Qatar Foundation welcomes a new generation of students at Marhaba

Qatar Foundation (QF) recently welcomed over 800 new university students to its distinctive knowledge hub at Marhaba, an annual orientation event marking the kickoff of a new academic year in Education City. This program, held at the Multaqa Student Centre, provides a comprehensive overview of both Education City and the range of resources and opportunities available to assist students in their academic, social, and personal development.

At the event, QF President for Higher Education Francisco Marmolejo addressed the newest group of entrants, emphasizing the uniqueness of the community they have joined. He noted that Education City transcends being merely a cluster of top-tier educational institutions, instead representing a dynamic ecosystem where students from various disciplines, cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds intersect to learn from each other.

The QF President highlighted the exceptional strength of this diversity and its role in creating a truly unique experience for each student. Marmolejo urged the new students to actively engage within the QF community and the broader community, stressing that success at Education City extends beyond academic achievement. He highlighted personal growth, leadership development, mental wellness, and meaningful community contribution as essential aspects of this journey.

The ceremony featured keynotes from alumnus and Rhodes Scholar Khansa Maria, who emphasized the importance of curiosity, engagement, and mutual support, as well as alumnus Dr. Anas Karaki, who discussed his progression from the Academic Bridge Programme to degrees from QF partner universities. The welcoming ceremony also included contributions from QF Student Ambassadors, who shared their experiences and underscored the impact of the program on their personal and professional development.

Student Ambassador Muhammad Umar from Northwestern University in Qatar reflected on how the Ambassador Programme had enriched his life, fostering leadership qualities and a deeper sense of responsibility. Ameena Rasul, from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, similarly highlighted the rewarding nature of guiding new students.

Over the program's three-plus decades, more than 12,000 students have graduated from QF universities, taking advantage of interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and cross-cultural collaborations within a distinctive knowledge environment.