The Qatar Press Centre (QPC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Unit at the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies to strengthen co-operation in media, journalism, and research.
The agreement, signed by QPC director-general Sadiq Mohammed al-Emadi and Dr Haidar Saeed, head of the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Unit, provides a framework for exchanging expertise and knowledge, organising joint events and training programmes, and producing studies and publications on issues of mutual interest.
The two sides said the partnership would bring together journalistic expertise and academic research, focusing on translating the agreement into practical programmes and initiatives that serve the media and journalism sectors and support specialised research on Gulf affairs.
Al-Emadi said the MoU marks an important step toward strengthening institutional cooperation and using the expertise and resources available to both sides to support the development of journalism and media in Qatar and the wider Gulf region.
He said co-operation would include preparing studies and analytical papers on media and journalistic issues, exchanging experts, consultants and researchers, and benefiting from databases, archival materials, documents, references and academic publications held by the two institutions.
Al-Emadi stressed the importance of partnerships between journalism and research institutions, particularly amid rapid changes in the media sector and the growing need to strengthen professional knowledge and develop journalists’ skills.
The cooperation will also extend to panel discussions, workshops, forums, conferences and lectures, as well as joint initiatives, particularly in journalism training.
Al-Emadi said training and capacity building are key priorities for the QPC, adding that cooperation with specialised research institutions can give journalists access to academic and research expertise and help them produce deeper content that analyses developments and issues affecting Gulf societies.
He said the MoU establishes structured, sustainable cooperation through regular follow-up on joint projects and specialised committees to oversee implementation, ensuring the partnership produces tangible programmes and initiatives that add value to the media and journalism sectors.
The centre will also continue expanding its partnerships with research, academic and professional institutions to strengthen its role in supporting journalists, promoting knowledge exchange and helping the profession adapt to rapid local and regional changes.
Dr Haidar Saeed said the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Unit is committed to strengthening cooperation with Gulf institutions and organisations involved in Gulf studies in Qatar and abroad.
He said the MoU builds on the unit’s efforts to establish partnerships with academic and professional institutions, adding that discussions with the QPC had identified several areas for cooperation, including Gulf media and journalism, joint seminars and events, training, and the production of studies and publications.
Saeed stressed that the MoU should go beyond a formal signing and result in tangible programmes and projects. The two sides have agreed to hold a working meeting to discuss implementation and identify initiatives that can be launched through seminars, training programmes, publications and joint projects.
He also highlighted plans to draw on the QPC’s professional expertise to support practical training for media and journalism students at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, helping bridge academic knowledge and professional practice.
Saeed said the MoU marks the start of a broader partnership to exchange expertise, develop initiatives serving the media and journalism sectors, and strengthen interest in Gulf studies.