Office of Advancement, advancement@aub.edu.lb
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer (BE Electrical Engineering ’05) has earned many accolades during his distinguished career. Reflecting on his success, he says that his years at AUB had a profound impact on him. “My time at AUB is etched with memories of academic stimulation and personal growth. The university’s vibrant campus life made me feel a sense of community and belonging. Collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds enriched my understanding of different cultures and perspectives.”
Al-Meer says that the engineering design courses he took at AUB were especially impactful. “They emphasized practical application of theoretical knowledge, encouraging innovative thinking, and problem-solving,” he says. He also credits the influence of dedicated professors, “Their mentorship and encouragement to pursue excellence were instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership and innovation.”
Al-Meer’s career took off after he graduated from AUB. He played a critical role at United Development Company, where he oversaw landmark projects such as Qatar’s The Pearl Island. In 2014, he was appointed chief operating officer of Hamad International Airport (HIA) where he led the transformation of the airport into a world-class global hub. Under his leadership, HIA was recognized by Skytrax as the World’s Best Airport in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and achieved the status of Best Airport in the Middle East every year from 2015 to 2024.
“The foundation of my success lies in my commitment to continuous learning and embracing challenges,” Al-Meer says. “Surrounding myself with dedicated teams and fostering a culture of innovation have been instrumental in achieving organizational excellence.” Al-Meer has also earned great respect for his ability to achieve success even during challenging times. This was demonstrated by his leadership of HIA’s expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, Al-Meer was appointed group chief executive officer of Qatar Airways, one of the world’s most prestigious airlines. His vision for Qatar Airways is bold and people-centered. In an interview with CNBC in 2024, he said, “My role since day one is for Qatar Airways to continue to be the people’s choice, to continue to meet the expectations when it comes to customer experience, and to set benchmarks in the industry. The second vision I have is for us to be the leaders in the industry when it comes to innovation and new technologies.”
Al-Meer emphasizes the importance of creating an internal culture of trust and empowerment in achieving one’s goals. Upon assuming the role of Qatar Airways CEO, Al-Meer sent a message to all 60,000 employees reassuring everyone that he would work towards championing and empowering them. “My vision as CEO is to listen to our employees, empower them through helping them reach their potential, and more. We want to build leaders – and the best way to do that is through giving them the tools and trust they need and deserve to grow.”
His dedication to values-driven leadership extends beyond corporate strategy. At the 2024 Doha Forum, Al-Meer highlighted Qatar Airways’ global outlook, commitment to sustainable growth, and strategic partnerships across emerging markets. "Owing to our new era of Qatar Airways 2.0, dedication to our workforce, and growing investments and partnerships, our airline serves as the optimal case study for thriving businesses in rapidly evolving landscapes," he says.
Additionally, Qatar Airways, a consistently top-ranked airline, claimed the prestigious title of “World’s Best Airline” for a record-breaking 8th time at the 2024 World Airline Awards, organized by the international air transport rating organization, Skytrax. In 2024, it also secured awards for “World’s Best Business Class for the 11th time,” “World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge for the 6th time,” and “Best Airline in the Middle East for the 12th time.” Qatar Airways was additionally named “World’s Best Airline Website” by the World Travel Tech Awards. The airline is a sustainability pioneer, being the first in the Middle East to achieve the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification and the first globally to be certified for combatting illegal wildlife trafficking under the Buckingham Palace Declaration.
Al-Meer’s commitment to yielding positive impact is also evident in his efforts to work with and assist humanitarian organizations. In 2024, Al-Meer led the renewal of a partnership between Qatar Airways and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support displaced communities around the world. The airline pledged to donate 400 tons of free cargo capacity through 2025 to deliver essential supplies to those most in need. “We are proud of what we have accomplished through our relationship with UNHCR over the past four years,” he said. “We look forward to the significant renewal of our partnership and in continuing to aid those who are most vulnerable.”
Al-Meer fondly reminisces about his time at AUB. When asked about the advice he would give the younger generation, he urges students to “develop a strong foundation in engineering, technology, or business management, as these areas are integral to aviation operations; engage in internships or cooperative programs to gain practical experience; cultivate soft skills such as communication and teamwork, as they are crucial in a global industry that thrives on collaboration; and to stay well-informed on technological advancements and sustainability practices, as the future of aviation hinges on innovation and environmental responsibility.”
“Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer is a visionary leader who is shaping the future of global aviation,” said Senior Vice President Imad Baalbaki. “He embodies the spirit and values AUB seeks to instill in all its students. He is an inspiration. The university is proud to count him among its distinguished alumni.”