Doha: The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, held a ceremony to celebrate the winners of the first-ever Distinguished Youth Researcher Award. This event focused on the subject of delayed marriage and its effects on young individuals within Qatari society.
According to Qatar News Agency, the ceremony took place at the premises of the Ministry of Awqaf, where the top three winners, along with the award panel members and judges, were honored for their scholarly contributions. The event was graced by the presence of key figures, including HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani and HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Eng. Yasser bin Abdullah Al Jamal, alongside several experts and officials in the fields of youth and research.
The winners were Shama Khalid Hamad Abu Satuwa Al Hajri, who achieved first place and received a cash prize of QAR 100,000, along with a recommendation to publish her research. Dima Ali Faraj Muteb Al Kubaisi secured second place, earning QAR 75,000, and Dalma Ali Hijab Mohammed Al Hajri took third place with a prize of QAR 50,000.
Dr. Sheikh Khalid emphasized that the award represents a significant investment in youth awareness and the nation's future, aligning with the ministry's dedication to fostering scientific research and youth empowerment. He highlighted the award as a national platform for addressing pressing social issues, particularly the matter of delayed marriage, which impacts both family and community.
Eng. Al Jamal highlighted the award as a vital component of the national Qatar policy action for youth, underscoring the importance of scientific research in equipping the younger generation to tackle societal challenges. He praised the partnership between the ministries as a model for mobilizing national efforts to serve the community and raise awareness of crucial issues affecting youth.
Sheikh Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani, Director of Awqaf's Department of Islamic Research and Studies and Chair of the Award panel, described the award as an annual cultural initiative aimed at addressing pressing social problems in Qatar. He stressed the importance of exploring causes and solutions to these issues.
Maha Issa Al Rumaihi, Director of the Planning, Quality, and Innovation Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth and Vice-Chairperson of the award, reiterated the ministry's commitment to empowering youth by encouraging scientific research and enhancing awareness of community challenges.
The award panel expressed gratitude to all participants for their scientific efforts and research, which demonstrated a deep understanding of social challenges in Qatar. The ceremony concluded with an emphasis on the award's role in honing youth skills and supporting the Qatari community through informed discourse and a national vision.