Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser

Doha, Qatar - May 8, 2012: HEC Paris in Qatar last night held a Convocation Celebration for the first class of participants in its international Executive MBA (EMBA) programme. The event, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who was also present, honored the 31 participants in HEC Paris in Qatar's EMBA 'class of 2012', who will be graduating later this year.

HEC Paris in Qataristhe region's leading hub for Executive Education, offering a complete portfolio of management programmes including the first ever international Executive MBA (EMBA) in Qatar.

Last night's event was attended by more than 350 people. In addition to recognizing the EMBA participants, the celebrationalso aimed to create a sense of community for all 182 participants who have attendedHEC Paris in Qatar programmes (custom and open-enrolment courses). The evening presented the opportunity to celebrate HECParis' presence in Qatar, and the successes achieved to date in the provision of world-leading Executive Education in the Gulf and beyond.

The event was opened by Professor Bernard Ramanantsoa, Dean of HEC Paris. He thanked Her Highness for her patronage of the evening, and for the ongoing support that she has shown HEC Paris in Qatar both in a personal capacity, andalso as chair of Qatar Foundation.

His Excellency Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, President of Hamad bin Khalifa University and Vice President of Education at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), gave the closing speech at the event where he said: "The Executive MBA, and the other executive education programs delivered by HEC Paris in Qatar, are a central element of Hamad bin Khalifa University's mission to lead our country's progress towards a knowledge-based society. Through their work and careers, the program participants are contributing to that same mission in many different ways. This is true to the vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani in establishing Qatar Foundation, and it is consistent with the concept of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in announcing that the teaching and research of Hamad bin Khalifa University should be aligned with our national development."

Prof. Ramanantsoa said, "Our motto, 'The More You Know, The More You Dare', underlines what can be achieved and aspired to through the attainment of knowledge, and shows our alignment with the goals of Qatar as it continues to develop on the global scene. We have seen a constant and rising demand for our Executive Education programmes, demonstrating that our vision is shared; a vision in which programmes like our EMBA benefit both individuals and their organisations in the long run."

Following his speech, the audience also heard inspirational messages from Dr Nasser Marafih, CEO of The Qtel Group, Mr Arnaud Breuillac, President of Total E&P, Middle East and Mr Jassim Al Mohannadi, Maintenance Assets Manager of Qatargas, who represented the graduating class.

Guests and participants then viewed a specially-commissioned short documentary celebrating not only the achievements of the 2012 EMBA class, but also the influence of HEC Paris worldwide in Executive Education.The film illustrated the institution's Parisian roots, its relevance and progress in Doha and internationally, and set out HEC's vision to continue educating and growing.

Prof.Ramanantsoa then presented a gift to Her Highness and the 31 participants of the first graduating class, a stunning piece of Arabic calligraphyfeaturing the HEC motto. Her Highness received the original artwork, signed by the Iraqi artist Sabah Al Arbili.

Professor Antoine Hyafil, Academic Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar, commented, "The gathering celebrated the achievements of our 2012 EMBA participants, a group we are very proud of. At the same time, it showcased theimpact that HEC Paris in Qatar is already having in this country. As an organisation, we arecommitted to developing the talent that will fuel the knowledge-based economy, thus contributing to the Qatar National Vision 2030. We wish this class the very best and look forward to celebrating with them, and the wider business community, many future successes."

With a 130-year history of excellence, HEC Paris is ranked by the UK's Financial Times media group as the world's number one executive education establishment in the world. In June 2010, HEC Paris joined Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) as the first European Partner in Education City and the first member of the QF Management and Education Research Center.

HEC Paris in Qatar
Qatar's first international EMBA was launched by HEC Paris in Qatar in February 2011. This followed an agreement between HEC Paris and Qatar Foundation to bring world-class executive education programs and research activity to Doha and the region.

The HEC Paris Executive MBA provides executives with a set of fundamental skills to expand their knowledge and leadership capabilities. The 18-month part-time program is taught in English, and is offered in five different locations, including Doha.HEC Paris in Qatar also offers non-degree management programs for executives, in the form of open enrolment programs as well as custom-designed programs for individual companies.

HEC Paris in Qatar's programs and research activities build corporate competitiveness within the global economy and are fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 to support the transformation of Qatar into an advanced, competitive, and knowledge-based economy. HEC Paris has been ranked as Europe's #1 business school since 2006 and is ranked #1 worldwide for Executive Education by the Financial Times.

www.exed.hec.edu/locations/qatar

HEC Paris
A leader in Europe, HEC Paris specializes in management education and research. HEC Paris offers a full, unique range of courses to the leaders of tomorrow: Masters Degrees, MBA, PhD, Executive MBA and Trium Global Executive MBA. Founded in 1881, HEC Paris has a permanent faculty of 109 professors, 4000 students on its campus (40% of whom are foreign) and over 8500 managers and executives trained in executive education programs each year.  HEC is ranked #1 Business School in Europe since 2006 and #1 Worldwide in Executive Education by the Financial Times in 2011.

www.hec.edu

Qatar Foundation
Founded in 1995 by decree of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, Qatar Foundation is a non-profit organization focusing on education, scientific research and community development. Under Qatar Foundation's umbrella are Education City which comprises elite universities, academic and training programmes and Qatar Science and Technology Park which boasts more than 26 world-class companies involved in scientific research and development. Chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Qatar Foundation also aims to enhance lives through community development initiatives including Doha Debates, Reach out To Asia and Al Jazeera Children's Channel.  Joint venture partnerships in the areas of design, ICT, telecommunications, policy studies and event management contribute to fulfilling the objectives of the Qatar Foundation.  

http://www.qf.org.qa/

For Media Inquiries:
Elise Zwein
Country Manager, Action Qatar
Tel: 00974 44361499
Email: elise.z@actionprgroup.com

© Press Release 2012