Doha, 12 Sept 2025

The British Community Foundation (BCF), a new non-profit initiative established to support the British community in Qatar, was officially launched at a special event on 8 September 2025. Hosted by British Ambassador to Qatar, Neerav Patel, the launch event took the form of a traditional British afternoon tea and brought together British diplomats, local media, and members of the British expatriate community in Doha.

The BCF has been created with the core mission of enhancing the welfare and well-being of British nationals living in Qatar. The organization aims to support community-led initiatives and foster stronger bonds between British residents and the wider Qatari society. It will also serve as a platform to promote social cohesion, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between the two communities.

The Foundation operates independently but works closely with the British Embassy in Doha, the British Council, and other British community organizations in Qatar. It is governed by a volunteer Council made up of members from across the British community. The Council is chaired by Ambassador Neerav Patel, with Deputy Ambassador Duncan Hill serving as Vice-Chair. Other Council members include Poppy Clinton (The Edge Picture Company), Nicola Jones (Vital Certificates), Maryam Wahid (Qatar Museums), and David Lish (Doha College), who also serves as the BCF’s Treasurer.

During his remarks at the event, Ambassador Patel emphasized the community-driven nature of the initiative, stating, “The British Community Foundation has been created by the community, for the community. I invite all Brits in Qatar to come along to our community events and get involved. Whether you’ve just arrived from the UK or have called Qatar home for many years, the Foundation is here to help you connect, contribute, and feel at home.”

The BCF also unveiled its upcoming Autumn 2025 program, which includes a variety of community-focused events. These will include a weekly playgroup for parents and pre-school children, monthly social mixers, a support group, and family events for families with special educational needs (SEN), town hall meetings to gather community feedback, and a Winter Bazaar hosted in the garden of the British Ambassador’s residence.

Roxy Hailes, founder of the British and Irish Mums Living in Doha Facebook group and organizer of the BCF playgroup, highlighted the importance of such initiatives. “It’s wonderful to have the British Community Foundation here to help Brits,” she said. “Playgroup is a brilliant opportunity for families to get together and make new friends.”

The BCF encourages community members to stay updated through its Instagram (@BCFQatar), Facebook (British Community Foundation), monthly newsletter, and official website (www.bcfqatar.com).