Doha, Qatar – 6th May 2026: In a celebration of leadership, learning, and global impact, HEC Paris, Doha marked the graduation of 144 participants at the Qatar Foundation Convocation 2026, underscoring its continued role in shaping responsible leaders for Qatar and beyond.
Held as part of Qatar Foundation’s annual ceremony, this year’s convocation brought together four diverse cohorts of participants from the Executive MBA (EMBA). Reflecting both national pride and international reach, 26% of graduates are Qatari nationals, 34% are women, representing a global community from across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa, reinforcing Qatar’s growing stature as a global education hub.
The event celebrated academic excellence, leadership, and the longstanding partnership between HEC Paris, Doha and Qatar Foundation, aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and its ambition to foster sustainable development through education and innovation.
Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Djelloul Bekka, Chief Operating and Administrative Officer at HEC Paris, Doha, said: “Our partnership with Qatar Foundation is rooted in a shared ambition to unlock human potential and drive impact and excellence. With their continued support, we have expanded our footprint, strengthened our academic capabilities, and aligned our programs with the region’s evolving priorities. Together, we are helping position Qatar as a leading hub for executive education.”
This year’s convocation also saw two HEC Paris, Doha participants, Mashael Mohammed AlSulaiti and Quan Wei, receive the prestigious Qatar Foundation Excellence Awards, honoring outstanding academic performance, civic duty, impact and leadership reach, and professional and entrepreneurial skills.
Addressing the significance of the occasion, Joshua Kobb, Chief Growth and Impact Officer at HEC Paris, Doha, said: “This year’s graduating class reflects the true spirit of HEC Paris, Doha – diverse, globally minded, and deeply committed to creating meaningful impact. As Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for executive education, we are proud to develop the human capacity needed to build a diversified economy, equipping leaders with the capabilities to navigate complexity and drive sustainable growth.”
Reflecting on the practical impact of the program, Executive MBA Emerging Leaders Track participant Maryam Al Darwish highlighted how the experience translated directly into her professional environment: “My journey at HEC Paris, Doha has been both rewarding and transformative. Applying my learnings across the Maryam Al Darwish Group companies, I’ve strengthened brand positioning, refined strategy, and contributed to long-term results. As class social representative, I built meaningful connections and fostered collaboration. This experience has given me the clarity, confidence, and perspective to lead with purpose and create impact.”
Throughout their academic journey, participants engaged in immersive learning experiences designed to strengthen strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a strong sense of responsibility.
“The convocation represents more than an academic milestone,” added Bekka. “It is a call to lead with integrity, contribute to society, and actively create positive change, which is central to HEC Paris, Doha’s mission of emphasizing responsible leadership and community impact.”
Abdulrahman Al Jumaily, from the Executive MBA program, reflected on his journey: “The Executive MBA program at HEC Paris, Doha has been a transformative experience, reshaping how I approach leadership and decision-making. The diversity of perspectives within the cohort, combined with its strong emphasis on real-world application, has enabled me to think more strategically and act with greater purpose. It has strengthened my professional capabilities and deepened my commitment to contributing meaningfully to my organization and the wider community.”
The Class of 2026 now joins a dynamic and expanding global HEC Paris alumni network of over 80,000 graduates, strengthening connections across industries worldwide. This growing community remains a cornerstone of the institution’s vision to foster lifelong learning, collaboration, and continued engagement among leaders and changemakers, in line with its new signature ‘Dare the Impossible’.
Building on the momentum of previous years, HEC Paris, Doha continues to elevate its position -and that of Qatar - as a leading provider of executive education in the region.
For more information:
Contact Us | Phone: +974 4141 3200 | Web: qatar.exed.hec.edu
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