As Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) celebrates its three National Leadership Development Program 2019 graduates, the institute also honours its first inaugural batch of the Executive Masters in Leadership – Qatar (EML-Q), who will complete their unique academic experience in coming months.

Established in 2010 by a directive of The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QLC provides valuable opportunities to Qatari talents to enhance leadership skills and prepare for key positions across private, public and governmental institutions in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. As such, the Centre’s elite, graduate-level programme EML-Q was launched in May 2018 as the first of its kind in the region. It is open exclusively to alumni of QLC’s three National Leadership Programs – the Executive Leaders, Government Leaders, and Rising Leaders programmes.

According to QLC, this year’s academic experience has been defined by the ongoing blockade on Qatar. From a pedagogic perspective, the socio-political circumstances deepened the EML-Q participants’ understanding of leadership through first-hand accounts of national crisis management. Guided by the progressive policies of the Qatari state, the national economy continued to realise remarkable growth rates. Renowned financial advisory bodies, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), affirmed that Qatar’s economy overcame the direct economic and financial impacts of the blockade, thereby recognising the effectiveness and efficiency of the nation’s siege management approach.

Within these unique conditions, the inaugural EML-Q programme participants are presently undergoing nine months of intensive study to obtain their Master’s degree, which will be conferred by QLC’s partner institute and one of the world’s most prestigious universities in due course of time –  Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in Washington DC. Participants who successfully complete the programme and fulfil the degree requirements will also become members of Georgetown University’s growing global network of more than 178,000 alumni. 

Student Reflections

In light of Qatar’s positive market conditions, it is important to invest in the development of national leadership talents and incorporate them within the growing knowledge-based economy.

“Personally, I have gained innumerable skills throughout the progression of the programme. Modern and effective leadership is based on scientific research and development that is conscious of the multitude of cultures, customs and global management practices. Most notably, I became versed in the promotion of leadership based on the principles of ethics and communication within today’s rapidly-changing and highly-competitive market conditions. As professionals, we have acquired best practices for economic and financial success in order to stimulate and support Qatar’s economy on a local, regional and international levels,” said EML-Q programme participant, Faisal Abdullah Al Kuwari.

Expanding on the programme’s assorted module offering, Buthaina Abdulrahman Al Derham, another programme participant who will graduate later this year, added: “During my time with the EML-Q programme, I gained a variety of management skills, while learning about recognised decision-making practices and their long-term implications within the global economic landscape. Developing institutional policies, the art of advanced negotiation, crisis management and other competencies have redefined by personal and professional development.”

Innovative Policy-Making in Motion 

Inspired by the programme’s policy-in-action principle, EML-Q programme participant, Engineer Abdulla Hassan Al Mehshadi expressed his enthusiasm for the future of the programme. He said, “The EML-Q programme addresses leadership as an intersection between policy and innovation, providing Qatari professionals and executives with a unique opportunity to hone their management skills and expand their knowledge on global business. Today’s QLC alumni from the three National Leadership Programs are encouraged to continue their academic journey and obtain this exclusive graduate degree. I am delighted about the varied programme modules, which approached leadership decisions from a multi-angular perspective to ensure our well-rounded comprehension of the competitive global business model.”

He further pointed out, “QLC’s leadership programmes are working to support the Qatari market across all industry sectors, including private, public to government institutions. The highest cadre of Qatari executives are expert leaders, who are able to professionally navigate both political and economic challenges.”

Illustrating the programme’s unparalleled international exposure, EML-Q programme participant, Dr Khalid Abdulla Alyafei, said, “As part of the EML-Q programme, we attended eight four-day training courses in Qatar and participated in a week-long residency at Georgetown University in Washington DC in order to deepen our practical understanding of global leadership concepts. Walking the corridors of this prestigious university at the policy-making centre of the United States was an enriching learning experience. We listened to the world’s most renowned academics and political decision-makers as they explained their perspectives on local, regional and international developments at this very seat of political and economic power.”

Today, the number of QLC alumni reaches 620 male and female graduates. Hailing from the three National Leadership Programs and the Executive Master’s in Leadership, they go on to assume their place within the development of Qatar’s vital market sectors, effectively contributing to the national aspiration of establishing a strong knowledge-based economy. QLC will continue to support future Qatari leaders, who in turn go on to enhance our country’s ability to stay abreast of regional and global developments. Qatar can draw on a strong basis of human capital wealth that is both capable and responsive towards a global economic environment defined by rapid transformation.

For more information on the Centre’s history, programmes, activities and event, visit qlc.org.qa.