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Public and private schools will resume in-person learning today after the Ministry of Education and Higher Education confirmed that all preparations are in place to receive students safely, following a period of disruption caused by recent circumstances that forced a temporary shift away from classroom learning.The ministry said nearly 417,000 students across public and private institutions are expected to return to classrooms, with school buildings cleared for occupancy after comprehensive preventive maintenance checks, operational systems verified, and service providers confirmed as ready to function in line with approved standards.Maryam Abdullah al-Mohannadi, Director of the Public Relations and Communication Department, said the resumption was the result of integrated efforts across multiple ministry sectors and sustained coordination with relevant national authorities. She added that high-level monitoring would continue to ensure rapid response to any developments and to safeguard both students and staff.On the safety front, the General Directorate of Civil Defence ran four days of emergency response workshops at the Officers Club last week, training around 1,200 school principals, deputies and designated safety officials on evacuation and shelter procedures linked to the national warning system. The sessions were aimed at standardising how schools respond when alerts are issued under exceptional circumstances.Separately, the ministry's Training and Development Centre brought together close to 9,700 teachers, school leaders, administrators and coordinators through its "Irtiqa 3" online forum, held via Microsoft Teams. The session focused on leadership integration, psychological resilience and operational organisation to sustain effective learning environments going forward.Psychological and social specialists were also briefed on mechanisms for receiving students and helping them readjust to classroom life following recent events, with the ministry placing particular emphasis on mental well-being and creating a motivating environment for learning.Private schools received a separate package of regulatory and awareness measures, covering compliance with safety requirements, continuity of teaching staff, and flexible operational responses in line with approved regulations.The ministry urged parents to act as active partners in the process, asking them to reinforce attendance, support adherence to safety guidelines and promote a culture of awareness — particularly on school buses and within school premises — as the country works to restore full educational stability in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. 

At a time when the region is witnessing rapidly evolving developments requiring precautionary measures across several sectors, the State of Qatar has once again demonstrated the strength of its institutions and the clarity of its national vision through a carefully coordinated approach to safeguarding the continuity of education. Recent decisions by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to temporarily shift to distance learning, followed by the announcement of a phased and well-structured return to in-person classes, reflect a governance model built on preparedness, adaptability, and a consistent focus on the well-being of students and society.Across the education sector, the speed and organization with which the measures were introduced have been widely noted. Official announcements delivered through national media and government platforms provided clear guidance for students, parents, and educators, ensuring that the learning process continued without disruption. The gradual resumption of in-person classes, preceded by the return of administrative and teaching staff to ensure readiness, highlighted a disciplined and methodical approach aligned with internationally recognised best practices in education management and crisis response.Education specialists observe that the effectiveness of the current response is closely linked to the experience Qatar gained during previous global challenges, most notably the Covid-19 pandemic. During that period, the country moved swiftly to advanced digital learning environments, maintaining academic standards while ensuring strong communication between institutions and families. The lessons learned during those years helped establish a resilient framework that continues to guide decision-making today, allowing the education system to adapt quickly while preserving stability and quality.The latest developments have also underscored the high level of coordination across national institutions. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education worked in close cooperation with universities, schools, and training centres, while the Ministry of Interior continued to provide public guidance through awareness campaigns, official messages, and media briefings that emphasised preparedness, safety, and shared responsibility. The consistency of communication across official channels reinforced public confidence and reflected a governance culture in which institutions operate in harmony to protect society while ensuring that essential sectors remain fully functional.Universities across the country, including institutions within Education City as well as public and private providers, responded with notable efficiency by activating digital learning platforms, adjusting academic schedules, and maintaining full student support services. Academic advising, tutoring, counselling, and virtual engagement initiatives remained available throughout the precautionary period, ensuring that students continued to receive both academic guidance and personal support. This level of readiness reflects years of sustained investment in education, research, and innovation that have positioned Qatar among the region’s leading knowledge-based societies.Alongside academic continuity, strong emphasis has been placed on student well-being. Educational authorities and institutions provided tutorials, recorded lessons, digital resources, and technical guidance to support students during temporary changes in learning formats. Schools and universities also shared structured learning materials, online tools, and continuous updates for students and parents, ensuring that the transition remained organised and productive. The availability of counselling services, academic support sessions, and direct communication channels further reflected a holistic approach that places the student at the centre of the education system.These practices form part of a broader national vision in which education is viewed as a pillar of stability, development, and long-term prosperity. Over the past two decades, Qatar has built one of the most comprehensive education ecosystems in the region, combining strong public education, internationally recognised universities, advanced digital infrastructure, and close cooperation between government ministries and academic institutions. This long-term investment has created a system capable of responding to uncertainty with confidence, balancing precaution with progress while maintaining high standards of quality.From the perspective of the academic community, the adaptability demonstrated in recent weeks reflects a deeply rooted culture of planning and preparedness. Precautionary measures were introduced early, learning continued through well-organised digital platforms, and the return to in-person education was carried out gradually and responsibly. Such an approach reflects internationally recognised best practices, where flexibility, clear communication, and institutional coordination are essential to maintaining stability during challenging circumstances.As founder of Campus & Student Life in Qatar (@students_qatar), the country’s largest student platform with more than 145,000 members, Dr Vahid Suljic said the recent developments once again confirm Qatar’s position as a regional and international reference in managing education during periods of uncertainty. He noted that the consistency of policy, the professionalism of national institutions, and the close cooperation between ministries, universities, and security authorities demonstrate a system that places the safety, well-being, and future of students at the centre of national priorities.Dr Suljic expressed appreciation for the leadership of the State of Qatar and for the continued efforts of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Interior, Qatar Foundation, and all educational institutions whose coordinated work ensures stability even in complex circumstances. He emphasised that the ability to respond with calm, confidence, and adaptability reflects a leadership approach that values knowledge, invests in people, and recognises education as a foundation of national resilience.He added that Qatar’s experience continues to stand as a model for the region, demonstrating how strong institutions, forward-looking policies, and a human-centred vision can transform challenges into opportunities for further development. The confidence expressed by students,parents, and educators today reflects years of consistent planning, responsible governance, and sustained commitment to maintaining high standards in education under all circumstances.In this context, the measures taken in March 2026 reaffirm Qatar’s standing as a country capable of maintaining stability while continuing to advance. Through adaptability, adherence to best practices, and close coordination among its institutions, Qatar continues to demonstrate that safeguarding education is inseparable from safeguarding the future. The country’s leadership, policies, and institutions provide a compelling example of how thoughtful governance and long-term investment in knowledge can ensure resilience, confidence, and progress even in times of regional uncertainty.Dr Vahid Suljic is Founder of Campus & Student Life in Qatar (@students_qatar) 

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in cooperation with the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), inaugrated the awareness and educational exhibition accompanying the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP) to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The inaugration was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry Maha Zayed Qaqaa Al Ruwaili and Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs Omar Abdulaziz Al Naama. The exhibition aims to introduce students to the importance of combating corruption, promoting a culture of integrity, and highlighting the State of Qatar's efforts in supporting international initiatives in this field. It also seeks to encourage students to adopt positive behaviors that promote integrity in their school and community environments. Al Ruwaili confirmed that the exhibition will receive student visits from Nov. 16-20 at the Ministry's headquarters, with the aim of consolidating the values ​​of integrity and transparency among students, and supporting educational and awareness efforts that contribute to building a generation aware of issues of combating corruption and its impact on society and development. For his part, Director of the Planning, Quality and Innovation Department at ACTA Eid Al Hajri confirmed that organizing the exhibition comes in conjunction with Doha's hosting of the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption. He noted that the conference, which Doha will host from Dec. 15-19, will bring together representatives from 192 member states, as well as UN bodies, regional organizations, civil society institutions, research centers, and private sector representatives. Al Hajri explained that hosting the conference, which is jointly organized by ACTA and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, is an international testament to the confidence in the State of Qatar's efforts to promote transparency and combat corruption. It also highlights the country's position as a center for international dialogue and development initiatives. He noted that this is not the first time Qatar has hostedthe conference, as it previously hosted the third session in 2009, which was the first session held in the Middle East region. He added that the conference is the most important global gathering held every two years for States Parties to the Convention, aimed at discussing global corruption-related challenges, reviewing efforts undertaken, and proposing practical solutions to enhance transparency and integrity.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has launched the quality assurance guide for education centres as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance performance and improve efficiency, ensuring comprehensive quality and institutional excellence.In a statement, the ministry said that the guide sets clear procedures, tools, and standards that enable it to accurately evaluate the performance of education centres, thus, enabling constant improvement to their outcomes and operations.It added that the quality assurance guide establishes a mechanism to evaluate and classifying centres into four categories: Excellent, Good, Acceptable, and Weak.The statement said that this classification is based on both internal and external evaluation processes that ensure accuracy and objectivity.The MoEHE indicated that the guide also helps monitor centres’ compliance with laws and licensing regulations, and assessing their performance based on five specific national standards:Leadership and managementHuman and material resourcesEducational and training environmentMonitoring and evaluationLocal and international partnershipsThese standards cover 11 areas and include 29 performance indicators.The guide outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Educational Services Centres, the evaluation committee of education centres, and education centres themselves, ensuring co-ordination and alignment in achieving set goals.In a related context, the ministry announced a training programme scheduled for November, targeting a number of pilot education centres involved in implementing the quality assurance guide, in preparation for its nationwide rollout.The guide was reviewed and validated by several national institutions, including the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), the Community College of Qatar (CCQ), Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE), and the National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation, in addition to the Educational Planning, Policy and Innovation Department, and the School Evaluation Department.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced the launch of the first edition of a guide for educational systems in private schools and kindergartens for 2025 during a press conference held today. The guide aims to standardize administrative and educational procedures in private schools, ensure compliance with national standards, enhance transparency in accreditation and evaluation processes, and support educational diversity by offering multiple systems, such as the British and American curricula, the International Baccalaureate, and others, to meet the needs of the local and international community. Director of the Ministry's Private Schools and Kindergartens Department Dr. Rania Mohamed said that the launch of this guide reflects the State of Qatar's commitment to developing an integrated educational environment in private schools, based on quality, transparency, and excellence. She emphasized that it represents a regulatory and procedural reference that helps schools, parents, and students make informed educational decisions. Dr. Mohamed added that the guide reflects the ministry's strategic direction in supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 by building an educated generation capable of creativity, innovation, and global competitiveness. She noted that the philosophy of education in Qatar is based on providing equal opportunities for all students, developing critical thinking and analytical skills, and promoting the values ​​of responsibility and openness to other cultures. She explained that the preparation of the guide went through a meticulous process that extended from December 2023 to June 2025. The review included a review of national policies and relevant legislation, a study of the various educational systems applied in private schools, and an examination of international best practices. Education experts, educational supervisors, and private schools, were also involved before being subjected to final review and approval by the ministry's specialized committees. Dr. Mohamed explained that the guide includes a comprehensive definition of the approved educational systems, their accreditation requirements, and their assessment mechanisms. It also includes a chapter on the BTEC curriculum, which covers specialized professional tracks such as business and engineering, and an appendix detailing the names of the schools that implement each system. This will help parents choose the appropriate system for their children based on clear and transparent criteria. Dr. Rania Mohamed also expressed her appreciation for the private schools that participated in preparing this guide, stressing that the cooperation of these institutions reflects the spirit of partnership with the ministry in serving the educational process, contributes to the development of private education to keep pace with the best international experiences, and enhances Qatar's position as a leading educational destination regionally and internationally.

The Palestinian Ministry of Education confirmed that the education system is being subjected to an ongoing, unprecedented, and systematic annihilation, particularly in the Gaza Strip, by the Israeli occupation. Thousands of school and university students were martyred, and hundreds of educational facilities were destroyed, representing a major crime against humanity and a clear violation of the right to education. In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the ministry explained that the West Bank, including Jerusalem, is witnessing a comprehensive targeting of the education system amid an escalation in violations against staff, students, and educational and academic institutions. This is particularly true in Jerusalem, the northern West Bank districts, the Jordan Valley, Yatta, and the Old City of Hebron, through acts of destruction, raids, and harassment of schools, students, and staff. The ministry called on the international community, UN institutions, human rights organizations, and education advocates to assume their responsibilities and take urgent action to stop this genocide against Palestinian education. It also called for the protection of schools, students, teachers, and educational and academic personnel in accordance with international laws and conventions. Education is a right, and targeting it is a crime. The ministry also stressed that this day is an opportunity to shed light on the violations that have affected education in the Gaza Strip, to the point that they amount to educational genocide.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) on Wednesday organised the third orientation meeting for scholarship students enrolled in national universities for the 2025-2026 academic year.The meeting was attended by a wide range of officials from MoEHE and national universities, alongside prominent academic figures from Qatar University, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Community College of Qatar, Lusail University, Al Rayyan International University College, and Qatar Aeronautical Academy, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, and parents.The event aimed to forge close relationships between students and the higher education sector according to well-established principles, provide broader familiarisation with scholarship rights and duties, clarify contracting procedures, and ensure scholarship students' follow-up with the higher education sector, in addition to offering an overview of the team overseeing them in local universities.Director of the Scholarships Department at MoEHE, Noora Mohammed Al Ansari, stressed that students are required to review the scholarship contract prior to signing it, as it constitutes their formal agreement. She highlighted the importance of familiarising themselves with the mechanism for placing students in job vacancies in accordance with the scholarship plan for the 2025-2026 academic year.Al Ansari further reviewed the procedures related to the scholarship program from enrollment through graduation, emphasising the essential need to maintain thorough documentation of the relationship between scholarship students and responsible officials, while proactively addressing any challenges they may encounter to ensure a smooth academic journey.Head of the Admission and Registration Department at MoEHE, Saleh Al Muftah, stressed that it is highly important for scholarship students and their parents to review the contract attentively, as students are the ones who determine their two preferences, which must be approved based on the consent of future employers.Participants in the Tomouh Program for Qatari teachers enjoy exceptional procedures, as they are proactively contacted by the ministry's Human Resources Department to establish a special employment contract, Al Muftah highlighted.The meeting concluded with an open discussion, during which students and their parents were given the opportunity to ask questions about the scholarship, which were answered promptly by the participants.

The Ministry of Labour (MoL), in co-operation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), on Sunday announced the launch of screening interviews for the Government Scholarship Programme for the Private Sector.The interviews are the first phase of the strategic initiative that includes partners such as Qatar Investment Authority, Sidra Medicine, Qatar National Bank, and Es’hailSat, among several stages involving a range of private sector partners participating in the programme.It boosts the partnership between the Ministry of Labour, the MoEHE, and the private sector. It aims to support the country’s approach to sending national talents for the first time to this vital sector.The initiative contributes to providing tools and opportunities for Qatari citizens, enhancing the skills of the national workforce, enabling them to contribute to driving the growth of the national economy, achieving a prosperous future, and building a society capable of innovation and entrepreneurship. This aligns with the goals of the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.The scholarship programme targets two main categories: students applying for the government scholarship in the private sector and those initially nominated scholarship recipients.These candidates undergo rigorous assessment interviews to measure the compatibility of their qualifications and capabilities with the requirements of the beneficiary employers, ensuring optimal alignment between educational outcomes and labour market needs.The first phase of the Private Sector Scholarship Programme included Qatari students selected according to strict criteria that ensures academic excellence and professional readiness.The Qatar Investment Authority is conducting direct interviews with the nominated students to assess their preparedness and compatibility with the nature of work in the investment and financial institutions affiliated with the authority.Upon successfully passing the interviews, official procedures continue with the signing of the scholarship contract, marking the beginning of an academic and professional journey tailored to the needs of the private sector. This process ensures mutual commitment between the scholarship students and the beneficiary entities of the programme’s outcomes.This initiative comes as part of the efforts by the Ministry of Labour, in co-operation with the MoEHE and success partners in both the public and private sectors. It represents an unprecedented experience aimed at activating scholarships as a strategic tool to qualify Qatari cadres, supporting the localisation plan by building a qualified and highly skilled national workforce. It also prepares them to enter the private sector labour market and participate effectively in the country’s sustainable development journey.The Government Scholarship Programme for the Private Sector also aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritises human resource development. It supports the national direction to empower Qatari youth to pursue specialised fields required in the private sector, particularly in areas such as financial services, information technology and digital services, food and agriculture, education, healthcare, logistics, tourism, manufacturing industries, construction, and real estate.This step represents a qualitative leap in expanding the scope of the government scholarship programme to include private sector institutions for the first time. It directs the programme towards serving economic development goals and enhancing the participation of national cadres in private sector institutions. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Labour’s efforts within the National Workforce Affairs Sector in the private sector, aiming to activate the localisation law and increase the employment rates of Qatari nationals in this vital sector. (QNA)

Students it all educational levels will be heading to their campuses today marking the kickoff of the new academic year 2025-2026, following weeks-long extensive preparations undertaken by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) to ensure a smooth educational launch. All preparations have been carried out with the provision of manpower and educational resources, as well as logistical services that would help enhance students' academic achievements and prepare them to progress into higher educational institutions, particularly in the specialties that support the knowledge economy and Qatar's leadership, MOEHE said. In this context, MOEHE took the opportunity to extend assurances of its highest consideration to students, parents, teachers, school managers, and licensed operators, calling upon all to adhere to perseverance and determination in pursuing the educational career, culminating in the accomplishment of the vision of a pioneering learner for sustainable development. In pursuit of expanding capacity, the ministry has opened 10 new public and private schools for a variety of levels in 2025 and provided roughly 6,000 academic seats distributed across the state, in addition to hiring 1,124 teachers of both genders to fill the vacancies. In addition, MOEHE is working diligently to execute future projects that include establishing additional classes at 35 schools, building 11 new schools, revamping 16 schools, and establishing an institute for vocational education at Qatar Preparatory School for Boys. The ministry highlighted that a total of 276 schools and preschools underwent comprehensive maintenance, covering classrooms, air-conditioning units, and cafeterias, in accordance with strict health, nutrition, and safety standards. School administrations were directed to finalise class schedules, assign students to classrooms, ensure the delivery of textbooks and educational supplies, and organise orientation sessions for new staff on policies and regulations. A total of 2,510 buses have been prepared to transport students, with a plan to gradually increase the fleet to 2,750 buses, in addition to 190 minibuses dedicated to supporting students and those with special needs. To mark this occasion, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs, Maha Zayed al-Qaqqa al-Ruwaili, emphasised that the preparations for the upcoming school year reflect the ministry's commitment to providing a healthy, safe, and stimulating school environment for both students and teachers, thereby enhancing the quality of education and elevating its outcomes. The ministry's plans for the new year include developing curricula related to national identity, particularly Islamic education and the Arabic language, as well as updating science curricula to keep pace with global developments, with the STEM methodology being integrated comprehensively to support applied learning, Al Ruwaili highlighted. She added that MOEHE's plans include forging a partnership with the Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants (QCPA) to develop a curriculum for financial literacy aimed at enhancing students' financial, savings, and planning awareness, in addition to a partnership with the National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA) to integrate concepts of digital and cybersecurity into the curricula, along with other innovative programmes, building upon previous achievements in various fields. Furthermore, the ministry intends to foster student engagement in global competitions in scientific research and innovation, launch a three-year-old inclusion project into the educational system, open new early education centres, expand inclusive education by adding new schools to support students with disabilities, develop national standards for inclusive education quality, and promote vocational, technical, and specialised education, as well as e-learning and digital solutions. In the areas of training and development, MOEHE continues to implement specialised programmes to support educational and leadership competencies, including "Khibra", "Leaders of Innovation", "Future Leaders", as well as programmes like "Child Rights", "Successful Start", "Tameen", and "Empower", thereby strengthening sustainable professional development for teachers and educational leaders. The ministry further indicated that the "Back to School 2025-2026" event, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, served as an inspiring platform combining professional development and community engagement. The "Back to School 2025-2026" event represents an inspiring springboard to ensure that all parties of the pedagogical system are prepared for a successful educational year, as the ministry strives to forge a partnership with the community to create a supportive educational environment for students and teachers at the core of the educational process, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al- Naimi, said. He pointed out that the past year featured critical achievements in the area of inclusive education, in addition to advancing curricula and expanding scholarship opportunities, stressing that all these milestones will remain quintessential for further achievements. The ministry underlined that the launch of the new academic year comes as part of its strategy for 2024-2030, aiming to build an integrated educational system that fosters the quality of education and community partnership, in pursuit of achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030 of developing a leading learner capable of taking on the mantle of the sustainable development process.