Qatar Leadership Centre’s executive leaders at Rice University’s Baker Institute in the United States

Participants in Qatar Leadership Centre’s (QLC) Executive Leaders Programme met with leading professors and industry experts from Georgetown University and Rice University’s Baker Institute during a recent visit to the United States.
The participants advanced their knowledge of relations between Qatar and the US, the American government system and issues pertaining to energy and community health during their visit from October 5-9.
The Qatari professionals commenced their learning journey at one of the United States’ renowned academic institutions and a long term partner in Education City - Georgetown University in Washington, DC. During their time at Georgetown University, the executive leaders engaged with professors in discussions on the country’s government system as well as the background and progress to date of Qatar-US foreign policy.
In addition, the executives and senior managers toured the US Capitol - the seat of the United States Congress and the legislative branch of the federal government – which was an exciting opportunity for the participants to learn from policy-makers and to further strengthen their understanding of the political workings of the country, with which Qatar has a strong bilateral relationship.
Dr Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani, managing director and member of the board of directors of QLC, noted “QLC encourages participants to grow their knowledge and skills in various environments that are crucial to Qatar’s future. Combining theoretical insights with hands-on learning and conversation to expand horizons is the rationale behind each of our Learning Journeys” .   
The leaders concluded their journey in Houston, Texas, where they first visited Rice University’s Baker Institute, which publishes world-class research on the energy landscape.
The participants explored the global oil and gas markets and studied the relationship between energy and community health as well as the impact of subsidies on energy-exporting states across the Middle East.
Through the activities at the Baker Institute, the executive leaders examined the latest trends in the energy sector, which remains essential to Qatar’s economy and its long-term development.
For their final site visit in Houston, the executive leaders met with experienced oil and gas professionals from Exxon Mobil, Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation, and MD Anderson Cancer Centre.