Understanding diverse legal systems

The College of Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) was recognized at the Qatar Business Law Forum Gala Dinner & Awards 2025 with the Decennial Award for Excellence in Legal Education, honoring a decade of sustained contributions to advancing legal education in Qatar and beyond. The award reflects the college’s role as a leading academic institution shaping the next generation of legal professionals through high-quality teaching, impactful research, and practice-oriented learning aligned with national and global priorities.

The Qatar Business Law Forum Gala Dinner & Awards celebrates excellence across the legal profession, recognizing individuals, firms, and institutions that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and sustained impact. This recognition further strengthens the College of Law’s standing within the legal ecosystem and reinforces HBKU’s broader mission to develop knowledge institutions that contribute to Qatar’s legal, economic, and social development.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Susan L. Karamanian, Dean, College of Law, HBKU, stated: “The Decennial Award recognizes the work of our exceptional faculty, staff, students, and alumni and their dedication to building legal capacity in Qatar. We are grateful to the leadership of the Qatar Foundation and Hamad Bin Khalifa University for their vision in establishing the College of Law and their unwavering support over the years.” 

Situated at a global crossroad of culture, business, and geopolitics, the college has become one of the most prestigious law schools in the Middle East, leveraging top-tier local and international partnerships to help build expertise and research capacity. Offering four degrees, including Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Economic and Business Law, Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Law and Foreign Affairs, and Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.), the college globally connects academia, government, industry and society. 

Hilary Bell, Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, HBKU, added: “We are deeply honored that the Juris Doctor (JD) degree received the Qatar Business Law Forum Decennial Award for Excellence in Legal Education. As we mark ten years of the College, it is fitting that our journey mirrors a decade of the Lexis/Nexis Business Law Awards in Doha. This recognition reflects our commitment to academic excellence and innovation in legal education and the remarkable achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We are especially proud of our alumni. Their work across law firms, courts, public institutions, and international organizations is shaping legal practice in the region and beyond. Their success gives meaning to our mission and brings pride to our community.”

Noora Al-Thani, Juris Doctor candidate, added: “My journey at HBKU College of Law has been a truly transformative chapter in my life. I have learned a great amount and met inspiring and accomplished people while growing both personally and professionally.”

The award underscores HBKU’s College of Law’s growing reputation as a destination for students seeking to make an impact through globally informed legal education rooted in real-world relevance. As the college enters its next decade, it remains focused on building national and regional capacities to manage complex environments across diverse international legal systems.