QatarDay

THE MINISTERS OF QATAR

THE MINISTERS OF QATAR By Josephine Justin - January 31, 2024
THE MINISTERS OF QATAR

THE MINISTERS OF QATAR

At the crossroads of tradition and progress, Qatar's journey to prosperity is guided by a cadre of visionary leaders. How much do we really know about the profiles and responsibilities of the esteemed ministers shaping the nation's path forward.

From key policymakers driving economic diversification to those championing social development and diplomatic endeavors, this article aims to shine a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of Qatar's governance. 

 

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

Biography

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 2016 and as the Prime Minister in March 2023.

Career

In the early beginning of his career, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs worked as an Economic Researcher at the Ruling Family Council in 2003. He moved up the career ladder until he became the Director of Economic Affairs from 2005 to 2009.

In 2009, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs was appointed Director of the Small and Medium Enterprises Support Project as well as Director of the Department of Public and Private Sectors Partnership at the Ministry of Business and Trade. In the same year, he launched “Enterprise Qatar” – an organisation that provides technical and financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises. His policy agenda is aimed at fostering economic diversification programs through attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs) to Qatar, and through promoting entrepreneurial ventures to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

In 2010, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs served as the Secretary of the Personal Representative of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for Follow-up Affairs at the Amiri Diwan. In the same year, he became Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Mining Company.

In 2011, he became Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aspire – Katara Investment Company. He attained the rank of Undersecretary in 2012.

In 2013, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs was appointed as the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Cooperation Affairs. His policies focused on promoting multilateral cooperation along with implementing the development and aid agenda of the State of Qatar.

He currently serves as the Chairman of Qatar Fund for Development. In 2014, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed led the restructuring of Qatar Fund for Development and advocated targeting support to primary and secondary education, global health and economic development.

On 4 November 2018, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs was appointed Chairman of Qatar Investment Authority.

His Excellency is also a member of the Supreme Council for Economic and Investments Affairs.

Education

His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs has a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from Qatar University.

Responsibilities

His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs has overall responsibility for all Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues, including:

  • Planning and implementing foreign policy
  • Maintaining strategic bilateral and multilateral relations
  • Leading mediation efforts, and consolidating international peace and security by encouraging peaceful settlement of international disputes

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs

His Excellency Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah

Biography

His Excellency Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah was appointed Minister of State for Defence Affairs in January 2016 and Deputy Prime Minister in November 2017.

Career

From 1987 to 1995, His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs was a fighter pilot in the Qatar Emiri Air Force.

In 1995, he established the Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah Firm for Legal Consultations and Services, where he practiced law until 2008.

In 2003, His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs was appointed President of the National Committee for Human Rights.

In 2008, His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs held the post of Minister of State for International Cooperation. In 2009, he was appointed Acting Minister of Business and Commerce.

In 2009, His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs became the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar’s Stock Exchange. Between 2009 and 2012, he was the Vice-Chairman of Qatar Financial Centre Authority, and between 2009 and 2013, he was the Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Council for Information Technology and Communications.

In 2011, His Excellency was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and a Member of the Council of Ministers.

From 2013 to 2016, HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah was Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Education

His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs has a BA in Aviation Studies from King Faisal Air Academy, a BA in Law from Beirut Arab University, an MA in Public Law from Cairo University and a PhD in Law from Cairo University.

 

Minister of Interior

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Biography

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was appointed Minister of Interior in March 2023.

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was born in 1991 in Doha, where he was raised and received his early education. He enrolled at the University of Southern California in the United States (US) and graduated in 2015 with an Exemplary rating in his Public Policy degree. Afterwards, he obtained a master’s degree in Public Diplomacy from the same university in 2017.

In 2015, His Excellency joined the Internal Security Force, known as “Lekhwiya”, where he was awarded first place with “Excellence” in the officer induction course. With an Officer rank, he joined “Lifdawiya”, a special unit operating under “Lekhwiya”.

From 2015 to 2018, His Excellency participated in approximately 13 military training courses held in Qatar, the US and France. The courses covered several fields such as combating terrorism, sniping, urban combat, discarding and disposal of explosives, problem-solving strategies, exceptional decision-making, “Al Saiqa”, freefall parachuting, operational parachuting, diving, negotiations during terrorist attacks, VIP protection, and riot control.

His Excellency participated in securing two editions of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019 and 2020 through the Tournament Safety and Security Operations Committee. In 2020, he was appointed as a member of the National Security Council, and a member of the Steering Committee of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC). He was also appointed as a member of the supervisory committee for the first Shura Council elections, which took place in 2021. In the same year, he led the operations of the FIFA Arab Cup and the Formula 1 World Championship.

In 2021, His Excellency assumed the position of Assistant Chairman of Tournament Operations and Safety Committee for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. In the same year and the one that followed, he led the supervisory operations for the “Watan” security exercise. In 2022, he was appointed Commander of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Security Operations, and the National Risk Management Team President.

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was appointed Minister of Interior in March 2023.

Besides Arabic, His Excellency is also fluent in English.

 

Minister of Finance

His Excellency Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari

Biography

His Excellency Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari was appointed Minister of Finance in October 2021.

Career

His Excellency the Minister of Finance has extensive experience in government and the financial industry, spanning over 30 years. Prior to being appointed Minister of Finance, His Excellency held the position of Minister of Commerce and Industry. His Excellency became Qatar National Bank Group (QNB) Chief Executive Officer in July 2013 and held this position until November 2018.

His Excellency is a member of the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment. He is also a Board Member for Qatar Investment Authority and Qatar Energy. He serves as the Chairman of Qatar National Bank, Qatar Development Bank and Katara Hospitality.

Education

His Excellency the Minister of Finance holds a master of science in Management Information System from Seattle Pacific University. He also earned his bachelor in Math and Computer Science from Eastern Washington University.

Responsibilities

His Excellency the Minister of Finance has overall responsibility for all Ministry of Finance issues, including:

  • Regulating financial policies.
  • Overseeing public finances.
  • Drafting and implementing Qatar’s State Budget.
  • Promoting economic diversification.
  • Managing and refining the fiscal policy in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

 

Minister of Transport

His Excellency Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti

Biography

His Excellency Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti was appointed Minister of Transport in October 2021.

Career

His Excellency started his career in the Qatar Armed Forces serving as Brigadier General and Commander of the Maintenance Arms. He has been awarded the following decorations: Commander of the Legion of Honour, Officer of the Legion of Honour, and Chevalier of the Legion of Honour.

During his time in the Qatar Armed Forces, His Excellency also served as Chairman of the Engineers Qualifying Committee, Chairman of the Industrialisation Committee and Member of the Investment Committee.

His Excellency the Minister of Transport is also Chairman of the Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar), Chairman of QTerminals, Chairman of Hamad Port Steering Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Steering Committee for the establishment of Qatar Railway Network (Qatar Rail) and Qatar Airways Group board member.

His Excellency is a member of the Board of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, member of the Ministerial Group for co-ordination and follow-up of major projects of strategic importance, member of the Ministerial Committee to stimulate the participation of the private sector and economic development projects and member of the Ministerial Group for the allocation and reclamation of land for new projects.

His Excellency previously served as the Chairman of the Qatari-French Supreme Committee, Chairman of Mowasalat (Karwa) and member of the Supreme Council of the Military Faculty of Ahmed bin Mohammed.

Education

His Excellency the Minister of Transport holds a master of Military Science. He also has a bachelor of Mechanical Engineering.

Responsibilities

His Excellency the Minister of Transport has overall responsibility for all Ministry of Transport issues, including:

  • Regulating land, maritime and air transport in Qatar
  • Developing and improving mobility and transport services, and studying their relevant projects and supervising their implementation.

 

Minister of Public Health

Her Excellency Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari

Biography

Her Excellency Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari was appointed Minister of Public Health in January 2016.

Career

Her Excellency the Minister of Public Health worked as Managing Director of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) before being appointed Minister of Public Health.

She joined HMC’s Women’s Hospital in 1996 and rose through the ranks to become Managing Director in 2007.

Prior to that, Her Excellency the Minister of Public Health worked at the World Health Organisation (WHO), Reuters and as a freelance health reporter and writer.

Education

Her Excellency the Minister of Public Health has a PhD in Healthcare Management from Brunel University in the UK.

Responsibilities

Her Excellency the Minister of Public Health has overall responsibility for all Ministry of Public Health issues, including:

  • Oversight of the quality and effectiveness of services delivered by public and private sector health service providers.
  • Oversight of public health service programs, including disease prevention, occupational health, food safety, environmental safety and national immunization programs.
  • Preparation and development of Qatar’s National Health and Public Health Strategies, and monitoring their progress.

 

Minister of State for Energy Affairs

His Excellency Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi

Biography

His Excellency Engineer Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi was appointed Minister of State for Energy Affairs in November 2018.

Career

In November 2018, His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs was also appointed Deputy Chairman of QatarEnergy, in addition to his current role as President & CEO of QatarEnergy.

Previously, His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs worked as the Managing Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of QatarEnergy in September 2014.

Between 2006 and 2014, His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs was the Director of QatarEnergy’s Oil & Gas Ventures Directorate, where he oversaw all of Qatar’s oil and gas field developments as well as all the exploration activities in Qatar.

Between 1991 and 2006, His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs was part of QatarEnergy’s Reservoir & Field Development Department, where he later became the Manager of Gas Development, responsible for North Field management and development.

Education

His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs has a BSc in Energy & Gas Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University in the USA.

Responsibilities

His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs has overall responsibility for all energy issues, including:

  • Optimal utilization of the country’s natural resources as per relevant laws.
  • Regular and sustainable supply of energy, power and water for domestic need and regular review of potential and viable alternatives to secure such needs.
  • Overall policy of and development of national industries.

 

Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs

His Excellency Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim

Biography

His Excellency Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanim was appointed Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs in October 2021.

Career

His Excellency the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has held several positions related to Qatar’s Armed Forces.

His Excellency the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs was promoted to Lieutenant General in Qatar’s Armed Forces in 2016, having become the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces in 2013.

Prior to this, His Excellency the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Training at the General Command of the Armed Forces from 1999 and held the position of Director of Air Operations until 1997.

His Excellency the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has held a variety of other positions in the Qatar Armed Forces including Commander of the Air Operations Centre, Commander of the Air Defense Command, Operations Commander of Doha Air Base and Commander of the 7th Squadron of the Mirage-F1.

Education

His Excellency the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics in 1978. He previously graduated from Royal Academy Sandhurst in the UK, in 1975. His Excellency also obtained a fellowship from the Pakistani Air War College.

Responsibilities

His Excellency the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has overall responsibility for all Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs issues, including:

  • Spreading Islamic culture and education, increasing religious awareness, and demonstrating the impact of Islam on the development of human civilisation.
  • Overviewing the endowments department, the Zakat charity fund, and the building and licensing of mosques.
  • Supervising the education of the Holy Quran and overviewing the procedures for Al Haj pilgrimage.

 

Minister of Commerce and Industry

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani was appointed Minister of Commerce and Industry in October 2021.

Biography

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani was appointed Minister of Commerce and Industry in October 2021.

Career

His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry currently holds several high positions in the State of Qatar, including as a member of the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs & Investment, Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar Stock Exchange, the Advisory Board of the Investment Promotion Agency and the Qatar Financial Centre Authority. His Excellency is also the Deputy-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Development Bank and a member of the Boards of Directors of the Qatar Investment Authority and QatarEnergy. Moreover, His Excellency is a member of Qatar University’s Board of Trustees.

Throughout his career, His Excellency has held several other key supervisory positions. From March 2018 until October 2021, His Excellency was Deputy-Governor and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Central Bank and Deputy Chairman of the QFC Regulatory Authority. From November 2018 until October 2021, His Excellency also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority.

Prior to that, His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry held the position of Director of Risk Management at Qatar Central Bank until 2012. His Excellency also served for five years as the Secretary of the Personal Representative of His Highness the Amir for follow-up affairs.

Responsibilities

His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry bears the overall responsibility for all Ministry of Commerce and Industry issues, including:

  • Overseeing commercial and industrial activities for the State of Qatar.
  • Developing methods and procedures for providing public services to the business and investment sector.
  • Regulating the practice of trade professions.
  • Registering the commercial and investment establishments and issuing the necessary licenses to carry out their activities.
  • Supervising the regulation and control of markets in its area of competence.

 

Minister of Education and Higher Education

Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi

Biography

Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi was appointed Minister of Education and Higher Education in October 2021.

Career

Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi assumed the position of Minister of Education and Higher Education in October of 2021 and holds the position of Secretary-General of the National Committee for Education, Culture and Science. Throughout her career spanning over 20 years, HE Buthaina was able to amass several achievements and attain invaluable experience in various fields of education.  

Prior to being appointed to this position, HE Buthaina has held several important positions, including President of Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation from 2016 to 2021. 

Earlier in her career and before joining Qatar Foundation in 2006, HE Buthaina was a teacher, then a head of department and later a vice principal at several Ministry of Education and Higher Education schools. 

During her time at Qatar Foundation, Her Excellency had held several leadership positions, including Founding President of Pre-University Education. During her tenure in this position, she developed many existing programs and established specialised schools and new centres.  

Her Excellency has served on many national education committees and school boards of trustees, including the Franco-Qatarien Voltaire school and the Joint Advisory Board of Texas A&M University in Qatar. 

Education

Her Excellency holds an EMBA from HEC Paris and a bachelor’s degree in Arts and Education, majoring in English from Qatar University.

Responsibilities

Her Excellency the Minister of Education and Higher Education has an overall responsibility for all Ministry of Education and Higher Education issues, including:

  • Recruiting, training, supporting and licensing public school teachers as well as licensing private schools.
  • Increasing awareness of important educational activities.
  • Setting curriculum standards for Arabic, English, math, science and Islamic studies for all public K-12 schools.
  • Liaising with relevant parties to support the education system in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

 

Minister of Culture

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani

Biography

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani was appointed Minister of Culture in October 2021.

Career

His Excellency the Minister of Culture held a number of positions in the cultural field. He was the Head of the Gulf and Arab Monitoring Department at the Ministry of Culture between 2006 and 2010, and a member of the Doha Capital of Culture Committee at the Ministry of Culture in 2010. Between 2010 and 2014, His Excellency worked at the Office of His Highness the Crown Prince at the Amiri Diwan.

His Excellency then held the position of Director of the Media Development Department at Qatar Media Corporation between 2011 and 2014. In 2014, His Excellency assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Media Corporation until 2021. His Excellency is a member of the Boards of Directors of Al Jazeera Media Network and the Doha Film Institute.

Education

His Excellency the Minister of Culture holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Qatar University. His Excellency also participated in several training programmes at Al Jazeera Media Institute and Qatar News Agency.

Responsibilities

His Excellency the Minister of Culture has overall responsibility for all Ministry of Culture issues, including:

  • Leading and regulating the sector by establishing the rules and principles for the growth and development of culture in Qatar.
  • Ensuring the effective participation of all segments of society in Qatari cultural activities.
  • Raising the status of Qatar’s position among nations within a framework of fundamental principles and values.
  • Promoting the institutional values of professionalism, creativity, participation and honesty.

 

Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs

His Excellency Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi

Biography

His Excellency Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi was appointed as Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs in January 2024.

Career

His Excellency the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs has held several positions in the legal sector. Between 2013 and 2024, he served as the Director of the Legal Affairs Department at the Amiri Diwan with a ministerial rank. Before that, he worked in various entities across Qatar, including the Armed Forces, where he held the rank of second lieutenant between 2004 and 2005.

His Excellency has participated in many joint professional committees in the legal field locally and internationally. He prepared and reviewed various regional and international publications and agreements. His Excellency also took part in legal meetings around the world.

Education

His Excellency obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law from Durham University in England, graduating with honours. He also holds a master’s degree in Law from the University of Swansea in Wales, where he graduated with both distinction and honours. His Excellency has undertaken training courses and programs specialising in building leadership skills and decision-making strategies at local and international institutions.

Responsibilities

As the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, His Excellency oversees all issues concerning the Ministry of Justice and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, including:

  • Promoting and developing the legal and legislative framework to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030.
  • Improving services provided by the Ministry of Justice and its various subsidiaries.
  • Raising the standard of laws in government entities and developing their practical capabilities and skills.
  • Promoting legal awareness.
  • Organising the Cabinet, implementing its decisions and overseeing all its financial and administrative affairs.
  • Overseeing the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
  • Representing the State of Qatar at regional and international conferences and meetings.

 

Minister of Communications and Information Technology

His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai

Biography

His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai was appointed Minister of Communications and Information Technology in October 2021.

Career

His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology has held several positions related to the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

His Excellency has served as the President of Communication Regulatory Authority after being the Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar National Broadband Network Company (QNBN), as well as having served in senior positions in the telecommunications company Ooredoo Qatar, formerly known as Qtel.

His Excellency currently holds several other positions, including Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Qatar Free Zones Authority, Member of the Board of Trustees of Qatar University, Member of the Board of Directors of the Qatari Satellite Company Es’hailSat, and a Member of the Board of Directors of Al Jazeera Media Network.

Education

His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology received a bachelor’s degree in Physics from the American University in Cairo.

His Excellency also holds professional certificates in management and leadership from several institutions, including the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), INSEAD Business School, and the Carnegie Bosch Institute.
 

Minister of Labour

His Excellency Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri

Biography

His Excellency Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri was appointed Minister of Labour in October 2021.

Career

His Excellency previously served as the President of the National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar, beginning in 2009. He was also the Acting Chairperson and the Secretary General of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institution (GANHRI) and the President of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions.

His Excellency was elected Chairman of the Permanent Arab Commission for Human Rights at the Arab League in 2012 and Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Forum for National Human Rights Institutions from 2013 – 2015. His Excellency previously chaired the Sub-Committee on Accreditation from 2012 – 2015, which specialises in reviewing and accrediting national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles.

His Excellency has worked on various flagship initiatives, including establishing the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions and the Asia-Pacific Forum for National Human Rights Institutions.

Education

His Excellency holds a PhD of Philosophy in Political Science, a master of Political Science and a bachelor of Political Science.

Responsibilities

His Excellency the Minister of Labour has overall responsibility for all Ministry of Labour issues, including:

  • Proposing and executing public policies, regulations and systems concerning the workforce.
  • Overseeing recruitment policies and Qatarisation (nationalisation) of jobs.
  • Implementing the labour law.
  • Protecting migrant workers socially and legally.

 

Minister of Social Development and Family

Her Excellency Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad

Biography

Her Excellency Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad was appointed Minister of Social Development and Family in October 2021. She has accomplished many achievements in human development, including combating illiteracy, raising awareness for children’s and women’s rights and promoting them.

Career

In 2006, HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad was appointed a Member of the Childhood Committee at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. In 2008, Her Excellency served as Acting Executive Director for the Childhood Cultural Centre. Then in 2011, she helmed the Media and Communication Department of the Social Rehabilitation Center (Owain). In 2013, she led the regional advocacy campaign for Education Above All Foundation. From 2016 to 2021, she undertook the executive leadership for the Orphan Care Center (Dreama).

In 2021, Her Excellency was appointed Executive Director of the Administration and Finance Division at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DIFGS), in addition to being a member of the Advisory Board for the School of Public Administration and Development Economics (SPADE) at DIFGS.

Her Excellency has been bestowed the title of “International Ambassador for Orphans” twice in a row by the organising committee of the Sanabil Award for Social Responsibility. She was the first woman in the GCC to receive this honour. In 2021, she received the International Social Responsibility Excellence Award. The Regional Network for Community Responsibility named Her Excellency one of the most influential Arab figures in the field of social responsibility in 2021.

Education

Her Excellency earned an executive master’s degree in Strategic Planning and Business Administration from HEC Paris University in 2014. She is an alumna of the Qatar Leadership Centre – Rising Leaders programme.

 

Minister of Municipality

His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya

Biography

His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya was appointed as Minister of Municipality on 8 January 2024.

Career

Since September 2018, His Excellency worked as Vice Chairman of the Barwa Real Estate Company Board of Directors, where he was promoted to Chairman in 2023. In March 2021, His Excellency was appointed as Deputy Chairman of Katara Hospitality, where he also served on the board.

In March 2022, he joined the Board of Directors of both the United Development Company and the Qatar Free Zones Authority. Drawing on his extensive managerial experience, His Excellency has spearheaded development across multiple sectors in the State of Qatar, supporting the country’s National Vision 2030. His Excellency is also Vice President of the Board of Directors at Al Saad Sports Club.

In January 2017, His Excellency was named to the Board of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, later becoming CEO in July 2018. During the same year, His Excellency joined the VINCI SA Board of Directors as a member.

Previously, His Excellency held several positions at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), eventually assuming the post of Vice President until 2018. He was then appointed as Vice Chairman of the Qatar Primary Materials Company, where he was voted as Acting CEO by the Board, until early May 2018.

In 2014, His Excellency took on a new role as Acting Executive Director of the Programme Management Office of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. He then served as Director of the Technical Office at Ashghal in 2015.

His Excellency has an extensive and accomplished career working across sectors in Qatar, which began with him working as an Operations Engineer at Qatar Petroleum until 2011, later becoming a Project Engineer and then an Onshore Development and Planning Manager at RasGas in 2012.

Education

His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cardiff University, United Kingdom.

Responsibilities

As Minister of Municipality, His Excellency oversees all matters concerning the Ministry, including:

  • Preparing the country’s urban plans
  • Land surveying and division
  • Temporary expropriation and seizure of real estate for public benefit
  • The Official Website of the Ministry of Municipality.

 

Minister of Sports & Youth

His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Nominated for Post of UAFA Vice-President

Biography

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani is a Qatari football administrator, coach, member in the FIFA Council and AFC Professional Football Committee. He was the president of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) from 2005 to 2023. On 8th January 2024, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani appointed as Minister of Sports and Youth.

Education & Career

His Excellency earned his BA from the Qatar University in Physical Education.

Al-Thani is president of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, and was president of the Qatar Football Association from 2005 to 2023. Prior to being president he was the vice president of the QFA. He serves as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and also as member of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar. On 8th January 2024 HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani appointed as Minister of Sports and Youth.

 

Minister of Environment and Climate Change

H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Subaie

Biography

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie was appointed as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on January 8, 2024.

Career

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Subaie previously held the position of Minister of Municipality from October 2021 to January 2024, and before that, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie assumed the role of Minister of Municipality and Environment from November 2018 to October 2021.

During the period from May 2021 to October 2021, H.E was assigned additional responsibilities as the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs in conjunction with his ministerial duties.

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Subaie has been the Managing Director and CEO of Qatar Rail since March 2011. In January 2017, he took on the role of CEO of the company.

His Excellency was the CEO of Barwa Group, a leading Qatari company in real estate development and investment, from April 2011 to May 2014.

Before joining Barwa Group, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Subaie held the position of CEO at Smeet, a subsidiary of Diar Group, from the establishment of the company in 2008 until March 2011.

His Excellency has held various high-ranking positions in project management from 1996 to 2008 with the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), overseeing significant infrastructure projects.

Educational Background

Minister Al Subaie holds a Ph.D. in Management obtained in 2021, a Master’s degree in Business Administration obtained in 2006, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Qatar University obtained in 1996.

Responsibilities

His Excellency the Minister of Environment and Climate Change takes full responsibility for all the affairs of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, including:

  • Leading the environment and climate change policy in the State of Qatar.
  • Addressing issues of environmental concern and ensuring that sustainable and climate-smart practices are adopted across all sectors.
  • Implementing the national plan for climate change, and ensuring adherence to the strategic roadmap for the State of Qatar, through initiatives aimed at mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change.

 

 

[SOURCE: Government Communications Office Qatar, Individual Ministry Websites, Al Meezan]

By Josephine Justin - January 31, 2024

Leave a comment

r