Mr. Abdulaziz Hejji, Executive Director of International Operations, believes that Qatar Charity’s fast-track projects offer a model that combines rapid impact, quality execution, and enhanced donor trust.
At the outset of 2026, Qatar Charity took a significant step forward by introducing an accelerated model for implementing development projects immediately upon receiving donations. These initiatives—known as “fast-track development projects” or “competitive development projects”—represent a qualitative shift in the organization’s development methodology.
The model was first rolled out during the holy month of Ramadan this year, targeting key sectors such as social housing, mosque construction, Quran memorization centers, water wells, and economic empowerment projects.
In this interview with Ghiras Magazine, Mr. Abdulaziz Jassim Hejji, Executive Director of International Operations, at Qatar Charity, shares insights into the importance of this approach, the mechanisms that support it, its early outcomes, and its future outlook.
Proactive Measures for Immediate Impact
What is the significance of this approach in delivering development projects, and what mechanisms and procedures has Qatar Charity adopted to ensure its success?
The shift toward fast-track projects mark a significant evolution in Qatar Charity’s development approach, combining rapid delivery of impact to beneficiaries with strengthened donor trust, as contributors can see tangible results within a short timeframe.
The importance of this model became particularly evident during Ramadan, a period marked by heightened humanitarian needs—especially in countries affected by crises or difficult living conditions.
To ensure the success of this approach, Qatar Charity adopted a range of proactive measures, including:
- Pre-identifying project locations, regions, and target communities
- Establishing framework agreements with qualified contractors and suppliers prior to launching campaigns
- Securing all required governmental approvals and permits in advance
- Identifying beneficiaries and completing due diligence procedures before the beginning of funding
With this level of preparedness, projects move directly into implementation as soon as donations are received, without delay.
Encouraging Early Outcomes
Although this is a relatively new model, how do you assess its implementation so far, and what are its initial impacts?
Although the fast-track project model is still in its early stages, the initial evaluation of this experience is highly positive and encouraging. The model has demonstrated a strong capacity to:
- Accelerate the transition from donation to project execution
- Improve operational efficiency
- Enhance the donor experience through faster reporting and clearer implementation pathways
This experience has directly improved coordination among technical, administrative, and field teams, while reducing the time spent on non-execution procedures—supporting a more efficient and impactful humanitarian response.
During the past Ramadan, 1,521 competitive projects were funded under this model. Qatar Charity committed to implementing them swiftly, with many already completed and others in their final stages, depending on the nature and scope of each project (according to statistics from April 15, 2026).
What safeguards are in place to ensure that faster project delivery does not compromise quality?
Addressing concerns about quality, Qatar Charity emphasizes that faster implementation does not come at the expense of standards. Speed is the result of advance planning—not a decline in quality requirements.
Key safeguards include:
- Strict adherence to approved technical, engineering, and Sharia standards
- Exclusive engagement with experienced and accredited contractors and suppliers
- Continuous field monitoring and supervision throughout implementation
- Full documentation of all project phases, with regular reporting to stakeholders and donors
- A clear separation between the pre-planning phase and the execution phase to ensure rigorous oversight
This approach reduces procedural time—not quality standards.
Gradual Expansion
What is the future outlook of this approach within Qatar Charity, and will it be limited to specific types of projects?
Looking ahead, Qatar Charity views fast-track projects as a scalable operational model, particularly well-suited for recurring initiatives and projects with urgent humanitarian impact.
Future plans include:
- Conducting regular evaluations of the model
- Gradually expanding its application based on results and lessons learned
- Aligning this approach with both seasonal and development projects across multiple sectors
The ultimate benchmark for expansion will always remain delivering high-efficiency development impact precisely when and where it is needed most.
Closing Remark
Qatar Charity firmly believes that effective humanitarian action must combine speed, quality, and transparency—while positioning donors as genuine partners in creating impact.
The Ramadan projects, particularly fast-track initiatives, embody this vision by ensuring that donations are translated into tangible outcomes as quickly as possible—meeting beneficiaries’ needs, strengthening donor trust, and fulfilling the true purpose of humanitarian giving.
Interview by: Ali AlRachied
