Honoring the past, shaping the future

  • Building entrance on GUQ campus
  • Dean Safwan Masri standing with bulldog mascot in front of a table with cake and flowers
  • Woman student with phone and notebooks in hand talking to a man over a counter
  • Seven women and men in suits and hardhats standing in a desert with shovels
  • Two women and one man on stage sitting in chairs
  • One man dressed in traditional white and another man in suit sitting in chairs talking in a panel
  • Wall of framed book covers
  • Three students smiling for camera after participating in Holi

For 20 years, Georgetown University's Qatar campus has served as the university's Gateway to the World.

With Knowledge and Service at our core, we've built bridges, fostered meaningful dialogues, and shaped leaders who are making their mark in Qatar and beyond.

We honor our past and confidently chart the course for the next 20 years as we celebrate this milestone.

Dean Safwan Masri portrait

"Much has changed since 2005. But one thing has not: the role of GU-Q in equipping students from the Global South and beyond to take a seat at any table. If the first 20 years were about building something meaningful, the next 20 must be about putting that capacity into action."

—Dean Safwan Masri, PhD

Read Dean's Message

Explore our Journey

  • Our Impact

  • Graudating class of students in graudation gowns sitting in three rows on stage

    1,064BSFS Graduates

  • Students outside in graduate caps and gowns

    168Master's Degree Graduates

  • Dean Safwan Masri on stage shaking hands with a student in a graduation gown

    543Qatari Graduates

  • Four students studying together, three women are sitting, one man is standing and flags are in the background

    57Members of Phi Beta Kappa

  • Woman talking and making hand gesture in white floral dress with black cardigan

    2Rhodes Scholars

  • Research Impact in Numbers

  • Row of many books on a bookshelf

    174Books Published

  • Woman student raising her hand in a classroom auditorium with the professor smiling in the background

    382Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

  • Many books scattered on a table

    198Book Chapters

2005

Woman and man in suits sitting at desk, smiling and reading open notebook on desk

The Beginning.

Georgetown partners with Qatar Foundation, setting the stage for a campus in Qatar.

Man in front of microphone

First Dean.

Dr. James Reardon-Anderson, Director of Georgetown's Master of Science in Foreign Service, takes charge as the founding dean.

Group of students

First Class.

Pioneering students begin their Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service with majors in International Politics and Culture and Politics.

Faculty dressed in graduate gowns posing for photo

First Team.

Dean Reardon-Anderson gets to work with faculty members Dr. Amira Sonbol, Dr. Ibrahim Oweiss, Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Dr. Patricia O'Connor, Candith Pallandre, and Ryan Maher, S.J., and with staff members David Phongsavan and Hussein Aldobashi.

Man and woman shaking hands

First Splash.

Madeleine Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State, is the first of many prominent politicians to speak on campus.

2006

  • Woman smiling in front of podium

    History-Making.

    The first research conference ignites vibrant discussions on Arab women, attracting over 600 attendees.

  • Student and Collin Powel shaking hands, facing camera and smiling

    Hand-Shaking.

    U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell lectures at GU-Q, one of several prominent diplomats to share their expertise with Georgetown’s new global campus.

  • Students in classroom paying attention to a live conference on screen

    Ground-Breaking.

    GU-Q launches Comparative Political Systems, a live, simulcast course for students in DC and Doha.

  • People standing in line inside a library and talking amongst themselves

    Knowledge Awakening.

    GU-Q’s state-of-the-art library opens, becoming a national hub for discovery and learning.

2007

  • Male musicians in suits playing on a stage

    Creativity Infused.

    An American arts festival showcases poetry, photography, and jazz.

  • Two women and a man sitting together at table in front of microphones, speaking to each other

    Expertise Amplified.

    The Certificate in Arab and Regional Studies program launches to build expertise.

  • Two rows of men and women standing together posing for photo at conference

    Ideas Unlocked.

    A conference on education and change in Qatar and the Arab world sparks new ideas.

  • 3 men in graduation gowns and glasses standing together and smiling at camera

    Arabic Accelerated.

    GU-Q’s unique Arabic Program begins, featuring a heritage speaker track.

2008

  • Group of people watching former President Obama speaking on a large TV

    Electrifying Events.

    The campus buzzes with excitement during President Obama’s election watch parties.

  • Woman standing in classroom with teenage students sitting in chairs in a U shape

    Inspiring Youth.

    Planet Georgetown’s first summer camp blends fun and learning, a tradition that continues today.

  • 10 people in hard-hats holding shovels and breaking ground in a sandy area

    Constructive Work.

    A groundbreaking ceremony for GU-Q’s new building testifies to Education City’s growing impact.

2009

Inaugural Graduating Class of 2009

First Commencement.

The inaugural graduation ceremony features a keynote address by U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Image of building on campus lit up while at night

Research Funding.

GU-Q secures $2.6 million in Qatar National Research Fund grants for Qatar-relevant research.

Group of students standing outside listening to an older woman talk

Global Engagement.

Students embark on Israel-Palestine Zones of Conflict Zones of Peace trips and Holocaust journeys to promote interfaith and cultural understanding.

Five men in suits and desks on stage in an auditorium

New Reciprocity.

The Qatar campus hosts a debate at the Washington, DC campus.

Man in graduation cap and gown with red ribbon speaking in front of a podium

Leadership Transition.

Director of CIRS Dr. Mehran Kamrava becomes interim dean.

2010

  • Group of people working on an unfinished house

    Hands On.

    GU-Q students rebuild homes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast through a Community Engagement Program.

  • Group of five students smiling

    Building a Community.

    Vibrant community spirit abounds at the first Georgetown Day in Qatar.

  • Three men sitting together at a desk having a conversation

    Expanding Horizons.

    The International Economics major launches, offering new academic opportunities.

  • Supreme Council of Health building

    Garnering Acclaim.

    The GU-Q Institutional Review Board earns recognition from the former Qatar Supreme Council of Health for its exemplary research ethics.

2011

Photo of building lit up at night with banquet tables outside

Landmark Moment.

The grand opening of the Humanitarium building establishes Georgetown’s permanent home in Qatar.

Man smiling at camera

New Era.

Renowned Gulf Studies scholar Dr. Gerd Nonneman takes the helm as Dean of GU-Q.

Group of students hanging out together in a lounge area

Safe Haven.

Washington, DC, campus study abroad students at the American University in Cairo find refuge at GU-Q during the Arab Spring unrest.

Women's basketball team smiling at camera

Unstoppable Team.

Our women’s basketball team reigns supreme in Education City, closing another undefeated season.

2012

  • Group of men and women posing together, in front of a GUQ banner

    Leaders Rise.

    The Georgetown Young Leaders Summit, in partnership with the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, unites MENA voices.

  • CNN’s Inside Middle East interviews students about the Arab Spring

    In the Spotlight.

    CNN’s Inside Middle East highlights student aspirations amid regional challenges.

  • Group of men and women posing on a staircase, next to a banner that reads 'Annual Undergraduate Conference on Middle Eastern Studies'

    Research Hub.

    GU-Q’s Middle Eastern Studies Students Association hosts the region’s first Undergraduate Conference on Middle Eastern Studies.

2013

  • Two men in suits sitting at a conference table with school banners in the background

    Connecting Communities.

    New Brookings Doha agreement enables credit-bearing internships with local partners.

  • Dr. Ayman Shabana close up photo smiling at the camera in a library

    Pioneering Disciplines.

    Dr. Ayman Shabana receives Qatar Foundation’s "Best Research Program" award for his groundbreaking Islamic Bioethics research.

  • Group of people with name tags smiling for the camera

    Empowering Alumni.

    The Tawjeeh mentorship program connects students with alumni across diverse industries in Qatar.

  • Launch of International History Major

    Advancing Academics.

    GU-Q launches an International History major and a specialized Arabic program for heritage learners.

  • Two men in suits shaking hands and smiling for the camera

    Strengthening Ecosystems.

    GU-Q and Northwestern Qatar launch a joint Certificate in Media and Politics, blending expertise from both institutions.

2014

Two women hold trophy and smile at camera

Champions Rise.

GU-Q’s Debate Team wins its first Qatar University Debate League Championships, kicking off a streak of future victories.

Nikhil sitting in chair in blue shirt and red tie, smiling at camera

Leaders Emerge.

Nikhil Lakhanpal, ’14, becomes the first cross-campus BSFS/MSFS candidate, fast-tracking his career with the U.S. Department of State.

People in alumni club pose for photo

Networks Grow.

The Georgetown Alumni Club of the GCC debuts with a landmark International Alumni Weekend.

Screenshot of Journal of GUQ, Middle Eastern Studies Student Association cover with title, Special issue on Globalization & the Middle East: Youth, Media & Resources

Voices Resound.

GU-Q students launch the Middle East Studies Journal, published by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing.

Qatari students playing traditional instruments in front of a building with a crowd watching

Culture Honored.

Qatari students introduce Al Liwan, Al Manar, and the Arts and Culture Club to celebrate identity and creativity.

2015

Men in suits on stage at the gala posing for the photo

Rebranding for Impact.

GU-Q marks its 10th anniversary with a grand gala attended by H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and a rebranding, signaling expanded academic ambitions.

  • Woman speaking to auditorium classroom, making hand gesture towards whiteboard behind her

    Refocusing on Local Needs.

    GU-Q launches public classes through its new Executive and Professional Education office.

  • Man sitting in chair, smiling, and making hand gestures as he speaks

    Redirecting Knowledge Flow.

    The Amir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visits the DC campus to share expertise on Middle East politics and building a knowledge economy.

  • Group of people with shovels standing in a rugged area posing for camera

    Reaffirming Success.

    The Zones of Conflict, Zones of Peace program earns the NASPA Best Practices in International Education Award.

  • Woman speaking in front of microphone

    Reassessing Hierarchies.

    GU-Q hosts a town hall with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde, foreshadowing a similar event in 2022.

2016

  • Two men holding certificate of book award and smiling for camera

    Scholarly Excellence.

    Dr. Mohamed Zayani wins the ICA Global Communication and Social Change Top Book Prize for Networked Publics and Digital Contention, the first of many awards the book received.

  • Students in wheelchairs speaking in front of a group in a lounge area

    Making an Impact.

    The Amal student club conducts an accessibility assessment for Qatar Foundation, while a breast cancer drive raises funds for the Qatar National Cancer Society.

  • Three men on a panel speaking to a group of people

    Advancing Leadership.

    GU-Q and Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies launch the International Executive Master’s in Disaster Management for regional leaders.

  • Panelists speaking in a large conference room with round table

    Reimagining the Global South.

    GU-Q establishes the Indian Ocean Working Group, kicking off with the conference "Commerce with the Universe: Histories, Connectivities, Imaginings."

2017

Portrait of man in suit wearing glasses, smiling at camera

New Leadership.

Renowned Islamic history scholar and former Joint Advisory Board member Dr. Ahmad Dallal takes the helm as Dean of GU-Q.

Table of panelists are listening to one male speaker talking into a microphone

New Arabic Pathways.

The Arabic minor pathway launches, preparing graduates to support Qatar’s growing knowledge economy.

Two men on stage in chairs having a discussion

New Perspectives.

Qatari Ministers H.E. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah and H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Thani offer valuable insights into the blockade of Qatar.

2018

  • Man shaking Queen Elizabeth II's hand

    Alumni Honor.

    Haroon Yasin, ’15, receives the Queen’s Young Leaders Award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his work to educate underprivileged children in Pakistan.

  • Berlin Wall Section Unveiling

    Historical Honor.

    GU-Q is selected to host a decorated section of the Berlin Wall, representing the intersection of cultural and political understanding.

  • Screenshot of newspaper article with title, QLC launches leadership education programme

    Partnership Honor.

    Along with the McDonough School of Business, GU-Q partners with the Qatar Leadership Centre to launch the Executive Master’s in Leadership program.

2019

  • "Muslim and Christian Perspectives in Palliative Care and End of Life" Conference

    Hub for Interfaith Work.

    GU-Q and the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life engage in interfaith dialogue, exploring Christian and Muslim perspectives on palliative care and end-of-life ethics.

  • Variety of books in a messy pile

    Hub for Research.

    GU-Q celebrates the publication of 100 books by faculty and staff.

  • Diplomat speaking on a stage

    Hub for Dialogue.

    Top diplomats address students, including Qatari Ministers H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and H.E. Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi, and European leaders H.E. Emanuela Claudia Del Re and H.E. Claudia Roth.

  • Men and women in glass-walled conference room listening to two men in suits speak

    Hub for Diplomacy.

    U.S. Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin tours GU-Q and engages students in dialogue.

  • Man with arms around group of children, smiling for the camera

    Hub for Service.

    Ousman Camara, ‘20, makes headlines when he rallies friends to fund the rebuilding of his Quran School in The Gambia.

2020

Portrait of Khansa Maria in graduation cap and gown

Global Recognition.

Khansa Maria, ’21, wins the prestigious Rhodes scholarship.

  • Two men on stage, one is presenting a book

    Sports Science.

    CIRS unveils a project on FIFA's legacy, driving forward sports research.

  • Woman in hijab smiling at camera

    Qatari Scholarship.

    First Qatari Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Haya Al Noaimi, ’09, returns to begin her training as a professor.

  • Screenshot of newspaper article with title, Georgetown professor wins prestigious history of journalism award

    Local Brilliance.

    Dr. Phoebe Musandu secures the 2020 Eugina M. Palmegiano Prize.

  • Man and woman behind podium with man speaking to a group of students sitting at a table

    Curtains Up.

    Israa Al-Kamali, ’17, co-founds Iraq’s first Independent Film Festival, giving voice to Iraqi stories.

2021

Two men in suits holding a booklet together and smiling

Master’s Rolled Out.

GU-Q launches the Executive Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar and the School of Foreign Service.

  • Portrait of Clyde Wilcox

    Leadership Transitioned.

    Professor of Government Dr. Clyde Wilcox is appointed Interim Dean.

  • Aerial shot from space of planet earth

    Academics Expanded.

    Minors in Africana Studies (jointly with Northwestern University in Qatar) and Indian Ocean World Studies are announced.

  • Two students wearing masks and VR headsets

    Technology Incorporated.

    VR technology is integrated into GU-Q’s first course to explore the Georgetown 272 project, winning a Telly Award.

  • Student posing with award and parents in front of WISE banner

    Innovation Rewarded.

    Alumni-founded learning application Taleemabad wins the 2021 WISE Award, including a $20,000 USD prize.

2022

Dr. Safwan Masri speaking to a group of students circled around him

Transformative Leadership.

Global educational leader Dr. Safwan Masri is welcomed as dean.

Group of students at soccer field posing for photo

World Cup Fever.

GU-Q conducts programming, research, and events centered around the FIFA World Cup, engaging with global sports culture.

Three women and one man standing in front of building signage that reads, 'Qatar Financial Centre'

Diplomacy Education.

The inaugural Diplomat for a Day program launches in collaboration with local embassies.

Three men on stage, two are holding a plate/award and smiling at camera

Engagement Opportunities.

The Energy Studies Certificate and Small States Research Program open new global engagement in energy and politics.

2023

  • Men playing cricket- taken from the outfield's perspective. Man is pitching to batter

    Campus Exchange.

    At GU-Q’s first-ever cross-campus athletic competition, Doha students school Washingtonians in the ways of cricket!

  • Dean Safwan Masri speaking at the Hiwaraat Conference Series, on stage in front of an audience

    Necessary Dialogue.

    The internationally acclaimed Hiwaraat Conference Series launches, fostering global academic dialogue on key issues.

  • Omar Sharkir speaking in front of a podium

    Fresh Perspectives.

    A new Visiting Fellows program brings welcome perspectives to the community.

  • Woman in orange dress sitting on chair with papers on lap and microphone clipped to her as she speaks to someone in a chair next to her

    Diplomatic Expertise.

    A new Distinguished Diplomat-in-Residence program enhances practitioner engagement on campus.

  • Two men sitting on stage speaking to each other with a banner in the background that reads, 'Global Energy Cultures, How Energy Shapes Our Everyday Lives'

    Creative Infusion.

    GU-Q’s inaugural Artist in Residence program begins, bringing vibrant artistic expression to campus.

  • Three men and one woman sitting on chairs on a stage speaking to an audience

    Different Viewpoints.

    The new Palestine Speaker Series fosters discussions on critical issues.

  • Dean Safwan Masri on stage handing a diploma to a graduate and shaking his hand

    Tassels Turned.

    GU-Q celebrates 105 BSFS graduates and 29 EMDIA graduates, marking the first time Master’s students are included in its commencement.

2024

  • Portrait of Asma Shakeel

    More Acclaim.

    Asma Shakeel, ’24, joins the ranks of distinguished Rhodes scholars, bringing pride to GU-Q.

  • Men and women working together collaboratively in classroom

    More Capacity.

    A Certificate in Leadership program for Sidra Medicine prepares future leaders to advance healthcare in Qatar.

  • Five male students working closely together in a classroom

    More Multiversity.

    The Product X multiversity course brings together campuses in cross-disciplinary innovation for a greener world.

  • Female student smiling at camera holding a small lizard in her hands outside

    More Global.

    The first course with GU’s Earth Commons Greece expands the international curriculum.

  • Gallery Walk: Tradition Meets Creativity

    More Mentorship.

    Four Doctoral Fellows from GU complete their final year in Qatar, gaining regional insights and teaching experience.

  • Two women and one man sitting in chairs on stage in front of an audience

    More Dialogue.

    Hiwaraat conferences bring together thousands for action-oriented discussions on the most critical issues of our time.

2025

Man and woman on stage in chairs talking in front of banner that reads, Ink and Impact, Black Literary Festival, Celebrating the literary labor of black storytellers

Celebrating Diversity.

The inaugural Black Literary Arts Festival brings together renowned voices for powerful discussions on history, identity, and storytelling.

HERE I AM

Commemorating History.

GU-Q reflects on the history of Georgetown with the first international production of the play "Here I Am."

Cover of booklet with graduation cap illustration and title, Thank You Qatar

Marking Two Decades in Qatar.

GU-Q proudly celebrates its 20th Anniversary with the people of Qatar, its global family, and its distinguished alumni.