Qatar Academy Msheireb, is a school occupying 12,754 square metres with the capacity of 450 students

Doha, Qatar, 6 September 2015

Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), is pleased to announce that Qatar Academy Msheireb (QA Msheireb) has officially moved to Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), the world's first sustainable downtown project designed to regenerate and preserve the historical heart of Doha. The opening marks a significant milestone in the development of MDD, and reflects Msheireb Properties' objective of creating an environment that caters to the needs of all its residents.

QA Msheireb's new building in Msheireb Downtown Doha spans 12,754 square metres. It contains a spacious swimming pool, a dedicated dining area, music and art rooms, basketball and volley ball courts, a gymnasium, as well as a comprehensive library. Additionally, the drop-off point has been conveniently located in the basement mezzanine to ensure pick-ups are as safe and convenient as possible for both students and parents.

Commenting on the opening of the new Academy and its importance within the community, Eng. Abdulla Al-Mehshadi, CEO of Msheireb Properties, said: "It is entirely logical that a development seeking to create a vibrant modern community which also reflects traditional Qatari culture and heritage should contain a world class educational establishment. The opening of Qatar Academy Msheireb therefore marks an especially significant milestone in the development of Msheireb Downtown Doha. It underpins our overall objective of creating an environment which caters to all the needs of our residents, while also fostering a sense of community that will flow through the entire development."

He added: "Our values of Innovation, Excellence and Partnership underpin all that we are striving to achieve through this flagship project, and our collaboration with Qatar Academy Msheireb and Qatar Foundation is a perfect indication of this. Msheireb Properties is passionate about realising the potential of Qatar's community and the launch of this school reflects our determination to enable the next generation to play its full role in building the future of Qatar."

Mrs. Suad Al Kindi, Director of Qatar Academy Msheireb commented by saying: "It is extremely rewarding to be opening a school in the centre of Doha delivering education which is at the heart of any nation's development and prosperity. Both the purpose and the location of Qatar Academy Msheireb will raise the standards of the role we play as educators to meet students, parents and community needs for a model school and hub of excellence through its unique program embracing diversity, crafting support and celebrating students' success."

Mrs. Al-Kindi added "Preparation for the new academic year and the relocation to the building started months ago to ensure a smooth transition and a successful opening through continuous communication and rigorous follow up both from Msheireb Properties and Qatar Academy Msheireb."

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About Msheireb Properties
Msheireb Properties is a real estate company and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation. The company was established as a commercial venture to support the Foundation's aims as well as the realisation of Qatar's 2030 Vision.

Msheireb Properties' mission is to change the way people think about urban living and improve their overall quality of life, through innovations that encourage social interaction, respect for culture, and greater care for the environment.

Msheireb Properties spent three years researching Qatari architecture and numerous approaches to urban planning all over the world with the most respected experts in the industry - in order to realise an architectural language rooted in the best of the past that may be preserved for and by future generations.

The company's name, Msheireb, means 'a place to drink water' and is the historical name of the downtown area of Doha. The company's corporate identity depicts the mouth of a stone well, a feature of traditional Gulf societies, and its distinct ink effect evokes classical Arabic calligraphy.

Msheireb Properties recently achieved ISO certification from the British Standards Institution for quality (ISO 9001:2008), environmental performance (ISO 14001:2004), and occupational health and safety (BS OHSAS 18001:2007). The company has also earned widespread industry recognition, including at the MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards in Cannes, France.

About Msheireb Downtown Doha
The "Msheireb Downtown Doha" (MDD) project aims to create a legacy for sustainable urban development in Qatar by reviving the old commercial district of Doha with a new architectural language that is modern, yet inspired by traditional Qatari heritage and design. The entire development is designed to consume fewer resources, generate less waste, lower costs and achieve a reduced carbon footprint. On completion, MDD will be the world's largest certified sustainable community with over 100 commercial buildings, 900 residential units accommodating more than 2,600 residents and over 10,255 car parking spaces. The 310,000 square meter development can host over 60,000 visitors. All the planned buildings meet the LEED Gold standard for environment performance and some buildings will aim for a Platinum rating.

About Qatar Academy Msheireb
Established in 2014, QA Msheireb was the sixth academy to open as part of Qatar Foundation's efforts in bringing first-class education to Qatar in order that young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge-based economy.

For its second academic year, 2015/2016, the academy will include classes from Pre-4 to Grade 3.  Expansion will continue each academic year until the maximum enrolment is achieved. Qatar Academy Msheireb, is a dual-language school that implements a model rooted intensely in Response to Intervention, providing help to all students. QA Msheireb's goal is to become a model school that serves as both a training site and a professional development center for school teachers in Qatar. Once trained, schools and educators will be able to implement effective inclusionary and dual language strategies within their respective schools.

© Press Release 2015