Education in Qatar: Winter 2022/23

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Established in partnership with King’s College UK, King’s College Doha shares its famous reputation for fusing exceptional academic outcomes with an emphasis on helping pupils reach their full potential, both within and beyond the classroom.

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From September 2023 King’s College Doha will offer a dedicated pre-prep campus for children in Pre-School to Year 2 and an iconic new campus, for pupils in Prep and Senior School, from Years 3 to 13.

Schools, Schools & More Schools

By Ola Diab

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) is opening at least eight new schools for the academic year 2022–23 at various locations in the country.

Five out of the eight new schools started operating at the beginning of the new academic year 2022-23 on 21 August 2022 for boys and girls in the preparatory and secondary stages.

These five new schools are Amr Ibn Al Aas Secondary School for Boys (Al Wakra area), Talha bin Obaid Allah Preparatory School for Boys (Rawdat Al Hamama, Al Daayen Municipality), Ramla Bint Abi Sufyan Secondary School for Girls (Umm Salal Muhammad, Umm Salal Municipality), Hind Bint Amr Al Ansaria Preparatory School for Girls (Bufasilah, Umm Salal Municipality), and Saeed Bin Zaid Preparatory School for Boys (Al Wukair, Al Wakra Municipality). The schools are distinguished by their modern buildings with all amenities such as a sports hall, theatre, science laboratories, art workshops, computer labs, outdoor playgrounds and an air-conditioned school assembly yard and dedicated parking.

HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Buthaniya bint Ali Al Nuaimi, issued a ministerial decision appointing principals for the five new schools: Said Abdel Hadi Saad Luthain (Amr Ibn Al Aas Secondary School for Boys), Gamal Mohamed Yakoub Al Jaber (Talha bin Obaid Allah Preparatory School for Boys), Maryam Khalaf Naser Hattab Al Kaabi (Ramla Bint Abi Sufyan Secondary School for Girls), Shaikhah Jubran Said Al Mazarkah Al Shahrani (Hind Bint Amr Al Ansaria Preparatory School for Girls), and Hassan Abdallah Mohamed Saleh Al Abdallah (Saeed Bin Zaid Preparatory

School for Boys). The ministry added that these new five schools are part of the Qatar Public Private Partnership (PPP) Schools Development Programme and among a total of eight schools in the first package.

Each of the new schools will accommodate 786 students, including 36 children with disabilities, which are divided into six classes in each school, while the rest of the 750 students are divided into 30 classes.

The ministry has been keen to implement the country's sustainability standards during the construction of the schools. Environment-friendly materials were used to ensure their classification as green buildings according to national standards, while also implementing security and safety conditions and ensuring easy access for people with special needs.

Some 225,118 students in 212 public schools and kindergartens, and more than 215,000 in 338 private schools and kindergartens returned to school on 21 August 2022 for the new academic year 2022-23. The academic year is expected to conclude in June 2023.

The arrangements for the new academic year include a number of axis and initiatives announced by HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, to develop the educational system in Qatar during the next eight years to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.

The axis and initiatives were announced during the first educational meeting organised by the ministry under the slogan 'A Flame of Learning', which celebrated the start of the academic year 2022–23.

The axis centre around students, teachers, schools, and the ministry itself, while initiatives are concerned with training and mentoring new teachers, focusing on the quality of student life, and excellence by designing different development paths for public schools, as well as developing mechanisms to support and follow up on schools' performance.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, an event that Qatar and the Arab region have been anticipating for 12 years, marked the academic year 2022–23. Schools closed for the World Cup. Mid-year holidays for all schools in Qatar started on 20 November and will end on 22 December 2022 — 10 days before the World Cup began and four days after it concludes.

In addition, this year also coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of formal education in Qatar. The ministry will organise many events and related activities throughout the year.

Qatar PPP Schools Development Programme

The PPP programme was established to develop public infrastructure projects and introduce private capital and expertise in sectors otherwise under government control. Qatar’s Second National Development Strategy 2018–22 encourages greater private participation in economic activity, on its own or through PPP frameworks.

In line with that objective, the ministry has identified 45 schools to be implemented under a PPP framework. The 45 schools are divided into four packages, each consisting of eight to 14 schools.

Each package will be implemented as a separate PPP Project. The package, number of schools and expected delivery date for each of the packages areas follows:

Package Package 1 8 schools August 2022 Package 2 12 schools August 2023 Package 3 14 schools August 2024 Package 4 11 schools August 2025

The Qatar PPP Schools Development Programme is a step in the direction of improving the innovation, quality and speed of construction together with improved operations and maintenance of the Independent schools.

The project has been launched to help the State of Qatar meet its increasing demand for good quality educational facilities. This demand is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar Second National Development Strategy 2018–22.

The project will deliver 12 schools, which are in line with education objectives mentioned in the Qatar Second National Development Strategy 2018–22. Some of the key policy objectives this programme aims to fulfil are as follows:

• To cater to ever-rising demand in the education sector driven by growth in the school, age population.

• Supporting human and social development.

• Supporting the urgent need to build more (domestic) capacity and expertise on project implementation.

• Improving the quality of education for Qataris to reach international standards.

• Reducing the inefficiencies in the Qatari educational system.

• Increasing job satisfaction in the education sector in Qatar.

• Promoting private sector participation in the education sector. m

PROUD OF OUR ROOTS; EMPOWERED AS GLOBAL CITIZENS

New Perspective on World History

A Unique Vision

When Arab International Academy (AIA) first opened its doors to learners in 2016, it did so with a unique vision that articulated its board of trustees’ clear awareness of the major challenges awaiting our youth. “Nurturing knowledgeable and skilled generations of learners who possess a strong sense of their own identity, approach other cultures with an open mind, and are able to adapt to an ever-changing world.” AIA took its first steps and earned accreditation as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum school offering the PYP, MYP, and DP programs in a record two years. The choice of IB was not haphazard, but integral to the vision in that the IB follows a rigorous research-based and continuously evolving approach to education that values developing, “inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” (IBO) A vision that aligned with the school’s own vision and mission offered through a challenging curriculum that while maintaining rigor allows for flexibility and individuality.

AIA’s founding institution, Tarsheed, completed a project to publish a series of world history textbooks for grades 6-10 authored by Arab historians from a variety of Arab countries. This distinctive project resulted in textbooks that supported a curriculum with a unique perspective that helped showcase the Arab contribution to human development and shine the light on the role played by the region and its cultural heritage. This viewpoint allows for a widening of learners’ perspectives and their global world view, and also instills a sense of pride in our Arab students, entrenching them in their shared heritage and culture.

In addition, AIA offers a solid grounding in the Arabic language and offers beginner Arabic to non-speakers to help international students take advantage of the unique opportunity of being in an Arab context to gain a new language and insight.

Blended Approach to Learning

A strong educational program does not only need strong roots, but also demands an evolution with the times, and that is why approaches to learning at AIA are a blend of the traditionally effective and the forward-thinking ones focused on technological advances. AIA offers physical learning tools, sand pits, equipped kitchens, playgrounds, and a sensory room as well as interactive boards, 3D learning material, various learning platforms and applications, and a grounding in the use and application of technology for learning.

Our Early Years students thrive in an environment inspired by Reggio Emilia and focused on learning by doing and physical interaction. From there, our learner’s curiosity and self-confidence are ignited and they dive into the transdisciplinary world of the PYP where they become better versed with their world and their place in it. They grow in knowledge and enter the rigorous interdisciplinary journey in the MYP to prepare for the challenging diploma program and graduate as knowledgeable and wellrounded citizens of the world who aim to make a difference in it. AIA’s diploma results over the past two years have proven the success of its mission so far with our students getting into some worldrenowned universities.

Dalal Hammoudeh - Secondary School Principal At AIA

Useful Numbers

Useful Numbers

*Int'l is short for International

Ministry of Education and Higher Education C4 4404 4044/4444 edu.gov.qa

Nursery/Preschools

Acorn Nursery E3

British Curriculum/Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 4038 7684 acornqatar.com

Calgary Int'l Pre-School (CIPS) D2 Alberta Early Childhood Curriculum/ EYFS 4416 1760, 5582 3005 cips-qatar.com

CESK Pre-school D3 British Curriculum/EYFS 4413 5675

See their Facebook page

Elder Tree Kindergarten E3 British Curriculum 4498 4984 See their Facebook page

English Modern Kindergarten F5 EYFS/Qatar National Curriculum 4472 4115, 3037 5316 englishmodernschool.net/emkg

The English Kindergarten (TEK) E3 British Curriculum/EYFS 4491 9318/9, 5511 6312 tek.com.qa

The Gulf English Nursery C2 British Curriculum/EYFS 4436 4756 gulfenglishnursery.com

Fun First Nursery B4 British Curriculum/EYFS 4411 0952/3 funfirstnursery.com

Giggles Nursery C2 Approach Curriculum/EYFS 4488 0017, 4480 4447, 3318 8331 my-giggles.com

Kanga's Pouch Nursery C3 British Curriculum/EYFS 7788 6171 kangaspouch.com

Little Academy Nursery C3 American Curriculum 4411 0027/6681 7163 littleacademy.net

Montezine Nursery of Doha D4 British Curriculum 4466 1250

See their Facebook page

Noor Al Khaleej Kindergarten British Curriculum Al Hilal D4 4466 6942 Duhail B3 4444 7161 nooralkhaleej.com

Perles d’Avenir Nursery B4 French Curriculum 4481 7611 perlesdavenirqatar.com

Summit Academy Kindergarten B3 American Curriculum 4466 3802, 6650 4327 summitacademyqatar.com

Primary/Secondary Schools

ACS Doha Int'l School C3 American Curriculum/International Baccalaureate (IB) 4474 9000/1 acs-schools.com/doha Al Jazeera Academy E3 National Curriculum (UK)/IGCSE/AS 4469 3777, 4032 9666 aja.edu.qa

Al Khor Int'l School (AKIS) British Curriculum 4473 3688 akis.sch.qa

American School of Doha (ASD) D3 American, Advanced Placement (AP) and IB 4459 1500 asd.sch.qa

Arab Int'l Academy (AIA) D3 IB 4041 4999 aia.qa

Belgravia High School D3 British Curriculum/IGCSE/AS 5550 0693, 3323 9669 belgraviadoha.com

Blyth Academy Qatar D3 Alberta Curriculum 4421 7553 blythacademyqatar.com

Compass Int'l School Doha International Primary Curriculum/ IB/British Curriculum/ International GCSE

Al Gharrafa C2 4034 9666 Al Themaid B1 4034 6800 Madinat Khalifa C3 4034 9888 nordangliaeducation.com

Doha British School (DBS) National Curriculum (UK), IB Ain Khaled E3 4019 8000 Al Wakra F5 4019 8080 Rawdat Al Hamama 4019 8008 dohabritishschool.com

Doha College D2 National Curriculum (UK) 4407 6777 dohacollege.com

Doha English Speaking School (DESS) C3 National Curriculum (UK) 4459 2750 dess.org

DPS-Modern Indian School (MIS) F5 CBSE India 4449 9100/75 dpsmisdoha.com

Edison Int'l Academy British Curriculum Al Markhiya C3 4488 7135 Dahl Al Hamam C3 4037 0653 Lusail City A4 6692 9754 Muaither D2 4427 5927 edison.academy

Egyptian Language School E3 Egyptian Curriculum 4468 5378/85 egylangsc.com

English Modern School (EMS)

Cambridge International Curriculum

Al Khor 4450 2172, 5536 9675 Al Messila C3 4488 3806/07/16 Al Wakra F5 4411 1911, 4436 7134 englishmodernschool.net

Ethiopian Community International School (ECIS) Ethiopian Curriculum 5505 8287 ecisdoha.com

GEMS American Academy Qatar F5 American, Creative Curriculum for Preschool 4032 9000 gemsamericanacademy-qatar.com

Useful Numbers

marhaba.qa

GEMS Wellington School, Qatar F4

British Curriculum 4041 7444/5 gemswellingtonschool-qatar.com

German Int'l School Doha D4 IB Programmes 4451 6836 ds-doha.de

The Gulf English School C2 IGCSE, International Baccalaureate 4457 8777 gulfenglishschool.com

Hamilton International School E4 International Curriculum 4492 4343, 5043 8885 hamiltoninternationalschool.qa

Ideal Indian School E3 CBSE India 4468 4849 idealschoolqatar.com

King’s College Doha E4 British Curriculum 4496 5888 kingscollegedoha.com

Lycée Bonaparte C4 French Curriculum/IB 4496 0300 lycee-bonaparte.fr

Lycée Franco-Qatarien Voltaire French Curriculum/IB Al Waab D3 4035 4060 Salwa D3 4035 4025 West Bay B3 4035 4040 lyceevoltaire.org

MES Indian School E3 CBSE India 4457 2888/4468 1816 mesqatar.org

Michael E. DeBakey High School – Qatar D3

American Curriculum (focus on Science and Mathematics) 4499 9851 debakeyatqatar.org

Newton British Academy (NBA) National Curriculum (UK) Al Dafna B3 4414 2294 Barwa City E4 4006 1501, 4035 7601 newtonschools.sch.qa

Newton British School (NBS) National Curriculum (UK) Al Waab D3 4447 2427 Muraikh D2 6647 7410 newtonschools.sch.qa

Newton Int'l Academy (NIA) F3 National Curriculum (UK) 4001 6401 newtonschools.sch.qa

Newton Int'l School (NIS) National Curriculum (UK) D Ring Road D4 4466 6246 Legtaifiya (Lagoon) B4 4412 2254 West Bay B4 4493 5507 newtonschools.sch.qa

Nord Anglia Int'l School Al Khor British Curriculum 4437 9600 nordangliaeducation.com

Northview International School Artemis Education 3038 5685 northview.school

Oryx Int'l School, Doha E4 National Curriculum (UK) 4036 0063/85 oryxschool.qa

Pak Shamaa School E4 Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) Islamabad Pakistan 4416 3712/13/18 pakshamaa.com

Palestinian School E3 Palestinian Curriculum 4436 2053 pal-school.info

Park House English School E3 National Curriculum (UK) 4468 3800 parkhouseschool.com

Pearling Season Int'l School D4 British Curriculum Al Gharrafa C2 4032 2408/07 Al Mansoura D4 4476 8000 psisd.sch.qa

Philippine School Doha C3 Filipino Curriculum 4440 9888 psd.sch.qa

Qatar Academy C2 IB 4454 2000 qa.edu.qa

Qatar Academy Msheireb C2

Dual Language Programme/IB 4454 2116 qam.qa

Qatar-Finland Int'l School A3 Finnish-Qatari Curriculum 4012 7890 qatarfinlandschool.com

Qatar Int'l School (QIS) C4 National Curriculum (UK) 4483 3456 qisweb.qis.org

The Royal Grammar School (RGS) Guildford in Qatar A2 British Curriculum 4036 0450 rgsgq.com

SEK Int'l School Qatar C3 IB/PYP Curriculum 4012 7633 sek.qa

Sherborne Qatar National Curriculum (UK) Prep School 4459 6566 D2 School for Girls 4495 3444 A2 Senior School 4459 6400 C2 sherborneqatar.org

Summit Academy American Curriculum Duhail South (KG) D4 4466 3802 Furousiya St (main) E2 4468 8590 summitacademyqatar.com

Swiss Int'l School Qatar (SISQ) C3 IB 4036 3131, 7070 6963 sisq.qa

The Int’l School of Choueifat –Doha (ISC-Doha) B4 British/American Curricula 4495 9595 iscdoha.sabis.net

The Int'l School of London (ISL) Qatar A2/A3 IB 4433 8600 islqatar.org

The Lebanese School of Qatar (LSQ) C4

Lebanese/French/English Curricula 4493 4545 lsq.sch.qa

Useful Numbers

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Valley Forge Academy Qatar D3

American Curriculum 7789 5548, 7444 8327 vfaqatar.com

Vision Int'l School (VIS) F5 American Curriculum 4036 4000 vis.qa

Specialised Schools Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence D3

Modified Qatari Curriculum/ Sports Development 4413 6570 aspire.qa

Qatar Leadership Academy American Curriculum, IB and Leadership Training 4043 9298 qla.edu.qa

Special Needs Education Awsaj Academy C2

IEYC, International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) 4454 2111 awsaj.qa

Mind Institute E3

Multidisciplinary special needs clinic for children and adults 4418 1968 mindinstitutes.com

Shafallah Center A4

Adapted Arabic curriculums for children with special needs 4495 6666 shafallah.org.qa

Step by Step Centre for Special Needs D3

A range of programmes for students with learning challenges 4475 7625, 5595 7376 stepbystepqatar.com

Universities/Colleges

Al Rayyan International University College D3 4489 3333 ariu.edu.qa

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar C2 4454 8400 qatar.cmu.edu

CUC Ulster University - Qatar D4 4019 8198 cuc-ulster.edu.qa

Doha Institute for Graduate Studies B3 4035 6810/6888 dohainstitute.edu.qa

Georgetown University in Qatar C2 4457 8100 qatar.georgetown.edu

Global Studies Institute D3 3007 6005/7770 8233 gsi-qatar.org

Hamad Bin Khalifa University C2 4454 0272 hbku.edu.qa

HEC Paris in Qatar C2 4454 0161 qatar.exed.hec.edu

Lusail University A3 4401 1111 lu.edu.qa

Northwestern University in Qatar C2 4454 5000 qatar.northwestern.edu

Qatar Aeronautical Academy C5 4440 8888 qaa.edu.qa

Qatar University B3 4403 3333 qu.edu.qa

Texas A&M University at Qatar C2 4423 0201 qatar.tamu.edu

University of Calgary-Qatar C2 4406 5200 ucalgary.edu.qa

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) B3 4495 2222 udst.edu.qa

University Foundation College C3 Pre Foundation, NCUK, IELTS 4444 1291 ufc.edu.qa

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar C2 4402 0555 qatar.vcu.edu

Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar C2 4492 8000 qatar-weill.cornell.edu

Academic/Learning Centres Academic Bridge Program (ABP) C2 QF's pre-university programme 4454 2120/21/31 abp.edu.qa

Academy for Dance, Music and Arts (IAID) D4 4432 0974, 4441 1234, 5586 0644 iaidonline.org

Berlitz Language Centre E4 4455 0506/7 berlitz-qatar.com British Council D3 800 5501 britishcouncil.qa Edumax Management Consultancy C3 7700 1379 edumaxmc.com

Geometric Learning Centre D3 Tuition centre 3333 2468 geometric-centre.com

Inlingua Qatar (Score Plus Qatar –The Princeton Review) D3 SAT/SATII/ACT/IELTS/GMAT/GRE 4436 8580 inlinguaqatar.com

Institut Français du Qatar (French Institute of Qatar) B4 4493 0862 if-qatar.com

Qatar Skills Training Centre E3 4416 1622 qatarskills.com.qa StudyPlus D3 IGCSE/A Level/IB/AP/Skill Booster 4442 4294 thestudyplus.com

Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII) C2 QF member, offering translation and interpreting studies 4454 2578/2993 tii.qa

Other useful numbers Qatar Foundation (QF) C2 Non-profit organisation of more than 50 entities working in education, research and community development 4454 0000 qf.org.qa

Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) C2 QF member, globally renowned technology development hub 4454 7070 qstp.org.qa

Education in Qatar

Education in Qatar

Qatar places education at the heart of its national development strategy as it seeks to move from a hydrocarbon-based to a knowledge-based economy. Its vision is for all citizens to have equal access to education and training consistent with their abilities and interests – and which will prepare them for participation in the workforce where possible. So great is its belief in the global importance of education, Qatar also funds a number of educational initiatives overseas.

Qatar’s expatriate population continues to grow, putting considerable pressure on many international, private and community schools, which as a result have been operating at capacity. Class size is limited by law to approximately 30 students, forcing a number of schools to close admission lists due to lack of available space or staff. New schools are opening but demand continues to grow, rendering early registration essential. Students may be required to sit an entrance exam; reports and test results from previous schools may also be required.

With the diversity of the population, schools in the private sector offer up to 23 curriculums, including Qatari, British, American, Indian, French, Egyptian, Lebanese, Canadian, German, Finnish, Filipino, Swiss and Syrian. There are more than 840 schools in Qatar with more than 300,000 students.

In a move aimed at providing quality education that would lead to the all-round development of Qatar's children, The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Law No 9 of 2017, regulating government or public schools, which are mainly attended by Qataris and Arabic-speaking students.

The academic years 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22 were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As per the decision of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) to curb the spread of COVID-19, blended or virtual learning was enforced – combining classroom

teaching with distance learning – which required only 30% attendance of the total capacity of schools. In November 2020, MoEHE enforced a rotating attendance system for students in public and private schools, and kindergartens. Students attended classes in-person on a rotational basis – which requires only 42% attendance of the total capacity of schools. The academic year 2021–22 returned to on-campus learning (in a classroom), with frequent rapid antigen testing.

The academic year 2022–23 began on 16 August 2022 for public schools and on 21 August 2022 for private schools. Schools are closed for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. Mid-year holidays for private and public schools in Qatar began on 20 November and will end on 22 December 2022. The second semester will start from 25 December 2022.

Qatar Education System

The system creates a developed and interactive educational environment between teachers, stduents and parents to ensure optimal improvement and continuity in the educational process. qeducation.edu.gov.qa

For more detailed information on education in Qatar, visit the Ministry of Education and Higher Education website at edu.gov.qa.

For a list of nurseries, kindergartens, schools and universities, see Useful Numbers and the adverts in this section.

MoEHE invites students, parents and all relevant educational entities to use its mobile app to learn about the many services that it offers so as to enhance communication among schools, families and all stakeholders. The app is available for both iOS and Android.

School fees: Most expatriate students in Qatar attend private schools, where fees are met by parents or occasionally an employer. Fees increase with the level of education, particularly towards the end of secondary school, and are usually payable in advance per term or half year. Most schools require a one-off non-refundable registration fee on initial admission and charge for entrance assessments. An additional non-refundable registration fee may be required from current students to secure a place for the following year.

Fees vary: International schools – approximately QAR22,000 a year at primary and QAR35,000 a year at secondary level with fees at international schools often considerably higher (in some cases QAR50,000 to QAR60,000+ at secondary level). Schools may not increase fees without prior approval from MoEHE.

Parents are strongly advised to negotiate the inclusion of school fees and incidentals (for all children) in their employment contracts. Hidden ‘extras’ may include: books and stationery; capital charges, refundable deposit, ‘other resources’; exam entrance or invigilation fees; uniforms; and transport. Many schools offer transportation for a fee; alternatives are to hire private drivers, or share ‘school runs’ with other parents. Few live near enough to their schools to walk.

Academic calendar: Qatar has implemented a compulsory ‘unified school year’ calendar for private and public schools. The academic year usually begins in August/September and ends in May/June. All public schools and most private schools in Qatar

follow the unified school year calendar; however, a few private schools are exempted from following the unified school year calendar and follow the academic calendar followed by their respective countries. Timings and holidays: State and private sector schools operate a single shift, generally starting between 7 am and 8 am and finishing between noon and 2:30 pm, according to age and the time of year. Normally, timings for KG, primary and secondary levels vary within the same school. The weekend is Friday and Saturday. In May 2018, the ministry issued a circular to reduce school hours for students of all grades in public schools, from 7 am – noon. To be more accommodating to students, in April 2019 the ministry allowed some private schools, especially community schools, to run two shifts from the 2019–20 academic year onwards. In 2018, the ministry issued a circular modifying the number of classes to be taught per week, starting from the 2018–19 academic year. According to the circular, for grades one to six, the school day will start from 7 am and end at 12:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday. The number of classes per day will be seven except on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which will be reduced to six. For grades seven to 12, the school day will start at 7 am and end at 1:30 pm with seven classes per day from Sunday to Tuesday. Classes will conclude at 12:30 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays with six classes per day. The number of classes per week is a maximum of 18 for each teacher at all educational institutes from primary to secondary.

In addition to Qatari public holidays such as the threeday religious holiday, Eid Al Fitr, which is expected to begin on 21 April 2023, and the four-day religious holiday, Eid Al Adha, which is expected to begin on 29 June 2023, there is a winter break of two weeks, a two-week break in spring, and two months or more in the summer. In addition, schools are closed for a month during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

Education in Qatar

SEK International School Qatar

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education

Additional Educational Support Needs (AESN). It also develops procedures for transferring students with curriculum challenges to competent hospitals and medical centres to diagnose and assess their cases, and regularly follows up with every school support department to monitor their achievements.

The Evaluation Institute develops and conducts the testing of students, monitors student learning and evaluates school performance. It also offers a service for certificate attestation/equivalency.

Education in Qatar

Qatar continues to invest heavily in all aspects of public education, regularly assessing progress. A diversified and ever-expanding K-12 system provides a broad set of schooling opportunities to meet the individual needs of students and their families.

Literature, the arts and sport are regarded as important parts of the curriculum, as are religion, culture and tradition, but emphasis is placed on mathematics, the sciences, Arabic and English. Its state, public schools are known as independent schools.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) was formed in 2016, disbanding the former Supreme Education Council (SEC) by the Amiri Order No 1 of 2016. The ministry supports, regulates and oversees education in Qatar. It directs the nation's education policy. Membership is drawn from Qatar’s top leaders in government, business and academia. The strategy is to develop the public sector while simultaneously promoting the private, to offer families a wider choice.

MoEHE receives and handles all enquiries and complaints from students, their parents or guardians. You can visit the ministry in person at Al Dafna C3. Hotline: 155, edu.gov.qa

At present the three institutes of MoEHE are:

The Education Institute oversees and supports public schools, developing curriculum standards in key areas and providing professional development opportunities for staff members. It also monitors their financial management.

The Institute’s Private Schools Office is responsible for licensing Arab, international and expatriate private (including community) schools, nurseries and kindergartens operating in Qatar and monitoring their compliance, including fee structure. It is also responsible for the Educational Voucher Programme.

The Institute’s Office of Additional Educational Support provides guidance and assistance in establishing confidential files for students with

Comprehensive individual School Report Cards (SRCs) for independent, private Arabic and international schools in Qatar are available online to the general public. They include data on academic achievement, teaching methods, parental involvement, facilities and resources.

To evaluate students in Qatar against those in other countries, the institute participates in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).

The Evaluation Institute consists of five offices:

• The Student Assessment Office

• The School Evaluation Office

• The Data Collection and Management Office (DCM)

• The Qatar Office of Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (QORLA)

• Qatar Senior Schooling Certificate Office

The Higher Education Institute (HEI) supports the development of Higher, Technical and Vocational Education (HTVE) so that individuals can develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, prepare for future leadership roles and meet the nation’s workforce needs. It advises individuals on career options and study opportunities that match their abilities and interests, and meets the needs of the labour market. It supervises scholarships and grants for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Qatar, the Arab world, Australia, the UK, Europe, the US and Canada.

The Hamad bin Khalifa and Tamim bin Hamad Grants Programmes offer suitably qualified Qatari students scholarships to 30 select universities. HEI has an Advising Career Development Centre and a Scholarship Office as well as a Standards Office, which licenses and accredits higher education institutes and programmes in Qatar.

The Institute assists students with online college admission procedures and MoEHE is promoting the mission of Qatar’s cultural attaches in scholarship countries, reopening some which had previously closed.

Primary and Secondary Education

A range of educational facilities at all levels in both sectors, from nursery to postgraduate level, offer parents, guardians and students – both citizens and residents – a wide choice. The majority of Qatari students are enrolled in the public sector, but the number attending (private) international schools has surged in the past decade.

Primary education is compulsory for all Qatari children from age six. Mandatory kindergarten attendance for Qatari children – as well as non-Qatari children – from the age of four and their compulsory secondary education are also envisaged.

MoEHE has developed an integrated curriculum for early education. It includes kindergarten (KG) and the first and second grades, where students range between four and six years of age. There are more than 70 kindergartens in Qatar.

The foundational curriculum targets the most important areas of child development:

• Physical development, including good movement and motor skills

• Exploration, includes science and mathematics

• Identity formation or self-control, includes Islamic and social studies

• Communication in both Arabic and English

• Creative expression, including art, theatre, music and movement.

Nurseries and Kindergartens

State schools are gender-segregated after preschool and divided into primary, preparatory, secondary and specialised secondary categories. Schools in Qatar are heavily regulated by MoEHE. In recent years, nurseries and kindergartens specifically have been heavily scrutinised for licensing and to ensure healthy and safe educational environments.

To help parents find a suitable, licensed nursery for their kids, the Ministry of Labor has a search service on its mobile app, Amerni, which is available for both iOS and Android. After you login using your Tawtheeq (National Authentication System) credentials and click on nurseries, it gives two options – Nursery Location and Report Nursery Violation. The service is available in English and Arabic on the app.

In January 2014, details of Qatar’s new nursery law were released after the legislation received final approval from The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Law No 1 of 2014 – which passed through the Cabinet in October 2015 – had been in the works for years.

• The law defines nursery schools as a place designated for the care of children below four years of age. These include the nurseries run by public or private schools. According to Law No 1 of 2014, employees at nurseries are strictly limited to women. Nurseries should be managed by a qualified female director, who will be responsible for all work at the place. She will be aided by a female general supervisor, a female assistant supervisor, a dietician, a nurse, and a female physician, who can be a visiting specialist in paediatrics or general medicine.

• In addition, there should be an adequate number of guards, cleaners, drivers, and other necessary staff. Visiting doctors, as well as other employees who do not come into direct contact with the children, may be men.

• All nursery staff should be physically fit, free of any communicable disease, enjoy a good reputation with no criminal history, and possess adequate qualifications and expertise.

• Nurseries should also keep regular and updated records. According to the law, a prior licence has to be obtained from the department concerned at the Ministry of Labor to establish, manage or modify an existing nursery.

• The Ministry of Labor will classify nurseries based on the qualifications of its staff and the fees. Nurseries are expected to provide comprehensive care to children and ensure the appropriate conditions to develop their skills in all fields.

With the implementation of this law, nurseries have become more regulated and safer for children. Therefore, when you decide to enrol your child in a nursery, ensure the school meets all the criteria outlined.

Education in Qatar

Education in Qatar

There are more than 200 public schools in Qatar, serving more than 124,600 Qatari and non-Qatari students. Autonomous government-funded public schools are free for Qatari citizens. Non-Qatari enrolments are subject to individual school policy. Schools must meet the Qatar Comprehensive Educational Assessment and other evaluation tools to measure student learning and school performance, and must comply with periodic financial audits set forth by MoEHE. Mandatory subjects include Arabic, English, mathematics, science, Islamic studies, and most recently, Qatari history, while preserving the values and traditions of Qatari society.

Qatar also offers specialised programmes and curricula, such as science, technology and business, including Qatar Technical Secondary School for Boys, Qatar Technical Secondary School for Girls, Qatar Banking Studies and Business Administration Studies School for Boys, Qatar Banking Studies and Business Administration School for Girls, Religious Institute Preparatory Secondary School for Boys, and Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys. In addition, Qatar's public sector provides a variety of specialised educational services for students with special needs as well as gifted and talented students.

Public school stages

Students spend 12 years in public school, divided into several stages. After going through pre-school or kindergarten, students move to the primary stage that lasts six years. The primary stage includes co-educational schools, boys’ schools and girls’ schools. Second is the preparatory stage that lasts from seventh grade to ninth grade. The student then moves to the secondary stage, from the 10th grade to the 12th grade.

At the secondary school stage, students can choose public schools with general education or specialised schools with a range of options that suit the student's interests and academic priorities, such as science and technology and banking, to name a few.

eEducation and eLiteracy

MoEHE, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, has created a technology-based framework in public schools that enhances, supports and accelerates the reform initiative. The eLearning portal project enables teachers to prepare their lessons electronically, uploading them for students to access any time, anywhere. Teachers and students are provided with personalised email addresses, and ultimately, every public school student and teacher will receive a free tablet PC along with educational aids and applications that conform to the national curriculum standards. MoEHE publishes a ‘white list’ of the hundreds of websites accessible to students through their free tablets. The available websites are listed by curriculum subject content, eg mathematics, English, science, etc.

Additionally, the eLearning portal provides access to online courses covering topics in information technology and business, offering more than 2,500 different courses and allows for flexible learning. Individual enrolment is currently on ‘indefinite hold’, but organisational enrolment is open. elearning.ictqatar.qa

Increasing educational opportunities

Many students who are eligible for public education in Qatari schools have experienced a wider choice and variety of educational opportunities since the introduction of MoEHE's Educational Voucher programme (certain restrictions apply) which covers tuition fees, books and transportation costs up to a maximum value of QAR28,000 per year. Costs in excess of that remain the responsibility of the parents.

The establishment of public schools in Qatar

The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Law No 9 of 2017, regulating government schools. The MoEHE shall regulate the public schools and appoint their administrative and academic staff. The law abolishes Law No 11 of 2006 governing local independent schools and Law No 12 of 1996 regarding the collection of transportation and other fees from non-Qatari students.

The process of converting Independent Schools into Public Schools has been completed in accordance with Law No 9 of 2017.

Teachers are hired internally from the country through individual interviews as well as through teacher training programmes such as Teach for Qatar. Teachers at public schools commonly come from Oman, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, and Sudan.

There are more than 330 private or community schools and kindergartens in Qatar, serving more than 250,000 students. They are licensed by MoEHE and are an alternative to the K-12 public schools.

Private schools offer a wide variety of curricula, philosophies, and activities that meet the needs of individual students and their families.

There are international schools such as the American, British, French, and German schools; community schools serving different nationalities; and Qatari schools such as the Qatar Academia Arabic schools. MoEHE requires all private schools to teach Arabic language, Islamic studies and Qatari history in their curricula.

The curriculum in private schools varies from school to school. Some offer the International Baccalaureate degree. Others have adopted the British curriculum. Still others have put in place a curriculum that suits the philosophy and goals of the school. Some schools offer students a more specialised education in such subjects as science and technology.

Once licensed, MoEHE monitors private schools to ensure they are complying with the academic terms of their license and that their educational plans are met. They also approve the delivery of curricula and its relevant resources and ensure that teachers are using the latest pedagogical methods. In addition, MoEHE ensures that students' safety and security, as well as the educational values of the country, are met.

Nurseries and kindergartens (KGs)

Nurseries and kindergartens (KGs) must be licensed and headed by a female director over the age of 21. The facility is required to have a nutritionist, nurse and a resident or visiting physician in addition to an adequate number of hygiene workers, guards and drivers (who may be male).

Some accept babies from two months upwards; several take toddlers from 18 months, others from the age of three, finishing at four. The range of activities and facilities varies, but several offer more than one language. Licensing is stringent,

with all facing strict regulation. It is important that parents/guardians check the facilities are licensed as nurseries or KGs rather than 'supervised play areas’.

In 2014, Qatar enacted Law No 1 of 2014 that mandates childcare facilities, also known as crèches and nurseries, to be licensed by the Ministry of Labor, formerly known as the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs. The Social Affairs Department has an administrative unit that licences and regulates nurseries. Illegal nurseries are liable to be fined up to QAR100,000 and their owners can face a jail term of up to two years, or both. The law puts the maximum age of children that can be left in the care of nurseries at four years and stipulates strict licensing criteria.

Nurseries should not be confused with KGs (lower and upper KGs) which, being education institutions, are licensed and monitored by the education sector regulator, MoEHE.

Children under five at school (as opposed to KG/ nursery) can currently, by law, only attend for four hours per day. Nurseries and independent KGs often close for holidays so check if you are a fulltime working parent with youngsters who need yearround care. Fees are usually paid monthly and many establishments ask for a one-off registration fee.

In May 2021, MoEHE issued a new academic policy, requiring private schools and KGs to teach the Arabic language, Islamic education and Qatari history, starting from preschool and KG. The academic policy had been previously issued for all private schools from grade 1 to 12 in all curricula and educational systems but has now been updated to include preschool and KG.

Preschools attached to schools

Places are in great demand, since admission almost ensures a later main-school place. To avoid wait-listing for admission, register well in advance. Some private schools insist that a newly admitted child starting grade 1 should have received a full-time preschool education.

Primary and secondary schools

Private sector schools operate as commercial establishments or non-profit community schools. A number are run on a coeducational basis through to graduation, others segregate the sexes during, or after, primary level. Newer schools, or those serving small communities, often begin operations at primary level, expanding into secondary schooling as and when required.

Education in Qatar

Education in Qatar

Many schools teaching in English base their curricula on those of the UK and the US, working towards IGCSE and A Level examinations or the American High School Diploma and International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). Others meet the home-nation requirements. Due to its almost universal availability, these qualifications are often the choice of geographically mobile families. Most schools have websites, which are a good source of information for families moving to Qatar.

Employers and embassies can offer guidance on schools serving their communities. You can also find a list of private schools in Useful Numbers in this section. The Private Schools Office has a special portal for private schools, with necessary information for parents and students. edu.gov.qa

The Outstanding Schools Initiative

This initiative aims to open additional private international schools in Qatar over the coming years. ‘Outstanding schools' are invited to participate in the MoEHE’s Educational Vouchers programme and are selected from a pool of applicants in the UK, the US and Europe. Established examples are:

• The Michael E DeBakey High School for Health Professions at Qatar offers a college preparatory programme in science, mathematics, medical science, literacy, engineering and technology, to help prepare students for post-secondary health-sector careers. The school’s campus in Doha serves students in grades 7 – 12 and offers a broad-based US curriculum including extensive Advanced Placement offerings. debakeyatqatar.org C3

• The International School of London (ISL) Qatar offers exceptional international education to students aged 3 – 18. In addition to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, ISL Qatar is known for its mother tongue language programmes integrated into the curriculum as it currently offers 12 mother tongue languages. islqatar.org A3

• Sherborne Qatar opened in 2009 and offers a British Curriculum based on an enhanced version of the National Curriculum. In the Senior School, pupils are prepared for IGCSE examinations (in up to 10 subjects per pupil) in Year 11, and AS and A Levels in the Sixth Form, using the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel specifications. sherborneqatar.org C2

• SEK International School Qatar opened in 2013, joining the SEK Education Group of nine International schools across Spain, France, Ireland and Saudi Arabia. SEK Qatar is an IB World School authorised to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle

Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). More than 60 nationalities are represented in the school; while the main language of instruction is English, their students have the opportunity to develop their fluency and mastery of both Spanish and Arabic. SEK Qatar students benefit from a continuum education from pre-school through to Grade 12. In addition to SEK Qatar, SEK has campuses in Madrid, Barcelona, Almería, Pontevedra, Dublin (Ireland), Les Alpes (France), and Riyadh. sek.qa C3

• As an inspirational learning community from grade 0 to high school (G0-12), grounded in Finnish education excellence, Qatar-Finland International School (Q.F.I. School) strives towards building the best possible future for their international student body. Q.F.I. School follows the highly acclaimed Finnish National Core Curriculum, with local adaptations and additional content in accordance with Qatari standards. The main language of teaching is English, but because the school values languages as a richness, QFI School offers an extensive language programme to all their students. qatarfinlandschool.com A3

• King’s College, Doha offers outstanding British education adapted to the local context of Qatar, in partnership with King’s College UK. All subjects at King’s College, Doha are taught by specialist teachers from Year 5 onwards and a longer school day, offering more teacher time for their pupils, mirroring the UK independent school approach. Their campus offers a dedicated science lab, an art and design studio, music and drama classrooms including practice rooms, a sports hall, and an Early Years centre. Their teaching is based on King College's UK and the UK National Curriculum and is underpinned by a strong emphasis on pastoral care and wellbeing. King’s College Doha will extend its first class education offer at its new campus at Mesaimeer, which will open in 2023. kingscollegedoha.com E4

• Royal Grammar School, Guildford in Qatar (RGS) is an independent, British-curriculum school for boys and girls aged 3 to 13. The bespoke British curriculum has been developed at the RGS Guildford in Qatar in conjunction with the RGS Guildford, extending the British National Curriculum to include traditional, values-based teaching. The language of instruction is English, with an introduction to French. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught by highly qualified specialist teaching staff to Arabic and Muslim children. rgs-guildford.co.uk/645/qatar

Law regulating private schools

In November 2015, HH The Amir approved Law No 23 of 2015, the New Private Schools Law, which regulates all privately run schools in Qatar. Some of the key points from the New Private Schools Law are:

• Schools cannot operate without a licence or make any changes to their existing licence without the pre-approval of the Education Regulator.

• Any materials, tools and/or curriculum that do not meet the standards of the Education Regulator may be withdrawn or ordered to be changed.

• Schools are prohibited from receiving funding or donations without approval from the Education Regulator and face fines for violation of this rule.

The Private Schools Office has set up a special portal for private schools, with necessary information for parents and students to choose a suitable school, including their location, curriculum, academic calendar, annual performance report, and general information. It can be accessed at edu.gov.qa

A periodic evaluation of private schools is made mandatory starting from the academic year 2017–18, according to MoEHE. The move represents a new condition for private schools to get national accreditation which qualifies them to take advantage of the Educational Voucher System which allows Qatari students to seek education in private schools through government support.

Electronic pre-registration MoEHE launched an electronic pre-registration system in private schools in order to ease the enrolment process.

The online portal allows parents to know the number of students on the waiting list and the number of seats available in the required grade in all schools.

Schools that implement accredited international curriculum standards should allocate weekly hours to teach the Arabic language and Islamic studies to Qatari students and Qatari history to all students according to the national standards, as per an academic follow-up policy published by MoEHE.

All private schools must make use of the student database system to add, transfer or delete registered names and certifications. Expatriate students in the country can be enrolled directly in private schools without the need for an equivalency certificate. Parents can hereafter transfer their children between private schools without MoEHE’s permission if there are vacancies at the appropriate level in the receiving school. The move to allow parents to place a child at a class with older or younger children will help them substantially.

Licensing private schools

MoEHE licenses private schools and pre-schools according to the provisions of Law No 23 of 2015. MoEHE has also issued detailed bylaws outlining the setup requirements for potential private school operators. Investors can apply for private school licenses in November and December of each year through the school registration portal. The detailed information about the conditions, requirements, and application process for a private school license can be found at elr.edu.gov.qa or edu.gov.qa More details can also be viewed in the Private School Regulation Law and the Executive Regulations.

Education in Qatar

Available vacant seats are distributed by the school according to classes. The system also does not require an acceptance exam or an interview. The online registration shows the student's educational background and his/her progress in the last two years, which helps the school to know the student, the school, curriculum and class.

Parents are able to follow admission of their child through the reference number received by text messages sent to their mobile phone.

Schools and KGs must enter the applications in the system, decide the date and time of the interview and inform the parents by sending a text message.

Schools and KGs must verify telephone numbers to facilitate communication with parents. Once the seat is booked and fees have been paid, the student's name will be removed from all the waiting lists. All students must be registered in the National Student Information System (NSIS) system at the beginning of the academic year.

SEK International School Qatar

We are an IB World School authorised to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

We are NEASC Accredited and part of the prestigious SEK Education Group encompassing 10 international schools worldwide (Spain, France, Ireland, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) and the University Camilo José Cela in Madrid (Spain).

20 average number of student per class.

100% university acceptance rate. Our students are accepted by some of the world´s most prestigious universities.

Students from over 60 nationalities.

A state-of-the-art technology for state-of-the-art learning.

Part of the Microsoft showcase school family.

School tours are now available!

School Sports In A Post-COVID World

After 4 p.m., we have specially selected partner organisations using our facilities, such as BE Basketball. We also work with Rebel Angels, who do gymnastics, cheerleading and parkour; ORX Boxing Academy, and Molecular, who run science and cooking activities.

As ACS International School Doha marks its tenth anniversary this year, Athletic Director, Chris Quinn, reflects on what the school’s sports programme looks like post-COVID, and the importance of social health.

As we all know, it’s been a tough 20 months or so, not least for our students. Sport is an area that has suffered, but we’re keen to get this going again. However, the reality is that we’re still dealing with the back end of COVID, so it’s really important that we introduce our new sports programme in a careful way. We opened our landmark new campus in August 2020 and can’t wait for our students and the wider community to be able to use our fantastic sports facilities.

I’m currently working with my counterparts at other schools to look at is how we re-establish sports leagues and competitive forums safely for students to access sport, so I’m hopeful we can look forward to starting this again soon.

In the meantime, there is progress. This autumn, we started to open up basketball in Middle and High School, and have also started try-outs for 12 boys and girls’ sports teams, where we’ll be having weekly training sessions. Any children that make the squad will need to commit to morning sessions, and we’re starting a 6 a.m. pre-school club which could be an interval or HIIT session on the track.

We’ve also opened up after-school activities in the Lower School, which includes sports and hobby-based activities. We’re continuing to remain COVID-safe and take our responsibilities seriously, so we haven’t completely opened our doors to our campus, but this is an area where we will incrementally add new sports. The idea is that we have a campus that is open from 6 a.m. until late at night, for activities including yoga and track, around the formal school day.

Wellbeing is, of course, a huge reason why sport is so important. As well as our students’ wellbeing, we encourage our staff to use our facilities. At the end of the day on a Thursday, we open up our facilities to staff who want to come and relax, just to get together. It could be a game of table tennis or badminton.

Another big part of wellbeing, and something that is relatively untapped, is social health –people doing things together and interacting within their community. There are so many benefits to social cohesion, not least promoting positive mental health and increasing brain health. Research suggests that you’re more likely to live a happier and longer and there is evidence to suggest this is the case in many countries.

COVID has driven many people apart and people are yearning to be back together. Sport, and our outstanding facilities at ACS Doha, play a key role in this making this happen.

Education in Qatar

Special Needs Education

It is Qatar’s national policy that every child should be provided with education to help it reach its full potential, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) is committed to inclusive integration in education where possible. Some 80% of independent schools have introduced additional educational needs facilities and staff.

An early intervention programme provided by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) provides services and support to families who may need assistance with extraordinary care for a child with special needs. The programme includes child development (for preschool children) and therapy for behavioural changes. It also supplies required equipment and does a home assessment.

Older individuals with special needs are not neglected and a number of programmes and facilities are available to young adults.

MoEHE established the first database for students with special needs in local schools in January 2018, in line with the government's directives towards digital transformation, and to achieve the vision and mission of the ministry in the implementation of a system of integrated educational services for students in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Al Noor Institute for the Visually Impaired caters for visually impaired peoople over the age of three years. Younger children receive care visits in their home. 4422 2777 A4

The Autism Program by HMC is an outpatient programme providing diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation services to children with autism or under ASD. The programme started in 2012 at the Child Development Center (CDC) at Rumailah Hospital. The programme accepts referrals only from HMC's or CDC’s physicians to make best use of the programme and resources for the right group of children.

Qatar’s state sector has specialised programmes for the hearing and visually impaired; there is a programme for Arabic speaking children with learning difficulties and programmes (in Arabic) for gifted children. Some expatriate schools provide special needs support without a fully modified curriculum. All families in the country with disabled/special needs members are encouraged to take advantage of the available facilities. hamad.qa C3/D3

Awsaj Academy, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), tutors Grade KG – 12 students with learning challenges in classes of 10 students and one teacher. Teaching is in English, and the curriculum includes maths, English, science, Arabic, Islamic studies, Qatar national history, art, IT and physical education. It also has an outreach centre that provides evaluation and professional development services to the community (see Qatar Foundation in this section). 4454 2111/15, awsaj.qa C2

Child Development Center (CDC) is a special needs centre in West Bay. Established in 2013, CDC provides a network of internationally qualified and licensed professionals who offer childcentred and evidence-based early detection and intervention for children with developmental delays. Services include applied behaviour analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, diagnostics and assessments, as well as professional development training and workshops. 6692 0199, 4414 7283, cdcenterqatar.com B4

Family Hope Center is for children, adolescents and adults with social, mental and physical challenges. The centre was established to provide the necessary resources to support both individuals with special needs and their families. 4435 0951, familyhope.qa C3

HOPE Qatar Centre for Special Needs provides Help, Opportunity, Participation, and Education (HOPE) for children and young people aged 3 – 25. Established in 2005, HOPE Qatar is approved by MoEHE and offers individualised programmes meeting academic as well as therapeutic needs of its students in a near school environment that enables achieving their full potential and holistic development. 800 HOPE (4673), hope-qatar.org D4

Mind Institute works with children from birth to 18 years with communication difficulties, fine and gross motor challenges, language delays, hearing difficulties, educational delays, behaviour disorders, emotional disorders, sensory integration issues, social skills challenges and more. 3337 7648, 4418 1968, mindinstitutes.com E3

Hope Qatar

The privately-run Omega Centre for Special Needs Education offers diagnostic, therapeutic and education services and aims to assist families whose children have psychiatric, physical, educational and social challenges. 4451 3210, omegaqatar.org E3

Qatar Assistive Technology Centre (Mada) enables those with learning, visual, hearing, and physical disabilities (including dyslexia) to access information and communications technology without barriers offering assessments, advice and training. 4459 4050, mada.org.qa C4

The Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs attends to the social, mental, academic and healthy rehabilitation of people with special needs in society, in keeping with the Islamic principles, traditions and customs of Qatari society. qsrn.org D4

Renad Academy, a member of QF, is a school for Qatari students, aged 3 – 21, diagnosed with mildmoderate autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The school provides education and specialised services to students, and training and support to parents. The school provides all aspects of education for its students, using evidence-based practices such as ABA, discreet trial training, pivotal response training, and structured TEACCH in one-to-one and small group settings (see Qatar Foundation in this section). 4454 1974, renad.qa C2

Shafallah-Integration for the Disabled, established in 1999, offers state-of-the-art technologies, including an on-site Genetic Research Centre,

cutting-edge therapies, and a first-class faculty and counsellors. The centre is a non-profit, private institution, serving as a model for the provision of special education, therapeutic, and healthcare support services for children with disabilities from birth to adulthood. 4495 6666, shafallah.org.qa A4

Step by Step Centre for Special Needs offers a caring and stimulating environment to enable children, aged 3 – 16, with learning challenges to achieve their full academic and personal potential through specialised teaching in a school setting and individual therapy sessions. It also has a Summer School Programme. 4475 7625, 5592 7376, stepbystepqatar.com D3

The Learning Center (TLC), a member of QF, is a centralised student support services team comprising school psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and autism specialists. TLC Assessment and Therapy Outreach Center (DARB) provides educational evaluations, assessments and therapy services for children and adolescents aged 3 – 18 in the following areas to support the learning, socialemotional and developmental challenges and deliver outcome-driven, learning-oriented, and evidencebased therapies and intervention services to families in Qatar: • Cognitive and psychoeducational evaluations • Speech and language therapy and evaluations • Occupational therapy and evaluations

• Autism services (ABA assessments and therapy)

• Gifted and talented evaluations. 4454 2106, 7400 2065, tlc@qf.org.qa, qf.org.qa/tlc C2

Register for School

The registration of new students with Additional Educational Support Needs (AESN) in kindergartens (KGs) is only for Qataris, while registration in the first grade is allowed for both Qatari as well as expatriate students with special needs, according to MoEHE.

In a circular issued to independent schools, the ministry said students who suffer from speech and language problems like hearing, hyperactivity disorder and physical disabilities not associated with mental disabilities can register directly through independent schools.

Hearing impaired students of all levels of ability can register at the Audio Education Complex. Blind students who suffer from severe visual impairment can register at Al Noor Institute for the Visually Impaired.

Children who suffer from conditions like cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, autism and others can apply through Roua Centre for Assessment, Support and Counseling under the Special Education Office to determine the right school for the student.

Meanwhile, MoEHE has issued a circular to public schools, asking them to admit children of employees working in the private sector in areas which do not have private schools like Al Shamal, Dukhan, Rawdat Rashed, Al Karaana, Al Sheehaniya, Al Ghuwariyah, Al Zubara, Al Kharsaah, Al Kaaban, Al Ghashamia and Al Jamiliyah.

According to the circular, all admission and registration requirements should be met and the parents should provide documents proving their residence in the area.

Students cannot be transferred to public schools in areas which have private schools.

Education in Qatar

Today at school ...

Education in Qatar

Specialised Curriculum Schools

Qatar has a number of specialised state facilities at the secondary education level and beyond. These schools specialise in certain areas of the curriculum to boost the achievement of students in a particular discipline.

Aspire Academy was established in 2004 to provide sports training and high quality education to students with sporting potential. The original intake of students in 2003–4 included 31 football players, aged 12 – 18. Aspire typically works with more than 6,000 children aged 6 – 12 through sport and football skill development and talent identification programmes throughout the country as a preliminary step towards future Academy scholarships. The Academy also runs Multi-Sport Skills Development Centers across Qatar. aspire.qa C2

Josoor Institute Josoor Institute is the education and training arm of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the organisation leading preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. It was launched in December 2013 as a legacy project with the aim to create a talent pool within the region capable of delivering FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and other major events, develop the skills of current and future professionals, and act as a catalyst for the growth of the sustainable sports and events industries in Qatar and the region. Josoor Institute aims to help everyone with the right talent and skill pursue a career in these industries, from new entrants to entrepreneurs seeking guidance on developing their business. josoorinstitute.qa, knowledgehub.josoorinstitute.qa C2

Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA) is a member of Qatar Foundation (QF). Located in Al Mazrouah close to Meqdam Military Camp and founded in 2005 as an innovative partnership between QF and the Qatar Armed Forces, QLA offers a US Diploma programme (MSA). It accepts male Arabic speaking cadets aged 11 – 16 (Grades 7–12), regardless of nationality. Cadets are admitted

only after entrance exams in Arabic, English and mathematics, followed by an interview and, finally, a fitness assessment (see Qatar Foundation in this section). 4043 9298, qla.edu.qa

Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) launched its first Current and Future Leaders Programme for those aged 25 – 35 in 2011 and has added additional programmes since. It is open to both male and female Qatari nationals. QLC’s National Leadership Program mandate is to provide leadership training to selected Qataris with proven abilities, who gain admission to the Programme in a competitive, merit-based process. Through the National Leadership Programme, those highly-qualified Qataris selected to participate receive significant benefits, such as customised leadership education taught by global leaders, and professional and personal skills development. 4019 4444, qlc.org.qa

Education Service Law No 18 of 2015

Governs any individual or entity which provides education services and/or training in the fields of languages, computing, secretarial, accounting and/or business administration; such services and/or training to be provided in centres.

• Educational centres cannot advertise/ announce that they are opening or accept any students until a licence is approved.

• Educational centres should have separate premises in which they operate; the licence will be issued for those premises.

Penalties for violation of the above law include imprisonment of up to six months and/or a penalty of QAR100,000 and/or cancellation of the licence.

For more information on education laws, see Law regulating private schools in The Private Sector in this section.

Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA)

Tertiary Education and Bridge Programmes

Post-secondary facilities in Qatar are expanding to ensure the development of a well-educated, dedicated and innovative workforce, while acknowledging not all students wish to pursue a degree course. A variety of university scholarships are also available for nationals, expatriates and those residing outside Qatar.

There are private tertiary education institutions in Doha (full-time, part-time and through distance learning). A year’s full-time study at a branch campus of a foreign university in Qatar generally costs in excess of QAR100,000. Some scholarships may be available.

The Academic Bridge Program (ABP) is a pre-university programme established in 2001 by Qatar Foundation (QF) for high school graduates from Qatar and other countries in the region. More than 4,055 students (mostly Qatari high school graduates, but also students from over 30 other countries) have graduated from their program. Many have enrolled at one of the QF universities, Qatar University, or abroad at universities in the US or the UK. Over 80% of their graduates are admitted to university each year. abp.edu.qa C2

Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) was established in 2009 under the auspices of Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) to raise the financial services industry standards and help organisations and professionals achieve their learning and business objectives, thus aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. It was set up with the intention to create a Qatar-based learning and development organisation for delivering pragmatic and innovative financial services education. Their programmes benefit entry-level to senior level executives within the sectors of banking, asset management, capital markets and insurance. QFBA has a mandate to enhance the training and competency standards in Qatar’s financial sector.

QFBA has expanded its higher education offering to include BA degrees in Accounting, Finance and other related disciplines to complement its higher education programmes. QFBA’s partnership with Northumbria University opens a new gateway to a career in Accounting, Finance, and International Banking. qfba.edu.qa, qfba.edu.qa/northumbria-university B4

Established by QF in 2014, the Qatar Nanny Training Academy (QNTA) aims to educate Muslim Arabic-speaking nannies that have the capacity to teach Islamic values. Students on the 10-month programme are drawn from Arab countries; the training includes specialised courses in all aspects of childcare, including first aid, nutrition, hygiene, education, and Arabic, Islamic and cultural studies. 4454 7351, qnta.qa B3

Qatar Skills Training Centre (QS) is the largest and leading training provider in Qatar, incubating world-class learning and development opportunities that advance people, organisations and shared values. For more than 12 years, QS has built an astounding reputation by co-creating transformational learning experiences by providing high quality, sought after training for both individuals and organisations. Through their selection of premium certified programmes delivered as face-to-face, live virtual training or blended, QS supplies leading global organisations with competitive knowledge. QS gained their reputation by transferring knowledge in technical, functional and behavioural fields, offering certifications from the most notable institutes such as CMI, ILM, IOSH, Highfield, IATA, IoSCM, CII, IREM, Professional Academy ISM, CIM, SHRM, ACCA and many more. QS trains over 3,000 participants a year in Qatar in the largest training facility in the country. QS offers more than 1,000 programmes nestled within two primary categories, customised programmes designed for unique organisational needs and public programmes. 4416 1622, qatarskills.com.qa D3

Embassies and cultural centres generally have details of distance-learning courses, and often have an educational adviser, provide assistance with overseas university applications, and/or act as examination centres for overseas exams (see Foreign Embassies in the Discovering Qatar section).

Technical colleges and training programmes

Encouraging graduate and post-graduate studies in Qatar, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) authorised the development of a strategic plan with three objectives:

• To establish national vocational and technical competency standards for Qatar.

• To work in conjunction with the Higher Education Institute to integrate vocational and technical qualifications into a National Qualifications Framework.

• To establish specially designed vocational technical training facilities capable of providing internationally accredited competency standards that suit the needs of the Qatari labour market.

Education in Qatar

Education in Qatar

Higher Education in Qatar

AFG College with the University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen is the first UK university to operate on a dedicated campus in Qatar, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The undergraduate subjects on offer include Business Management, Accountancy and Finance, Business Management and Information Systems, and Business Management and International Relations. The postgraduate programmes are LLM International Commercial Law, Master of Business Administration (MBA), MSc International Business Management, International Postgraduate Diploma in Education (iPGCE) (MEd), and MSc International Human Resource Management. abdn.ac.uk D3

Al Rayyan International University College

Al Rayyan International University College (ARIU) is a successor of the first private university in the State of Qatar, Stenden Qatar University of Applied Sciences, which opened in September 2000 and for more than 20 years specialised in providing business related degrees with tourism, hospitality and international business studies focus. During this period, the university was operating under the auspices of Al Rayyan International Education (ARIE) and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.

From September 2021, the institution opened a new exciting chapter in its existence and entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Derby in the UK. Through this partnership, ARIU offers UK-accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, international hospitality management, international tourism management and international business management. ARIU in partnership with the University of Derby will continue its legacy as a higher education institution of excellence and a premier provider of university level education in Qatar, the GCC region, and internationally. ARIU is well situated to provide students with great opportunities for learning and career development. Its location in Doha and the GCC region is vital to the institution’s identity and success as a school. ariu.edu.qa D2

CUC Ulster University - Qatar

CUC Ulster University is a modern and dynamic university based in Qatar. It has plans to be one of the leading private higher education providers in Qatar and will soon be building a brand new campus in Lusail City that will accommodate up to 5,000 students. It offers a range of internationally

recognised UK Diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, all licensed by MoEHE Ulster University has a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement that makes a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland. It is in the top 25% of UK universities for world-leading research and is ranked 7th in the UK for research impact, meaning its teaching is research-led and allows it to bring leading-edge thinking and practice to the classroom. It works with public, private and third sector organisations to co-create innovative, technology-driven, learning and development solutions for government, industry and major charitable associations. In addition, it works closely with the government to implement the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland and to attract foreign direct investment by ensuring graduates are equipped with the qualifications and skills required by industry and commerce. cuc-ulster.edu.qa E3

Community College of Qatar (CCQ)

Established in 2010, the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) is an open admissions institution that offers a number of associate and bachelor degree programmes. Among them are two-year Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree programmes for students wishing to transfer to four-year universities, high demand 2+2 associates and bachelor degree programmes, and two-year Associate of Applied Arts and Applied Science degree programmes. CCQ also offers short-term continuing education and marketable skills certificates for those that wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills. In addition, CCQ has partnered with a number of local and international four-year universities in order to provide students with the opportunity to seamlessly transfer to a university to obtain a bachelor degree without losing any of their coursework. ccq.edu.qa C3 (CCQ Boys) D4 (CCQ Girls)

Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI)

Founded in 2014 by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) is an independent institute for learning and research in the fields of Social Sciences, Humanities, Public Administration and Development Economics. Programmes of study are offered at the master’s degree level in three schools: Social Sciences and Humanities; Public Administration and Development Economics; and Psychology and Social Work. In addition, the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies at DI offers a master's in Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action. dohainstitute.edu.qa D3

Lusail University (LU)

Lusail University (LU) is the first private national university in Qatar. It welcomed its first batch in 2020 with over 800 students accepted to join the College of Managerial, Financial and Economic Sciences, the College of Law, and the College of Education and Arts. Its mission is to offer academic programmes that contribute to the preparation of trained and qualified human resources to keep pace with the local and international labour market. It provides a stimulating environment for scientific research and knowledge production that contributes to sustainable development and promotes service and build the community. lu.edu.qa A4

Police College (Qatar)

Established by Amiri Decree in 2013, the Police College (Qatar) offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in law and police science in Arabic. However, the college’s Supreme Council (chaired by the Minister of Interior) has the right to allow one or more subjects in a foreign language. Non-Qatari students who obtain scholarships from their own countries can also apply. portal.moi.gov.qa/policecollege F1

Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC)

Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC) was founded in 1975 as the Civil Aviation College of the Gulf States, with assistance from the UN Development Program. It changed its name in 1996 to Qatar Aeronautical College, and programmes include training not just for airline pilots but also for aircraft maintenance engineers, air traffic controllers, meteorologists, airport operations management personnel and flight dispatchers. Qatari graduates aged 17–24 are eligible to apply for trainee positions sponsored by Qatar Airways, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, etc. Qataris and other nationals may also apply to join on a fee-paying basis. qac.edu.qa D4

University Foundation College (UFC)

University Foundation College (UFC) is a private British college, licensed by MoEHE. UFC brings to Qatar ‘UK bridging’ programmes in business, humanities, engineering and science pathways developed and accredited by the Northern Consortium of UK universities (NCUK). NCUK is globally recognised for its programmes developed collaboratively with the 16 NCUK Partner Universities. The college also houses SI-UK Qatar; SI-UK is the leading provider of independent advice and support to international students applying to study in the UK. SI-UK Qatar is part of a global network of 23 offices, which have helped thousands of international students join UK universities. As

an official UCAS centre, SI-UK Qatar is the first and only to be licensed by MoEHE to help students through every step of the university application process. universityfoundationcollege.com C3

University of Calgary – Qatar (UCQ)

Established in 2007, the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) offers university training in all aspects of professional nursing in compliance with the same rigorous international standards applied at the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary in Canada. In addition to a Bachelor of Nursing degree programme, UCQ offers a foundations programme that assists students with the language, mathematics and science skills they need to thrive in the nursing profession. ucalgary.edu.qa D2

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST)

Formerly known as the College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q), the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) was established by Amiri Decision No 13 of 2022 as the first national applied university, offering more than 50 applied bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in addition to diplomas that fall under four main streams: Engineering Technology and Industrial Trades; Business Management; Computing and Information Technology; Health Sciences; Continuous Education and Development; and more. Four programmes are completely new in Qatar: Bachelor of Applied Business Administration in Banking and Financial Technology; Bachelor of Applied Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence; Bachelor of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy; and Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Radiography. UDST offers twoyear and three-year diplomas in addition to the new programmes. udst.edu.qa B3

There are other local and international colleges and universities in Qatar:

• Through its partnership with QFBA, Northumbria University opens a new gateway to a career in accounting, finance, and international banking for the people in Qatar.

• Through its partnership with Aspire Zone Foundation, Arkansas State University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programmes in digital innovation and engineering management.

• Sorbonne University Doha, a branch of the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, has officially launched at Lusail University offering a bachelor's degree in law in French.

Education in Qatar

Education in Qatar

Qatar University

Since Qatar University (QU) was established in the late 1970s, the university has been striving to be a platform and a minaret of knowledge and enlightenment for Qatar, and one of the leading institutions of higher education in the country.

Today, it offers quality education to more than 28,000 multinational students at the undergraduate and graduate level. QU meets international standards and maintains the fastest growing research profile in the region. It has always been the moving force of the society as well as its centre of enlightenment.

QU has contributed in fulfilling the needs of the society for qualified personnel, scholars, consultants and researchers in various specialisations. It has been actively interacting and contributing to the development of society through its academic and research expertise.

QU develops as society’s needs increase, and accordingly, it expands its colleges, departments and academic programmes to fulfil the necessary needs required to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030. It also employs its expertise in planning and setting up strategies to enhance stability in the social, economic, academic and human development domains.

QU has 11 colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Law, Pharmacy, Sharia and Islamic Studies, Health Sciences, Medicine and the College of Dental Medicine. QU recently announced its eleventh college and fifth college under QU Health, the College of Nursing.

QU offers various academic programmes and research projects based on international standards taking into account aspects and issues related to Arab-Islamic culture and identity.

QU has transformed from being an institution of learning to a platform of research, a process that took much effort and time to be achieved. Research is an integral part of the academic

environment at QU and is bolstered by an ambitious five-year roadmap addressing national priorities and listing four priority research areas -- Energy, Environment and Resource Sustainability; Social Change and Identity; Population, Health and Wellness; and Information, Communication and Technologies (ICT) – with a state-of-the-art Research Complex, and 18 research centres of excellence.

QU has emphasised international ranking during the last few years, and has strived to get the academic accreditations for several colleges and programmes to achieve quality assurance. International ranking and academic accreditation enables QU to observe performance and quality, and investigate strategies and applied plans in order to achieve university objectives.

QU is the recipient of the QS Quacquarelli Symonds internationalisation award, due to its global impact in 2022. Ranked second in Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings and second in the QS Arab Region University Rankings 2022, QU also ranks among the top best 600 universities globally, according to 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. QS World University Rankings ranked QU 208 in the latest 2023 edition, an improvement of 16 places from the previous year.

As part of Qatar's policy, which aims to improve health services, QU announced in 2017 the establishment of a health cluster, aptly titled QU Health, to fulfil the market's needs for qualified national specialised cadre in all fields related to the health, safety and pharmaceutical industries.

QU’s diverse and lively student body is a testament to the potential of Qatar’s greatest future leaders, respected scholars and inspired artisans. Students at QU enjoy the convenience and beauty of state-of-the-art facilities and technology, paired with traditional values, in a harmony and ease-of-access, which fully supports their education and life experiences. QU is also the host for one of the metro stations constructed as part of the preparations for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, connecting the QU community to more destinations. qu.edu.qa B3

Qatar Foundation

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a private, nonprofit organisation that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy, providing homegrown solutions for the benefit of Qatar and the world. QF was founded in 1995 by the Father Amir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF. HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani is Vice Chairperson and CEO of QF.

QF’s work encompasses education, science and research, and community development, with a focus on progressive education, sustainability, precision health, Artificial Intelligence, and social progress. It has created an educational landscape in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for the nation’s future. QF works to advance society, the economy, and wellbeing through education and research; advance the Arabic language, culture, heritage, and knowledge; promote and engage in dialogue to address and influence global topics; and make its open and inclusive environment at Education City a global hub of knowledge. qf.org.qa C2

Education

At QF, an ecosystem of education has been built that caters to students from when they are six months old through to postgraduate study, creating a multidisciplinary, integrated environment of learning and knowledge designed to cultivate change-makers who are capable of serving the present and future needs of the country and thriving in a global environment.

Central to this is QF’s partnership model with leading universities from around the world, who have established branch campuses in Qatar: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, Georgetown University in Qatar and HEC Paris in Qatar.

Through its homegrown research university, Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), QF nurtures students that can address national grand challenges and critical questions that are locally relevant and have global impact.

Pre-University Education

Pre-University Education (PUE) is the beginning of QF's education cycle and reinforces the

organisation's commitment to lifelong learning. It delivers unique learning opportunities, and strives to meet the individual needs of each student in its diverse community.

PUE has expanded to comprise a total of 13 schools. These include Qatar Academy, which has five branches in different geographical locations throughout Qatar; Qatar Leadership Academy, which promotes personal growth in young men by engaging them in an environment that promotes excellence in academics, leadership, athletics and character; Renad Academy, which helps children with autism; Awsaj Academy, which supports children and young people with learning challenges; Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST), offering an advanced academic programme for students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects; and Academyati, a unique progressive school, as well as QF's pre-university initiative, the Academic Bridge Program (ABP). Research, Development and Innovation Research and innovation efforts across QF are designed to enable Qatar to develop homegrown solutions that tackle the nation’s challenges while also having the potential to benefit the world. Through its institutes, initiatives, programmes, and discoveries in this sphere, QF supports Qatar in building a sustainable, diversified economy, while fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that produces new and Impactful products and services. Key to QF’s philosophy of excellence is Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) qstp.org. qa – see Investment and Trade in the Business and Economy section. QF has also established Sidra Medicine, a world-class women's and children's hospital and medical research hub. See Healthcare in Qatar in the Living in Qatar section.

Community Development

As an open and active organisation, community development is at the heart of everything that QF does. Its initiatives, programmes, and centres in this field are designed to address the needs of society, preserve and promote Qatari culture and the Arabic language, promote lifelong learning, and foster social engagement. Community development initiatives at QF encourage active, healthy, and sustainable lifestyles, as well as supporting social cohesion and cross-cultural understanding.

Education in Qatar

Biological Sciences Business Administration

Computer Science Information Systems

Carnegie Mellon University attracts a certain type of student: motivated, inventive and driven to make a difference. Students come to Carnegie Mellon to learn, create and innovate in a nurturing environment. They leave with the passion, connections, credentials and lifelong friends who will help them change the world. www.qatar.cmu.edu

Education in Qatar

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q)

For more than a century, Carnegie Mellon University has challenged the curious and passionate to imagine and deliver work that matters. A private, top-ranked and global university, Carnegie Mellon sets its own course with programmes that inspire creativity and collaboration.

In 2004, Carnegie Mellon and QF began a partnership to deliver select programmes that will contribute to the long-term development of Qatar. Today, Carnegie Mellon Qatar (CMU-Q) offers undergraduate programmes in biological sciences, business administration, computer science, and information systems. More than 450 students from 60 countries call Carnegie Mellon Qatar home.

Graduates from CMU-Q are pursuing their careers in top organisations within Qatar and around the world, and many have started their own entrepreneurial ventures. With 15 graduating classes, the total number of alumni is more than 1,100. qatar.cmu.edu

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q)

Established in 1789, Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, offering a unique educational experience that prepares the next generation of global citizens to lead and make a difference in the world.

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) continues this tradition with its campus in Education City.

GU-Q offers the same internationally respected Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree as the campus in Washington, DC, allowing students to major in culture and politics, international economics, international history, or international politics, and to earn certificates in American Studies, Arab and Regional Studies, or Media and Politics, along with minors in Africana Studies, Arabic, or Indian Ocean World Studies. The university also delivers a range of executive education programmes and custom-designed master's degrees. qatar.georgetown.edu

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of QF, was founded in 2010 as a research-intensive university that acts as a catalyst for transformative change in Qatar and the region while having global impact. Located in Education City, HBKU is committed to building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience, innovative ecosystem, and unique partnerships.

HBKU delivers multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programmes through its colleges, and provides opportunities for research and scholarship through its institutes and centres. hbku.edu.qa

HEC Paris in Qatar

Founded in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HEC Paris, a founding member of the Université Paris-Saclay, brings together 140 permanent professors, more than 4,500 students, and 8,000 executives and directors in education each year. In 2010, HEC Paris joined QF and brought world-class Executive Education programmes and research activity to Doha and the region. By 2011, HEC Paris had launched Qatar’s first international Executive MBA (EMBA), which has been ranked number 1 worldwide by the Financial Times in 2019. The HEC Paris international EMBA is a part-time programme that provides executives with a set of fundamental skills to expand their knowledge and leadership capabilities.

In addition to the EMBA, HEC Paris in Qatar provides a Specialised Master’s Degree in Strategic Business Unit Management. The institution also offers nondegree management programmes for executives, in the form of executive short programmes and certificates as well as custom-designed programmes for individual companies. qatar.exed.hec.edu

Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) Northwestern University in Qatar offers bachelor’s degrees from Northwestern’s School of Communication and the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. Northwestern Qatar also offers a variety of executive education programmes for professionals in Qatar. Northwestern Qatar is the 12th school of Northwestern University, which is ranked among the top universities in the world. Northwestern is ranked 9th best by US News & World Report and 24th by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Students interested in news reporting, multimedia storytelling, and strategic communication enrol in Northwestern Qatar’s programme in journalism and strategic communication. If their interest is more aligned with creative media – scriptwriting, cinematography, film production and animation –the programme in communication offers both the academic rigour and the training in the technical components of those careers. In addition to their majors, all Northwestern Qatar students benefit from a well-rounded education, which includes a variety of disciplines in the liberal arts, from history and political science to literature and economics. qatar.northwestern.edu

Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ)

Texas A&M University, recognised as having one of the premier engineering programmes in the world, has offered bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering at QF’s Education City campus since 2003, and master’s degrees in chemical engineering since autumn 2011.

Texas A&M at Qatar has awarded nearly 1,400 degrees since 2007. In addition to engineering courses, Texas A&M at Qatar provides classes in science, mathematics, liberal arts and the humanities. All four of the undergraduate engineering programmes offered are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The curriculum offered at Texas A&M at Qatar are materially the same as those offered at the main campus in College Station, Texas, and the courses in Doha are taught in English in a coeducational setting.

The reputation for excellence is the same, as is the commitment to equip engineers to lead the next generation of engineering advancement. Faculty from around the world are attracted to Texas A&M at Qatar to provide this educational experience and to participate in research activities now valued at more than USD277.7 mn, and that address issues important to the State of Qatar. qatar.tamu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar)

Established in 1998 through a partnership with QF, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) is the international branch campus of Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) School of the Arts, a top-ranked art and design programme in the US.

VCUarts Qatar is celebrating a fruitful 25-year alliance between VCU and Qatar Foundation that underscores the commitment of each institution to excellence, enquiry, discovery and innovation in a global setting. It offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design, interior design, and painting and printmaking, a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in design.

A vibrant community with a global reach, the university promises to instill in students a lifelong passion for education and the arts.

VCUarts Qatar offers valuable opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and connects VCUarts to the influential art and design world of the Middle East and beyond. The campus attracts renowned contributors to contemporary visual culture for speaking and teaching engagements, and hosts two major international events: Tasmeem Doha, a biennial art and design conference; and the Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art. qatar.vcu.edu

Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q)

Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar (WCM-Q) is at the forefront of medical education, clinical care, and biomedical research in the Middle East. Established in 2001 as a partnership between Cornell University in the US and QF, WCM-Q is part of Cornell University and was the first US university to offer its MD degree overseas.

From their very first year, medical students gain clinical experience with the country’s finest healthcare providers, and go on to residencies in some of the best teaching hospitals in the world. WCM-Q’s Division of Continuing Professional Development is accredited to provide continuing medical education for physicians and in doing so disseminates information about clinical best practice, augmenting local healthcare delivery.

In line with its commitment to focus on diseases prevalent in Qatar and the wider region, WCM-Q has a world-class biomedical research programme, the first of its kind in the Middle East. WCM-Q researchers conduct investigations at the basic, translational and community levels, addressing complex diseases such as diabetes, infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and hepatitis C, and helping to inform more efficient healthcare delivery by ushering in the era of precision medicine. The biomedical research programme also delivers robust training programmes, helping to build local research capacity and contributing to Qatar’s knowledge economy.

WCM-Q’s affiliation with Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, Aspetar, the Feto Maternal Center, and the Primary Health Care Corporation, has created powerful partnerships that are dedicated to delivering excellence in education, patient care and biomedical research. qatar–weill.cornell.edu

Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) is at the forefront of medical education, clinical care, and biomedical research in the Middle East. Established in 2001 as a partnership between Cornell University in the US, and Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, WCM-Q is part of Cornell University and was the first US university to offer its MD degree overseas. Teaching is by Cornell and Weill Cornell faculty, alongside accomplished and experienced doctors from affiliated organizations.

A strong partnership with Qatar’s largest healthcare provider, Hamad Medical Corporation, allows students to gain clinical experience from their very first year while granting them access to world-class facilities, including the college’s own Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab. Since operations began, students from dozens of countries across the world have earned their MD degrees and graduated as physicians, with many securing residencies at the world’s best teaching hospitals.

Alongside teaching, WCM-Q faculty host clinics and surgeries in Qatar’s medical institutions. The Division of Continuing Professional Development enabled WCM-Q to become amongst the first institutions outside of the US to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education as a provider of continuing medical education for physicians.

WCM-Q established a world-class biomedical research program - the first of its kind in the Middle East - with a focus on diseases prevalent in Qatar. Core facilities now include genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, microRNA and biostatics, and a research program that provides robust and comprehensive training in biomedical research skills.

At Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, we prepare our students for the real world by providing them with hands-on experience at our partner hospitals, where they get to practice the theories they have learned by working with real patients.

To find out more about studying medicine at WCM-Q, please visit our website.

Education Courses, Tutoring and Lectures

Excellence Training Centre D3 Offers various language courses in English and Arabic as well as preparation for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course and test preparation for IELTS and TOEFL. 4436 0225, excellence.qa

Geometric Learning Centre D3 A tuition centre that offers personalised English and maths learning programmes in the British curriculum. 3333 2468, geometric-centre.com

Education Courses, Tutoring and Lectures

Language Courses and Tuition

Al Rayyan International University College (ARIU) D3 (previously Stenden Qatar) Offers language courses in Arabic and English as well as IELTS preparation. 4489 3333/55, ariu.edu.qa

Asas Language Center E3 Offers language courses in English, Arabic and French as well as specialised courses in technical and legal reports, and academic writing. It also offers IELTS test preparation. 6690 7449, asas-language.com.qa

Aptech Qatar D4 A computer education centre with more than 35 years of expertise that also offers language training in academic and business English. 4444 3600/3700, aptechqatar.com

Berlitz Language Center E4 Offers tuition in more than 10 languages. Test preparation for IELTS and TOEFL. 4455 0506/7, berlitz-qatar.com

British Council D3 Offers a wide range of English language courses as well as access to a library and computers. It is also an IELTS centre. 800 5501, britishcouncil.qa

Community Service and Continuing Education Center (CCE) B3 Offers a variety of certification programmes and training courses at Qatar University. Training courses are offered to all community members in a number of disciplines such as language (English, Arabic, French, Turkish, Chinese, etc), business, leadership, management, finance, accounting and information processing. Test preparation courses for GMAT, GRE, IELTS and ACT are also offered. 4403 3925, qu.edu.qa/cce

Educate Learning Center B4 Offers students at all competency levels an opportunity to develop their language skills in English, Arabic, German and French, as well as major exam preparation courses such as IELTS and TOEFL. 4006 3031, educate.com.qa

EduTec Training Center E4 Offers vocational training and award recognised qualifications. The centre specialises in tailor-made courses in English, corporate and placement tests. 3343 3354, edu-tec.net

Inception Center D3 A language and translation centre offering a variety of distinctive language programmes and courses including English, French, Spanish and Arabic for nonArabic speakers. 5085 2420, inception-qa.com, inception-languages-center.business.site Inlingua Qatar (Score Plus Qatar – The Princeton Review) D3 A test preparation and language training centre offering language courses in English, French, German, Spanish and Arabic, and test preparation in SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, IELTS and TOEFL. 4413 1260, 4436 8580, inlinguaqatar.com, scoreplusqatar.business.site Institut Français du Qatar B3 A range of French courses for adults and children, certifications in French language. Tests for immigration to Canada or Quebec. 4493 0862/3, 3168 0085, if-qatar.com

London Education Centre Multiple locations Provides customised one-on-one tutoring in English, Maths, Physics and Science as well as ACT/SAT test preparation. 7064 3300 (Al Thumama), 7069 8788 (Bani Hajer), lec.qa

Oxford Learning C3 Offers -tutoring in reading, writing, English, Maths, Science and ESL as well as exam preparations, and for children with learning disabilities. 4491 0777, oxfordlearning.qa

Shakespeare Language Center D2 Offers courses to students and adult learners, and special programmes for school students, homework and study support as well as major exam preparation courses such as IELTS, TOEFL, SAT and IGCSE. In addition, it offers language courses in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Turkish, German, Russian and more. 4450 2885, 3334 4509, see their Facebook or Instagram page for more information StudyPlus D3 A premium academic tutoring and exam preparation centre offering language courses in English and English Literature in Edexcel, Cambridge and IB Curriculum. Also offers courses in Core Maths, Further Pure Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accounting, Economics, ESL, EFL, Statistics, Mechanics, and ICT. 4442 4294, thestudyplus.com

TII Language Center

at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) C2 Offers top-class language training in 12 languages for adults, namely Arabic, English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Turkish, in addition to 8 languages for kids and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 15 years, namely Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Turkish, Mandarin Chinese and Portuguese. 4454 2578/993, tii.qa

Community Classes and Extra-mural Courses

Community Service and Continuing Education Center (CCE) B3 Offers preparation courses in Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Non Profit Accounting Professional (CNAP), Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), Project Management Professional (PMP®), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Internet Computer Driving License (ICDL), and certification programmes in Cybersecurity and Blockchain. 4403 3925, qu.edu.qa/cce

Education Development Institute (EDI) C2

A member of Qatar Foundation (QF) that serves as a centre of excellence in professional development and lifelong learning, by supporting the growth and development of the educational community within Qatar and internationally. 4454 2122, edi.qa

Enertech Qatar D3 A Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) training centre providing standardised health and safety training. 4401 0888, enertechqatar.com

Excellence Training Centre D3 Offers various courses in accounting and finance, human resources management, management and administrative skills, and more. 4436 0225, excellence.qa

Qatar Financial & Business Academy (QFBA) C4 A leading national training provider providing professional training to individuals and customised learning and development programmes for corporates, and various courses in finance and investment. 4496 8333, qfba.edu.qa

Qatar Skills Training Centre E3 Offers vocational training, education and professional development. 4416 1622, qatarskills.com.qa

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) C2 At Education City, the School of Arts offers a selection of art, design and craft courses in English and/or Arabic, and holds workshops and lectures including an annual fashion show each spring. 4402 0555, qatar.vcu.edu

Lectures/Discussions/Workshops

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art C2 At Education City, the museum holds lectures, workshops and artist encounters. 4402 8830, mathaf.org.qa

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) D4 Education Centre offers talks, art workshops, programmes and training courses for children and adults. 4422 4444, 4452 5555, mia.org.qa

National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) D4 The museum offers free online and in-person art and culture workshops for families and children as well as storytelling programmes for children in Arabic and/or English. 4452 5555, nmoq.org.qa

Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) C2 A member of QF offering technovate, networking seminars and open discussions. QSTP also supports aspiring entrepreneurs through numerous opportunities to turn passions into successful businesses with innovative programmes such as Arab Innovation Academy, Research to Startup and XLR8, as well as an Incubation Center and funding programmes. 4454 7070, qstp.org.qa

Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) C2 At Education City, WCM-Q is the first medical school in Qatar. It hosts occasional Grand Rounds, a platform for physicians to attend high-quality lectures on developments in medicine, ask questions and network with peers (colleagues and specialists) to promote interdisciplinary collaborations for improved patient care. 4492 8000, qatar-weill.cornell.edu m

For a list of contact numbers of educational institutions, see Useful Numbers in this section. Arabic language courses can be found in Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses in this section.

Courses, Tutoring and Lectures

Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses

Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses

The Arabic Language

Classical Arabic has preserved the language of the Quran for over 1,400 years. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is an adapted form of the classical language used in books, newspapers, on TV and radio, and at times, in conversation.

Classical Arabic and MSA are, to a large extent, learned languages and must be taught in schools, since nearly all Arabs grow up learning a colloquial form of the language. Local dialects vary with more than 30 different regional variations.

Arabic is written from right to left. There are 18 distinct letter shapes, which vary slightly depending on whether they are connected to another letter before or after them. There are no 'capital' letters. The full alphabet of 28 letters is created by placing various combinations of dots above or below some of these letters. Other languages – such as Persian, Urdu and Malay –use adaptations of the Arabic script.

Taking a course in Arabic is an interesting way to learn more about the region's culture and to meet new people. Arabic language courses in Qatar offer a choice of colloquial Qatari Arabic or MSA.

Islam is the official religion in Qatar. Courses offer a chance to learn about the faith as well.

Courses in Qatar

Al Rayyan International University College (ARIU) D3 (previously Stenden Qatar) Offers Arabic Language Level 1 Basics, a two-month course to learn basic Arabic (speaking, writing and reading) at QAR1,900 per person. 4489 3333/55, ariu.edu.qa

Arabic for Non-Native Speakers (ANNS) Center at Qatar University B3 A specialised language centre that offers certificates of completion to international students whose mother tongue is not Arabic. A one academic year programme provides students with communicative skills of comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and pragmatics. QU also offers a bachelor's degree and master's degree in the

Arabic language. 4403 4584/91, qu.edu.qa/artssciences/departments/anns

Berlitz Language Center E4 Group and private conversational and written Arabic courses at levels 1 – 10. Evening classes are available twice a week at each level. Fees vary. 4455 0506/7, berlitz‑qatar.com

Inlingua Qatar (Score Plus Qatar – The Princeton Review) D3 General English/Business English/ French/German/Spanish/Arabic and more, for groups and individuals. 4413 1260, inlinguaqatar.com

Institut Français du Qatar B3 The successor to the French Cultural Centre (CCF), the official French Institute provides courses in MSA for French and non-French speakers. Private tuition and corporate courses also available. Fees vary. 4493 0862/3, 3168 0085 (WhatsApp), if qatar.com Language Center at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) B3 Offers courses in Arabic language and culture within a proficiency-based framework, founded on a communicative and taskoriented approach. Classes target the development of the various skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). 4419 9444, dohainstitute.edu.qa

Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center D4 (previously known as Fanar) Lessons in MSA with separate classes for men and women. Courses at levels 1 – 5 are intensive and last two and a half months, with classes twice a week. Classes in Islamic studies and culture in English, with assistance in Tagalog (Philippines), Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) and Nepali. 4444 7444, binzaid@islam.gov.qa, binzaid.gov.qa

TII Arabic Language Program at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) C2 Offers courses in MSA or the Qatari (Khaleeji) dialect with an emphasis on communication. Also available are courses in medical Arabic to help healthcare professionals communicate with patients. 4454 2578/993, tii.qa

Arabic, the official language of Qatar, ranks sixth among the world’s major languages and is the native tongue of nearly 250 mn people around the world, as well as the language of the Holy Quran and thus, Islam. It is one of the United Nations' six official languages. All courses and fees are subject to change. Start learning Arabic with the simple words and greetings in Arabic Phrases in the Discovering Qatar section.