As the new academic year begins at Qatar Foundation (QF), more than 800 students entering its diverse ecosystem have been met not just with orientation, but with a compelling call to purpose. The annual Marhaba event has once again shown that QF is far more than a hub of academic excellence—it is a platform for nurturing responsible citizens, rooted in values, driven by service, and anchored in heritage.
This year’s Marhaba, themed “Community Service,” reflects QF’s long-standing commitment to civic engagement. In his opening remarks, CEO Yousif Al-Naama reminded students that they are stepping into a 30-year legacy of cultivating changemakers. His words weren’t just ceremonial; they underscored a truth often overlooked in higher education today—that knowledge without contribution is incomplete.
“Wherever you are from, whatever university you are studying at, wherever you hope your path will lead, you are united by the fact you are students of QF,” Al-Naama said. Francisco Marmolejo, QF’s President of Higher Education, echoed this sentiment, stating that students are not only expected to become professionals, but people of integrity who see service as essential to their personal and professional growth. This is not mere rhetoric. Through tangible programmes and partnerships, the QF has embedded community service into the student experience from day one. But perhaps what makes QF’s approach unique is the integration of identity and culture into its academic fabric. Alongside Marhaba, the Foundation announced the rollout of its new Islamic Civilization curriculum for all Pre-University Education schools. This move is as timely as it is necessary. In a globalised world where identity can feel diluted, the QF is ensuring students are deeply connected to their roots.
This curriculum does more than recount history—it invites students to critically engage with their civilisation’s contributions to humanity. Through inquiry-based learning, it transforms the past into a guiding force for the future. As Sara Al-Hajri, Director of Student Affairs and Community Partnerships at Pre-University Education at QF, noted, this initiative is an investment in students’ consciousness — an effort to shape individuals who are not just informed, but inspired by their heritage. By placing community service and cultural awareness at the centre of education, Qatar Foundation is redefining what it means to be a student in the 21st century. It’s a model that others should watch closely: a fusion of global learning and local grounding that doesn’t just prepare students for careers—it prepares them for life.
