Visit to Qatar

Their Excellencies were welcomed by Qatari government officials during the official welcoming ceremony with Guard of Honour at the Doha International Airport.

Their Excellencies met with officials of the Qatar Science and Technology Park to brainstorm on the potential for future Canada-Qatar co-operation in the area of technological innovation. At the forefront of industry–university collaboration, the Qatar Science and Technology Park is located in the Qatar Foundation’s Education City, alongside campuses of several leading universities. Its objective is to attract companies and entrepreneurs from around the world to develop and commercialize their technology in Qatar.

Their Excellencies met with Her Highness Skeikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, where they had the opportunity to share their visions on education, health care and innovation.

Following His Excellency’s address at the College of North Atlantic Qatar, students had the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session.

The Governor General delivered an address before a group of dignitaries, officials and students on the topic of ‘A Smart and Caring World: The New Frontier of Thinking’ at the College of North Atlantic Qatar (CNAQ) on February 28, 2011. The Newfoundland-based CNAQ is Qatar’s premier comprehensive technical college. The CNAQ currently employs over 600 Canadians and services 2 300 students from 36 countries; this includes 1 500 full-time students, of which over 70 per cent are Qatari. This is Canada's flagship educational institution in Qatar, and is the second-largest educational facility in the State after the University of Qatar.

Their Excellencies attended a meeting with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development at Education City. Education City, an initiative of the Foundation, is located on the outskirts of Doha. It covers 14 square kilometres and houses educational facilities for students from school age to research level, and branch campuses of some of the world’s leading universities.

His Excellency sat down with His Highness to share thoughts, experiences and common values of both countries in education and health care.

Their Excellencies met with His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar on February 28, 2011.

The Governor General met with His Excellency Abdulla bin Khalid Al-Khatani, Qatar’s Minister of Health and Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Health. They shared thoughts on common values in both health care and education.

View from outside the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. Under the umbrella of the Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), the Museum of Islamic Art is the flagship project of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s vision to make it the foremost museum of Islamic art in the world.

Their Excellencies were given a tour of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. The Museum houses a magnificent collection of artworks dating from the seventh to the 19th century, representing the full scope of Islamic art.

Their Excellencies arrived at the Amiri Pavillon d'Honneur at the Doha International Airport on February 27, 2011.

Their Excellencies visited the site of the new Canadian Embassy in Qatar. They were greeted by Mr. Gary Luton, Chargé d'affaires/Head of Mission of Canada to Qatar, and taken on a guided tour of the new Embassy, which is currently under construction.