HE Sheikha Al-Mahmoud

Her Excellency Mrs. Sheikha Ahmad Al-Mahmoud is the first female to be appointed minister in female Qatar and the Gulf. Her appointment as a minister of education is considered evidence of the confidence entrusted by the leadership and the society in the capabilities of women in Qatar.

She has a B.A. in Arabic Language and over 30 years experience in the education field. Starting out as a teacher, Mrs. Al-Mahmoud has served in various positions in the education field, rising to the level of assistant to the director of Educational Supervision and then undersecretary at the Ministry of Education. In 2001, she was appointed Minister of Education by Emiri Decree No. (2) 2003, issued on 6/5/2003.

Educational Contributions:

• Contributing editor of the Educational Horizons magazine issued by the Department of Educational Supervision from 1993 to 1996.
• Co-wrote and revised Arabic language textbooks for different grades. Member of the Designing Diagnostic Assessments Committee for the Enhancement of Educational Attainment within the framework of the advanced Arabic program.
• Conducted lectures and research papers on educational issues including:

• The Impact of the Educator's Personality: its Influence and Example (1993).

• The Role of the Qatari Woman in Educational Management at a workshop on the Role of the Gulf Region Woman in Educational Management (1995).

• The Qatari Woman: between Seclusion and Liberalization - Second Conference on the Qatari Woman.(1996).

Participation in Committees and Institutions:

• Chair of the Qatari Education, Culture and Sciences National Committee.

• Chair of the Qatari Female Scouts and Guides Association.

• Chair of the Pre-Scholl Education Development Higher Committee .

• Chair of the Committee of Exchange Students.

• Chair of the Educational Entities General Supervision Committee.

• Member of the Planning Council.

• Member of the Supreme Education Council.

• Member of the Ministry of Education General Assembly in the Arab Education Bureau.