Qatar University seminar address labour market challenges in Mena

Qatar University's Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (Sesri), in collaboration with the College of Business and Economics (CBE), organised a seminar on 'Current Labour Market Challenges in Qatar and the Mena Region,' earlier this week.
HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri affirmed that over the last decade the Qatar labour market has witnessed unprecedented growth and continuous expansion in the number of jobs to achieve the first and second goals of the national development strategies, based on the four pillars of human, economic, social, and environmental development. This necessitated a significant increase in the workforce in both the public and private sectors, with substantial numbers being brought in, most of whom had intermediate to low levels of experience.
HE Dr al-Marri also spoke about the projects and programmes implemented by the ministry, to address the challenges facing the sector, including: providing programmes to motivate Qatari citizens to seek employment in the private sector and offering them the necessary support; increasing the employment of Qatari citizens in both the public and private sectors by 2030; and enhancing the training and qualification efforts.
QU president Dr Omar al-Ansari, Research and Graduate Studies vice-president Dr Mariam al-Maadeed, the International Labour Organisation Office director Max Tunon and Sesri director Dr Kaltham al-Ghanim were present at the seminar attended by a large number of faculty members and researchers, inside and outside of QU.
In her speech, Prof Mariam al-Maadeed, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies, said the seminar is the first in a series organised by Sesri on the topic. The aim is to engage policymakers at the highest levels and labour market experts in discussing the issues surrounding the current state of labour market transformation and its consequences for Qatar and the Mena region.
"In this regard, QU holds a significant strategic vision for contributing to national development, with a focus on creating opportunities to address the challenges of national policy by integrating science, evidence, and policy.
"This seminar discussion represents an important opportunity to address labour market issues deeply rooted in institutions, traditions, and policies, thereby requiring a comprehensive approach," Prof al-Maadeed added. In her address, Prof al-Ghanim highlighted the significant role played by Sesri at QU in conducting important research, surveys, seminars, and discussions that provide valuable information for decision-makers and policymakers.
She also noted that Sesri is dedicated to sustainable development, social policies, urban quality of life, and human well-being through a wide range of population surveys, institutional research, and policy studies. The first session, 'Current Labour Market Challenges in Qatar and the Mena Region', was moderated by Dr Mahmoud Abdellatif, College of Business and Economics, QU. Max Tunon delivered a presentation about 'Labour Market Challenges and Opportunities in Qatar: 3 Transitions'.
Malak al-Hajri, director of the National Manpower Recruitment Department, Qatar Ministry of Labour, presented 'International Manpower Challenges and Opportunities in Qatar'. Dr Mouyad Alsamara, Associate Professor of Economics, College of Business and Economics, QU, spoke about 'Challenges on Four Fronts: The Mena Region's Complex Landscape'. And Dr Salim Araji, Economic Affairs Officer, UN ESCWA, presented on 'Labour Demand and the Diversification of Skills in the Arab Region'.
The second session, 'Graduate Labour Market Challenges in Qatar and the Mena Region', was moderated by Amani Ahmad Othman, QU, and included four presentations. Dr Nader Kabbani, director of Research and Senior Fellow, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, presented 'Labour Market Issues Confronting Young People in Qatar'.
Dr Mizanur Rahman, Research Associate Professor, Gulf Studies Centre, QU, presented 'International Graduate Students and Labour Market Challenges in the Arab Gulf States: Ways Forward'. Prof. Sanaa Ashour, Professor, Gulf Studies Centre, presented 'What are the Current Labour Market Challenges in Qatar and the Mena region?' and Khalid Jassim, QU Student/Alumni Affairs, presented 'Youth Employment Opportunities and Challenges'.
The seminar discussed current challenges as well as how government policies, interventions, and stakeholder engagement can provide the necessary support to overcome labour market challenges. It also explored opportunities for skill development and capabilities for the current workforce to acquire new skills and remain competitive in the job market.