HE Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada: In challenging times, QF rises up

As oil- and gas-producing countries hold key talks about challenges surrounding oil prices and global energy markets amid the COVID-19 pandemic – including ongoing negotiations among OPEC member countries to reduce oil production – Qatar is exceeding expectations, and moving forward with its energy plans.

This is demonstrated by Qatar Petroleum recently announcing that it will start drilling wells for the expansion of the North Field project, which will contribute to positioning Qatar as the world’s largest producer of liquefied gas, despite its withdrawal from the OPEC two years ago.

Amid the current global energy situation and international calls for unified efforts to address turbulent times in the oil market, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatar’s former Minister of Energy and Industry of the State of Qatar, said: “Qatar is continuing to allocate its resources to deliver on its strategic goals of investing in human capacity, and developing its oil, gas and petrochemical industries, as well as other major projects”.

His Excellency Dr. Al-Sada, who is a member of the Board of Directors of Qatar Foundation (QF) and chairman of the Joint Advisory Board of Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) – a QF partner university – explained that Qatar’s withdrawal from OPEC does not mean it has exited the international community of countries in the energy sector. “On the contrary, Qatar plays an active and effective role in the international community, and this is reflected in its success in dealing with various parties such as governments and global corporations,” he said.

“Qatar has built broader horizons following its withdrawal from OPEC, as it now has more room to embark on its projects and establish its positions with greater flexibility.”

Speaking after participating in a recent virtual edition of TAMUQ’s Al Maerifa public seminar series, His Excellency Dr. Al-Sada said: “Qatar is open to all parties in the oil sector, whether they are producers or consumers. Our country is building a more prosperous future not for the short- or medium-term, but for the long-term”.

He also spoke about Qatar Petroleum’s March announcement regarding the start of the development of the drilling campaign for the North Field East Project, describing it as an illustration of Qatar’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges.

“It is also testament to those who work in this sector, as the drilling works are progressing as scheduled to achieve the goal of this project confidently and efficiently,” he said.

His Excellency Dr. Al-Sada also believes Qatar’s institutions and organizations as a whole have demonstrated their resilience in testing times, including the COVID-19 crisis, and praised QF’s efforts to continue the education process and provide virtual platforms for discussion and dialogue that bring together decision-makers and experts from around the world,

“Qatar Foundation is a unique organization that makes us proud, especially during challenging times, which is where Qatar Foundation rises up even more,” he said.

“Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities in Qatar have established precautionary measures to protect the community, such as remote learning and remote working systems.

“Qatar Foundation was among the first organizations to immediately implement these decisions and take the necessary actions to protect its community members, while also preserving the health and safety of the whole community. It was able to lead the educational processes throughout its schools and universities at Education City, proving that education is the most precious and important thing.

“Likewise, a remote working system was also activated across Qatar Foundation, showing its resilience and capacity to take proactive measures that make it ready to face challenges, as well as the readiness of its communication infrastructure, and its use of modern technologies.

“The world-class partner universities at Qatar Foundation have also demonstrated their readiness and ability to continue the educational process during a time of crisis, as have Hamad Bin Khalifa University and its research centers and institutions that have the capacity to develop innovative solutions.

“Qatar Foundation proved that it can rise up to challenges, and in Qatar we can see education and business progressing in parallel so that we can overcome this difficult time together.”