Qatari Adventurer Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Thani Inspires Georgetown Qatar Class of 2026 to Pursue Purpose and Resilience
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Thani, the first Qatari to summit the highest peaks on all seven continents and ski to the South Pole, delivered a powerful commencement address to Georgetown University in Qatar’s Class of 2026 on May 7. His message emphasized the importance of pursuing one’s passions while also contributing positively to the lives of others.
Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of Musafir.com and High Camp Holding Company, encouraged graduates to seek their “mountain”—the pursuit that ignites their passion. He articulated that while power, fame, and wealth can be tools for achieving one’s goals, they should not be mistaken for the ultimate destination. He stated, “You are never at the top for more than a moment at a time. The mountain is that at the end of your life, someone’s life is better because you are in it.”
A Class Shaped by Global Events
The Class of 2026’s journey through higher education was marked by significant global events that shaped their experiences. Many graduates faced personal challenges during their time at the university, which was underscored by the presence of family, friends, faculty, and staff at the commencement ceremony.
Starting their academic careers amid COVID-19 restrictions, the graduates witnessed geopolitical turmoil, including conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, Gaza, and Lebanon. For some, these were not just distant news stories but realities that affected their families and communities.
In their final semester, the ongoing tensions with Iran and its implications for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) created a divide on campus, preventing students from celebrating together during a pivotal moment in their lives. The geopolitical landscape they studied shifted dramatically, providing them with a unique perspective on the world.
Resilience and Recognition
At the Tropaia Awards ceremony earlier in the week, student speaker Remas Alhawari, an International Politics major, acknowledged the collective challenges faced by her peers. She emphasized that these hardships did not diminish the value of their education. “The privilege that came with this place will follow you,” she remarked, underscoring the lasting impact of their experiences at Georgetown.
Despite the obstacles, the Class of 2026 achieved remarkable academic success. Twenty-two students graduated with honors in their major, nine were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and two received Schwarzman Scholarships. Graduates will continue their academic pursuits at prestigious institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Sciences Po, Johns Hopkins University, Tsinghua University, and through the Erasmus Mundus Program.
A Legacy of Excellence
Dean Safwan Masri, who has been with Georgetown University in Qatar since the Class of 2026 began their journey, concluded his tenure by urging graduates to embrace their responsibilities. He highlighted the Jesuit ideal of being “people for others” and the Islamic principles of justice, mercy, and knowledge. “Your education, in this sense, is generational. It prepares you to build futures commensurate with the needs of our time,” he stated.
As both Dean Masri and the Class of 2026 transition to the next phase of their lives, they leave behind a legacy that has solidified Georgetown Qatar’s reputation as a regional center of excellence. The university admitted just 9% of applicants for its incoming class this year, with applications increasing by 92%, marking the highest interest in its history. The introduction of a new major in Science, Technology, and International Affairs further positions Georgetown Qatar as a leader in preparing future global leaders.
About Georgetown University in Qatar
Established in 2005, Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is the leading global campus of the university, offering a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) with majors in International Politics, International Economics, Culture and Politics, and International History. GU-Q also provides an Executive Master’s program in Diplomacy and International Affairs, along with various customized professional development programs for public and private sector entities.
For more information, contact: Rajaa Elidrissi (re348@georgetown.edu), Nahla El Sherif (ne89@georgetown.edu).
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-10 09:59:00 • By the Editorial Desk
