Standard sustainability definitions do not apply to Qatar. Its small and desert territory means that its primary productivity is very low, and yet Qatar is the richest country in the world on a per-capita basis. How has Qatar achieved this position, and what it means for its future. What about its renewable natural resources, its biodiversity and ecosystems? Are deserts empty places only fit for driving and construction, or are they very unique ecosystems where evolution has tested living forms to their maximum?
This talk will seek to highlight Qatar’s unique challenges and outline the steps that the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future at Qatar Foundation is taking to help chart a sustainable future for the country.

Mrs. Al-Saleh had an extensive career in the Oil & Gas Industry starting with Occidental Petroleum Oman and later moving to Qatar Shell GTL. Her focus has been new business development, negotiations and systems implementation projects in Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, UK and The Netherlands. As a Commercial Lead and Business Opportunity Manager in Shell, she has managed sustainable industrial solutions projects related to water efficiency, energy contracts, plant optimization and volatile organic compounds capture in Ras Laffan.

Following her departure from Oil & Gas, she has worked on consulting for private and government entities in Qatar.

Mrs. Al-Saleh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in Finance and Management information Systems from Boston University. She also holds Master’s degree in Sustainable Development with a specialism in Environmental Management from University of London- SOAS.

She is now a Program Manager for Qatar Foundation’s new sustainability center (Earthna, Center for a Sustainable Future). In her current role, she is managing programs and projects related to innovative sustainability pilots that support policy advocacy and development as well as creating sustainable cities solutions and strategy in arid climates. She is also holding a position as a Project Manager for the Qatar Foundation World Cup Master Program, advising on Sustainability and Accessibility in sports.