Northwestern University in Qatar is redefining global higher education with a multidisciplinary approach rooted in excellence, collaboration, and community impact.
Through innovative programs, experiential learning, and research that connects local and global contexts, the University prepares students to address complex challenges as evidence-based storytellers. By integrating academics with real-world experiences, the University is preparing the next generation of leaders to address global challenges and advance knowledge that transcends borders
“As we navigate an increasingly interconnected and complex world, Northwestern Qatar remains committed to being a hub for intellectual exchange, innovation, and community impact,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “Our community and strategic initiatives embody our vision of advancing knowledge—locally, regionally, and globally. Together, we are shaping the leaders of the future.”
The University is building a future of education grounded in collaboration, sustainability, and impact—shaping leaders who will transform the world.
Advancing original knowledge production in the Global South
Central to the University's efforts is the Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South (#IAS_NUQ), which produces and promotes evidence-based storytelling on the histories, cultures, and media of the Global South. A flagship strategic initiative with a focus on locally relevant and globally resonant research, #IAS_NUQ promotes interdisciplinary inquiry and creative media-making to advance original knowledge production in the Global South.
The institute’s fellowship programs play a pivotal role in this mission, supporting students and scholars who draw on diverse disciplines and approaches to advance original knowledge. While at the institute, fellows engage deeply with its vibrant intellectual community, working on individual projects, collaborating in research groups, authoring multilingual publications, and organizing lectures, screenings, workshops, and conferences.
For students, the Global Undergraduate Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to transform their research or creative projects into original contributions to knowledge. Fellows receive mentorship from institute staff, postdocs, and faculty to refine their ideas and deepen their skills, culminating in evidence-based outputs published in multiple languages with #IAS_NUQ_Press and presented to local and global audiences.
The recent launch of #IAS_NUQ Press further amplifies the institute’s commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship, providing a platform for original, multimodal, and multilingual works. Through open-access publications, the Press fosters an inclusive and accessible environment where diverse voices can address critical issues and advance scholarship that resonates both locally and globally.
Forging between timeless issues and timely topics
Building on the tremendous success of #IAS_NUQ, the University's initiatives extend learning beyond traditional boundaries. The evolved Rawabet Conference Series, sponsored by the Dean and CEO, expands its contribution to academic dialogue, facilitating discussions on significant issues impacting the region. Rawabet, which means “nexus” or “connections” in Arabic, bridges regional and global conversations, forging connections between timeless issues and timely topics.
The most recent conference, “Questioning Anti-Blackness and Racial Privilege in the Global South,” brought together scholars, media professionals, and artists to explore the legacies of racial oppression and their impact on contemporary power structures. Panels examined topics like Black-Arab relations, cultural knowledge production, and the intersections of religion and racial liberation. The program concluded with a visit to the slavery museum at Bin Jelmood House in Msheireb, Doha.
To address the evolving demands of the digital era, the school recently launched a new minor in artificial intelligence (AI) and media as part of the Artificial Intelligence Initiative, integrating scientific and humanistic approaches. This cutting-edge program combines technical expertise with ethical considerations, equipping students to navigate the rapidly changing media landscape. Courses such as "AI and Machine Learning," "Digital Media Ethics," and "Automated Journalism" prepare students for roles that require both technological proficiency and critical thinking while enhancing their technical skills and encouraging them to critically evaluate the societal implications of AI in media.
Northwestern Qatar’s vision for holistic education encompasses academic innovation, cultural dialogue, and cutting-edge exploration of timely topics. The Media Majlis at Northwestern Qatar exemplifies this vision by advancing cultural exchange through exhibitions that blend scholarship, art, and media. Its current exhibition, “The Limits of My Language Are the Limits of My World,” examines the history and evolving global role of the Arabic language, engaging visitors with interactive and traditional media curated by alumna Amal Zeyad Ali.
Building on this tradition, the Museum’s spring 2025 exhibition on AI and journalism will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and media practices.
Intercampus exchanges: Building a global community
The Semester in Qatar (SiQ) program embodies the school’s commitment to creating a global community of learners. Each year, students from Northwestern’s Evanston campus immerse themselves in the cultural and academic landscape of Qatar.
This fall, three students—Hana Dedic, Simone Garber, and Zhizhong Xu—joined the program, engaging in courses that examine contemporary Arab thought and the intersection of modernity and tradition. They also joined 30 students from the Qatar campus on the Global Media Experience, where they visited Riyadh and engaged with industry professionals, and gained insights into the media landscape of the Gulf region.
Amplifying sustainability efforts through community action
Northwestern Qatar’s commitment to sustainability was recently exemplified through a community-driven beach cleanup along Qatar’s northeastern coast. Organized by the Wellbeing and Community Committee, the initiative brought together students, faculty, and staff to remove plastic waste and debris, protect coastal habitats, and contribute to environmental preservation. Beyond reducing pollution, the initiative strengthened community bonds and underscored the university’s core value of sustainability.
