City University Qatar (CUQ) in partnership with Ulster University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Social Development Centre, Nama, a centre affiliated with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work.

The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between academic and community institutions in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to empower and build the capacity of youth, a statement said.

The MoU is designed to support young people in Qatar by offering outstanding educational and professional opportunities that enhance their skills, encourage innovation, and promote active community engagement.

The agreement outlines collaboration in areas such as the development and implementation of specialised training programmes and workshops. It also facilitates the exchange of academic and professional expertise as well as the development of awareness campaigns or joint events.

The MoU also includes provisions for nominating annual scholarships for academic programmes, in addition to providing internship opportunities for young Qataris, children of Qatari mothers, GCC nationals, and individuals born in Qatar.

Nama executive director Ghanem Salah al-Ali, said: "At Nama, we believe in the importance of strategic partnerships that contribute to youth empowerment and future readiness. This agreement with City University Qatar, reinforces our commitment to providing a stimulating educational and training environment that meets the aspirations of our youth and supports the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. We hope this collaboration will lead to meaningful initiatives that address community needs and enhance the role of youth in national development."

Prof Faris G Faris, PhD, president of CUQ, said: "We are proud to partner with Nama, as this agreement reflects a genuine model of aligning academic education with community needs. We strongly believe in empowering youth by offering a learning environment that nurtures their potential and supports their ambitions. We are committed to working together to implement initiatives that will benefit both the nation and society."

The MoU was signed by Nasser al-Naimi, deputy chair of board of trustees and deputy CEO of Artan Holding, and Ghanem Salah al-Ali, executive director of Nama.

Under the agreement, a joint committee will be formed by both parties to ensure the implementation of the agreed initiatives. The MoU will be valid for three years and is subject to automatic renewal, the statement added.