Education and Research
From The Report: Qatar 2019
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Education is an important pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030, the country’s development plan to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons. To that end, Qatar has prioritised developing and reforming the education sector, with a substantial portion of its energy revenue dedicated to education. Although the decline in international oil prices in recent years has resulted in some cuts to funding, public spending is once again on the rise in the country, with education allocated 9.3% of the 2019 budget. While the economic blockade had an adverse effect on opportunities for regional academic collaboration, the impact on the overall sector has been limited, with a slight dip in student enrolment and staff retention in some private schools. This chapter contains interviews with Hassan Rashid Al Derham, President, Qatar University; and Richard O’ Kennedy, Vice-President for Research, Development and Innovation, Qatar Foundation.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

By the books: Investment in new schools and collaboration with international institutions drives the education sector
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Education is an important pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), the country’s development plan to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons. To that end, Qatar has prioritised developing and reforming the education sector, with a substantial portion of its energy revenue dedicated to education. Although the decline in international oil prices in recent years has resulted in some cuts to funding, public spending is once again on the rise in the country, with…

Analysis

Continuing education: Vocational education to help create a knowledge-based economy
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Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is an important priority in Qatar’s education development policies as the country seeks to build a highly skilled workforce. TVET centres are continuing to expand their offerings of evening and part-time courses to accommodate schedules of those already employed and encourage ongoing professional development. REGIONAL STRATEGY Vocational training is emphasised in Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), the country’s development strategy…

Interview

Changing paradigms: Hassan Rashid Al Derham, President, Qatar University, on the challenges arising from a dynamic labour market
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Interview:Hassan Rashid Al Derham What are local universities doing in order to adapt to a rapidly changing labour market? HASSAN RASHID AL DERHAM: As a small country in both size and population, Qatar utilises a centralised administration system for certain growing sectors such as health, education and higher education. The landscape of higher education has changed significantly over the last 20 years, particularly in terms of population. The establishment of Education City led elite international…

Analysis

Proof of concept: Funding programmes and a new coordinating council provide a platform for research and development
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Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) aims to improve the country’s sustainable development and increase the standard of living. The blueprint identifies four pillars of development: human, social, economic and environmental. Research and innovation have the potential to spur tangible results in each of these areas, whether through improving the efficacy of health care, or technological innovations to help strengthen environmental protection. “Qatar has been focusing on research and development…

Interview

Customised solutions: Richard O’Kennedy, Vice-President for Research, Development and Innovation (RDI), Qatar Foundation, on developing and adapting the local mindset for the promotion of RDI
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Interview:Richard O’Kennedy What policies can spur greater investment in RDI? RICHARD O’KENNEDY: The main priority is to bring together all the players involved in RDI. To this end, the RDI council has been created as the entity responsible development and implementation of RDI, fostering and facilitating collaboration among all key stakeholders and thus combining efforts to promote RDI in Qatar. There are particular topics that we need to focus on: for example, the use and protection…