Dr. Omar Mohamed Al-Ansari is a distinguished academic and administrative figure at Qatar University. He graduated from the College of Engineering in 1990 and subsequently became a teaching assistant in the Department of Civil Engineering. He furthered his studies at the University of Texas in the United States, obtaining his master's degree in 1993 and his PhD in Civil Engineering in 1999. Following this, he assumed a faculty position in the College of Engineering and held various administrative roles. He served as the Academic Programs Coordinator at the College of Engineering from 2001 to 2003, and then became the Dean of Student Affairs in 2003, followed by serving as an assistant to the Vice President of the University in 2004. From 2007 to 2015, he served as the Vice President for Student Affairs, and since 2015, he has been the Vice President for Academic Affairs. On 18 June 2023, he was appointed President of the University.
Throughout his extensive career spanning over two and a half decades, Dr. Omar has been involved in numerous projects, research endeavors, and committee memberships at both the university and national levels. Notably, he contributed to the Qatar University Development Project and served on the Equivalency Committee. He also held membership in several education and engineering associations and unions. Dr. Omar's significant contributions have propelled scientific research and made remarkable advancements within the university and the nation.
Under his leadership in Academic Affairs, the university has completed several research projects that have supported FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Additionally, these endeavors encompassed a wide range of areas, including infrastructure development, agricultural improvement, and the university's participation in space research. Moreover, he made significant contributions to shaping the scientific research at the university, ensuring its alignment with national priorities and the National Vision 2030 agenda.
He played a fundamental and significant role in preparing for the university's digital transformation across various aspects and curricula, which was spearheaded by the Digital Learning and Online Education Office. He actively fostered innovation in education, learning, and research while forging stronger ties between the university and external institutions. Additionally, he worked on developing the university's vision and strategy, increasing its scientific and social impact, attracting distinguished researchers and scholars to the institution, and achieving a range of updates, developments, and achievements that have contributed to its realization.
In addition to the above, Dr. Omar has been a member of numerous national and international academic institutions and organizations, leaving a clear mark on the university and beyond. He has received several appreciation awards from academic institutions both domestically and internationally. Under his presidency, the university will achieve significant positive transformations on various levels, meeting the internal needs of its staff and the external demands of the labor market and national requirements. It will take progressive steps towards enhancing its scientific, research, and societal standing not only within Qatar but also across the Arab region and the world.