Al Jazeera Media Training and Development Centre has launched a special course under the title “Dealing with the Media” for Qataris at Maersk Oil Qatar.
More than 50 Qatari participants will be trained in the coming months under the programme. They have been divided into several training groups, with each having eight participants.
This course is a joint co-operation between the two organisations to develop leadership competencies of Qatari workers. It also aims to develop their presentation skills so that they can represent the company at external events both locally and internationally.
The first group was trained by Dr Faisal al-Qasim, who taught the group interview techniques and communication skills that would support them in their role as ambassadors for Maersk Oil Qatar. The participants received guidance on how to prepare for interviews and deliver clear messages when dealing with radio, television and newspaper journalists and the ethics of dealing with the press.
Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad al-Thani, deputy managing director of Maersk Oil Qatar, said: “Maersk Oil Qatar makes a significant economic and social contribution to the State of Qatar. We have a large Qatari workforce and are committed to providing them with learning and development opportunities. It is very important that our employees have the skills and confidence to articulate our achievements. This is also an important element of their leadership development.”  
Mounir Daymi, director of Al Jazeera Media Training and Development Centre, welcomed the co-operation between Al Jazeera Media Network and Maersk Oil Qatar, noting that one of the main priorities and objectives of the Al Jazeera network was to work with local institutions and government and non-government organisations in order to develop the capabilities of employees from these institutions to effectively engage with the media.
The participants have expressed delight at the course and the development they
have achieved.
Abdulrahman al-Emadi, one of the participants, said: “I am happy with what I have learned - the ability to plan and prepare for an interview in a short period and the ability to face the camera and confidently present myself.”