Doha, Qatar 31 January 2012: As part of an official visit to Qatar, deposed Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya visited Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). Ms. Haya Khalifa Al-Nassr, QF's Communication Director, greeted him at Visitors Center.

Mr. Haniya attended a presentation outlining QF's vision and mission, followed by an explanation of the social projects, as well as the scientific research programs, that QF is undertaking. He also viewed a scale model of the QF site, displaying current and future construction projects.

Following the presentation, Mr. Haniya expressed his endorsement of QF's mission to assist the nation on its journey towards a knowledge-based economy, stating, "The greatest investment is the investment in humanity and Qatar Foundation, with its determined efforts in this field, is leading the state of Qatar towards progress and development, to become an exemplary state on a global level."

Mr. Haniya suggested that QF can play a key role in supporting education initiatives in Palestine, saying, "We look forward to collaborating with Qatar Foundation in various forms of effective support to the development of the education sector in Palestine."He added, "Qatar Foundation has huge potential, and we need to benefit from it to combat the consequences of Israel's war, which destroyed the education infrastructure in Palestine."

Mr. Haniya also expressed his appreciation for the assistance of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, in spearheading the "Al Fakhoora " campaign, an international project set up to provide assistance to Gaza's beleaguered education system.

At the conclusion of Mr. Haniya's visit to QF, he received a collection of antique Quranic manuscripts, and in return presented Ms. Al-Nassr with a memorial shield featuring the Dome of the Rock mosque.

-Ends-

Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development is a private, non-profit organization that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world.  Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

QF carries out its mission through three strategic pillars: education, science and research, and community development.  QF's education pillar brings world-class universities to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy.  Meanwhile, its science and research pillar builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences.  Finally, its community development pillar helps foster a progressive society while also enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar's heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.

For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, visit http://www.qf.org.qa

For further information about this release please contact:
Basil Mahfouz
Tel: +974 66545255
Email:bmahfouz@qf.org.qa

MuradAlhaiki,
Tel: +974 33086688
Email: malhaiki@qf.org.qa

For more information about Qatar Foundation please contact:
Tariq Al Sada
Press Office Unit Head
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 4454 0991
Email:  talsada@qf.org.qa

Anwar El-Shamy
Press Office Coordinator
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 55904407
Email: aelshamy@qf.org.qa

© Press Release 2012