The event marks the latest installment of the Dean’s Lecture Series

Doha, Qatar – March 12, 2025 - Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, a partner university of Qatar Foundation, hosted Mrs. Mira Al-Attiyah, Chief Executive Officer, QNB Capital LLC, to discuss the role of investment banking in Qatar’s rapid economic development.

CMU-Q business administration student, Souad Al Mana, moderated the talk titled, “The Investment Banking Landscape in Qatar – QNB Capital”, which marked the latest installment of the CMU-Q Dean’s Lecture Series.

The dean of CMU-Q, Michael Trick, welcomed Mrs. Al-Attiyah and commented on the university’s long-term friendship with QNB.

“Over the past decade and a half, QNB has shared knowledge with our students at career fairs, hired our students and graduates, and offered their perspective on banking to our community,” he said. “QNB has also sponsored some of our most prominent student competitions, including the Qatar Collegiate Programming Competition. We deeply value the contribution QNB makes to improve the educational experience at CMU-Q.”

Souad began the discussion by asking Al-Attiyah how investment banks contribute to the Qatar National Vision 2030. In response, she shared her perspective on how investment banking continues to support Qatar’s economic diversification and long-term plans.

“To achieve any country’s vision, you need to implement plans, goals, and strategies within a specific timeline,” Al-Attiyah explained. “Financing, and financial and investment advice are key to successfully deliver projects, which underscore the importance of banking and investment services.”

Al-Attiyah spoke of how these varied projects, which stretch across government and corporate entities, not only contribute to the country’s vision but also make investment banking stand out as a career choice.

For CMU-Q students keen to pursue a career in her field, Al-Attiyah stressed that the early years are the most important for self-development and for learning from employers and colleagues. “Invest in yourself – this is the most important thing that you can do in the first three years of your career, providing you with the highest yield,” she said.

Al-Attiyah wrapped the lecture by emphasizing how she is motivated most by the opportunity to be a part of Qatar’s development journey and make a positive difference through her work, no matter how big or small the contribution is.  She encouraged students to do the same, concluding: “You are part of Qatar's 2030 vision to invest in its people and CMU-Q is a part of this too. Join us on this journey to achieve Qatar’s vision.”

The CMU-Q Dean’s Lecture Series provides a space for business leaders and representatives of government, the private sector, and academia, to share expertise on diverse international challenges.

CMU-Q offers undergraduate degree programs in biological sciences, business administration, computer science, and information systems.