*Alfardan Group's Tariqi scholarship programme has been helping students achieve their dreams since 2006
With the aim of empowering youth in the country, the Alfardan Group's scholarship programme Tariqi provides financial support to students who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence.
“Launched in 2006, the Tariqi programme – meaning ‘my path’ – is the manifestation of Alfardan Group’s philosophy of investing in the education, career opportunities, and dreams of the next generation,” Omar Hussain Alfardan, president and chief executive of Alfardan Group, told *Gulf Times.
“There are currently 15 students active in the Tariqi programme, and we are looking forward to supporting more students this year and beyond, to help the development and growth of Qatar’s future generations,” he said.
The programme has so far supported 40 students, with many of these currently employed at Alfardan Group.
The Tariqi programme provides funding to undergraduate students specialising in certain fields related to the Group’s subsidiaries, and offers them a chance to work in one of the region’s largest and most successful family conglomerates.
“Initially, Alfardan Group began to offer financial support to students who demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, in order to help them complete their education,” Alfardan said. “This soon transformed into a full-fledged programme, designed to support the country’s 2030 vision.”
“Funding covers full tuition fees for the duration of the student's undergraduate career, paid directly to the student's institution of choice,” he said. “Students are eligible for the programme funding as long as they maintain the required GPA (grade point average)."
“At Alfardan Group, we understand that investing in the education of future generations is the most fruitful endeavor,” Alfardan added. “Now, more than ever, we are focused on investing our efforts and resources into equipping, up-skilling and, most importantly, capitalising on talents that will shape our country’s future.”
“Education is our springboard, and our mission is to develop a human capital that is ready, willing and able to not only absorb, but also take charge of constant change,” he said.
The president and chief executive pointed out that Alfardan Group, having prospered in Qatar and grown internationally, feels a strong responsibility towards the advancement of the community.
“We believe in using the strength of our legacy to advocate for broader positive change, inspire other businesses and make a difference in our communities. Through the Tariqi programme, we are supporting the future leaders of Qatar,” he said.
To be selected for the scholarship programme, students must be currently enrolled in an accredited programme that will lead to an undergraduate degree in a field of study designed to prepare them for a successful professional career.
The field of study must be relevant to one of the many Alfardan Group subsidiaries, which cover a large variety of sectors and industries.
From jewellery and property to hospitality, healthcare, automotive, marine and the financial services sector, Alfardan Group manages an unrivalled brand portfolio.
After meeting a minimum GPA requirement, applicants will be invited to an interview at Alfardan Group, prior to being selected to join the programme.
“Only a few promising achievers are selected each year,” Alfardan said.
Following the success of the Tariqi programme, Alfardan Group has extended the education funding support to employees undertaking postgraduate studies while working at the Group.
This comes as part of the Group’s commitment to achieve the best in all that it offers and continuously improve and raise the bar to deliver an exceptional and exclusive service.
The Tariqi programme is open to both citizens and residents, and Alfardan Group is committed to supporting students achieve their life goals through education.
“We do not see education as a privilege, but rather as a universal aspiration. That is why we are offering it to all nationalities,” Alfardan said. “The programme is open to applicants from any nationality as long as they have an acceptance letter from any university of choice in Qatar and have maintained a specific GPA requirement at their current academic institute.”
Currently, the Tariqi programme is open to students applying for undergraduate studies in Qatar.
“We believe that Qatar offers students world-class education from some of the world’s top universities as well as our country’s homegrown universities.
“The education system in Qatar prepares students to tackle tomorrow’s biggest challenges, to guarantee the prosperity of our nation, and ensure that students have the ability to develop, adapt and innovate.
“The programme covers all registered and accredited higher institutes of learning in Qatar,” he added.
Alfardan Group introduces recipients of the scholarship to the professional world through internships and job opportunities within the Group and its many subsidiaries.
“The students’ employment opportunity will match the same duration of the scholarship, providing students with the chance to spend three to four years working and gaining experience with one of the region’s largest and most successful family conglomerates,” he said.
According to the Group president and chief executive, Alfardan Group has endorsed several projects and initiatives in line with the vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Qatar National Vision 2030 to promote the highest standards of living among the citizens and residents of Qatar.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, Alfardan Group has collaborated with and supported charitable causes, such as programmes led by the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and Qatar Charity.
Additionally, the Group supports sustainability causes such as Earth Hour.
Since 2019, Alfardan Group has also partnered with the Qatar Green Building Council to highlight the sustainability-driven activities run by its subsidiaries.
The group also supports Hamad Medical Corporation’s blood donation drive, which aims to encourage its employees and residents to become regular blood donors.
“At Alfardan Group, we support and initiate various humanitarian activities in partnership with leading charitable organisations at the regional and global levels,” Alfardan said. “We have cultivated strong relations with a number of charitable and non-profit organisations and pledged our support to socially relevant programmes.”
