The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and the Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in talent development and help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice.
The partnership establishes a framework for initiatives that equip students and young professionals with the knowledge, practical experience, and skills required to succeed in Qatar's evolving financial sector.
Under the MoU, QFC will offer internship opportunities to QFBA's Northumbria University students, providing hands-on industry experience and pathways to future employment. The partnership will also extend to lectures, seminars, workshops, career fairs, and other academic and professional events that foster knowledge exchange between industry and academia.
The two organisations will also work together on the Takween Excellence Award Programme, a flagship initiative designed to support high-performing Qatari undergraduate students pursuing disciplines that are critical to the development of Qatar’s financial sector and future economy.
Mansoor Rashid al-Khater, CEO of QFC, said: “Developing national talent is essential to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030, serving as a fundamental pillar for supporting sustainable economic growth. This requires a highly skilled workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of the future.
“This partnership with QFBA reflects our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals with the expertise and practical experience they need to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce.”
He added: “This partnership will also expand the range of training and development opportunities available to QFC firms, equipping their workforce with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in an evolving financial landscape while supporting the growth of a knowledge-based economy.”
Dr Khalifa al-Salahi al-Yafei, CEO of QFBA, said: "This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step toward strengthening collaboration between educational institutions and the financial sector, while helping to translate academic knowledge into practical experience that reflects the realities of the workplace.
“Through our collaboration with Qatar Financial Centre, we look forward to expanding opportunities for students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience and exposure to industry best practices.”
He added: “This will help enhance their readiness for the labour market and support the development of national talent capable of keeping pace with the rapid evolution of the financial sector and contributing to its sustainable growth.”
The collaboration reinforces the commitment of QFC and QFBA to supporting the sustainable growth of Qatar's financial services sector and wider economy by developing talent equipped to thrive in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.
