The education and scientific research elements of Qatar Foundation's mission are long-term investments that will grow to fruition over years and generations.

The community development part of the organization's mission aims to enhance lives by identifying and meeting immediate needs and opportunities, and by addressing factors that impede human development.

Initiatives may be targeted at social groups that require help in coping with their circumstances, as with the Social Development Center and the Qatar Diabetes Association.

Often they have very broad appeal. For example, Al Shaqab engenders pride in Qatari's special relationship with the horse, providing a social anchor during a time of rapid social change. The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development is a research facility based on a strong belief that the family is the natural and fundamental unit of society.

Reach Out To Asia takes the Foundation's commitment to educational opportunities for all to underprivileged communities across the Asian continent. Its aid programs bring relief to disaster areas, supported by volunteerism in Qatar, especially among the Education City community.

The cultural heritage of Qatar and the region is nurtured by the Cultural Development Center, while Al Jazeera Children's Channel offers an educational entertainment experience to children across the Arab world and beyond who, for the first time, have regular access to children's programming that has been produced in the region and springs from their culture.

Qatar's recognition that transparency and accountability in public life are essential elements of a healthy, participative society are reflected in Lakom Al Karar, a local TV show where young Qataris have an opportunity to challenge their leaders. The Doha Debates are a discussion program that highlights political and social issues of the Middle East region, while QatarDebate aims to channel the local passion for open discussion into the formal debate format.

Through these initiatives Qatar Foundation demonstrates that it is flexibly tackling current social needs and preserving the country's unique heritage, while at the same time building the foundations of a new knowledge-based society.