Qatar Foundation’s role in reversing 'brain drain' in the Middle East

by Nazish Abdin and Zineb Abdessadok
DOHA- Discover. Achieve. Wonder. Think. These are a few of the words one might see splattered on yellow posters when driving down the streets of Doha. It is clear that the bold green capitalized letters are on a mission to attract a certain set of individuals; people with talent, ability, and knowledge. However, what one may not realize is that the yellow posters, the green phrases, and the tree symbol are all part of an ongoing campaign ingeniously devised by Qatar Foundation to combat the widespread and dangerous phenomena known as drain brain.
“Brain drain” is a term which refers to the phenomena in which men and women who could otherwise benefit their country with their education or intellect do not find any initiative to stay. Thus, those with the means to do so leave for countries that can offer them such opportunities and eventually end up settling and raising families in a country other than theirs. Some even acquire citizenship. Third world nations are most susceptible to this as they are unable, due to their lack of funds or resources, to create universities or job opportunities. An example of this is the recent Iraqi- American conflict. As a typical side-effect of war, the emigration tide out of Iraq increased. A large part of these emigrants were well known Iraqi scientists and scholars. These individuals carry an unbelievable and substantial amount of experience and knowledge that would strongly benefit the country they reside in. Unfortunately, the best facilities offered to their talents are only available in the west; leaving the Middle East barren of scientific and medical advancements. . Qatar could easily have become victim to this overwhelming trend, however, when Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al Missned, the wife of Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani took notice of Iraq's ongoing tragedy, she, in association with the UNESCO Literacy Campaign began the efforts to create the world renowned Qatar Foundation, in hopes of attracting not only Iraqi scientists, but also Middle Eastern and Asian talents of the Muslim world along with enhancing the intellectual capacity of the locals.
Fourteen years later, Qatar Foundation hosts six of the world’s top universities, research facilities in medicine, physics, technology, and philanthropic, societal development, and humanitarian organizations that operate on an international scale, such as Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Al Jazeera Children's Channel , The Doha Debates, etc. Universities such as the Ivy League Weill Cornell Medical College, Texas A&M University and Georgetown University ensure that not just Qataris but foreign students will seek a position in one of these highly esteemed universities. A number of students from the American School of Doha are not just considering one of these colleges but count them among their top choices. Not surprising considering the outstanding conditions that one is offered in the event that they are able to live and study here. Zuhaib Abdin, a current Texas A&M student, relayed his feeling of elation when he realized he had gotten accepted into one of the highest ranked university in the world, which due to Qatar Foundation, meant he did not have to move to Texas to attend: “I graduated from ASD and I’d lived in Doha for seven years before I graduated, so I basically considered Qatar home. Getting into TAMUQ [Texas A&M University in Qatar] meant I wouldn’t have to up and relocate to an all together new environment.” In the years since Abdin graduated (2005) more and more students have become aware of the opportunities stood to be availed by attending one of the prestigious institutions of Qatar Foundation. Qataris for instance have an added incentive of being guaranteed a job after graduation in their fields of study. This is not to deter foreigners; in fact, priority is given to all graduates of Qatar Foundation.

Another way in which the foundation seeks to reverse “brain drain” is by bringing together expatriate Arab scientists at annual forums, which started in April 2006. More than 15,000 Arab physicians left their countries to go abroad between 1998 and 2000, according to a study by the UN Development Program (UNDP). Fortunately, the founding of Education City (the chapter of Qatar Foundation that includes all the learning institutions) has reversed this, by a small percentage though, however, the numbers are ever growing and the facilities have been deemed a thriving success by the students and scientists. “Having spent my childhood and youth in Qatar, I always thought while growing up that I would have to leave my country for a number of years, not just for my professional career, but also for my education. After that we might remain abroad, for graduate school or a job. Since our young country had no notable educational institutions and little opportunities for personal development; during the past decade while I was a teenager, this situation changed dramatically. Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development established Education City in Doha. To have such a global experience right here in my home city is quite an opportunity.” (Saad Al- Matwi a student of CMU-Q, class of 2010)
Aiding in this quest for nationwide education are the numerous oil and gas companies situated in Qatar. The Head of the Department of Operations at Ras Gas (Qatar’s leading liquefied natural gas exporter) says that every year representatives of Ras Gas, along with several other oil and gas companies, scout the grounds of Education City as the prime source for strong potential employees : “Qatar Foundation has been extremely helpful for companies looking for fresh talent and especially for ensuring the continued progress of Qatar as a fully developed nation.” For students who have not yet graduated, these same companies offer chances of internship during summer vacations.
In an era of change and diffusion, Qatar Foundations innovative role in reversing “brain drain” is laudable; not only has it prevented locals from leaving due to lack of incentive, but has achieved a level of international recognition and prestige that foreigners are eager to avail. The foundation’s plan for the future is a path of success; its facilities and research laboratories continue to grow and develop, its goals and aims are important stepping stones in creating a generation of students and a workforce that not only competes with, but also rivals those in the western world. “It is amazing what Sheikha Mozah has done for Qatar by building Education City. She has brought the world’s top universities in their specialties, giving the Qatari youth the best education they can get. However, her generosity hasn’t only included Qataris, but also expatriates living in Qatar”, Nabil El Nashar praise extends to include multiple individuals connected to this state of the art institution. These people and numerous are sure of the opinion that Qatar has attained an impressive role in international education and research opportunities; a proven procedure in efficiently reversing “brain drain”.