Georgetown University Author is Hosted by Qatar’s British Business Community

Over 160 members of the Qatar British Business Forum (QBBF) gathered in a conference ballroom of Doha’s W Hotel on September 9th, to attend Georgetown professor Dr. Mehran Kamrava’s presentation about Qatar, the subject of an upcoming book release, and to meet Britain’s new ambassador to Qatar, Mr. Nicholas Hopton.

The QBBF, which was established in 1992 as a forum for business people to meet on a regular basis with the objective of promoting trade between the United Kingdom and Qatar, organizes a monthly networking event featuring a guest speaker. QBBF chairman Emad Turkman opened today’s event by noting that the higher-than-usual attendance from the local community was a “testament to the speaker”.

“By inviting high-level speakers to discuss topics of local interest we enhance our members’ knowledge of what is happening in Qatar and the region – helping develop the close business and trade relationships that exist between Qatar and the United Kingdom.” said Mr.Turkman.

Jonathan Cartmell, Executive Director of the Office of Outreach and Business Development at GU-Q, stressed the importance of engaging with the local business community through partnerships and events such as the QBBF luncheon, saying, “It is important for GU-Q to be well connected with the Qatar business community as we seek to respond to the many needs of this important stakeholder group by delivering customized training solutions, undertaking collaborative research and providing talented graduates for the labour market”.

The QBBF currently boasts 460 members representing a variety of industries, making it the single largest business forum in Qatar, and maintains strong links with the British Embassy.

“It was an honor, and a pleasure, to be hosted by this dynamic and engaging organization,” said Dr. Kamrava, who followed his presentation with a Q&A from the audience. “One thing we teach our students is how to take the critical thinking skills learned in the classroom, and put them into practice. Today’s event, where seasoned working professionals and academic endeavor came together, is a testament to that lesson, and to the importance of a thriving, interconnected community, such as Doha’s.”

The presentation was followed by a book signing with Dr. Kamrava.