From Northwestern Qatar to the highest national distinction: Amna Al Kuwari awarded platinum medal at Education Excellence Awards
February 19, 2026
Amna Essa Hilal Al Kuwari, a 2025 graduate of Northwestern University in Qatar, has received the Platinum Medal at the 19th Qatar Education Excellence Award ceremony, earning the highest national distinction for academic and societal excellence. Her recognition marks a historic milestone as the first Northwestern Qatar alumna to receive the Platinum Medal, the program’s most prestigious honor.
Organized annually by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, the annual Education Excellence Award celebrates outstanding individuals across the nation.
The Platinum Medal represents the award’s highest category, recognizing recipients whose accomplishments extend beyond sustained academic excellence to encompass innovation, international distinction, leadership, and meaningful contributions to society. Shortlisted candidates undergo a rigorous national evaluation process by a national committee before receiving the award at the annual awards ceremony, in which awards are conferred by the Amir.
Organized annually by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, the annual Education Excellence Award celebrates outstanding individuals across the nation.
The Platinum Medal represents the award’s highest category, recognizing recipients whose accomplishments extend beyond sustained academic excellence to encompass innovation, international distinction, leadership, and meaningful contributions to society. Shortlisted candidates undergo a rigorous national evaluation process by a national committee before receiving the award at the annual awards ceremony, in which awards are conferred by the Amir.
“I’m so proud of Amna. This is a significant milestone for her but also inspiring for our entire community. Amna represents the intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary courage, and public-minded leadership that define Northwestern Qatar. To see one of our graduates earn the highest academic distinction in the country affirms the caliber of students we are proud to have as part of our community”
- Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar
A graduate with minors in Middle East Studies and Media and Politics, Al Kuwari is currently completing a master’s degree and plans to pursue a PhD in the near future. “For me, learning is a lifelong responsibility,” she said. “Whether in academia or public service, I want my work to contribute to knowledge production in Qatar and beyond. The Platinum Medal motivates me to continue striving for impact that is both local and global.”
Her achievements extend well beyond the classroom. Internationally, she won first place globally and a gold medal at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX’25) in Malaysia and received a special award from the National Research Council of Thailand for Best Global Innovation and Invention.
Regionally, she secured second place at the 16th Arab Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Championship in Tunisia and earned a silver medal at the 15th International Invention Fair in the Middle East in Kuwait. She also won the Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Sustainability competition at the Second Arab Camp for Gifted and Innovative Youth in the United Arab Emirates.
Beyond competitions, Al Kuwari serves as an Ambassador and Media Coordinator at the Sustainable Development Goals Ambassadors Center and is a certified Training of Trainers (TOT) through Al Jazeera Media Institute. A trilingual communicator fluent in Arabic, English, and French, she has delivered workshops across institutions and founded the Summer Sustainability Camp, “Together We Draw a Greener Future,” integrating Qatar National Vision 2030 values in collaboration with national partners.
“I’m really grateful to Northwestern Qatar for giving me the opportunity to explore my passions and grow,” Al Kuwari said. “This recognition motivates me to stay committed and to do my part in carrying forward this journey of excellence.”
Amna Al Kuwari is the latest Northwestern University in Qatar alum to receive a prestigious post-graduation distinction, joining others who have been recognized with awards such as the Rhodes and Schwarzman scholarships. Her Platinum Medal adds to the university’s record of alumni achieving notable academic and professional recognition.
Her achievements extend well beyond the classroom. Internationally, she won first place globally and a gold medal at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX’25) in Malaysia and received a special award from the National Research Council of Thailand for Best Global Innovation and Invention.
Regionally, she secured second place at the 16th Arab Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Championship in Tunisia and earned a silver medal at the 15th International Invention Fair in the Middle East in Kuwait. She also won the Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Sustainability competition at the Second Arab Camp for Gifted and Innovative Youth in the United Arab Emirates.
Beyond competitions, Al Kuwari serves as an Ambassador and Media Coordinator at the Sustainable Development Goals Ambassadors Center and is a certified Training of Trainers (TOT) through Al Jazeera Media Institute. A trilingual communicator fluent in Arabic, English, and French, she has delivered workshops across institutions and founded the Summer Sustainability Camp, “Together We Draw a Greener Future,” integrating Qatar National Vision 2030 values in collaboration with national partners.
“I’m really grateful to Northwestern Qatar for giving me the opportunity to explore my passions and grow,” Al Kuwari said. “This recognition motivates me to stay committed and to do my part in carrying forward this journey of excellence.”
Amna Al Kuwari is the latest Northwestern University in Qatar alum to receive a prestigious post-graduation distinction, joining others who have been recognized with awards such as the Rhodes and Schwarzman scholarships. Her Platinum Medal adds to the university’s record of alumni achieving notable academic and professional recognition.
