HEC Paris and Qatar Foundation Extend Strategic Partnership for Another Decade Strengthening Leadership Education That Drives Human Capacity Development

Doha, Qatar – November 10, 2024: HEC Paris, a globally renowned business school, has renewed its strategic partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF) for an additional ten years.  This agreement reinforces both institutions’ commitment to developing the region’s future business and public sector leaders, in line with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.  

The strength of the partnership between the two institutions was reaffirmed during a ceremony at QF´s Headquarters, in the presence of Qatar Foundation’s Vice Chairperson and CEO, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Dr. Eloïc Peyrache, Dean of HEC Paris and Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar. Distinguished guests included H.E. Jean-Baptiste Faivre, French Ambassador to Qatar, as well as several prominent alumni from the school and executive leadership from both organizations. 

Since establishing a presence in Qatar in 2010, HEC Paris has played a vital role in advancing the nation’s educational and economic development. A representative of QF stated that “this renewal is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering education, innovation, and societal development. HEC Paris has nurtured leaders who contribute to the diversification and growth of Qatar’s economy, while also promoting innovation and inclusivity in both the private and public sectors and fostering Entrepreneurship and innovation in Qatar and elsewhere. We are confident that, together, we will continue shaping the leaders of tomorrow by helping talent develop, and reach their true potential." 

HEC Paris in Qatar, aligned with the Qatar National Vision, is dedicated to supporting the development of human capacity in the country, and across the region. Through world-class educational programs, HEC Paris drives the professional growth of individuals who will shape the future of society and business, . By fostering leadership and innovation, the institution helps develop the talent that will drive transformative change across industries. 

HEC Paris in Qatar, in partnership with Qatar Foundation, is committed to driving change and transformation through education and talent development. Together, they focus on empowering women professionals, promoting economic development, and enhancing Qatar’s role on the global stage. By offering world-class educational opportunities, HEC Paris impacts lives and opens doors to personal and professional growth, fostering a stronger and more dynamic society. 

Since establishing its presence in Qatar, HEC Paris has graduated more than 1,300 individuals from 59 nationalities , 43% of whom are female, from its degree programs.

Each year, over 600 executives participate in HEC Paris custom-designed, in-house programs, delivered to leading firms across Qatar and the region. These programs help organizations address strategic business challenges, ensuring they remain competitive and innovative.  

Dedicated to knowledge creation, the HEC Paris in Qatar Business Research Lab has produced over 25 full-length case studies, published in renowned international publications, bringing local business challenges to a global audience. The institution has taken a leading role in producing the annual Guess National Report, which measures and analyzes entrepreneurial career intentions in higher education students in Qatar. This year also marked the publication of the second edition of Qatar’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The Founder’s Guidebook, which is now available in Arabic as well as English.  

Dr. Eloïc Peyrache, Dean of HEC Paris, remarked: "HEC Paris and Qatar Foundation share a vision of unlocking human potential and making a significant impact locally, regionally, and globally. With Qatar Foundation's support, we have expanded our faculty, strengthened our presence and tailored our academic offerings to meet the unique needs of the region –one of the most dynamic in the world, all while contributing to Qatar’s dedication to education as a force of social and economic development”.  

This partnership underscores HEC Paris’s long-term commitment to the development of the region. “We are excited about the decade ahead”, added Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar. “Our mission is to continue delivering world-class business education that empowers the region’s leaders, present and future, to drive sustainable growth and create lasting impact. Through excellence in education, we will shape a dynamic and prosperous future for Qatar and beyond." 

Over the years, HEC Paris in Qatar has evolved its curriculum to address real-world business challenges, integrating advanced technology and sustainability into its teaching practices. Innovations such as AI-driven simulations and hologram technology, which bridges its campuses in Paris and Doha, reflect the school’s dedication to preparing leaders for the future. 

The renewal of this strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between HEC Paris and Qatar Foundation. Both institutions look forward to a new decade of empowering leaders, fostering innovation, and contributing to the long-term growth of Qatar and the region. This partnership reaffirms their shared vision to create a lasting impact on a local, regional, and global scale, unlocking human potential and driving progress in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.