Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani in conversation with journalist and video creator Uptin Saiidi at the Web Summit Qatar 2025.
Doha, Qatar: Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani emphasised the importance of purpose-driven innovation, yesterday, while speaking at the Web Summit Qatar 2025.
In a session titled ‘Running in Circles: How the Old Has Become New’, Sheikha Hind highlighted the necessity of honouring the wisdom of the past and finding balance to create a meaningful impact on the world.
“Innovating for the sake of innovation may not find the solutions that we’re seeking. So, it’s important for us to really take stock of what’s needed in the world, and make sure that we’re able to reflect on the knowledge of our ancestors, because there are great innovations that have happened before,” she said.
Sheikha Hind shared her perspective by discussing the Qatar Foundation (QF), which was established 30 years ago, and how her mother, H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, sought to “learn from best practices around the world and localize them to our community, so we had the best quality of education while ensuring our culture and heritage was preserved.”
Sheikha Hind in conversation with journalist and video creator Uptin Saiidi, explained that it is important to identify the problem, understand the resources or solutions required to tackle it, and acknowledge that the process of finding and implementing those solutions will take time and effort.
“It took us 30 years to get to where we are today, and now we are a vibrant ecosystem that continues to support individuals not just in our country, but across the world,” she said.
In reply to a question on whether Artificial Intelligence is a friend or a threat, Sheikha Hind said, “both” and highlighted that its benefits in areas such as services and security, while acknowledging the privacy concerns it brings.
“There has to be some form of regulation that ensures we’re not just completely relying on AI for everything but also enables understanding of what’s true and what’s not.
“We need to not just regulate, but also self-regulate,” she said.
Reflecting on the growth Qatar has seen over the years Sheikha Hind said that it highlights the incredible opportunities to test and implement ideas in this country, especially with the quick pace of development and the talented workforce available.
“We are a country that has a seat at the table where our voice matters. We have always been very clear about who we are as a country and what we believe in, and that is absolutely freeing, but also gives us a drive. Not many people in different countries have been able to witness the development of those countries, so we are truly privileged,” she said.
QF’s participation at Web Summit Qatar 2025 also includes its global education thinktank WISE hosting panel discussions; the World Innovation Summit for Health, QF’s global healthcare initiative, organised a session on developing a “cluster” of biomedical and precision health innovation in Qatar. QF’s HBKU has signed a strategic agreement with Web Summit.
