In the heart of Doha, a young woman named Khadeja Ahmad Albuhaliqa has made waves in multiple industries, becoming an influential role model for Qatar’s youth. With her sharp intelligence, leadership skills, and unique contributions to society, Khadeja has proven that success does not come from limiting oneself to one area of expertise. She has built an impressive career in business, design, youth development, and public service—each step guided by her commitment to hard work and passion for her country. Khadeja’s journey from a curious and ambitious teenager to a prominent public figure showcases how hard work, vision, and determination can create extraordinary opportunities.
Khadeja Ahmad Albuhaliqa :An Early Passion for Excellence and Leadership
Born into a middle-class Qatari family,Khadeja Ahmad Albuhaliqa was raised in a home filled with cultural richness and the values of hard work. Her family, including her father, Mr. Ahmed Mousa Albuhleika, Vice President of Engineering at Hamad Medical Corporation, provided Khadeja with a supportive environment that fostered her curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Khadeja was raised in an atmosphere that encouraged her to stay well-informed, especially on global political issues, a habit she cultivated by engaging in lively discussions with her father. Her mother’s dedication to nurturing her children’s understanding of religion and traditions added another layer of wisdom to her upbringing, shaping her strong decision-making skills rooted in faith.
Khadeja’s upbringing, combined with support from her older brother, who became both her mentor and best friend, helped her develop a unique, forward-thinking mindset from an early age. She was not just content with doing things the traditional way but was determined to challenge norms and think outside the box. This desire to innovate and improve her community drove her actions, even as a young girl.
A Trailblazer in Education: From School to International Recognition
Khadeja’s academic journey was one of constant growth, beginning at Al-Bayan Secondary School, a school founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. The school’s system, designed to nurture excellence and creativity in students, pushed Khadeja to take on leadership roles and aim higher. Her active involvement in student activities and consistent communication with faculty members played a pivotal role in building her self-confidence and leadership abilities.
At just sixteen, Khadeja became deeply involved in volunteer work, participating in major international conferences such as the UNCTAD conference, where she had the honor of accompanying Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Qatar’s Minister of Culture. The exposure to diplomacy, discipline, and international relations had a lasting impact on her, shaping her perspective on global issues and the importance of leadership.
From Sharjah to the U.S.: A Steady Path to Global Recognition
After completing high school, Khadeja chose to study international relations at the American University in Sharjah. It was here that she started to carve out a unique path for herself. Within her first semester, Khadeja secured a seat on the student council, an impressive achievement for a freshman. Her proactive approach to both academic work and extracurricular activities soon caught the attention of the media, and she was invited to become a supervisor at the prestigious GITEX exhibition in Dubai. She also had the honor of lighting the Asian Games torch in Sharjah—a momentous occasion that helped solidify her reputation as an emerging leader.
After transferring to the United States to further her studies, Khadeja wasted no time in seeking volunteer opportunities that aligned with her passion for making a difference. When she found there were no existing student clubs that met her interests, she co-founded the UNICEF Club at her university. The club raised substantial funds for Africa, further establishing Khadeja as a figure of international importance. Her time in Washington D.C., where she trained at the Qatari Embassy, allowed her to build strong diplomatic connections and gain valuable experience in global affairs.
Design, Entrepreneurship, and Cultural Representation
Alongside her academic pursuits, Khadeja developed a keen interest in fashion design, merging American styles with traditional Qatari influences. This passion for blending cultures quickly turned into an entrepreneurial venture. She launched her first business, “Al-Bu Hleika,” in partnership with her brother, where she began designing clothes for fellow students. The demand for her work grew rapidly, eventually leading to an invitation to showcase her designs at New York Fashion Week in 2014.
Khadeja’s creative ventures didn’t stop there. She sought out collaborations with organizations in South Korea, using her designs to bridge cultural gaps and introduce Qatari heritage to a global audience. By combining her artistic vision with a dedication to her culture, Khadeja’s work stood as a testament to the power of cultural exchange.
Building a Career in Qatar: Public Policy and Business Leadership
Upon returning to Doha in 2011, Khadija decided to pursue a master’s degree in public policy at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, fueling her desire to contribute meaningfully to her country’s development. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she was recruited by an American oil and gas company as a security analyst. While this career path may have seemed unrelated to her initial goals, the experience proved invaluable, as it helped Khadija build a wide network of international contacts and gain critical insights into global business operations.
Khadeja Ahmad Al Buhaileqa has served as a Youth Advisor for the Minister of Sport and Youth in Qatar from 2014 for a remarkable 10 years. During this period, she played a pivotal role in advocating for youth empowerment and engagement in national decision-making processes. Through her leadership, Khadija helped bridge the gap between the youth community and governmental bodies, ensuring that the voices of young people were heard and valued in shaping policies and initiatives. Her work has contributed significantly to enhancing youth participation in political, social, and cultural spheres, making her a key figure in Qatar’s youth development landscape.
In 2017, Khadija co-founded Henks Garden, a company specializing in European-style floral arrangements. The business quickly grew in popularity, known for its high-quality products and creative designs her clients grow and he success with big brand like MiuMiu and Prada. This entrepreneurial spirit extended to her next venture, Ideaphoria, a consultancy company launched in 2022 aimed at fostering innovation and skill development among young people.
Khadija Ahmad Al Buhaileqa was honored to be selected as a speaker at TEDx in Qatar, where she shared her insights on leadership, focusing on the balance of feminine and masculine traits and how they contribute to navigating challenges and building resilience. Her leadership journey has also earned her recognition as one of the 40 Under 40 by the Middle East Council, a prestigious acknowledgment of her influential work in empowering youth, promoting gender equality, and shaping the future of leadership in the region. These accomplishments reflect her dedication to creating positive change and inspiring others through her actions and words.
Youth Ambassadors Program: Empowering the Next Generation
Driven by her desire to empower others, Khadija founded the AlAdaam Youth Ambassadors Program in 2018 under the support of The Ministry of Sport and Youth . This program aimed to equip young Qataris with the skills and experiences necessary to represent their country on the international stage. Under Khadija’s leadership, the program gained significant traction, and young Qataris were given opportunities to participate in international conferences, contribute to global discussions, and hone their leadership skills.
Her commitment to developing youth leadership in Qatar extended beyond her own country, with the Youth Ambassadors Program being adopted by Bahrain and Oman. This initiative has become a catalyst for the growth of youth leadership across the Gulf region.
Recognized Leadership and Contributions
Khadeja’s efforts to bring about positive change have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the GCC Young Leadership Medal in 2016 and recognition from the American Point of Light Foundation in 2022 for her volunteer work. Her contributions to the development of youth leadership have made a significant impact on both local and regional levels.
Political Aspirations: A Vision for Societal Change
Khadeja’s desire to create meaningful change has now led her to enter the political arena. She has announced her candidacy for a seat in Qatar’s Central Municipal Council, aiming to bring her vision for societal improvement to the political stage. With her wealth of experience in business, youth development, and leadership, Khadeja is poised to make an even greater impact on Qatar’s future.
A Role Model for Qatar’s Youth
Khadeja Ahmad Albuhaliqa’s journey from a curious young girl with big dreams to a powerful leader shaping Qatar’s future is an inspiration to all. Her unwavering dedication to hard work, innovation, and service to her country has made her a role model for Qatar’s youth. She is living proof that when one seizes every opportunity and remains true to their values, they can shape not only their future but the future of their nation as well.
Her story is a reminder to young people everywhere: never limit yourself to one mold, never stop learning, and always strive for excellence. Do follow her on Instagram
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