Last April, Al Faleh Educational Holding, a Qatari Public Shareholding Company, listed its shares on the Venture Market of the Qatar Stock Exchange.
The Company, founded and chaired by a Qatari woman, Dr. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, was the first in the Arab world to be listed on a stock exchange. “We are proud to be the first Qatari company that specializes in providing premier educational services to enlist in Qatar’s Stock Exchange,” Dr. Sheikha Aisha said.
“The success of this endeavor assured us of the confidence the investors have in our services and our visionary leadership in managing our distinguished schools and exceptional college. Our success in the Qatar Stock Exchange was also the result of our studied steps towards longevity and steady development in the educational services market,” she added.
Dr. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani praised the role of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority and the Qatar Stock Exchange for the great role they played in the success of the endeavor embarked upon and their generous sponsorship of the company and their provision of various facilities that helped maximize the company's opportunities in the stock market.
Al Faleh Educational Holding runs three schools, including Doha Academy and Doha International Kindergarten, in addition to a top ranked university that is also the first UK University to operate on a dedicated campus in Qatar — AFG College with the University of Aberdeen.
Expansion and development strategies
Under the leadership of Dr. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani, Chairperson of Al Faleh Educational Holding, AFG College with the University of Aberdeen has been successful in assuming a pivotal role in the advancement of the education sector in the State of Qatar.
That astounding feat has been achieved thanks to the college’s highly-advanced educational and academic services provided. In line with their unwavering commitment to enriching their students’ educational and academic experiences, AFG College with the University of Aberdeen recently announced that the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has approved the launch of a new undergraduate programme. It will launch in September and will become AFG’s fifth undergraduate degree to be offered since the College opened in 2017.
Continuing with their expansion in disciplines that will play a positive impact within the community, the new MA Business Management & Legal Studies, will offer students a solid grounding in business, management and organizations together with a deeper understanding of the legal framework within which businesses of all sizes operate. With this degree students will gain highly developed analytical and academic skills, which will give them a head start in international business and many other career options.
Dr. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani noted: “We are excited to be launching this new programme in September where students will benefit from developing their expertise in both business management and legal studies, preparing them for a diverse range of careers. Over four years, students will develop an excellent grounding across the subject areas as we bring theory and practice to life for them. The AFG team is looking forward to working with and inspiring the next generation of leaders in business and law in Doha."
She then added: “As Qatar seeks to develop its citizens’ human capital, in line with the country’s National Vision 2030, we understand as a quality provider of higher education, and that we are uniquely positioned to play our role in augmenting Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s strategic plan of achieving a highly educated workforce.”
This decision comes on the heels of the introduction of five new degree programmes for the college in 2020.
The programmes, which were approved by Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr. Mohammed Abdulwahed Al Hammadi, include three undergraduate bachelor degrees, in ‘Business Management & Information Systems’, ‘Business Management & International Relations’ and ‘Business Management & Legal Studies’. The two specialist postgraduate offerings include an ‘MSc International Human Resource Management’ and a ‘Masters in Education’. AFG College has achieved advanced and tangible growth in the level of field of providing quality educational services in a relatively short time, as the number of current enrolled students has exceeded 700.
Digitization is the face of COVID-19 pandemic
Digitization was Al-Faleh Educational Holding’s secret weapon in combating the repercussions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift in providing its premier educational services digitally is the direct reason to Al Faleh’s continuity and success, where others faltered for not adopting this method and adapting early on.
"We had adopted the digitization method in providing our educational services ahead of the world’s plight with the pandemic, especially at AFG College, and therefore we were fully prepared to pass that test successfully without interruption of any of our services. Digitization the future and we must adapt with the times in order to remain relevant.” stated Dr. Sheikha Aisha. “We will continue to adopt this method in our educational facilities, as it strengthens our students’ confidence in their ability to be self-reliant.”
AFG College graduation ceremony
AFG College with the University of Aberdeen, is currently gearing up for its annual graduation ceremony, which will be held remotely on July 22 due to the precautionary measures imposed by the government in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, Dr. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani confirmed that the College administration will take all measures to ensure that the celebratory spirit evoked during such joyous occasions is felt by all graduating students. "Our goal is to host a joyous and festive graduation ceremony that satisfies all graduating students, even if remotely," she stated.
Future plans and aspirations
The university has also divulged its future expansion plans, which include setting up a new campus in Al Daayen District. The new campus will allow the university to accommodate the robust number of students that apply every year. There are currently over 700 students.
Commenting on the aforementioned decision, Dr. Sheikha Aisha stated: “The influx of applications from students that wish to enroll in our programs each year is frankly astounding. That is a clear sign of the success of our operations and a testament to the efficiency of our educational and academic services. However, that has also driven us to further expand our campus, and that propelled us to collaborate with the University of Aberdeen on developing a new campus in Al Daayen District.”
The new state-of-the-art campus will reflect both the University of Aberdeen’s standards and that of Al Faleh Educational Holding and their penchant for the highest of qualities. The campus design will reflect the harmonious marriage between the East and the West, and will house the university’s various schools which include Engineering, Business, Social Studies, and Health Studies. The new campus will also provide students with exceptional amenities that aim to enrich their academic experiences.
“Our commitment to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s vision for 2030 is unwavering, and we are always keen on supporting his quest for the advancement of this country and its continued prosperity.” Dr. Sheikha Aisha said.
