Brought to you by 90 Years of British Council Series
90 Years of British Council is a series of podcasts covering the work of the British Council in the region, highlighting the transformative ripple effects of cultural and educational exchange.
From Personal Growth to National Impact Khalifa is widely recognized for his role in founding I Love Qatar (ILQ), his digital platforms have evolved to become trusted sources of information and community support in Qatar.
Khalifa wears many hats: Executive Adviser to the Secretary General at the Qatar Football Association CEO of the Qatar Esports Federation Media adviser across various national initiatives Driving force behind ILQ Network, which houses well-known sub-brands like Qatar Events, Qatar News, and Dana Doha
His mission To connect people to Qatar through truthful, engaging, and community-driven digital content. "People come to us to verify what they've seen elsewhere. That's an honor. ILQ has become a place people trust,” Khalifa shared.
The Birth of I Love Qatar Khalifa’s inspiration for launching I Love Qatar started during his university years. After being asked, “Where’s Qatar?” and realizing how little reliable information existed online about his home country, he took it upon himself to change that. What started as a simple online guide soon evolved—shaped by community feedback, questions, and even criticisms.
“Where some would have taken offense, I saw opportunity,” Khalifa explained. “The community helped shape ILQ. They felt ownership. I just created the platform.”
By treating constructive feedback as a gift, he turned ILQ into a collaborative space where the public had a say in how information was delivered and what kind of content was produced.
A Legacy of Inspiration with the British Council The episode also marks a significant tribute to 90 years of the British Council, which has played a vital role in education and cultural diplomacy in the region. For Khalifa, the British Council was part of his journey from a young age, thanks to the encouragement of his mother during his schooling in Bahrain. Later, when the Council invited him to collaborate in Qatar, it was a natural extension of his mission to empower youth and provide meaningful content through ILQ.
The Power of Passion and Purpose Despite the accolades and achievements, Khalifa remains grounded. “I’ve been fortunate. I took opportunities and worked on what I love, and now work doesn’t feel like work,” he said. “But it’s not effortless. The dark circles under my eyes? Those are my trophies.”
Advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives
As we celebrate the British Council’s 90 years of impact, Khalifa Al Haroon's story highlights how far we’ve come and the incredible potential that lies ahead for Qatar.
👉 Watch the full episode here: Khalifa Al Haroon and ILQ journey
Credit: British Council Qatar
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