Doha: Qatar University (QU) and Qatar Shell celebrated the completion of the first cohort of Shell Intilaaqah - Qatar, a national initiative designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among youth and enable them to enter the world of entrepreneurship with solid academic and experiential foundations.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Dean of the College of Business and Economics at QU, Dr. Rana Sobh, highlighted the program's impact, stating that it empowered students with skills, mindset, and real-world experience necessary for success in various contexts. The collaboration between QU and Qatar Shell has been a significant journey of growth and impact for the participants.

Hussain Al-Hijji, General Manager of Corporate Relations at Qatar Shell and the main sponsor of the program, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainable development through investing in the next generation. He noted that Shell Intilaaqah - Qatar goes beyond teaching entrepreneurship by providing a space for students to grow, dream, test ideas, and build self-belief.

Dr. Khalid Al Hashimi, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at QU, expressed satisfaction with the program's conclusion. He announced plans to expand the program in the next academic year to include tracks in both Arabic and English, thereby increasing student participation and supporting Qatar's efforts toward a sustainable knowledge-based economy.

The program's success was evident in the improved entrepreneurial competencies of participants across 15 areas. Students reported a 30 percent increase in their ability to identify high-impact opportunities and a 17 percent boost in their confidence to start their own ventures after completing the program.

Looking forward, the second cohort of Shell Intilaaqah - Qatar is set to begin in August 2025. It aims to build on the achievements of the first cohort by equipping more students with the skills and knowledge necessary to transform their ideas into successful ventures, contributing to Qatar's innovation-driven economy.

At the event's conclusion, participants were honored for their commitment and engagement, receiving certificates of participation. This recognition underscores the program's message of collaboration, national empowerment, and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial future.

The program attracted strong interest, with 188 students applying from various academic backgrounds. After a rigorous selection process, 100 participants were accepted into the program.