There are plans to establish branches of Qatar University (QU) in a number of Asian and African countries, QU president Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham has said.
Addressing the Shura Council's regular weekly meeting Monday, held under the chairmanship of HE the Speaker Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, he also announced that there are plans to develop technical research at QU, including the establishment of the Qatar University "technical company", Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
 
HE the Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud.
 
Dr al-Derham and a number of his deputies attended the session at an invitation from HE the Speaker. They made a presentation on the university's conditions, affairs and its relationship with society in Qatar.
HE the Speaker welcomed the QU president and invited him to speak to members of the council, listen to their views and answer their questions and queries.
At the outset of the session, HE al-Mahmoud extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for his interest in and sponsorship of university education in the country, and for His Highness's directives in this field through which university education has advanced greatly, according to QNA.
HE the Speaker praised the development and expansion QU is witnessing, as well as the remarkable progress it has made in university rankings at the Arab and international levels.
In his speech, the QU president gave a full explanation of the university's strategy for the 2018-2022 period, its goals and plans, the framework for organising basic and enabling strategies for the university's transformative strategy and its most prominent initiatives. Expressing the university's appreciation for the care and attention it has received from the State's leadership since its establishment until now, he said: "We have a clear vision and message."
He gave details on the number of university students, the percentage of Qatari students, as well as the number of faculty members, the percentage of Qatari professors at the university, and the efforts made to attract more Qataris to work in the teaching staff, stressing that QU has a stimulating and encouraging environment to work in despite the presence of attractive offers from other institutions.
Dr al-Derham announced that there are plans to develop technical research at the university, including the establishment of the Qatar University "technical company", saying this project has reached advanced stages with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as well as the establishment of the Qatar University "knowledge group", which is a consultancy office for government agencies and others. These are in addition to a project for university endowment, studies on which are close to completion, in order to enhance the university's financial sustainability.
He also announced plans to establish branches of QU in a number of Asian and African countries.
Replying to queries, Dr al-Derham said QU - as a national university - pays attention to the identity, traditions and customs of the Qatari society, Arab culture and Islamic values, and has ambitious plans to develop the social and human sciences.
He praised the existing co-operation between the university represented by its Board of Trustees chaired by His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) headed by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF, and HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of QF.
Following the comprehensive presentation made by Dr al-Derham and his answers to the members' queries, extensive discussions took place on the issues and affairs of QU and its relationship with society.
The questions focused on the need to increase the percentage of Qatari professors at the university and the importance of scrutinising the selection of teaching staff and paying attention to Qatari administrative cadres. There were also remarks on the importance of developing Qatari administrative cadres so that they assume leadership positions at QU.
There was also a focus on graduating the "good and scientifically qualified", in addition to discussions on the extent with which the university's scientific studies and research are linked to the country's strategic development plans and its needs for qualified cadres, according to QNA.
They also discussed the development witnessed by QU in establishing faculties of medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine and health sciences and the extent of Qatari students' interest in joining these colleges, as well as the importance of benefiting from retired Qatari cadres in the areas in which the university sees the potential to benefit from their expertise. There were also remarks made on the grades required to accept Qatari students.
HE the Speaker thanked the QU president and his deputies at the conclusion of the session, wishing the university further progress and development in serving the country and providing it with capable national cadres.
For his part, Dr al-Derham praised the fruitful discussions that took place during the sessions, and the remarks made by members of the Shura Council, adding that they would be taken into consideration.
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