Northwestern University in Qatar has announced Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup head and the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), His Excellency Hassan Al Thawadi, as the 2023 graduation speaker. Al Thawadi, who is a member of the school’s Joint Advisory Board, will address the Class of 2023 at their graduation ceremony on May 8th, 2023.
“A true inspiration for our students, His Excellency Hassan Al Thawadi has been instrumental in writing one of the most transformative chapters in the country and the region’s history,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “We are thrilled to have him join us in celebrating the Class of 2023, the next generation of storytellers and leaders shaping our future, as this year’s graduation speaker.”
Al Thawadi is a prominent figure in global sports who has been instrumental in delivering the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and one of the largest sporting tournaments in the region. His involvement with the World Cup first started as a member of the bid committee and later as secretary general of the SC and chairman of the 2022 FIFA World Cup LLC, where he oversaw the development of the infrastructure, social, and cultural projects related to the tournament.
In addition to his role with the SC, Al Thawadi holds board and committee positions at numerous local and international entities, including Katara Hospitality, Qatar Media City, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Museums, Qatar Rail, Qatar International Islamic Bank, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. He has also been a prominent figure in international affairs and a speaker at some of the most influential economic and political gatherings around the world.
“A true inspiration for our students, His Excellency Hassan Al Thawadi has been instrumental in writing one of the most transformative chapters in the country and the region’s history,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “We are thrilled to have him join us in celebrating the Class of 2023, the next generation of storytellers and leaders shaping our future, as this year’s graduation speaker.”
Al Thawadi is a prominent figure in global sports who has been instrumental in delivering the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and one of the largest sporting tournaments in the region. His involvement with the World Cup first started as a member of the bid committee and later as secretary general of the SC and chairman of the 2022 FIFA World Cup LLC, where he oversaw the development of the infrastructure, social, and cultural projects related to the tournament.
In addition to his role with the SC, Al Thawadi holds board and committee positions at numerous local and international entities, including Katara Hospitality, Qatar Media City, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Museums, Qatar Rail, Qatar International Islamic Bank, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. He has also been a prominent figure in international affairs and a speaker at some of the most influential economic and political gatherings around the world.
Al Thawadi, who is a member of the school’s Joint Advisory Board, will address the Class of 2023 at their graduation ceremony on May 8th, 2023.
A graduate of the School of Law at The University of Sheffield, Al Thawadi is a lawyer by profession, having served as general counsel for the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) prior to his involvement with the delivery and legacy of the World Cup and his 2020 appointment to the board of QIA.
Joining Dean Kraidy and Northwestern University Provost Kathleen Hagerty at this year’s graduation ceremony, he will share his insights and experience with the class of 2023 and offer advice to the newest cohort of graduates of Northwestern Qatar.
Northwestern Qatar's Class of 2023 has already distinguished itself in its time at the University, with students pursuing a diverse range of interests and making a significant impact on campus and around the world. The graduation ceremony, which will take place in May 2023, will be a celebration of their achievements and a recognition of their success.
Joining Dean Kraidy and Northwestern University Provost Kathleen Hagerty at this year’s graduation ceremony, he will share his insights and experience with the class of 2023 and offer advice to the newest cohort of graduates of Northwestern Qatar.
Northwestern Qatar's Class of 2023 has already distinguished itself in its time at the University, with students pursuing a diverse range of interests and making a significant impact on campus and around the world. The graduation ceremony, which will take place in May 2023, will be a celebration of their achievements and a recognition of their success.
