Al Faleh Educational Holding & Wellington College International Break Ground in Lusail, Marking a Major Milestone for Education in Qatar

Al Faleh Educational Holding, in partnership with Wellington College International, today officially broke ground on Wellington College International Qatar in Lusail City, marking a major milestone in the advancement of world-class education in Qatar. The ceremony signals the start of construction on a flagship K–12 campus that will bring one of the United Kingdom’s most respected and historic educational institutions to the heart of Qatar’s most ambitious new city. The groundbreaking represents more than the launch of a new school campus. It reflects a strategic investment in human capital, knowledge infrastructure, and international educational excellence, aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s long-term priorities in education, innovation, and global collaboration. A Landmark Groundbreaking in Lusail City On 12 January, senior leaders, institutional partners, and invited guests convened at the Lusail project site to witness the ceremonial groundbreaking of Wellington College International Qatar. The ceremony was led by Dr. Sheikha Aisha Al Thani, Chairperson of Al Faleh Educational Holding, and Sir Anthony Seldon, Founding Director of Wellington College Education, who together conducted the symbolic turning of the soil, formally marking the commencement of construction. The moment signalled the transition of Wellington College International Qatar from vision to reality, anchoring the school physically and symbolically within Lusail City — one of Qatar’s most future-focused urban developments. Dr. Sheikha Aisha Al Thani, Chairperson of Al Faleh Educational Holding, said: “Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone in our long-term commitment to education in Qatar. Wellington College International Qatar represents more than a new school; it reflects our belief that world-class education, grounded in strong values and delivered through trusted global partnerships, is essential to preparing future generations for leadership and meaningful contribution. We are proud to see this vision take physical shape in Lusail City and to work alongside Wellington College in delivering an institution that will serve students, families, and the wider community for decades to come.” Sir Anthony Seldon, Founding Director of Wellington College Education, said: “Wellington College, our international education group, and I are delighted to announce this new partnership in Qatar. Al Faleh Educational Holding and Dr. Sheikha Aisha Al Thani are distinguished and enriching additions to our global family of schools. Establishing our first school in Qatar, in Lusail City, will create a landmark not only for Doha but for the wider region. Wellington College aspires to be the most admired and innovative family of schools in the world, and Wellington College International Qatar will play an important role in advancing that mission.” Mr. Duncan Hill OBE, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Doha, commented: “I am delighted to see some of the very best of British education coming to Lusail. The collaboration between Wellington College and Al Faleh Educational Holding reflects the strength of UK–Qatar partnerships in education, culture, and knowledge exchange.” A World-Class Campus for Qatar’s Future Generations Wellington College International Qatar will deliver a comprehensive K–12 educational offering, integrating academic excellence with extensive sporting, creative, and wellbeing facilities. Designed to international standards and thoughtfully adapted to the local context, the campus will serve both Qatari and international families seeking a globally recognised education rooted in values, leadership, and holistic development. With purpose-built learning environments, modern sports and arts infrastructure, and spaces dedicated to student wellbeing, the campus is intended to nurture intellectual curiosity, personal growth, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility in every student. Wellington College: A Globally Respected Institution Comes to Qatar The establishment of Wellington College International Qatar brings to Lusail an institution with more than 170 years of educational heritage. Founded in 1853 under Royal Charter and inaugurated by Queen Victoria, Wellington College is widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s leading independent schools. Across generations, Wellington College has built an international reputation for academic distinction, with consistently strong outcomes at A-Level and International Baccalaureate level and graduates progressing to leading universities across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and beyond. Equally central to the College’s reputation is its holistic educational philosophy, which places emphasis on intellectual achievement, leadership development, creativity, service, character formation, and student wellbeing. This balanced approach reflects a deep belief that education must prepare young people not only for academic success, but for meaningful lives as ethical, confident, and engaged global citizens. In recent years, Wellington College has expanded its international footprint, establishing a growing network of schools across China, Thailand, Indonesia, and India. Each campus is built upon the same core ethos and standards as the founding school in the UK, while being carefully adapted to its local cultural and educational context. The launch of Wellington College International Qatar marks a significant milestone in this global journey and reflects Qatar’s emergence as a destination for internationally respected educational institutions. Distinguished Attendance Reflecting Strategic Alignment The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by senior representatives and partners whose presence underscored the strategic importance of the project and its alignment with national development priorities. Attendees included: Mr. Duncan Hill OBE, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy in Doha, Sheikh Jassim Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Al Waab City Real Estate Development, Mr. Animesh Pandey, representing Qatar Diar, Sheikha Anwar Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Dr. Julie Cross, Principal, AFG College with the University of Aberdeen, Ms. Christine Filshill, representing Addworks, architectural consultants for the campus, Ms. Fiona Carter, International Director, Wellington College International. Their participation reflected a shared vision to invest in institutions that will serve future generations, strengthen Qatar’s knowledge economy, and contribute to sustainable social and economic development. Complementary Engagement: Public Lecture on AI in Education Sir Anthony Seldon’s visit to Qatar also included a public lecture hosted at AFG College with the University of Aberdeen at its NBK1 campus, titled “How AI Is Transforming Schools and Higher Education: How to Lead the Change.” The lecture explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in schools and universities, examining how emerging technologies are reshaping teaching, learning, and educational leadership. Sir Anthony addressed both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with AI, emphasizing ethical leadership, human-centred education, and the continued role of educators in guiding technological change. Dr. Julie Cross, Principal of AFG College with the University of Aberdeen, said: “It was a privilege to hear Sir Anthony Seldon share his insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, highlighting both its tremendous potential and the importance of guiding its impact thoughtfully for students and educators alike.” The session attracted educators, professionals, students, and education stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of pairing physical investment in educational infrastructure with ongoing intellectual leadership and dialogue. Investing in the Future of Education The groundbreaking of Wellington College International Qatar represents a long-term investment in education, people, and national development. As construction begins in Lusail City, the school is positioned to become a defining addition to Qatar’s educational landscape — offering students an education grounded in academic excellence, character development, wellbeing, and global perspective. Through this partnership, Al Faleh Educational Holding and Wellington College International reaffirm their shared commitment to building institutions that will serve not only today’s students, but the leaders, innovators, and citizens of tomorrow.