Learning, growing and connecting with nature
Hadiqaa creates hands-on gardening experiences that help people of all ages and abilities explore science, sustainability and the natural world.
We believe that gardening is one of the most powerful tools for learning. Through planting, observing, caring for soil, and understanding ecosystems, learners discover science, sustainability, creativity, and responsibility in ways that are practical, joyful, and memorable.
More than gardening
Hands on learning
Participants get their hands dirty through practical activities that make learning active, engaging and memorable.
Science through nature
Gardening brings science to life through real experiences with plants, soil, water, insects, food systems and ecosystems.
Designed for the desert
Our programs reflect Qatar’s climate, growing seasons and environmental challenges, making every activity locally relevant.
Our Story
It started in 2017 with a simple question: How do you garden in the desert?
An online community was created where gardeners across Qatar and the wider region could exchange knowledge, share their experiences and learn from one another.
In 2022, this experience inspired the creation of a gardening education company focused on practical learning. Since then, our work has expanded to include children’s workshops, school programs, adult courses, corporate activities and community initiatives.
Today, we use gardening to make science and sustainability tangible, while helping people connect with nature and with one another.
Our Team
Our team brings together experience in agriculture, education, technology and community engagement. Together, we design and deliver practical programs that help people learn through gardening and nature.
Vicky Damalou
Co-Founder & General Manager
Vicky decided that she wanted to become an agricultural engineer at the age of 12. After graduating from the Agricultural University of Athens, she built more than 20 years of experience across horticulture, agricultural production, marketing, sales, greenhouse projects and landscaping business development in Europe and Qatar.
Drawing on her knowledge of gardening in Qatar’s climate, Vicky leads Hadiqaa’s strategy, partnerships and educational program development, with the goal of making gardening more accessible and meaningful for everyone.
Sara Khorasani
Co-Founder
Sara’s connection to agriculture began with her family’s pistachio farms in Iran. In 2017, she created an online gardening community to learn from other gardeners and explore whether growing food successfully in the desert was possible. This community helped inspire the development of Hadiqaa.
Sara also co-founded the Flowing Bee, a startup established in Australia and backed by international investors. She holds a Master’s degrees from Texas A&M University at Qatar and a PhD from the University of Melbourne and brings more than 10 years of experience in designing & developing hardware and software products across the Formula 1, simulation and ed-tech industries.
Roberta Rosini
Operations Manager
Roberta’s connection to nature and animals developed through her previous work with horses at a racecourse. This experience strengthened her patience, sense of responsibility and practical approach to working with both animals and people.
Roberta joined Hadiqaa in 2024 and quickly became an important part of its educational programs. She brings energy, care and strong organizational skills to every workshop, helping children and adults learn through practical gardening experiences.
Since June 2026, Roberta has served as Operations Manager, coordinating Hadiqaa’s daily activities, instructors and programs while helping ensure that every experience is organized, engaging and enjoyable.