QU Launches a Pioneering Regional Sustainability Competition

The College of Business and Economics at Qatar University (QU) proudly unveiled the first regional edition of the MENA Business Schools Alliance for Sustainability (MEBAS) Sustainability Competition, an educational simulation challenge designed to foster an understanding of sustainability through interactive applied learning. This challenge allows students to balance profitability and efficiency for the company with conservation of resources and the environment.
This innovative competition brought together student teams from across the MENA region to share practical strategies for sustainable business practices under the theme "Promoting Sustainability through Play and Learning."
The competition, the first of its kind in the region, focused on integrating academic knowledge with real-life business scenarios to promote sustainability and ethical leadership among future business leaders.
The event saw the participation of ten university teams from across the Middle East, including prestigious institutions such as ESCA College of Management in Morocco, King Talal School of Business Technology, Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Jordan, American University of Beirut in Lebanon, and both King Saud University and Prince Sultan University from Saudi Arabia. In addition, the UAE contributed three teams from Ajman University's College of Business Administration, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)'s College of Business and Economics, the University of Dubai, and the College of Business Administration at Kuwait University, along with Qatar University hosting and participating in the event.
Prof. Dr. Rana Sobh, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at QU and Chair of MEBAS, said, "The launch of the Regional Sustainability Competition is an important step in the journey of promoting sustainability in the region, and we at QU's College of Business and Economics are proud to have played our part in guiding this inspiring effort that reflects students' engagement with the competition and their serious desire to achieve a positive change in society; channeling their ideas towards sustainable solutions and leading business ethically represents an important foundation for building a better future."
Prof. Sobh added, "We would like to thank all the participating students for their interest and dedication to this competition and wish them all the best in their journey towards achieving positive change. Their involvement in such initiatives reflects their optimism and belief that they can make a difference in the world around them."
Dr. Hani Kamel, Associate Professor at the College of Business and Economics at QU, stated, "We are thrilled to launch this initiative, which not only challenges students to think critically about sustainability but also to implement these concepts in simulated business environments. The initiative's main areas of focus include education, research, and connecting students and academics with the business community. We aim to increase awareness and engagement among our students, whom we see as the future leaders of our region, equipping them with the skills and experiences needed to enter a new job market."
In this competition, each team faces strategic challenges that integrate environmental impacts and responsible economic practices into their decision-making processes. Dr. Kamel emphasized, "This competition is more than a contest; it is a collaborative effort to instill a culture of sustainability and ethical leadership among the future business leaders of our region."
The objective of the Regional Sustainability Simulation Competition extends beyond mere competition. It aims to create a network among students, helping them to build relationships and share ideas, thereby fostering a community of future leaders who are well-versed in balancing profitability with environmental stewardship.
Dr. Nouf Al-Magoushi, Associate Chair of the Management Department at Prince Sultan University, commented, "The competition plays a crucial role in broadening students' horizons and enhancing their networking capabilities, in addition to a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability and environmental conservation. These are pivotal issues that concern all sectors, whether educational, governmental, or private."
Dr. Al-Magoushi added, "Such experiences significantly contribute to preparing students for a successful professional future, as they learn how to effectively face challenges and acquire valuable skills in handling various scenarios and situations. This enhances their capacity for appreciation and a deep understanding of the role of institutions and the importance of collaboration and working within diverse teams. It also provides them the opportunity to meet students from other universities, thereby enriching their educational experience and making it more comprehensive and interactive."
The winning teams were honored, with Qatar University's College of Business and Economics winning first place, Prince Sultan University from Saudi Arabia's College of Business Administration winning second place, and the American University of Beirut's Suliman S. Olayan School of Business winning third place.
This event underscores the commitment of QU's College of Business and Economics to leading the way in sustainability education. By integrating academic learning with practical application, the competition prepares students to make decisions that benefit both their businesses and the environment, thereby contributing positively to the global challenge of climate change.

About MEBAS:
In partnership with 15 accredited universities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Qatar University's College of Business and Economics has taken a pioneering step in promoting sustainability and addressing climate change. The MENA Business School Alliance for Sustainability (MEBAS), which was established in October 2023, seeks to foster regional collaboration among academically accredited institutions recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). MEBAS is dedicated to mitigating the impact of climate change, promoting environmental conservation, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations since 2015.