Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi
Doha, Qatar: The late Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani played a pioneering role in nurturing Qatar’s culture of scientific research and innovation by encouraging young Qataris to pursue creativity and technological excellence, according to Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi.
Speaking in an interview with Qatar Television yesterday, Dr Al Nuaimi said the late Father Amir firmly believed in investing in the capabilities of Qatar’s youth and was committed to creating opportunities for talented innovators and inventors to develop their skills and contribute to the country’s future.
Recalling one of the earliest initiatives inspired by the Father Amir, Dr Al Nuaimi highlighted the establishment of the Qatar Scientific Club, describing it as one of the most significant milestones in promoting scientific research and innovation among young Qataris.
He said the idea for the club originated when Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was Crown Prince and responsible for youth affairs. Recognising the need to provide a dedicated platform for talented young innovators, he directed the formation of a working team to study the feasibility of creating an institution that would bring together gifted youth and encourage scientific creativity.
Dr Al Nuaimi said the planning process began around 1985, culminating in the official establishment of the Qatar Scientific Club in 1986. The club has since become one of Qatar’s leading institutions for supporting scientific talent and innovation.
He also recalled that the late Father Amir personally visited the club twice, demonstrating his close interest in its progress. The first visit took place shortly after the club’s establishment, when it was operating from two villas in Al Sadd. During the visit, then-Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad toured the various sections of the club, met young members and encouraged them to continue developing their scientific ideas and inventions.
Following his accession as Amir, Sheikh Hamad visited the Qatar Scientific Club again during the 1990s, where he urged young Qataris to place greater emphasis on scientific research and actively participate in local and international competitions.
According to Dr Al Nuaimi, the Father Amir consistently motivated young people to excel in science and innovation, instilling confidence and determination in them to pursue excellence in research and technological development.
He added that the achievements recorded by the Qatar Scientific Club over the decades reflect the enduring vision of the late Father Amir, whose commitment to empowering youth through science laid the foundations for one of Qatar’s most important institutions dedicated to innovation and creativity.
