A Milestone of Vision and Partnership
In the glow of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser marked a momentous occasion, the 15 year journey of HEC Paris in Doha. What began in 2010 as a bold collaboration between Qatar Foundation and a world renowned business school has transformed into a beacon of leadership, innovation, and societal progress. It is a story of shared purpose, steady growth, and many lives changed.
Sheikha Moza’s presence at the celebration wasn’t ceremonial alone; it embodied the collective hopes of a nation that sought to build an ecosystem of knowledge and possibility. Joined by Vice Chairperson Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, herself an alumna, ambassadors, distinguished faculty, alumni, and partners, the event was not just a look back, but a moment to renew ambition for the future.
“Dare the Impossible” New Motto, Renewed Ambition
At the heart of the evening came a powerful declaration: HEC Paris Doha unveiled a new motto, “Dare the Impossible.” These three words capture the spirit of what has been accomplished and signal what lies ahead.
This is more than branding. It’s a challenge to every student, leader, and entrepreneur in Qatar and beyond: push boundaries, dream beyond the familiar, and work toward impact that reshapes society.
Building Leaders, Shaping Futures
From its inception, HEC Paris Doha has aimed high. Over 1,500 professionals have enrolled since 2010, with more than half being Qatari nationals and close to half women. These graduates have come through customised programmes that span executive MBAs, specialised master’s degrees, and short term leadership training.
This diversity is no accident; it is central to the institution’s mission. In empowering leaders from different sectors and backgrounds, HEC Paris Doha has become a key player in driving economic diversification, supporting human capital development, and reinforcing Qatar’s ambition of becoming a hub for innovation and excellence.
Entrepreneurs, Alumni, and Innovation Majlises
A highlight of the celebration was the debut of the Innovation Majlises, six creative showcases led by alumni whose ventures are already making a visible difference in the business landscape. These Majlises illustrate how education has translated into real world action, solving problems, creating jobs, and inspiring others.
Behind those ventures are people who have absorbed more than knowledge; they’ve gained confidence, networks, and a mindset that says “possibility.” In many ways, that shift from potential to agency is the true measure of what the last 15 years have achieved.
Societal Impact Beyond the Classroom
HEC Paris Doha’s impact is woven into many threads of Qatari society.
Approximately 41% of enrollees are women, and 53% are Qataris. These figures aren’t just numbers; they reflect a deliberate effort to ensure that leadership and opportunity are accessible to all.
Over 181 customised programmes have delivered learning to more than 5,000 executives across Qatar and neighbouring countries. Each programme focuses on the leadership challenges of tomorrow such as sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusivity, topics aligned with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Through this approach, HEC Paris Doha has gone beyond education; it has become a catalyst for progress, linking global knowledge with local ambition.
Reflections of Leadership
Sheikha Moza’s remarks underscored a heartfelt vision that education should be a force for societal progress. She highlighted that the celebration represents 15 years of a thriving partnership fostering an ecosystem of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Sheikha Hind, both as leader and alumna, emphasized transformation. The presence of HEC Paris in Doha has helped to shape not only individual careers but also the nation’s direction, nurturing a knowledge based economy and reinforcing Qatar’s role as a regional leader in education and innovation.
Their words captured a shared belief: education is not just about personal growth, but about empowering communities to dream and act boldly.
Catalysing Future Possibilities
As part of its 15 year reflections, HEC Paris Doha is not resting on past laurels; it is setting the stage for what comes next.
New leadership programmes and collaborations will deepen ties with local institutions. There will be continued support for entrepreneurs and changemakers, particularly through research labs, mentorship, and innovation forums. The school is committed to scaling impact in sectors that need innovation most, including sustainability, technology, and inclusive leadership.
The renewed partnership with Qatar Foundation ensures this journey remains anchored in shared values, visionary leadership, and the pursuit of excellence.
A Collective Legacy
When celebrations end, what remains is legacy. The alumni who now lead in government, private industry, start ups, and NGOs form the living proof of what this partnership has built. They carry forward the motto “Dare the Impossible.”
This anniversary is not just about looking back. It’s about each individual who has been inspired, each idea born, and each organisation changed. Education, at its best, is relational; it’s about people, aspiration, discipline, and courage.
Sheikha Moza’s message, Sheikha Hind’s commitment, and the alumni’s action together signal that what has been built in these 15 years is alive. It grows, it stretches toward new horizons, and it reshapes what’s possible for Qatar and beyond.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As HEC Paris Doha steps into its next chapter, there is much to anticipate: more leaders rising, more innovation echoing across industries, and more bridges built between Qatar and the world.
In a time of change, education remains one of the strongest levers for progress. With “Dare the Impossible” now guiding its path, HEC Paris Doha has reaffirmed that its mission is not limited by convention.
Fifteen years down the road, it is clear: the foundation is strong, the vision is bold, and the future is brimming with potential.
In celebrating this milestone, Qatar celebrates not just an institution, but a dream that every person equipped with knowledge, supported by community, and driven by purpose can contribute to a better tomorrow.
Do follow Gulf Magazine on Instagram.
Also Read – Kuwait Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Radicalism and Extremist Ideologies
