Board of Trustees

Madam Natra Abdulla is the Founder and Chairperson of the Board of Artan Holding and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of City University Qatar. She has over 30 years of experience across education, real estate, and industrial sectors in Qatar. She established Qatar’s first Montessori nursery and school and has played a leading role in building a private education portfolio spanning K-12, higher education, and lifelong learning.

As Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Madam Natra brings deep experience in educational leadership, institutional development, and long-term strategic growth. Her contribution reflects a strong commitment to expanding access to high-quality education, supporting graduate employability, and ensuring City University Qatar continues to contribute to Qatar’s national development priorities.

H.E. Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah is the Founder and CEO of Caravane Earth, with extensive experience across diplomacy, sustainability, food security, legal counsel, and national development initiatives. He previously served as Executive Chairman of the Qatar National Food Security Programme and has represented Qatar in senior diplomatic roles.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, H.E. Al-Attiyah brings valuable insight into sustainability, policy, and long-term national development. His contribution supports City University Qatar’s commitment to aligning academic growth, applied research, and graduate employability with Qatar’s national priorities and future-focused development agenda.

Mr Saud Omar Al Mana is Vice Chairman of Al Mana Group and a senior Qatari business leader with broad experience across diversified sectors, including automotive, real estate, manufacturing, trading, contracting, oil and gas, travel, and technology services. His role includes supporting the Group’s strategic direction, business growth, and long-term development.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Mr Al Mana brings valuable private-sector insight into business leadership, workforce needs, and the skills required in a competitive economy. His contribution supports City University Qatar’s commitment to strengthening industry links, enhancing graduate employability, and ensuring its academic portfolio remains aligned with Qatar’s current and future development priorities.

Mr Khalid Ahmed Al Mannai is a senior business leader at Mannai Corporation, where he has held executive leadership responsibilities since joining the organisation in 1987. His experience spans corporate finance, business development, strategic management, and diversified sectors within Qatar’s economy. He also holds leadership roles across several business and state organisations.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Mr Al Mannai brings valuable insight into corporate leadership, economic development, and the evolving needs of Qatar’s private sector. His contribution supports City University Qatar’s commitment to strengthening industry engagement, enhancing programme relevance, and preparing graduates for success in a competitive labour market.

Mr Faysal Sohail is Managing Partner at Presidio Partners and an experienced venture investor with a strong track record across technology, energy, robotics, information security, semiconductors, and software. Before joining Presidio Partners, he helped build several Silicon Valley companies through IPO and M&A exits, bringing extensive entrepreneurial, investment, and innovation experience.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Mr Sohail brings valuable insight into entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and the skills needed to succeed in innovation-led industries. His contribution supports City University Qatar’s focus on applied learning, industry relevance, and preparing graduates to contribute to Qatar’s growing knowledge-based economy.

Ms Machaille Hassan Al-Naimi plays a key role in supporting Qatar Foundation’s contribution to Qatar’s social and economic development. Her experience spans law, diplomacy, strategic initiatives, governance, organisational leadership, and business development. She has served in legal counsel roles, supported COP18/CMP8 initiatives, and contributed to governance, restructuring, and business development work at Artan Holding.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Ms Al-Naimi brings valuable insight into institutional governance, strategic planning, and the role of education in supporting national development. Her contribution supports City University Qatar’s commitment to strengthening academic quality, graduate employability, and alignment with Qatar’s long-term social and economic priorities.

Professor Faris Gorashi, PhD has served as President of City University Qatar since June 2022, bringing extensive experience in academic leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. He is recognised for advancing academic excellence, strengthening institutional capacity, and building impactful partnerships across the higher education sector. At City University Qatar, Dr. Faris leads the university’s strategic direction and external relations, fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and international standards. Dedicated to excellence, innovation, and integrity, he continues to mentor future leaders while guiding the university’s growth as a provider of world-class British education in Qatar.

Mr Nasser Hassan Al-Naimi is the CEO and Board Member of Artan Holding, with experience across senior investment, research and development, innovation, and corporate governance. His background includes roles within Qatar’s Ministry of Defence and leadership at Barzan Holdings, bringing together strategic insight across investment, defence-sector development, and organisational leadership.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Mr Al-Naimi brings valuable expertise in strategic planning, innovation, and institutional development. His contribution supports City University Qatar’s commitment to applied learning, industry-responsive education, and preparing graduates with the skills needed to meet Qatar’s current and future workforce requirements.