In a royal evening dedicated to youth empowerment, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All, and Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, President of Mentor International, were hosted by His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal Al Saud, Chairman of Mentor Arabia, for the Mentor Arabia Gala Dinner. Held under the theme “Towards Sustainable Communities,” the event underscored a shared commitment to investing in youth as the driving force for a better future.
The Mentor Arabia 2025 Gala Dinner, held at Katara Hall, Raffles Doha, on Tuesday, 17th February, gathered world leaders, dignitaries, philanthropists, and celebrities in support of youth empowerment and sustainable communities. Organised in collaboration with Education Above All and Mentor Arabia.
The evening served as a platform to champion the role of youth in building sustainable societies while raising vital funds to support initiatives that equip young people with the education, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Guests were treated to inspiring speeches from global leaders, captivating cultural performances celebrating creativity and resilience, and an exclusive charity auction featuring extraordinary items, led by renowned international auctioneer Simon de Pury. The event also provided a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with influential decision-makers, business leaders, and changemakers, all united by a shared commitment to investing in young people for a brighter future.
During her speech, Her Highness Sheikha Moza spoke about the partnership between Education Above All (EAA) and Mentor Arabia in Lebanon and Qatar, emphasising its crucial role in youth empowerment:
“We look forward to a productive collaboration between Mentor Arabia and the EAA Foundation that will support young people and equip them to drive sustainable development forward.
The two foundations are launching a programme in Lebanon and Qatar aimed at empowering and employing youth. Over the next four years, the initiative will develop skills and create employment pathways for more than 8,000 young people. It will have a profound impact on their lives, linking educational outcomes to the labour market and facilitating their transition from higher education to meaningful careers across various sectors.”
His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud expressed his pride in the recently established strategic partnerships, stating:
“We are proud of the strategic partnerships we have recently established with key stakeholders in Qatar, such as Education Above All and the Akhlaquna Programme 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 the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and Mentor Arabia. This project is dedicated to equipping thousands of young people in Qatar and Lebanon with essential skills, mentorship programmes, and sustainable employment opportunities. By providing youth with the tools they need to thrive, YEED aims to foster long-term socio-economic growth and empower the next generation.
The evening also honoured the next generation of leaders, as eight young entrepreneurs were announced as winners of the fourth edition of the Mentor Arabia Youth Social Entrepreneurs Award. Recognising outstanding achievements in sustainable human and social development, the awardees will mentor their peers across Qatar and the Arab world, inspiring them to drive meaningful change within their communities.
With an atmosphere of philanthropy, innovation, and hope, the Mentor Arabia 2025 Gala Dinner reaffirmed the power of collaboration, leadership, and youth investment in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.
