Industry Advisory Board

Dr Waseem Kotoub is the Country Director of the British Council in Qatar, with extensive experience in education, arts and culture, English language programmes, partnerships, and organisational strategy. His background also spans medicine, music, project leadership, and international cultural initiatives.

Throughout his career with the British Council, Dr Kotoub has led major education and cultural programmes, including the Qatar UK Year of Culture arts portfolio, Gulf Culture and Sport Programme, and Gulf Strategy Fund Programme. He also has experience in developing projects that connect medicine and music, including music therapy initiatives supporting children with autism.

As a member of City University Qatar’s Industry Advisory Board, Dr Kotoub brings valuable insight into international education, cultural partnerships, student development, and skills-based learning. His contribution supports CUQ’s commitment to strengthening industry and institutional links, enhancing graduate readiness, and aligning academic programmes with future workforce needs.

Mr Mohamed Aboushanab is a training and workforce development professional with over 21 years of experience supporting organisations across Qatar and the wider GCC. His expertise spans corporate training, leadership development, capability building, competency-based learning, and workforce performance improvement.

In his role at Qatar Skills, Mr Aboushanab leads the design and delivery of customised training solutions for government, semi-government, and private-sector organisations. As a member of City University Qatar’s Industry Advisory Board, he brings valuable insight into workforce readiness, skills development, and employer expectations. His contribution supports CUQ’s commitment to aligning academic programmes with industry needs and preparing graduates who are confident, capable, and professionally ready.

Mr Aboushanab holds several professional certifications in project management, governance, compliance, auditing, leadership, strategic management, AI, and automation systems.

Ms Farah Makarem is a learning and development and human capital professional with over 15 years of experience across media, healthcare, higher education, and corporate training sectors in the GCC and Middle East. Her expertise spans capability building, learning strategy, talent development, leadership development, performance enablement, and institutional partnerships.

In her role at beIN MEDIA GROUP, Ms Makarem contributes to organisational capability building and the design of learning initiatives aligned with long-term workforce objectives. As a member of City University Qatar’s Industry Advisory Board, she brings valuable insight into skills development, curriculum relevance, employer expectations, and future workforce needs. Her contribution supports CUQ’s commitment to strengthening industry alignment and preparing graduates who are confident, adaptable, and professionally ready.

Ms Makarem holds an MBA and a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development.

Mr Mustafa Badawi is an experienced technology and training professional with over 20 years of leadership, management, and technical experience. He is a key member of the Cisco Networking Academy community and has played an active role in supporting the development and delivery of technology education across the region.

In his role with Cisco Qatar, Mr Badawi works closely with academic institutions to support the adoption of industry-relevant technology courses and skills-based learning. As a member of City University Qatar’s Industry Advisory Board, he brings valuable insight into digital transformation, technical training, and the evolving skills required in the technology sector. His contribution helps strengthen the connection between academic learning and industry practice, supporting CUQ’s commitment to preparing graduates who are professionally skilled, industry-ready, and aligned with future workforce needs.

Mr Badawi holds an Executive Master of Business Administration and a master’s degree in Computer Engineering, in addition to several industry certifications from leading technology vendors.