Signatories on behalf of the partnering institutions included Andy Brown, Shell’s Country Chairman in Qatar, Amaal Al Mannai, General Manager of the Social Development Center, Harald Jorch, President of The College of the North Atlantic - Qatar, Mohammed Hammoudi, Microsoft Country Manager, Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi, Senior Manager Corporate and Investment Banking of HSBC Bank Middle East, Qatar, and Hussam Abu Issa, Vice-Chairman of Salam International Investment Ltd (QSC).

Intilaaqah Qatar is a non-profit, social investment programme that will help young nationals to explore business start up as a viable career choice by assisting them in acquiring the necessary skills to be successful entrepreneurs. This programme will also help in the

diversification of the economy as well as in improving the individuals’ professional skills. The program has three main pillars that constitute the core of the program: Training and workshops, awards, and counselling/mentoring.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani added “The launch of this unique educational project is clearly linked to Qatar’s drive for a more diversified economy and to our national strategy to boldly develop our human resources through first class learning programmes such as this. I am very excited to see this programme launched and am confident of its success in the future.”

“Shell is very proud to be a partner in this remarkable project and to be able to share its global experience in similar programmes over the last 24 years.  We look forward to working with our partners to make Intilaaqah Qatar an effective conduit of professional excellence,” said Andy Brown.

“Our contribution to this program is fully aligned with our strategy to stimulate and support projects that could generate income for our target groups, namely economically inactive women and youth, through the accumulation of knowledge and practical skills. This partnership with top institutions in Qatar significantly adds to our efforts as it brings a new dimension to our portfolio of innovative and effective social projects,” added Amaal Al Mannai.

Dr. Harald Jorch remarked “CNAQ is very pleased and proud to partner with several other distinguished organizations in launching the Intilaaqah Qatar project. As we fulfill our role in developing the workforce of Qatar, we are pleased to bring the experience and expertise of the Canadian Community College system to this project. We look forward to full participation in developing the energy and entrepreneurialism of the youth of the country as they contribute to the future shape and vitality of the Qatar business environment.”

"Microsoft highly values its partnership in Intilaaqah Qatar. As a leading technology company, we recognize the responsibility we have to use our time, technology, and resources to help ensure that the Qatari youth can benefit from the technology we offer to build a prosperous economy," said Mohammad Hammoudi.

“Having been in Qatar for over 50 years, HSBC has a very strong commitment to this country.  We are thrilled at the opportunity that our participation and support of the Intilaaqah Qatar programme offers us to reach our to the local community and to embrace and nurture the talent that exists among the young people of this country,” added Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi.

“The promotion of business and economy within the country has become a priority and Salam International has taken a strategic decision to serve its communities through several initiatives governed by its Corporate Social Responsibility Program “The Pillars”. Salam International’s various sponsorships are in line with these objectives that are aimed at empowering the communities we serve and specifically Qatar..a vision beyond the realms of time,” Isa Abu Isa said.

The programme’s logo and slogan were developed by 3rd year students of the VCUQ Graphic Design Department.  The winning entries were selected by a senior judging panel composed of VCUQ professors and Qatar Shell executives out of the 16 outstanding contributions from all the students in the class.