Education in Qatar: Spring/Summer 2023

Education in Qatar

Useful Numbers

• Nurseries and Preschools • Primary and Secondary Schools • Specialised Schools

• Special Needs Education • Universities and Colleges of Higher Education

• Academic Organisations and Learning Centres

Feature – A Growing Education System

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has announced the opening of new universities and schools, and a focus on quality education in the Ministry’s 2023–30 plan.

Education Education

Education in Qatar

• Primary and Secondary Education

• The Public Sector: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Public Schools

• eEducation and eLiteracy; Increasing Educational Opportunities

• The Private Sector: Nurseries and Kindergartens; Preschools Attached to Schools; Primary and Secondary Schools; The Outstanding Schools Initiative

• Law Regulating Private Schools; Electronic Pre-Registration

• Special Needs Education • Specialised Curriculum Schools

• Tertiary Education and Bridge Programmes • Higher Education in Qatar

• Qatar Foundation; Universities in Qatar Foundation • Qatar University

Map of Education City

Education Courses, Tutoring and Lectures

• Language Courses and Tuition • Community Classes and Extra-mural Courses

• Lectures/Discussions/Workshops

Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses

The

information contained in this guide has been checked and verified as correct as at the time of compilation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, information is subject to change. Follow marhaba.qa for the latest updates.

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Education City (EC)

1. Academic Bridge Program (ABP)

2. Al Shaqab

Al Gharrafa Park

EMBASSY LOCATIONS

Kuwait C4

KyrgyzRep C3

Lebanon B4

Liberia C4

Libya B3

Malaysia C4

Mali B4

Mauritania C4

Mexico C4

Moldova B4

Morocco C4

Nepal E3

Netherlands C4

Niger C3

Nigeria C4

NorthMacedonia C4

Bulgaria B3

BurkinaFaso B3

Canada C4

C.AfricanRep B3

Chile C4

China B3

CostaRica C3

Croatia B3

Cuba B3

Cyprus C4

Djibouti B4

Dom.Rep. B3

Ecuador B4

ElSalvador B4

Eritrea E4

Eswatini B4

Ethiopia B4

France C4

Gambia E4

Georgia C4

Germany C4

Ghana B3

Greece B4

Hungary B3

India C4

Indonesia D3

Iran C4

Iraq C4

Italy C4

IvoryCoast B4

Japan B4

Jordan C4

Kazakhstan B3

Kenya B3

Korea (S) B4

Kosovo C4

Oman B4

Pakistan C4

Palestine C4

Panama B4

Paraguay B4

Peru C3

Philippines B3

Poland B4

Portugal C4

Romania C4

Russia B4

Senegal C3

Serbia B3

Singapore B4

Somalia C4

SouthAfrica B3

Spain B4

SriLanka E4

Sudan B4

Sweden C4

Switzerland B3

Syria C4

Tajikistan C3

Tanzania C4

Thailand C4

Tunisia C4

Turkiye B4

Uganda B3

Ukraine B3

UnitedKingdom C4

UnitedStates ofAmerica C3

Uruguay C3

Venezuela B4

Vietnam B3

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academic excellence and unparalleled pastoral care. Now, that same tradition of excellence has been extended to Qatar.

students from the age of 3 to 18. With state-of-the-art facilities in both the Primary and Secondary school buildings, students have access to the very best resources and technologies to support their learning.

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Whether your child is just starting out on their educational journey, or is preparing for university and beyond, we have a pathway that will meet their needs.

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Useful Numbers

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

*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

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

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, IB

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

American Curriculum 4041 7601 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 D2 4459 6566

School for Girls A2 4495 3444

Senior School C2 4459 6400 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

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 curricula 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 C4

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 in Qatar C2 4406 5200 ucalgary.edu.qa

University of Doha for Science and Technology 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 C2

QF's pre-university programme 4454 2120/21/31 abp.edu.qa

Academy for Dance, Music and Arts 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 C2

QF member, globally renowned technology development hub

4454 7070

qstp.org.qa

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FEATURE

A Growing Education System

By Ola Diab

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has announced the opening of new universities and schools, and a focus on quality education in the Ministry’s 2023–30 plan.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) is in the process of approving four international universities from Malaysia, Australia and the US to offer programmes in scientific disciplines.

According to Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at the MoEHE Dr Khalid Al Ali, although Qatar is home to a number of worldclass foreign universities in the country, the education sector lacks specialisations in the fields of health sciences and engineering sciences; and therefore, MoEHE is in the process of approving four international universities from Malaysia, Australia and the US to offer programmes in scientific disciplines to meet the needs and requirements of Qatar’s labour market.

There are 34 higher education institutions in Qatar, including 10 public institutions, six military and police institutions, and 18 private institutions – with more than 40,100 students.

Schools in Qatar

According to the Undersecretary of the MoEHE Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, MoEHE has achieved success in equipping schools to accommodate a growing number of students. The number of students in government and private schools has significantly increased over the last decade. The number of students in government schools has increased from 96,000 to 121,000 in the last 10 years. Private schools have also witnessed a huge growth with the number of students going up from 129,000 to 209,000 in the last decade.

According to Dr Al Nuaimi, schools in Qatar have witnessed remarkable growth, while the number of government schools has increased from 178 in the 2012–13 academic year to 209 in the 2022–23 academic year.

The number of private schools in Qatar has increased from 182 to 334 in the last 10 years. The number of teachers in government schools

increased from 12,000 to 14,000. The number of teachers in private schools increased from 8,800 to 12,000 teachers.

In the current 2022–23 academic year, MoEHE stated that eight new school buildings have been constructed, including three new school buildings to shift students from old, already existing school buildings.

Government schools, which are also known as public schools, received 14,500 new students in the current academic year, which according to MoEHE, shows significant growth, as part of the ministry’s vision to increase the number of schools across the country to accommodate more students.

According to MoEHE, 900 new male and female teachers have been employed for government schools in the current academic year. One third of the newly employed teachers – 300 – are Qatari and over 50% are expatriates. According to Dr Al Nuaimi, the second strategy came to an end in December 2022, which involved evaluating educational institutions and developing the curricula, in addition to upgrading all subjects. MoEHE recently established Al Hidaya Schools for students with intellectual disabilities and autism, offering integrated services that are provided through a multidisciplinary team. There are currently six Al Hidaya Schools, which are gender segregated government or public schools. Within the regular local school setting, public schools provide services that support students' needs through educative plans. They also provide arrangements and facilities for evaluation, school environment or classroom activities. Local public schools provide integration services for students with autism and intellectual disabilities. These schools are equipped with resource rooms, programmes, services and specialists that serve students and enhance their academic and independence capabilities.

Scholarship programmes in Qatar

MoEHE offers a scholarship programme for Qataris interested in studying in Qatar and/or abroad. There were 2,503 applicants for scholarships in the 2022–23 academic year and 977 were accepted. The country

with the most requests for scholarships was Qatar with 77%, followed by Britain with 18%, the US with 2% and the rest of the countries constituting 3%.

According to Dr Al Ali, 983 universities in 68 countries around the world are accredited universities for external scholarships for bachelor’s degrees, stressing that the criteria for selecting these universities are based on academic quality, and 82% of the universities in the accredited list were in 20 countries. The US and the UK are the two most popular destinations for students with 274 universities in the US and 70 universities in the UK.

In regard to scholarships for postgraduate studies, the list includes 423 universities in 41 countries, with the US leading the list with 104 universities, followed by the UK with 39 universities. At least 3,100 Qatari students are pursuing higher education with scholarships.

According to Dr Al Ali, the most desired and popular courses are medicine and auxiliary medicine (general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, etc); engineering courses, including civil and mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering and biomedical engineering; and computer courses, including cybersecurity, information systems, computer science and information technology. In addition, according to Dr Al Ali, there is great demand to pursue courses in the College of Education (Tomouh programme) at Qatar University.

There are 35 students on the Amir Scholarship Programme for Academic Excellence, including 21 in the US, five in the UK, five in Qatar (Education City), two in Canada, one in Japan and one in Australia.

According to Dr Al Ali, scholarships are given according to the specialisation that the student desires and are not restricted to the specialisations of the government scholarship plan; and therefore, it is considered a grant from MoEHE. A reward for the student to study a course depends on that the obtained admission is to study at a university approved for the scholarship. For more information on government scholarships or for assistance to obtain one, visit MoEHE’s scholarship website scholarship.edu.gov.qa, or through the Academic Advising Department at secondary schools. There are also scholarships for non-Qataris. The Qatar Scholarship Programme provides opportunities for youth who are long-term residents in Qatar to access quality higher education in top Doha-based universities. In 2018, Education Above All (EAA)’s Al Fakhoora programme partnered with the General Directorate of Endowments (AWQAF) and leading universities to establish its Qatar Scholarship Programme (formerly Dynamic Futures Qatar). The Qatar Scholarship Programme currently

includes the following partner universities: Qatar University (QU), University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), University of Calgary in Qatar, Al Rayan University, and the universities of Qatar Foundation (QF). educationaboveall.org

Qatar also offers scholarships to non-residents. The Qatar Scholarships (QS) initiative is a programme spearheaded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) in cooperation with several prestigious and leading educational institutions in Qatar and internationally. The programme offers scholarships for undergraduate, masters, and PhD degrees as well as Arabic language programmes and vocational and technical training to students from developing countries. Driven by Qatar National Vision 2030 to advance quality education, Qatar Scholarship focuses on the Sustainable Development Goal 4: 'Ensuring fair and inclusive education for all and enhancing lifelong learning for all'. qatarscholarships.qa

Focus on quality education in MoEHE’s strategic plan 2023–30

MoEHE will focus on further improving the quality of education through its 2023–30 strategic plan, as part of Qatar National Vision 2030.

According to Dr Al Nuaimi. the strategic plan will cover students in all three school grades — primary, preparatory and secondary — in addition to kindergarten (KG).

An initiative will be launched to increase the number of students in KGs by creating awareness among parents that it is very important for their children in building a foundation for their education.

According to Dr Al Nuaimi, MoEHE will launch new initiatives such as ‘My Skills My Future’ and ‘My School My Community’ for primary school students for the health and wellbeing of students to improve their quality of life through programmes to promote healthy eating and a more active life. Another initiative 'Madrasti Manara’ will help improve the performance of some schools by overcoming the challenges they are facing. In addition, according to Dr Al Nuaimi, special programmes will be launched for students with disabilities, enabling them to actively serve the community after their graduation.

According to Dr Al Nuaimi, the strategy also gives top priority in instilling national identity, Islamic and local culture in students and the move will continue in the next strategy following Qatar National Vision 2030. m

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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 at least 23 curricula, 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 2022–23 academic year began on 16 August 2022 for public schools and on 21 August 2022 for private schools. Schools closed for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM with the second term (semester) beginning on 25 December 2022. The 2022–23 academic year will come to an end on 8 June 2023. The full calendar is available on edu.gov.qa

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.

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 three-day 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.

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.

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 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. 'Ya Aunak' 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.

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

Primary education is compulsory for all Qatari children from age six. Mandatory kindergarten attendance for Qatari children – as well as nonQatari children – from the age of four and their compulsory secondary education are also envisaged. 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. Nurseries and kindergartens are heavily scrutinised for licensing and to ensure healthy and safe educational environments.

To help parents find a suitable, licensed nursery for their children, the Ministry of Labour 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 Labour to establish, manage or modify an existing nursery.

• The Ministry of Labour 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.

AIA: Learning Beyond Curricula

At Arab International Academy we strive to nurture knowledgeable and skilled generations of learners who are fully prepared to face the challenges of our ever-changing world and excel. We also fully understand that this mission cannot succeed unless our learners are immersed in the world around them, aware of its opportunities and their many possible roles in it. The question then becomes, how do we introduce our learners to this wide, wonderful, and overwhelming world of possibilities in a way that offers guidance and room for exploration without fear of failure? What role can we play in guiding them and teaching them how to explore what is out there?

This was the thinking behind AIA’s Learning Without Walls programme. Learning Without Walls is an annual event where we dedicate between three days to a week supporting our students in grades 6-11 to explore the opportunities around them in their local community and discover their previously untapped interests and potential in various areas of life. As John Dewey puts it, ‘Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.’ Therefore, taking full advantage of people, talents, insights, and skills on offer is the first step in the process.

A huge effort goes into outreach to contact individuals in our local community from museum educators, to parents, to experts in various fields with correspondence, meetings, and field visits. Following that, the team, led by the student affairs coordinator, puts together lists of places, people, and activities that will offer students a taste of the world around them.

There is a treasure trove of museums and museum educators in Doha who offer inspiring opportunities and activities. The Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Arab Art, and The National Museum of Qatar have each provided unique and challenging options. Choosing an object that inspires them as a gateway to bringing the past to life or engaging with curators and educators has empowered students to see their role in the world as going beyond the classroom. A visit to the Al Jazeera exhibition, for example, enabled students to see how their voice and perspective can play a role in reflecting reality and shaping it through media. Visits to Al Khor mangroves highlighted the importance of environmental awareness and sustainability, providing learners with the chance to reflect on preservation while having fun with their classmates. Service learning is also part of this with students visiting centres for people with challenges or disabilities, and considering how they can play a role in designing better opportunities for those members of society, or simply being the reason

behind bringing a smile to a person’s face through their actions.

Parent and special guest involvement and careers discovery was just as beneficial and introduced learners to role models in various fields and offered an opportunity for questions and wonderings. Having a mother come in to share with students how they could design their own home and discuss architecture and its future, and another helping students explore the art of photography, meant an immediate connection to thinking about future careers and seeing how they could make their goals a reality. Visits to university campuses and taking part in career workshops underlined for all how they can map their futures and where they can turn for inspiration and guidance.

What Learning Without Walls does, in addition to creating these valuable opportunities, is strengthen the ties within our learning community. Interacting with each other; learners, teachers, and parents, in a fun and open environment allows for the creation of the best memories. We remember best what we learnt in joy; and that is what this programme is about, joyful life-long learning.

AIA, where play is learning

The Public Sector

eEducation and eLiteracy

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 coeducational 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.

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.

The Private Sector

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 Labour, 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 fulltime 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.

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

READY TO EXCEL AS PEOPLE AND THRIVE ACADEMICALLY.

READY FOR A WORLD THAT KEEPS CHANGING

At ACS we prepare our students to be ready. Ready to ask new questions and demand better answers. Ready to innovate and create. Ready for cultures that crossover, boundaries that blur and ideas that interconnect. We ready them for a world that demands a new kind of learning—and a new kind of citizen.

• Girls and boys aged 3–18

• International baccalaureate (IB)

• Advanced placement programme (AP)

• US high school diploma

• Bursaries and scholarships

• Extensive busing

ACS 2040 FUTURE READY

leaders, educators, and students to discuss the role of technology in education and how we can use it to enhance the learning experience,’ said Harrison.

He added, ‘At ACS, we believe that education is an ongoing process, and we are committed to providing our students and parents with the latest insights and tools to prepare them for the future. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future and continuing our mission to provide quality education to our students.’

ACS Doha’s 2040 Future Skills Event, held in early March 2023 at The National Museum of Qatar, was a resounding success, attracting participants that included parents, students, and industry leaders. The event brought together international experts from diverse fields to discuss future jobs and essential skills required for success in 2040.

Attendees were impressed with the quality of research and speaker points presented at the event, which provided valuable insights into the future of work and how to prepare for it. Keynote speakers, including David Harkin (CEO of 8billionideas), Pam Mundy (Consultant Director of Schools and Education for NEOM), Dr Ghanim Al Sulaiti (Research Director at Qatar Computing Research Institute), and Victoria Humphries (Polar adventurer and Guinness World Record holder), shared their knowledge and experiences, giving attendees a deeper understanding of what skills will be needed for future careers.

Robert Harrison, Director of Education and Integrated Technology at ACS International Schools, expressed his delight at the success of the 2040 Future Skills Event and thanked attendees for their participation. He stated that the event was the first of a series of events that ACS plans to host in the coming months to address the evolving needs of students and parents.

‘As per the request of attendees, we will be organising an EDTECH Summit at ACS Doha on 13 May 2023. This event will bring together industry

The event was a great opportunity for parents to learn how to prepare their children for an uncertain world, develop a deeper understanding of how education can support success, and what skills will be needed for future careers. Attendees left the event feeling empowered and equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their children’s education and future.

ACS International Schools looks forward to hosting more events like this in the future. For those who missed the event, stay tuned for future opportunities to gain valuable insights into the future of work and how to prepare for it.

With a series of events lined up, including the upcoming ACS Doha’s 2023 EDTECH Conference, ACS International Schools is set to remain at the forefront of educational innovation and provide students and parents with valuable insights and tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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, in partnership with King’s College UK. All subjects are taught by specialist teachers from Year 5 throughout an extended school day, offering more teacher time for pupils, mirroring the UK independent school approach. From August 2023, King’s College, Doha will expand, opening a dedicated Pre-Prep campus for children between the ages of 3 to 7. The campus will offer age-specific learning, play and sports areas, the only campus of its kind in Qatar. The school’s new campus will welcome pupils between the ages of 8 to 18, offering spacious and well-equipped classrooms, a state-of-the-art Performing Arts and Media Centre, a 17,000 sq m Sports Academy, an Art and Design Centre and an inspiring STEAM Hub. A-Level pupils will have their own impressive Sixth Form Centre, designed to offer independence as they transition into life as young adults. 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 A3

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. 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.

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.

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.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is pivotal in a child’s development as the brain grows and develops more rapidly during this time than any other. The experiences a child has during this period shape the way the brain develops and influences long-term outcomes.

Delivered over two years (FS1 and FS2), EYFS lays the foundation for future academic and personal success. A quality early years education provides children with the head start needed to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Ruth Whymark | Senior Vice-Principal, Head of Primary

WHAT DOES EYFS LOOK LIKE AT DOHA COLLEGE?

A high-quality early years education provides children with the experiences and opportunities needed to develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills. This helps better prepare children for future academic and personal challenges.

Doha College, a not-for-profit British International School, places great emphasis on its EYFS programme. Our littlest learners explore, discover, and develop their skills through play. This flourishes a love for learning and builds a strong foundation before progressing into Primary.

Our dedicated EYFS facilities capture imagination, foster learning, and encourage fun. With large classrooms, expansive shaded outdoor areas, engaging library spaces for adventurous story time, and interactive music rooms, every day at Doha College is an exciting new journey of discovery.

The structure of the school day in EYFS is built to include core curriculum and specialised lessons. Our new extended hours begin at 7.30am and finish at 1.55pm, with an optional early collection for FS1.

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 MoEHE is committed to inclusive integration in education where possible. Some 80% of independent schools have introduced additional educational needs facilities and staff.

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

Al Maha Pediatric Specialized Care Center F5 is located in a brand new facility within Al Wakra Hospital. The centre offers expert long-term and acute care for children with special needs. This unique centre, the first of its kind in the region, is an ideal facility designed to create a home-like environment aimed at promoting a better quality of life for children with long-term care needs. It includes medical, diagnostic and therapy services (such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, assistive technology, audiology services, seating and positioning, and feeding and swallowing as well as psychological support and intervention). The centre also provides innovative services such as aquatic therapy offered in a multi-level hydrotherapy pool, music and art therapy, virtual reality treatment and other services. hamad.qa

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

Al Tawasul Specialized Center for ENT E3 is specialised in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Audiology and Speech Language Therapy. They provide life-changing treatment and support to patients from infancy to old age. 4017 6399, see their Facebook page

Awsaj Academy C2, 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

Child Development Center (CDC) B4 is a special needs centre in West Bay. Established in 2013, CDC provides a network of internationally qualified and licensed professionals who offer child-centred and evidence-based early detection and intervention for children with developmental delays. Services

include applied behaviour analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, as well as professional development training and workshops. 6692 0199, 4414 7283, cdcenterqatar.com

Doha International Center for Special Needs E3 teaches special needs children using early intervention through five levels. After they finish all levels, they can integrate into general schools. The centre teaches language and function skills through evaluation, diagnostic and learning plans for each child. 4469 2920, dic-specialneeds.net

Family Hope Center C3 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

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) C3/D3 provides services and outpatient programmes in Early Detection and Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Early Intervention, School Rehabilitation Services for children with disabilities and more, as well as Medical and Behaviour Consultation Clinics. The programme accepts referrals only from HMC's physicians to make best use of the programme and resources for the right group of children. hamad.qa

HOPE Qatar Centre for Special Needs D4 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

Mind Institute E3 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

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

Qatar Assistive Technology Centre (Mada) C4 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

The Qatar Institute for Speech and Hearing (QISH) C3 is devoted to speech/language, hearing and rehabilitation services. QISH aims to enhance the wellbeing of people living in Qatar. It is a platform that provides an understanding into various issues facing children and adults with special needs, hearing loss, speech difficulties, psychological disorders and physical disability. 4412 2742, 4487 3909, qish.info

The Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs D4 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

Renad Academy C2, a member of QF, is a school for children and young adults, aged 3 – 21, with a diagnosis of 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, and structured TEACCH in one-to-one and small group settings (see Qatar Foundation in this section). 4454 1974, renad.qa

Shafallah-Integration for the Disabled A4, 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

Step by Step Centre for Special Needs D3 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

The Learning Center (TLC) C2, a member of QF, is a centralised student support services team comprising school psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and autism specialists. The 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, social-emotional and developmental challenges and deliver outcome-driven, learning-oriented, and evidence-based 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

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/public 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/public schools.

Hearing impaired students of all levels of ability can register at the Audio Education Complex

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.

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 C2 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

Josoor Institute C2 is the education and training arm of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the organisation responsible 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

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) C4 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) C2 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 4,000 students (mostly Qatari high school graduates, but also students from over 30 other countries) have graduated from their programme. 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

Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) B4 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.

4496 8333, qfba.edu.qa

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/northumbria-university

Established by QF in 2014, the Qatar Nanny Training Academy (QNTA) B3 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

Qatar Skills Training Centre (QS) D3 is Qatar's largest and leading training provider, incubating world-class learning and development opportunities that benefit people, organisations, and shared values. For more than a decade, QS has earned an astounding reputation for co-creating transformational learning experiences and providing high-quality, in-demand training to both individuals and organisations. QS provides competitive knowledge to leading global organisations through their selection of premium certified programmes delivered as face-to-face, live virtual training, or blended. Every year, QS trains thousands of participants in the country's largest training facility in Qatar. QS has offers over a thousand programmes divided into two categories: customised programmes designed for specific organisational needs and public programmes. QS built their reputation by transferring knowledge in technical, functional, and behavioural fields, and by providing certifications from prestigious institutes such as CMI, ILM, IOSH, Highfield, IoSCM, CII, IREM, Professional Academy ISM, CIM, SHRM, ACCA, and many more. 4416 1622, qatarskills.com.qa

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.

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 C4

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 an official Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) centre,

and is part of a global network of 23 offices, helping thousands of international students join UK universities.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)

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) was officially established by Amiri Decision No 13 of 2022, and it is the first national university that specialises in academic applied, technical, and professional education in the State of Qatar.

UDST has over 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, diplomas, and certificates. It houses five colleges – Business Management, Computing and Information Technology, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences and General Education in addition to specialised training centers for individuals and companies. UDST is recognised for its student-centred learning and state-of-the-art facilities. Its world-renowned faculty and researchers work on developing the students’ skills and help raise well-equipped graduates who are proudly serving different sectors of the economy and contributing to the achievement of human, social and economic development goals nationally and internationally. 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.

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 society as well as its centre of enlightenment.

QU has contributed in fulfilling the needs of 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 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.edu.qa B3

Qatar Foundation

Qatar Foundation (QF) is a private, non-profit 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.

Education City, QF’s flagship initiative, is a stunning campus that spans more than 12 sq km and hosts branch campuses of some of the world’s leading educational institutes, a homegrown university, and other research, scholastic, and community centres. Together, these institutes make Education City a unique model of academic and research excellence, pioneering a new approach to multidisciplinary, global education and enabling breakthroughs that benefit Qatar and the rest of the world.

K-12 Schools

At QF, an education ecosystem has been built that caters to students from when they are six months old through to postgraduate study, creating an exciting environment for lifelong learning. The bedrock of this model is formed by a wide array of K-12 schools that deliver unique learning opportunities and strive to meet the individual needs of each student in its diverse community. Since opening its first school in 1996, QF has been continuously expanding its network and operates 13 schools today. These include: Qatar Academy, which has five branches in different geographical locations throughout Qatar; Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA), which promotes personal growth in young men through excellence in academics, leadership, athletics, and character; Renad Academy, which provides education and specialised services for 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 in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects; Academyati, a unique progressive school championing alternative learning pedagogies; Tariq Bin Ziad,

which provides a bilingual education deeply rooted in Qatar’s culture and heritage; and the Academic Bridge Program (ABP), which helps high school graduates better prepare themselves for rigorous university programmes.

Higher Education

QF's higher education offerings include partnerships with seven leading universities from around the world and one homegrown university. They are Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMUQ), Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ), Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), HEC Paris in Qatar, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). Each of these universities focus on specific subject areas where they are globally renowned, while collaborating across disciplines in a uniquely integrated campus.

Research, Development and Innovation

QF is transforming the nation as a leading hub for research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Specialised research institutes are making major advances in fields such as artificial intelligence, personalised medicine, and sustainable energy –providing cutting-edge solutions for Qatar and the world. Another key pillar of this ecosystem, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), provides a platform to enable large multinational companies and local tech startups alike to setup their base in Qatar – 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. As an open and active organisation, community development is also at the heart of everything that QF does. Among its wide range of initiatives, there are specific programmes tailored to promoting active and healthy lifestyles, preserving Qatari culture and heritage, advancing the Arabic language, and creating a more sustainable planet. qf.org.qa C2

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.

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 was 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 by the 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 is materially the same as that 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 USD284.3 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 Medical Centre Doha, 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 CITY

Education City Golf Club

1. Qatar Foundation HQ

2. Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q)

3. Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar

4. Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ)

5. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar

6. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

7. Academic Bridge Program (ABP)

8. Qatar Academy

9. Awsaj Academy

10. Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)

11. Sidra Medicine

12. Al Jazeera Children’s Channel

13. Cultural Development Center (CDC)

14. Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF)

15. Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC)

16. Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q)

17. Recreation Center

18. College of Islamic Studies (CIS)

19. Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q)

20. Multaqa (Student Center)

21. Qatar National Library (QNL)

22. HBKU Operations HQ

23. HBKU Housing (Male)

24. HBKU Housing (Female)

25. HBKU Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS)

Blue

Qatar National Library

Everyone

The project was initially announced in November 2012 by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF. Its purpose is to collect, preserve and make available the country’s recorded history, and is a steward of Qatar's national heritage. All residents are able to access the available resources, with support offered to students, researchers and the general public.

Designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the 45,000 sq m state-of-the-art building is fully accessible to visitors with special needs. It features numerous custom-designed innovations, including an automatic book sorting system, several interactive media walls, and self-checkin and check-out machines that make borrowing books easier for members.

Included in QNL’s facilities are a variety of collaborative and individual learning spaces, a Children’s Library, Teenagers Library, public computer workstations, performance, a café, an adaptive technology centre, multimedia rooms, tutoring centres, writing centre, and Innovation Stations offering a wide variety of creative tools, such as 3D printers and musical instruments. There is an assistive technology area with equipment and specialised software applications to enhance the experience of users with special needs.

For relaxation, there is a restaurant, a café, and designated areas to enhance the visitor experience. There are a number of events that take place already – such as training, workshops and tech talks – however a full range of exhibitions and services will be launched at the official inauguration ceremony in 2018 (at the time of going to press the date was not known).

In addition to full-text databases, they are aiming for 1.2 million books, 500,000 ebooks, periodicals and newspapers, and special collections. Visitors can explore the progression of knowledge from the past to the present – however, there will be a balance between content accessibility and content preservation.

To ensure this latter point, content will be displayed in secured, humidity-controlled cases. The Conservation Laboratory will conserve and restore the collection for future generations, while the Digitization Laboratory will work as the National Digitization Center and use state-ofthe-art technology for digital preservation of the collection.

Showcasing the importance given to technology and user convenience, visitors will be able to use the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) book sorter system when using self-check in/out

Qatar National Library (QNL) opened to the public on 6 November 2017 at Education City, and is a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF).

with a resident permit can become a member, which will entitle them to access more than one million books, periodicals, and special collections, as well as the QNL Heritage Library.

stations to provide a faster and more convenient use of the library collection. Registered members can borrow materials, renew the items online, hold or reserve items, and even return the items through the 24-Hour drive-through Book Drop station in front of the main library entrance!

For further comfort and ease, the People Mover can easily transport library users in the tiers area. Computer systems, tablets, interactive screens, and audio visual equipment are well-distributed in different areas of the building to fit different users’ needs and improve their experience. There are a variety of reading and study spaces, which can be reserved in advance online.

Qatar Digital Library

The Qatar Digital Library (QDL) is an advanced online portal that provides free public access to an extensive collection of precious historic archives and manuscripts in both English and Arabic.

It is a 10 year partnership between QF, QNL and the British Library, and aims to improve understanding of the Islamic world, Arabic cultural heritage and the modern history of the Gulf. Work began in 2012, with the digitisation of content from the British Library’s collections, and to date, over 250,000 images have been created including 1,000 archival files from the India Office Records and 90 Arabic Scientific manuscripts.

Visitors can access online all manner of material, from maps to books, images, manuscripts and newspapers. There is also content from the Museum of Islamic Art and the Ottoman Archive. Alongside the archive are a number of articles written by experts within the partnership, covering such topics as The India Office Records, The British Empire in the Gulf, and traditional music in Qatar.

Heritage Library

Founded in the early 1980s as part of HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani’s vision to create, and make accessible, a landmark repository of Qatar and regional history in the heart of Doha, the Heritage Collection is a unique contribution to Qatar’s cultural landscape.

Transferred to the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage in 2000, and acquired by QF in 2006, the Heritage Collection was integrated with QNL in 2012. Located in the middle of the QNL building are rare and valuable texts and manuscripts related to Arabic and Islamic civilisation, as well as historical maps and globes, scientific instruments, early photography, and writings by travellers who explored the Arabian Gulf region over the centuries.

Some of the printed materials dates from the 15th century when the printing process had been introduced to Europe, and are therefore rare and valuable parts of the collection. The Preservation and Conservation Center oversees monitoring and analysis, and provides treatment where necessary.

The conservation laboratory is also the IFLA/ PAC Regional Center for the Arab Countries and the Middle East – the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Strategic Programme on Preservation and Conservation (PAC) was created in 1984 to concentrate on issues of preservation and worldwide cooperation for the preservation of library materials.

Qatar National Library

Children's and Teen Libraries

A dedicated children’s section holds more than 100,000 books in Arabic, English, and a selection of other languages – available are picture books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, ebooks, and emagazines. Early literacy programmes and workshops enable children to develop reading skills from an early age. There are also educational toys, arts and crafts materials, innovative learning software, and a team of dedicated librarians.

The Teen Library is aimed at visitors aged 13 to 18, and has more than 30,000 books, magazines, computer labs, graphic novels, interactive learning tools, and a special events space. Those studying for exams can make use of the school curriculum and college textbooks.

Other resources

QNL provides registered users free access to a vast number of online resources, which include ebooks, academic papers, music, videos, children's materials, and more. The Qatar Research Portal, a collaboration between QNL and Qatar National Research Fund, provides access to the outcomes of QNRF-funded research to both the public and members of the research community.

Can't find what you're looking for in the QNL catalogue or through online resources? First stop is Ask QNL Librarian, for study or general reference questions and further assistance. Registered members can also use the Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Service: request articles from journals, book chapters/sections, conference proceedings, and reports. m

The Library is at your fingertips with your favourite ebooks and audiobooks, anywhere you go via the Qatar National Library app available on iOS and Android Library opening times: Saturday – Thursday 8 am – 8 pm, Friday 4 pm – 8 pm

The Children's Library closes at 6:30 pm

To become a QNL member, complete the online registration form For more information, call 4454 0100 or visit qnl.qa

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

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 non-Arabic 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

Leaders Training Center E4 A provider of professional development courses offering Spoken Arabic as well as test preparation in IELTS and Occupational English Test (OET). 3110 1550, 4466 4321, leaders.qa

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 eight 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 offering 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

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.

Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses

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.

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.

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

Excellence Training Centre D3 Offers various language courses in Arabic and English as well as test preparations. 4436 0225, excellence.qa

Qatar Foundation Interbational (QFI) Multiple locations An international organisation that advances Arabic language education across the world. QFI has curated lists of Arabic programmes at higher education institutions, as well as summer programmes geared for primary and secondary students. info@qfi.org, qfi.org

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

Leaders Training Center E4 A provider of professional development courses offering Spoken Arabic as well as test preparation in IELTS and Occupational English Test (OET). 3110 1550, 4466 4321, leaders.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