Recently, our Dean, Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, met with Mr. Jaber Al-Harami, the Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq Newspaper. Check out their discussion below, which highlights HEC Paris in Qatar’s upcoming initiatives and programs.
In an interview with AlSharq Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Jaber Al-Harami, Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar, announced the launch of the Emerging Leaders Track program, which is designed for young professionals, and the reception of the first cohort on the 31st of this month. Additionally, HEC Paris will launch the Executive Women Leaders Program in Doha next January, aiming to enhance the role of women in senior leadership positions across various sectors. This initiative responds to the high demand for the university’s specialized programs and reflects the commitment to providing female entrepreneurs with access to top-tier education and professional development resources.
Dr. Pablo emphasized the university's goal of fostering innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship in key economic sectors. He highlighted the institution's focus on continuously improving programs and prioritizing digital transformation and sustainability, in alignment with global business trends and Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
During a tour of the campus in Msheireb, visitors were greeted by the university's slogan, "Knowledge is the path to success," displayed prominently on the facade. The tour featured academic classrooms equipped with advanced technology, including hologram technology that links the Qatar campus with the main university in France. This allows students to engage with peers from different countries during lectures, seminars, professor meetings, and events. The campus also features office spaces and interactive halls for collaboration and meetings.
Dr. Pablo concluded by presenting a painting, created by an esteemed alumnus, which features a traditional door opening onto a modern university building, symbolizing the role of history and progress in building individuals through education and knowledge.
What is HEC Paris in Qatar’s strategic plans for the upcoming year?
This academic year, HEC Paris in Qatar is focused on deepening its impact in Qatar and the wider region by expanding our executive education portfolio. As part of this effort, we are strengthening our local faculty, and we are pleased to welcome Professor Seungah Sarah Lee, who joins us as our Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Organizations. Professor Lee brings extensive academic and practical expertise to HEC Paris in Qatar, enhancing our ability to support young, ambitious entrepreneurs through research and teaching.
Additionally, we have expanded our Executive MBA program with the launch of the Emerging Leaders Track. This new track, tailored specifically for young professionals in the GCC with over five years of experience, is designed to accelerate their transition into leadership roles. The inaugural cohort will commence on October 31, 2024.
By continually evolving and enriching our programs, HEC Paris in Qatar aims to foster innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship in key sectors of the Qatari and GCC economies. Our focus on digital transformation and sustainability aligns with global business trends and the national visions of the Gulf states, particularly Qatar National Vision 2030. Through these efforts, we are committed to driving impactful change in the region.
How does HEC Paris in Qatar’s learning methodology equip participants to adapt and lead in a rapidly changing world?
Our approach combines rigorous academic theory with practical application. By integrating real-world business challenges through case studies, simulations, and projects that reflect current trends, we ensure participants develop the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to navigate uncertainties and lead effectively in a dynamic global economy.
A key element of our program is the capstone project, where participants are encouraged to develop entrepreneurial ventures or strategic initiatives for the organization. Notable examples of successful businesses that emerged from this project include Snoonu, C-wallet and Dieture.
Learning does not end with the program. Our graduates have the opportunity to continue expanding their knowledge and networks through our global alumni community, which includes over 80,000 professionals across various sectors worldwide.
HEC Paris consistently ranks among the top business schools globally. How does it maintain this reputation and academic excellence?
Our reputation for academic excellence is grounded in our world-class faculty, our continuous commitment to innovation, and strong connections with industry leaders. By regularly integrating insights from business experts into our curriculum and tailoring programs to meet evolving market needs, we remain highly relevant. Additionally, our global alumni network fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, which contributes to the continuous improvement of our programs. By implementing the latest business practices and research, we ensure that HEC Paris stays at the forefront of executive education.
How does HEC Paris in Qatar contribute to the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in preparing Qatari professionals?
HEC Paris in Qatar plays a key role in shaping the next generation of Qatari leaders who are equipped to advance the nation's economic diversification goals. Our programs are designed to build leadership capabilities, foster innovation, and encourage entrepreneurship—core pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030. By collaborating closely with Qatari institutions, we tailor our programs to address the specific needs of organizations and emerging Qatari talent, ensuring that professionals are well-prepared to contribute to the country’s future.
What critical skills do young Qataris need to succeed in today’s market, and how does HEC Paris in Qatar address this in its programs?
In today’s rapidly evolving market, young Qataris need to cultivate strong leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset to thrive. As Qatar continues to assert its influence on regional and global stages, effective leadership requires the ability to navigate diverse and cross-cultural environments. Essential skills include cultural intelligence, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and collaborative leadership, all of which empower individuals to lead successfully in dynamic settings.
Additionally, an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial for fostering innovation and adaptability in various sectors. This mindset encourages young leaders to embrace design thinking, creative problem-solving, and a focus on delivering value to customers and communities.
At HEC Paris in Qatar, we are committed to addressing these critical needs by embedding leadership development and entrepreneurial thinking into our programs. Our curriculum equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in fast-paced environments, ensuring they are well-prepared to make significant contributions to Qatar’s economic landscape.
How is HEC Paris in Qatar supporting women leaders and professionals in achieving career success? Could you share any success stories?
HEC Paris in Qatar actively supports women leaders through tailored leadership programs and mentorship initiatives. We have collaborated with prominent multinational organizations in Qatar and the region to empower women professionals. Notably, we have partnered with the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies and a major energy industry player to deliver impactful women's leadership programs, training over 100 women executives. This October, we are launching a women’s leadership program in France, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), and will be soon launching a new program initiative in Bahrain.In January, we will introduce the Executive Women Leaders Program in Doha. This new program is designed to empower women to step into senior leadership roles across various industries. The high demand for our custom program inspired the creation of this new initiative, reflecting our commitment to providing women professionals with access to top-tier education and career development resources.
Our alumnae’s success stories are a testament to the impact of our programs. For example, Sheikha Dr. Athba Bint Thamer Al Thani serves as the Chief Business Development Officer at QDVC and has published a book on Qatarization. Dr. Ammira Al-Shabeeb Akil secured a $1 million clinical research grant to develop an innovative Type 1 diabetes screening program in Qatar, and Sheikha Asma Al Thani made history as the first Arab to climb two mountain peaks above 8,000 meters without an oxygen device.
Other notable alumnae include Hend Zainal, who was accepted into the prestigious American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows Programme; Lory Joy Johnson, who rose from CFO to CEO at Shift Group, and Revati Vijay, who received the prestigious HEC Foundation 'Executive Master Award 2023' for her thesis on digital Continuous Medical Education. Farha Mehanna Al-Kuwari was appointed Director of Digital Transformation Excellence at Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. In Saudi Arabia, Atheer AlKhalifa was promoted to Head of Investments at Almarai, and Dana Samhouri became the Director of Business Development at King Abdullah Financial District.
These stories highlight our ongoing dedication to advancing women's leadership in Qatar, the region and beyond.
What role does technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, play in the learning experience at HEC Paris in Qatar, and how does it shape participants' futures?
Technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), plays an important role in both our curriculum and our approach to executive education. AI is used as a tool for enhancing decision-making through AI-drive simulations, which provide real-time feedback to participants. Additionally, our courses delve into the ethical, strategic, and operational impacts of AI on business, equipping participants with the skills to harness these technologies for innovation and competitive advantage.
Our state-of-the-art Doha campus is fully equipped to support hybrid learning models, blending physical and remote education. With cutting-edge technology such as hologram equipment, we can seamlessly connect our campuses in Paris and Qatar, allowing participants to engage with faculty across the globe. This technology not only enriches the learning experience but also enables us to reduce our carbon footprint by minimizing the need for travel, while still bringing global expertise directly into the classroom. This forward-thinking approach ensures our participants are prepared to navigate and lead in a tech-driven future.
How does HEC Paris in Qatar’s connection with its main campus in France benefit participants in Qatar?
Our strong connection with the HEC Paris campus in France provides participants in Qatar with access to a global network of knowledge, research, and expertise. This connection allows them to gain an international perspective, engage with leading faculty, and tap into our global alumni network. Participants also have the opportunity to attend seminars in France and collaborate on projects with peers from diverse backgrounds. This global exposure broadens their professional networks and equips them with the insights needed to thrive in an interconnected business world.
Beyond the classroom, our connection extends to a robust global alumni network of over 80,000 professionals across various industries and geographies. This network facilitates knowledge sharing, mentorship, and career opportunities, allowing our graduates to continuously grow and thrive in their professional journeys. Furthermore, our close ties with global stakeholders, including corporate partners, policymakers, and thought leaders, provide invaluable resources and collaboration opportunities, reinforcing HEC Paris in Qatar’s role as a key player in the global business community.
How does HEC Paris in Qatar collaborate with Qatar Foundation and other partner universities?
Our partnership with Qatar Foundation is fundamental to our mission in the country. We contribute to the educational and economic objectives by aligning our programs and initiatives with Qatar’s national development goals, ensuring our offerings support their overarching mission. Additionally, we actively engage with other partner universities within Education City, fostering synergies that enhance the quality of education, research, and innovation. An example is our Executive Certificate in Healthcare Management & Policy, delivered in partnership with Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, which exemplifies our commitment to cross-institutional collaboration for impactful learning.
Furthermore, we offer leadership development programs for Qatar Foundation alumni and regularly conduct masterclasses across partner universities, reinforcing our dedication to creating a vibrant educational ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
What are the admission criteria for HEC Paris in Qatar, and how are the programs designed to accommodate working professionals?
Admission to HEC Paris in Qatar is based on a candidate’s academic achievements, leadership potential, and relevant professional experience. Our programs are tailored for working professionals, offering flexible formats such as part-time courses and executive education programs that allow participants to balance their professional commitments with their studies. This flexibility allows our participants to directly apply their learning to their professional roles.
For more information about the program, please visit HEC Paris in Qatar’s website https://www.qatar.exed.hec.edu or contact the business development team at +974 4141 3200 or qatar-businessdevelopment@hec.fr.
For more information:
Contact Us | Phone: +974 4141 3200 | Web: qatar.exed.hec.edu
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