at being a part of this pioneering project, and many are thrilled to be here in Qatar as opposed to their home campuses, feeling that they are contributing towards the creation of a unique and inspirational legacy.

At the heart of these efforts is HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who has spearheaded the development of QF and consistently highlighted the importance of education through various initiatives. Similarly, her significance as a role model to young Qatari women cannot be overemphasised.

The young men and women who graduated this week are ready to take their first step towards the rest of their lives, be that as medical care providers, engineers, journalists or whatever else.
 Additionally, postgraduate students will embark on the rest of their lives having acquired new knowledge and skills, which will hopefully have a major impact on their personal and professional careers.
This is something worth celebrating as a nation.
International students will leave Qatar with fond memories of their time here, and they will spread the word about the facilities available, while local students have developed their potential and played a major role in the growth of a young nation.
They are the future of Qatar, and thanks to the current leadership, the future of this society, hungry for education and knowledge, looks brighter with the graduation of every class.