The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) hosted 30 students and faculty members from Kuwait University on an educational tour to Qatar. The knowledge dissemination activity came as part of an ongoing collaboration between GORD, Kuwait University and Kuwait’s Al Sayer Group.

The main objective of the activity was to introduce the students from Kuwait University’s College of Architecture to Qatar’s iconic projects, focusing on sustainability best practices achieved through the implementation of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). During the three-day program, the students had the opportunity to visit some of Qatar’s architectural legacies as well as its outstanding green building projects, including Al Janoub Stadium, Katara Twin Towers, Lusail City, Qatar National Library, National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, HIA expansion, The Pearl Qatar and Msheireb Downtown Doha. Sustainable transportation was also explored through the use of Doha Metro. Technical presentations along with guided walkthrough were delivered by GORD and various organizations.    

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, said, “At GORD, we are committed to driving sustainability and catalyzing change towards a greener future. Our support in hosting this educational tour for Kuwait University's architecture students is aligned with our mission to invest in educational activities that prepare youth to create a climate-resilient future. We believe that by equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills to implement nature-positive practices, we can pave the way for a more sustainable world."

Dr. Omar Khattab, Acting Vice Dean for Students Affairs at the College of Architecture, Kuwait University, said, “This cross-country educational tour represents an excellent example of how we expose our students to real-world scenarios and inspire them to think critically about environmental sustainability. Qatar, with its many GSAS-certified sustainable buildings and innovative practices, provides an ideal setting for such an educational opportunity. By visiting and studying these projects, our students learnt from best practices in the field and developed a deeper understanding of sustainable design principles.”

Mr. Mubarak Naser Al Sayer, CEO in Al Sayer Group, said, “Al Sayer's dedication to sustainability is evident in our initiatives, including the implementation of GSAS in Al Sayer’s flagship projects. Our commitment to the environment extends beyond industrial practices and includes investing in knowledge dissemination activities, such as the recent tour of Kuwait University’s students to Qatar. Through our support, we hope to inspire Kuwait’s next generation of architects and engineers to create a more sustainable future for all."

Accompanied by sustainability experts from GORD, the students had the chance to obtain first-hand knowledge about GSAS principles and how they are integrated in buildings awarded with GSAS Design & Build, Construction Management and Operations certifications.

The educational tour was an enriching experience for the students, providing them with valuable insights into Qatar's sustainable practices and iconic architecture. It also reinforced the importance of sustainability in the construction industry and the role of GSAS in promoting sustainable building practices in the region.

The recent tour was a continuation of joint activities envisaged to promote green buildings in the Gulf region. In the past, Kuwait University embedded GSAS as part of its academic offerings under its College of Architecture, as part of a strategic collaboration between GORD, Kuwait University and Al-Sayer Group.