Ashraf Siddiqui
The Austrian Embassy in Qatar hosted a luncheon yesterday at the Hotel Andaz Doha for members of the Qatar Businesswomen Association (QBWA). The event brought together QBWA members alongside women ambassadors currently serving in Qatar.
Austrian Ambassador HE Erika Bernhard expressed her delight in attending the luncheon and shared her appreciation for being among such a distinguished and inspiring group of women. She acknowledged the presence of several prominent ambassadors, including her close friend Aisha Al-Fardan, Vice Chairperson of QBWA, and warmly noted their shared “Gemini spirit.”
Ambassador Erika reflected on the fruitful collaboration initiated last year, emphasising that 2025 holds particular significance, as it marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Austria and Qatar. A series of events planned throughout the year aim to commemorate this longstanding partnership.
She also highlighted recent high-level diplomatic engagements, including a visit by Austria’s Federal President to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, and the exchange of official letters between heads of state and ministers. These interactions underscore the deepening ties between the two nations and reflect hopes for further bilateral engagement.
In addition to this diplomatic milestone, 2025 also marks the 25th anniversary of the Qatar Businesswomen Association. Ambassador Erika congratulated the association on its continued efforts to empower women and foster meaningful professional exchanges. She noted the association’s recent activities, including a leadership-focused conference in Belgium. She emphasised the importance of events like this luncheon, which spotlight travel, leisure, and tourism as vital avenues for cultural enrichment and inspiration.
The event also featured a brief presentation by Miss Anni Lichtenegger, Marketing and Trade Manager for the Middle East at the Austrian Tourism Office in Dubai, who showcased Austria’s various tourist attractions.
On behalf of QBWA, Vice Chairperson Aisha Al-Fardan extended her gratitude to the Austrian Ambassador and the attending women ambassadors for their support and participation. She emphasised that such events have grown beyond traditional social gatherings, representing the culmination of long-standing relationships and international collaborations.
She further highlighted the strong partnership with Ambassador Erika, who has actively supported cultural initiatives since she arrived in Qatar less than a year ago, including her honorary involvement with the Qatar Music Association. This event marked the third collaboration between the Ambassador and the association.
Al-Fardan concluded by emphasising that the ultimate goal of these gatherings is to nurture lasting connections, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and create opportunities that extend beyond the borders of Qatar and Austria.
