Qatar Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Qatar Foundation has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, research, community development, and financial operations.

Dedicated to advancing human potential, Qatar Foundation fosters a culture of innovation through comprehensive education, scientific research, and community-focused initiatives that drive sustainable progress across the Middle East region.

Leadership Roles at Qatar Foundation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ahmad Alhajaji
  • Director, Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Impact Office - Hanieh Khataee
  • Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office - Aysha Al Mudahka
  • Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office - Zeidon Alkinani
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ahmed Sameh
  • Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office - Afra AlRemithi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sheikha Al-Fadalah
  • Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office - Hanan Maarouf
  • Deputy President of General Assembly - Yuktha Puranik
  • Chief Communications Officer - Mayan Zebeib
  • Ahmad Alhajaji - Chief Executive Officer

    Ahmad Alhajaji, the Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Foundation, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Alhajaji oversees the integration of educational programs with scientific research initiatives to ensure alignment with national development goals. By managing high-level stakeholder relationships, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for long-term institutional growth. Ahmad Alhajaji maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every department contributes to the broader mission of human capacity building. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of organizational performance metrics to optimize impact across the Middle East. Through rigorous oversight of internal governance, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees that all activities remain consistent with the core values of the foundation. Ultimately, Alhajaji drives the strategic trajectory of the organization, ensuring that the foundation remains a leader in regional education and research sectors while fostering a sustainable future for the community.

    Hanieh Khataee - Director, Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Impact Office

    Hanieh Khataee, the Director, Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Impact Office at Qatar Foundation, architects the long-term planning frameworks that guide organizational growth. Khataee evaluates the efficacy of current programs to ensure maximum social return on investment. By analyzing market trends and educational needs, the Director, Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Impact Office identifies opportunities for expansion within the research and community development sectors. Hanieh Khataee coordinates with other executive leaders to align departmental objectives with the overarching mission of the foundation. This role requires constant monitoring of impact metrics to refine operational strategies and improve service delivery. Through data-driven decision-making, the Director, Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Impact Office enhances the visibility of the foundation's contributions to regional progress. Khataee ensures that strategic initiatives remain agile, responsive, and focused on delivering measurable improvements in human development outcomes across the entire operational footprint.

    Aysha Al Mudahka - Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office

    Aysha Al Mudahka, the Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office at Qatar Foundation, cultivates essential alliances that expand the reach of educational and research programs. Al Mudahka identifies potential collaborators in the private and public sectors to strengthen the foundation's influence. By negotiating complex agreements, the Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office secures the support necessary for large-scale projects. Aysha Al Mudahka manages the lifecycle of these partnerships, ensuring that all collaborative efforts align with the mission of the foundation. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between academic research and practical community application through strategic networking. Through the development of robust external relations, the Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office enhances the foundation's capacity to address regional challenges. Al Mudahka drives the growth of these initiatives, ensuring that every partnership contributes to the long-term sustainability and impact of the organization.
    Aysha Al Mudahka

    Zeidon Alkinani - Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office

    Zeidon Alkinani, the Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office at Qatar Foundation, manages the execution of core educational and community programs. Alkinani oversees the design and delivery of initiatives that directly impact the people of Qatar. By evaluating program performance, the Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office ensures that all activities meet the high standards of the foundation. Zeidon Alkinani coordinates with research teams to integrate new findings into existing program frameworks. This leadership role involves managing diverse teams to ensure that community development goals are met with precision and care. Through the continuous refinement of program offerings, the Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office enhances the foundation's ability to address the evolving needs of the population. Alkinani drives the success of these programs, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the broader mission of fostering human potential and sustainable development.
    Zeidon Alkinani

    Ahmed Sameh - Chief Financial Officer

    Ahmed Sameh, the Chief Financial Officer at Qatar Foundation, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire organization. Sameh oversees the budgeting process, ensuring that funds are directed toward high-impact education and research programs. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency and accountability across all departments. Ahmed Sameh analyzes economic data to forecast future funding requirements and mitigate financial risks. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the board to ensure that financial strategies support the long-term sustainability of the foundation. Through the optimization of capital deployment, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to pursue ambitious scientific and community development goals. Sameh ensures that all financial operations comply with international standards, thereby protecting the reputation and assets of the foundation. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the fiscal stability required to sustain the foundation's mission of fostering human potential.

    Afra AlRemithi - Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office

    Afra AlRemithi, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office at Qatar Foundation, oversees the financial aspects of organizational transformation. AlRemithi directs the change management initiatives that align internal processes with evolving strategic goals. By monitoring the financial impact of new policies, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office ensures that transitions remain cost-effective and sustainable. Afra AlRemithi facilitates communication between finance and operations to ensure that change efforts are well-funded and supported. This leadership role involves identifying areas for process improvement and implementing solutions that drive organizational agility. Through the careful management of resources during periods of transition, the Chief Financial Officer, Lead Change Management Office minimizes disruption to core educational and research activities. AlRemithi ensures that all change management strategies are grounded in sound financial analysis, thereby supporting the long-term growth and adaptability of the foundation in a competitive global landscape.

    Sheikha Al-Fadalah - Chief Operating Officer

    Sheikha Al-Fadalah, the Chief Operating Officer at Qatar Foundation, directs the daily administrative and operational functions that support the foundation's mission. Al-Fadalah optimizes internal processes to improve efficiency across the education and research campuses. By overseeing facility management and logistical support, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all programs have the necessary infrastructure to succeed. Sheikha Al-Fadalah coordinates with department heads to streamline workflows and eliminate operational bottlenecks. This leadership role involves managing large-scale projects that require precise execution and cross-functional collaboration. Through the implementation of modern management systems, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the overall productivity of the organization. Al-Fadalah maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the foundation's physical and digital environments remain conducive to learning and innovation. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer provides the foundational support necessary for the foundation to achieve its strategic objectives in the region.

    Hanan Maarouf - Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office

    Hanan Maarouf, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office at Qatar Foundation, manages the essential business services that enable the foundation to function effectively. Maarouf oversees procurement, human resources, and administrative support to ensure that all departments have the resources required for their operations. By optimizing the supply chain and service delivery models, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office improves the overall efficiency of the organization. Hanan Maarouf implements policies that support a productive work environment for staff and researchers. This leadership role involves managing complex service contracts and ensuring that all business support functions align with the foundation's mission. Through the strategic oversight of administrative operations, the Chief Operating Officer, Business Support Office reduces overhead and increases the capacity for investment in core mission areas. Maarouf ensures that the foundation's business support infrastructure remains robust, scalable, and responsive to the needs of the entire organization.

    Yuktha Puranik - Deputy President of General Assembly

    Yuktha Puranik, the Deputy President of General Assembly at Qatar Foundation, supports the governance and legislative processes that guide the organization. Puranik facilitates discussions within the assembly to ensure that all strategic decisions reflect the diverse interests of the foundation's stakeholders. By overseeing the procedural integrity of assembly meetings, the Deputy President of General Assembly maintains the foundation's commitment to transparency and democratic decision-making. Yuktha Puranik collaborates with the leadership team to ensure that assembly resolutions are effectively implemented across all departments. This leadership role involves mediating complex issues and fostering consensus among various interest groups. Through the careful management of governance structures, the Deputy President of General Assembly ensures that the foundation remains accountable to its mission and the people it serves. Puranik drives the effectiveness of the assembly, ensuring that it remains a vital component of the foundation's organizational structure and long-term strategic planning.

    Mayan Zebeib - Chief Communications Officer

    Mayan Zebeib, the Chief Communications Officer at Qatar Foundation, directs the global messaging and brand strategy for the organization. Zebeib oversees the dissemination of information regarding the foundation's achievements in education, science, and community development. By managing media relations and public outreach, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the foundation's mission is clearly understood by stakeholders worldwide. Mayan Zebeib develops campaigns that highlight the impact of research and educational initiatives on the regional community. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to ensure that all communications are consistent with the foundation's values and strategic goals. Through the use of digital and traditional media, the Chief Communications Officer enhances the visibility and reputation of the foundation. Zebeib drives the narrative of the organization, ensuring that its contributions to human potential are recognized and celebrated across the international community.
    Mayan Zebeib

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Qatar Foundation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Qatar Foundation?
    Qatar Foundation is led by Ahmad Alhajaji (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Hanieh Khataee (Director, Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Impact Office) and Aysha Al Mudahka (Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office).
    Who is part of Qatar Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Qatar Foundation includes leaders such as Ahmad Alhajaji (Chief Executive Officer), Hanieh Khataee (Director, Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Impact Office), Aysha Al Mudahka (Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Qatar Foundation have?
    Qatar Foundation has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Qatar Foundation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Qatar Foundation includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Director, Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Impact Office, Director, Strategic Initiative & Chief Executive Officer, Partnerships Development, Office, Chief Executive Officer & Head of Programs, Office, Chief Financial Officer.