One thing that Qatar has done right is to diversify their assets - liquid gas might be the mainstay of the economy, but there is no complacency here. The Emir and his government have committed themselves to excellence in education. The only GCC country to do so - they have encouraged education, science and research. Six major North American universities have set up branch campuses at Education City, a vast and sprawling 10 square kilometre development. The universities have been established according to the same standards and expectations of their home bases. We have Virginia Commonwealth, Weill Cornell Medical School, Texas A & M, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown School of Foreign Service, and Northwestern. There is also University of the North Atlantic (go Canada!).
Qatar Foundation is the institute that has been set up to oversee all education, science and research. The website - http://www.qf.com.qa has some interesting information. Part of the blurb reads; "Learning and teaching are pathways to fulfillment and prosperity across time and cultures. His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar and founder of Qatar Foundation, committed immense resources to bring knowledge to the people of Qatar and the region, thereby helping to build a skilled human capital base.
Qatar Foundation is using innovative strategies and programs focusing on capacity building and character development at Education City. This unique form of education involves a select few institutions known for the quality of their programs, from early years to university education at undergraduate level and beyond. Learning and teaching is focused on creativity, curiosity, conveying knowledge and life skills, to create lifelong learners."
The most fascinating aspect for me is that the QF logo is that of a sidra tree - native to Qatar and flourishes in the courntry's harsh desert climate. It is said that: "Traditionally, poets, scholars and travelers would gather in the shade of the branches to exchange knowledge and opinions. The tree's fruit, flowers and leaves are the ingredients of many traditional medicines. This tree occupies a special position in the hearts of the Qatari people, and is an appropriate symbol for Qatar Foundation. Its deep roots are seen as a strong anchor connecting contemporary learning and growth with the country's culture and heritage. In Qatar Foundation's logo, the three sections of the tree's trunk relate to the tripartite mission of education, scientific research and community development. The branches are the diverse partners that make up Qatar Foundation's community, and the leaves, flowers and fruits are the individual lives that the tree nourishes. They, in turn, will produce seeds that guarantee the organism's sustainability." Apparently the sidra tree, also known as the lote tree (Ziziphus spina-christi), is mentioned in the Quran as a symbol of knowledge of the divine.
At the inauguration of Education City, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation said the following: "The sidra tree, growing strong and proud in the harshest of environments, has been a symbol of perseverance and nourishment across the borders of the Arab world. What is the significance of this glorious tree? With its roots bound in the soil of this world and its branches reaching upwards toward perfection, it is a symbol of solidarity and determination; it reminds us that goals of this world are not incompatible with the goals of the spirit."
The Education City Convention Centre is on the outskirts of Doha, Qatar, designed by Arata Isozaki, includes a giant structure resembling two intertwined trees to support the building's exterior canopy. Used in lieu of vertical columns, the 250-meter- (820-foot-) long, doubly curved steel tree structure forms the signature entrance to the convention center, currently under construction.
Quite apt I think, symbolic of life in the desert, and a "shady haven for scholars". I think it will be very successful.
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