British Community Foundation Launched In Qatar

Doha, Qatar: The British Community Foundation (BCF) was officially launched in Doha yesterday, marking a new chapter for the UK's over 23,000-strong expatriate community in Qatar.

The initiative was unveiled at a reception hosted by British Ambassador to Qatar H E Neerav Patel.

Positioned as a non-profit platform, the BCF aims to support and celebrate British life in Qatar while strengthening ties with the host nation. Backed by the British Embassy, the Foundation seeks to provide both practical support and cultural connection.

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The launch event brought together British diplomats, local media, and representatives from across the British community in Qatar.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Patel outlined the BCF's aims are to support the welfare and wellbeing of Brits in Qatar; to back British community initiatives; and to foster stronger friendships between British and Qatari communities.

“There are over 23,000 Brits living here in Qatar, making their home here as expats. It's a vibrant, diverse, engaged community with a really long history,” said Ambassador Patel, who is also Chair of the BCF Council.

“The British Community Foundation has been created by the community, for the community. I invite all Brits in Qatar to come along to our community events and get involved. Whether you've just arrived from the UK, or have called Qatar home for many years, the Foundation is here to help you connect, contribute, and feel at home,” he added.

Although operating independently, BCF works in close partnership with the British Embassy Doha, the British Council, and other British community organisations in Qatar.

The Foundation is directed and overseen by a Council of six volunteers, all members of the British community in Qatar.

Deputy British Ambassador Duncan Hill serves as Vice-Chair of the BCF Council, which also includes Poppy Clinton of The Edge Picture Company, Nicola Jones of Vital Certificates, Maryam Wahid of Qatar Museums, and David Lish of Doha College as BCF Council members. Lish also holds the role of Treasurer of the BCF.

Looking ahead to Autumn 2025, the BCF has announced a busy calendar of activities, including a weekly playgroup for parents and pre-schoolers; a monthly mixer for Brits in Qatar; a support group and family days for British Special Educational Needs (SEN) families; town hall meetings to gather community feedback; and a Winter Bazaar hosted in the British Ambassador's garden.

Roxy Hailes, founder of the 3,000-strong British and Irish Mums Living in Doha Facebook Group and volunteer organiser of the BCF playgroup, said,“It's wonderful to have the British Community Foundation here to help Brits. I am really excited to welcome parents and little ones to the BCF playgroup.

“This is something which has been really missing here in Doha in recent years. Playgroup is a brilliant opportunity for families to get together and make new friends. It is open to everyone across the British community: both new arrivals in Doha and those who have been here for years.”

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