Doha, Qatar 11 March 2025 – The Education Above All Foundation (EAA) and the General Directorate of Endowments (Awqaf) hosted a celebratory Ghabga and graduation event at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel. This event marked a significant milestone for the Qatar Scholarship Programme in Qatar, aligning with Qatar Vision 2030 by empowering financially marginalized residents to achieve their educational aspirations.

This year, the program was proud to support over 100 new scholarship recipients, commend 44 graduates, and celebrate more than 57 students for their excellence in academic performance during the 2024-2025 academic year.  The program was also proud to commend 14 students from Gaza who were awarded the scholarship in 2024 and have demonstrated academic excellence in their first semester of study. 

The ceremony drew over 500 attendees, including students, their families, faculty members, and representatives from Qatar's premier educational and governmental institutions. Notable among the attendees were the Director General of the General Administration of Endowments at Awqaf, Eng. Hassan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, and Mr Mohammed Al Kubaisi, Acting CEO of EAA Foundation, among others, reflecting the significant support and collaboration from the highest levels. The evening commenced with a series of speeches starting with remarks from Mohammed Al Kubaisi, Acting CEO of EAA Foundation, and representatives from Awqaf. A highlight of the event was live speeches from two Al Fakhoora scholars who shared their transformative educational journeys. The event concluded with a Ramadan Ghabga.  

Director General of the General Administration of Endowments at Awqaf, Eng. Hassan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Hassan stated, 'Through its Endowment Fund for Scientific and Cultural Development, offers educational opportunities across various fields, underscoring our commitment to fostering knowledge and innovation. Our university scholarship project illustrates our dedication to education as the cornerstone of societal advancement, inspired by the historical role of endowments in supporting scholars.'

He added, 'The funding aims to equip students with the tools needed for academic success and societal contribution, highlighting the transformative impact of endowments in education and community development.'

The Director General also expressed his appreciation for the partnerships with the Education Above All Foundation and other institutions, noting, 'These collaborations enhance our community engagement, reflecting the endowment's broad role in improving diverse aspects of life.

Talal Al Hothal, Director of the Al Fakhoora Programme, expressed his enthusiasm about the ongoing success of the Qatar Scholarship Programme in Qatar: 'Tonight, we not only celebrate the academic achievements of our scholars, but also their resilience in overcoming challenges and determination to reach their educational goals. Each recipient represents a vital thread in the fabric of Qatar's future. This programme, in alignment with Qatar Vision 2030, is a testament to our commitment to transforming education and empowering the youth of Qatar. We are immensely proud to support these promising scholars as they embark on journeys that will surely lead to significant contributions to society.'

The Qatar Scholarship Programme in Qatar, launched in 2018 with support from the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs – General Administration of Awqaf, is implemented by EAA through its Al Fakhoora program. It supports youth aged 17 to 25 who have spent most of their formative years in Qatar, providing them with needs-based scholarships to attend prominent local universities, including Al Rayan International University College, Doha Institute, Global Studies Institute, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Lusail University, Oryx Universal College, Qatar Finance and Business Academy, Qatar Foundation Universities, Qatar University, University of Calgary in Qatar, and University of Doha for Science and Technology.