Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
The World Mathematics Team Championship (WMTC) Qatar 2024 kicked off on Thursday evening at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The event is being hosted by Qatar Foundation with the support of its destination partner, Visit Qatar; Qatar Airways, Mowasalat, Qatar Rail and Baladna.
The international event, which will continue until December 1, offers participants a platform to showcase their mathematical skills, competing against young mathematicians from around the world.
The theme of this year, ‘Algebra and Balancing’, pays homage to the legacy of Islamic scholar Al-Khwarizmi – the Father of Algebra – emphasizing balance and fairness. WMTC Qatar 2024 not only celebrates the contributions of Muslim mathematicians but also encourages young people to connect through the universal language of math.
Around 750 students from various regions of the world including Qatar are participating with 362 students from outside Qatar including Saudi Arabia, India, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Macau, Canada, Bulgaria, Brazil, and Australia.
Among local talents, 300 students from Qatar-based schools and 88 students from Qatar Foundation schools are taking part.
In his opening address, the WMTC Founder and Chairman Prof Quan Liam said that while there are many mathematics competitions, he wanted to hold a very different team competition at an international level, so that people can work together not just by themselves.
He expressed hopes that each country organises its own competition involving the students from other parts of the world like Qatar and South Korea.
‘Visit Qatar’ as a destination partner with Qatar Foundation highlights Qatar’s remarkable growth as a hub for creativity, education, and cultural exchange. This partnership underscores Qatar’s dedication to fostering global connections and promoting academic excellence, positioning it as an ideal host for an event of this scale. It also offers an invaluable opportunity to inspire participants to experience Qatar’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Sara Al-Hajri, director of Student Affairs and Community Engagement within QF’s Pre-University Education unit said: "Hosting this championship showcases QF’s role as a hub for educational excellence, and it’s a true honour to welcome so many talented young minds to Qatar.”
She added that events like this not only nurture future innovators but also strengthen international bonds. These students represent the future, and we hope students leave with new skills, friendships, and a deeper connection to the global math community, Al-Hajri added.
"This championship is so much more than a competition; it’s a space where students can bring their knowledge to life, challenge themselves, develop problem-solving skills and find encouragement from others who share their passion,” she continued.
Each participating team consists of six students and one teacher team leader. The competition is structured into three rounds, with participants grouped into three age-based divisions: Junior, Intermediate, and Advanced. Participating students are from international as well as local schools, including those of Qatar Foundation.
Al Hajri emphasized the special value of international participation: "It’s amazing to see students from all around the world come together, not just to compete, but to learn from each other’s cultures and perspectives. This diversity makes the event feel like a global family gathering, where friendships are formed and boundaries fade, reminding us of the unity that math and learning can bring.”