Dr. Fathy Saoud, the former president of Qatar Foundation, was instrumental in establishing the Carnegie Mellon campus in Education City. During the early years of CMU-Q, Dr. Saoud was an important partner, providing guidance and expertise, and helping expand CMU-Q’s program offerings to include undergraduate degrees in biological sciences and information systems.

In Gulf Times, January 22, 2022

The former president of Qatar Foundation, Dr. Fathy Saoud – who played an instrumental role in the journey of the organization from its very first years onward – has passed away.

Dr. Saoud was a member of the team that steered the establishment of Qatar Foundation (QF), and was pivotally involved in the development of the masterplan for its Education City campus. He was at the forefront of negotiations with international universities that led to them establishing branch campuses at Education City that continue today, and in establishing QF’s research, development, and innovation enterprise.

Prior to serving as president of QF between 2007 and 2013, Dr. Saoud was a higher education adviser to QF from 1997 to 2007. He was also a member of QF’s Board of Directors from 2003.

Qatar Foundation is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Saoud, and sends its sincere condolences to his family, an official statement issued by the foundation said.