Abdulrahman Saad Al-Qahtani’s long-held fascination with the intersection between Islamic principles and modern finance ultimately inspired him to enroll in the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) PhD in Islamic Finance and Economy.

As a result of CIS’ ability to ground Islam within modern social sciences, Abdulrahman also found himself in the perfect environment to delve deeper into his research interests. In doing so, he discovered that he could not only expand his understanding of the theoretical and practical concepts of Islamic finance, but also make his own impact through groundbreaking research.

“Enrolling in this program was one of the most inspiring and transformative experiences of my life. It was an opportunity to challenge myself, expand my knowledge, and become an expert in my field,” said Abdulrahman.

The PhD program featured an innovative multidisciplinary program that provided Abdulrahman with the necessary analytical and research skills to interrogate the workings of the rapidly expanding Islamic financial services and market sectors, as well as related challenges and opportunities. It also offered him opportunities to build relationships with CIS faculty, which are composed of internationally recognized subject matter experts dedicated to intellectual inquiry beyond curriculum-based teaching, and to undertake research of local and global relevance. 

With their support, he was able to strengthen his own credentials and build his research portfolio, including publishing a paper as lead author entitled “What are the Binding Constraints for a Knowledge-Based Economy in Qatar?” in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal MDPI Sustainability. With the College’s output firmly rooted in carefully designed research clusters that promote interdisciplinary research and new contributions to global Islamic scholarship, Abdulrahman felt empowered to explore the discipline of Islamic finance and economy on his own terms.

“This field is growing rapidly, and I was excited to be a part of shaping its future through my research and contributions. I am grateful for the support and opportunities that HBKU provided me and am confident that the skills and experiences gained during my time here will serve me well in my future endeavors,” said Abdulrahman.

The Qatari graduate credits CIS’ supportive and collaborative attitude to HBKU’s wider learning environment, which naturally reinforces the country’s strategy to invest in human capital and economic diversification by providing students with knowledge and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing and entrepreneurial environment. 

As a member of HBKU’s Class of 2023, he joins an illustrious alumni community that have all advanced their own development at a university that encourages multidisciplinary innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment to finding cross-cutting solutions for complex challenges. Abdulrahman and his peers completed academic programs and conducted research traversing the university’s five focus areas: Precision Health; Artificial Intelligence; Progressive Education; Sustainability; and Social Progress. 

Thanks to CIS’ status as an internationally recognized hub for contemporary Islamic studies, Abdulrahman is looking forward to embarking on new journeys where he can apply his experience to positively impact Qatar and the world.

“If you are a prospective student considering studying at this university, I can tell you that you are in for an incredible journey that will push you to your limits and help you reach your full potential,” said Abdulrahman.