Doha, 26 October 2019:   Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) has announced the successful completion of its series titled “Coffee with the CEO”, a part of its Kawader program for professional development. The series aimed to enage young Qatari professionals in open dialogue with leading CEOs from across the financial services sector in Qatar, within a casual and free environment. 

Through this series, QFBA was able to successfully aid in shaping the future of young Qatari professionals in their respective careers, moreover providing a platform for them to learn from industry pioneers how to lead a successful career in their future endeavors. 

Over the course of a month from September 11th 2019 to October 2nd 2019, the “Coffee with the CEO” series hosted Qatar’s top influential leaders who have played a transformative role in the financial services sector. The influential list in chronological order of session featured Mr. Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, CEO of Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFC), Mr. Abdallah Mubarak Al Khalifa, Acting Group CEO of Qatar National Bank (QNB) Group, Mr. Khalid Al Subeai, Group CEO of Barwa Bank, and Ms. Mira Al-Attiyah, CEO of QNB Capital.

Commenting on the successful conclusion of the series, QFBA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Khalid Al Horr said:

“We launched “Coffee with the CEO” series to build on the success and momentum we achieved last year, as we undertook an active role in empowering young and motivated Qatari professionals within the Kawader program. From its conception, we were confident “Coffee with the CEO” would deliver nothing short of profound positive change to the Qatari youth. We are grateful such distinguished leaders in the financial services sector were able to share their wisdom, vision and journey to a few of our nation’s youth, giving young Qatari professionals a path towards success and excellence in their financial endeavors, in a conscious and committed manner in line with global financial practices. 

We would also like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Qatar’s leading CEOs in the financial services sector who took the time from their busy schedule to share their strategic ideas and vision to advance our nation’s youth. Through this series, participants were able to fully immerse and learn more about financial practices to lead a successful career.” 

Mr. Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFC), said upon his session:

“I am incredibly proud of the remarkable talent and abilities of these young Qatari professionals as they engaged in an open dialogue. Their potential is a testament to the nation’s advancement and development of the financial services sector, as well as its bright future.”

Commenting on this,   Acting Chief Executive Officer, QNB Group, Mr. Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa said:

“It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with such distinguished young Qatari professionals. Their questions showcased pure drive, enthusiasm and a thirst for knowledge. I’m confident these promising minds will constitute our nation’s next leaders in the financial services sector and only elevate the state of Qatar towards growth.”

Khalid Al-Subeai, Group CEO, Barwa Bank Group commented on this occasion: 

“I am delighted to have taken part in the “Coffee with the CEO” series, a great platform and opportunity by QFBA to connect and exchange knowledge with the young talents and next leaders of our sector.
At a critical point in their career and entry into the financial field, it is imperative that young banking and finance professionals are offered the guidance and support they need in an environment that fosters creativity, entrepreneurship and networking opportunities. And it is equally important that they gain access to valuable insight and advice from industry veterans who lead by example. The “Coffee with the CEO” series is giving them a head start in this direction, and we are proud to have been part of it.”

One of QFBA’s key programme, Kawader launched its 7th edition on September 5th 2019. Kawader is an innovative learning initiative that is designed for grooming high potential young Qataris towards the financial services industry. It aims to bridge the gap between academia and practical skills required in the Qatari financial services sector. Kawader is an internationally accredited program and certified by global financial institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI), The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM). It also focuses on evolving market demands, thus providing the Qatari Financial Services sector with qualified individuals to actively contribute to the growth of economic development in Qatar.

QFBA was established in 2009 under the auspices of the Qatar Financial Centre Authority to raise the financial services industry’s standards and help organizations and professionals achieve their learning and business objectives. The Academy specializes in providing training and developing the financial sector. For QFBA, learning is a journey rather than an event. The Academy intends to provides training to professionals and corporates as a mechanism towards elevating the nations human capital, and transform Qatar to a knowledge based economy in line with QNV 2030.