Doha, Qatar 18 February 2025 – Under the esteemed patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, the Mentor Arabia Gala Dinner in collaboration with EAA, was held on February 18, 2025, bringing together world leaders, dignitaries, and philanthropists in support of youth empowerment towards sustainable communities. The prestigious evening was also graced by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, President of Mentor International, and hosted by His Royal Highness Prince Turki Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of Mentor Arabia.
The evening provided a platform to champion the role of youth in building sustainable societies, while raising essential funds to support initiatives that equip young people with the education, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Held at the Katara Hall at Raffles Doha, the Gala Dinner was a spectacular evening of purpose and philanthropy. Attendees were treated to inspiring speeches from world leaders, captivating cultural performances celebrating creativity and resilience, and an exclusive charity auction featuring extraordinary items led by the renowned international auctioneer Simon de Pury. Guests had the opportunity to engage with influential decision-makers, business leaders, and changemakers who share a common vision of investing in young people for a better future.
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser said: “I commend and thank Mentor Arabia for empowering Arab youth, who are the true wealth of our nations, and who will be the ones to shape the future of the Arab world. Today, above all, young people need hope for their future — a future where every one of them can be fulfilled and play an active role in galvanizing the development of their countries. If we approach this challenge from an economic angle, we can see that failure to invest in young people and provide them with job opportunities constitutes a huge waste of any nation’s most important resource.”
Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden stated: “Youth are the cornerstone of sustainable communities and the architects of a brighter future. By empowering them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need, we ensure not just their personal growth but also the resilience and prosperity of entire societies. Sustainable communities thrive when young people are equipped to make informed decisions, take responsibility, and contribute meaningfully.”
His Royal Highness Prince Turki Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said: “We are proud of the strategic partnerships we have recently established with key stakeholders in Qatar, such as Education Above All and the Akhlaquna Program at Qatar Foundation. We firmly believe that through these strong collaborations, we can reach the largest possible number of children and youth, making a meaningful and positive impact on their lives.”
Proceeds from the Mentor Arabia Gala Dinner 2025 will directly support the Youth Empowerment and Employment for Development (YEED) Project, a collaborative initiative between EAA Foundation and Mentor Arabia. This project is dedicated to providing thousands of young people in Qatar and Lebanon with essential skills, mentorship programs, and sustainable employment opportunities. By equipping youth with the tools that they need to succeed, YEED aims to foster long-term socio-economic growth and empower the next generation.
During the dinner, eight young entrepreneurs were announced as winners of the fourth edition of the “Mentor Arabia Youth Social Entrepreneurs Award”. It honors young entrepreneurs for their exceptional achievements in the field of sustainable human and social development. They will in turn provide mentoring sessions to their peers in Qatar and the Arab world and inspire them to give back to their communities.
The Gala was presented by the esteemed Ola Al Fares and featured a spectacular musical performance by the renowned composer and musician Michel Fadel, accompanied by his talented choir. Adding to the enchantment of the night, star singer Nassif Zeytoun captivated the audience with his songs, while young Qatari singer Nasser AlKubaisi delivered a memorable performance.
The success of the Mentor Arabia Gala Dinner 2025 was made possible through the support of key partners and sponsors, including Visionary Partners: Katara Hospitality, Qatar Airways, Doha Bank, and Lulu Group; Elite Partners: Place Vendôme and Chopard; and Honored Partners: Vodafone Qatar, Abdulghani Motors, Marriott Worldwide Business Councils Qatar, Snoonu, Floward, Elan, Al Majed Jewellery, Lesha Bank and AlSraiya group. Their contributions reinforced a shared commitment to creating opportunities for young people and supporting sustainable development initiatives.
With the theme #TowardsSustainableCommunities, Mentor Arabia Gala Dinner 2025 was a powerful demonstration of the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global development and education foundation, and Mentor Arabia’s unwavering commitment to create opportunities for young people through education, mentorship, and sustainable employment pathways.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mohamed Al-Amri
Senior Media Relations Specialist
[email protected]
+974-5000-9960
Patience Rusare
Senior Media Specialist
[email protected]
+974-5993-1560
Nour Mardam
Senior Communication Associate – Mentor Arabia
[email protected]
+971504452857
Lama Dinnawi
Business Development Assistant – Mentor Arabia
+9613492998
About Mentor Arabia Foundation
Mentor Arabia is a regional non-governmental & non-profit foundation founded in 2006, which envisions an Arab world where children and youth are empowered to lead healthy lives and make sound decisions.
It is chaired by HRH Prince Turki Bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, and it is a branch of Mentor International, founded in 1994 and headed by H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden, which includes Mentor USA, Mentor Sweden, Mentor Germany, Mentor Latvia, and Mentor Jordan.
Mentor’s programs target millions of children and youth, as well as parents, educators, and social workers. Its work includes policy development, capacity building, knowledge dissemination, advocacy and forging partnerships with reputable stakeholders.
About the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation
The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is a global foundation established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. EAA Foundation aims to transform lives through education and employment opportunities. We believe that education is the single most effective means of reducing poverty, creating peaceful and just societies, unlocking the full potential of every child and youth, and creating the right conditions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through our multi-sectoral approach, unique financing models, focus on innovation as a tool for social good, and partnerships, we aim to bring hope and real opportunities to the lives of marginalised children and youth. EAA Foundation is comprised of the following programmes: Educate A Child (EAC), Al Fakhoora, Reach Out To All (ROTA), Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC), Innovation Development (ID), Silatech and Together project.
