Doha, 24 August 2025

Engineers Australia, Qatar Chapter, with the support of HE Shane Flanagan, Australian Ambassador to Qatar, recently hosted a high-impact CEO Panel Discussion under the theme ‘Engineering Qatar’s Future – Strategic Leadership for National Vision 2030’ at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Doha.

The event brought together over 130 industry leaders and experts from the engineering and construction sectors, all contributing insights into Qatar’s ongoing development and alignment with its National Vision 2030.

In his keynote address, HE Shane Flanagan underscored the strong and growing ties between Qatar and Australia, noting that bilateral trade has doubled since 2015, now exceeding A$3.3 billion. He highlighted the vital contributions of Australian engineers and companies to Qatar’s progress and celebrated the launch of a landmark education partnership between Swinburne University of Technology and Barzan University College, enabling Australian degrees to be offered in Qatar for the first time.

Flanagan also acknowledged Qatar’s diplomatic role during the Israel-Hamas conflict, reiterated Australia’s support for a peaceful two-state solution, and announced that Australia will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

Dr. Hassan Al-Derham, Vice-Chairman of Barzan University College, spoke of the institution’s role in aligning education with Qatar’s national vision. By integrating Australian academic excellence with local industry needs, 'we prepare a generation of graduates who are not only globally competent but locally impactful'. he stressed.

Wei Li Wong, Director of Strategic Engagement & Partnership Development at Barzan University College, in her speech on the occasion said, 'At the heart of our collaboration is a shared commitment to employability and innovation. Through early industry engagement, co-designed curricula, and strategic partnerships, we are building a future-ready workforce for Qatar—one that thrives at the intersection of academia and industry', she stated.

Abdul Zameer Ahamed Sab, President of Engineers Australia’s Qatar Chapter, reflected on the chapter’s growing influence and announced a key milestone — the signing of a mutual recognition agreement with Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning (MMUP), enhancing professional mobility and recognition of engineering qualifications between both countries.

Treasurer Mohammed Ayaz addressed current challenges and future prospects in Qatar’s construction sector.

The panel discussion, moderated by Billie Teshich, featured distinguished speakers: Sheikha Athba Al Thani; Omar Bahgat (ECG); Shadi Saliba (GHD); and Alfred Berger (Berger+Parkkinen). Topics included sustainability, diversity, emerging technologies, and alignment with Vision 2030.

Earlier, Heba Mandour, Immediate Past President of the Qatar Chapter, welcomed dignitaries and attendees including Ambassador Flanagan, Dr. Hassan Al-Derham, and Wei Li Wong.

Anastasia Gavrilova set an engaging tone as the host, while Elton Fernandes, Forum Secretary, closed the event with a vote of thanks, acknowledging all participants and the dedicated team behind the scenes including Deputy President, Ravinder Sason; committee members Hossam Magdy Badr, Parveen Kumar, Haneefuddin Moulana, and all dedicated volunteers for their tireless work in making this event a resounding success.

The event served as a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing the strategic role of engineering in shaping Qatar’s future.