Qatar Leaders Hail Qatar Science & Technology Park on Eve of Inauguration
• Qatar Science & Technology Park hailed as milestone in Qatar’s development aspirations
• Senior industry figures and policymakers debate Qatar’s emergence as hub for scientific innovation
The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) has been hailed as an important milestone in Qatar’s emergence as a leader in scientific research and innovation on the eve of its 16th March inauguration.
Qatar Foundation, of which QSTP is a part, has been 14 years in development and the realisation of Qatar’s research vision is historic, according senior government leaders and industry figures speaking ahead of the official inauguration of the science park.
Dr. Tidu Maini, Executive Chairman of QSTP, said: “QSTP is committed to delivering what we have promised to the people and the leaders of Qatar. QSTP is a unique opportunity, especially for the next generation in Qatar and elsewhere. We aim to attract the best talents, to encourage creativity, and we provide the funding and facilities to make that possible.”
QSTP will be inaugurated in the presence of His Highness The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, in a widely anticipated ceremony before 1,200 local and international guests.
The inauguration is the culmination of a wider national vision to transform Qatar into a dynamic post-carbon economy. QSTP, which will become an international hub for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, is at the heart of Qatar’s aspirations.
Commenting on Qatar’s National Vision 2030, Dr. Ibrahim Ibrahim, Secretary General of the General Secretariat for Development and Planning (GSDP), said: “Qatar aims to be a role model in the region in preserving our cultural identity and at the same time investing in various development initiatives in the areas of business, environment, education, and health. Qatar will show the world that it can maintain identity and modernity.”
Dr. Fathy Al Saoud, President of Qatar Foundation, said: “Research and higher education are tightly linked. As part of our vision for sustainable, lifelong learning, Qatar Foundation plans to invest in higher and executive education. These new programs will be introduced soon from the existing Qatar Foundation universities.”
“We are pleased to partner with QSTP in developing the best medical research in the world“, stated Dr. Ghalia Al-Thani.
Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber, Secretary General, ictQATAR, commented on the shared commitment of QSTP and ictQATAR to innovation. “We recognise the need for innovation to transform Qatar into a knowledge-based economy. We will continue to support QSTP in bringing new start-up companies into Qatar”, said Dr. Hessa.
Saad Al-Kaabi, Qatar Petroleum Director of Oil and Gas Ventures, said: “Qatar Petroleum is committed to recruiting Qatari students in order to help create a sustainable future for Qatar. We recognize the importance of investing in research and development. Qatar Petroleum is at the forefront in this area.”
Sheikh Hamad bin Jabor Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA), said: “Qatar is already looking beyond hydrocarbons. There is a larger vision behind it all. QSTP is a catalyst in our society, pointing the way forward for others. Qatar is trying to improve its business and investment climate; the key is to invest in human capital, and that is exactly what Qatar Foundation and QSTP are doing.”
The press conference was followed by media breakout sessions in the energy, environment, health sciences and ICT fields during which senior industry figures and policymakers participated in lively debate.
