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Qatar Foundation (QF) has awarded this year's Multiversity Grants to seven cross-university projects at Education City, marking a shift towards interconnected academic collaboration that breaks down institutional silos.The initiative leverages Education City's academic ecosystem to catalyse new forms of knowledge sharing, resource amplification, and community stewardship through coordinated collaboration in service of academic excellence."The Multiversity Grants reflect a deliberate shift in how we think about higher education collaboration. Rather than operating singularly and in parallel, these projects bring universities together to work at the intersections of disciplines, institutions, and student needs. This is how we move from excellence in isolation to impact at scale," said Dr Samah Gamar, director of Academic Affairs at QF's Higher Education Division.This year's funded projects span priority areas including innovative pedagogy, interdisciplinary dialogue, Arabic Large Language Models and responsible artificial intelligence, environmental futures, student mobility, and the recognition of undergraduate student scholarship. All initiatives place student learning at their core whilst modelling new approaches to collaborative stewardship across Education City.Among this year's awardees is "Games for Playful and Impactful Pedagogy," a cross-university initiative that develops game-based teaching toolkits to support experiential and hands-on learning. The project brings together faculty from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts Qatar) to translate abstract concepts into interactive learning experiences for students across disciplines and universities.Another awarded initiative, "The Multiversity Majlis: Dialogue Across Disciplines," reimagines the traditional majlis as a contemporary academic platform for interdisciplinary dialogue. Developed collaboratively by Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) and VCUarts Qatar, the project engages students in structured dialogue on global challenges, including climate change, food security, migration, and sustainable economies.Other Multiversity Grant recipients include: "Responsible AI and Large Language Models for Social Good in the Arab World," a jointly organised intensive workshop by CMU-Q and Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), focused on developing skills to responsibly apply artificial intelligence—particularly Arabic large language models—to societal challenges."Living Materials: Preserving Student Innovation in Art and Science Through Digital Twins and AI" is a collaboration between VCUarts Qatar and Qatar National Library to digitally preserve student projects through AI-enhanced representations that capture not only final outputs but also the ideas, data, and creative processes behind them."Desert Futures Design Studio" is a cross-institutional design studio involving GU-Q, CMU-Q, HBKU, and VCUarts Qatar, in partnership with Qatar Museums, Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, and the architectural firm OMA, exploring how Qatar's desert and rural landscapes can become sustainable, liveable, and culturally vital spaces."OneEC: Connecting Campuses, Simplifying Cross-Registration" is a planning platform developed by NU-Q and GU-Q to enhance access to academic information, advising, and support services for students considering cross-registration opportunities.Finally, "Launching a First-Year Showcase Collection: Recognising Student Work Across Education City" is a collaborative initiative led by CMU-Q, GU-Q, NU-Q, and HBKU that highlights exemplary academic writing by first-year students and reflects the diversity of student voices across Education City. 

Four awardees honoured at the 9th Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award in Doha on Sunday have highlighted the importance of a sustained reform in protecting public resources and giving communities a fair chance to prosper.The event was attended by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, among other dignitaries, held at Fairmont and Raffles Hotels in Doha.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the ceremony, Oby Ezekwesili, winner of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award for Lifetime Achievement, said: "I promised my dad from the age of ten, I will do something about the unfair world, or that does not give governance so that poor people can have the opportunity to thrive.”**media[394155]**“This work has made me very focused on the kinds of policies that reduce opportunities for corruption,” she said. “I was minister of minerals, of education, I (instituted) public procurement reforms for my country, Nigeria... that’s a tough one because procurement is the hot bed for corruption, but I had to do it.”Winner of the Academic Research and Educational Materials Award, Drago Kos, said: “Receiving this award means a lot to me. This means that we are not alone in the fight against corruption, that there is somebody who is recognising our work.”**media[394156]**“I thank His Highness the Amir, the State of Qatar,” he said. “We have to continue the work that we are doing. There is no way to give up. We do not have the luxury (of) slowing down... we have to keep on pressing.”“Currently, it is very difficult to fight corruption, but we have to keep fighting it, otherwise the world will have serious problems; that why this award is very important,” Kos said.Dr Marianne Camerer, winner of the Academic Research and Educational Materials Award, said: “I am a researcher not an investigative journalist; I am not a prosecutor or a lawyer, nor (am I) a judge, but I think that independent evidence-based research is really important to understand the problem and think about how you can intervene effectively.”She said that fighting corruption remains a constant struggle, as the concentration of money and power inevitably creates opportunities for abuse, making strong systems and safeguards essential to prevent the misuse of authority.Fellow award winner Andiswa Matikinca, is dedicated to Investigative Environmental Journalism on several of its projects, where she tracks, monitors and investigates wildlife and other environmental crimes, as well as the status of renewable energy projects and the Just Energy Transition in South Africa.**media[394157]**“The work that we do is a huge, (with limited) resources, and small teams, but it is very impactful,” she said. “To receive this award today is a great nod and a huge pat on the back to keep us going, to motivate us.”“I will also do the same for young journalists that are still upcoming,” Matikinca added.“I know that many people are afraid of the work that we do; it is often unsafe, there is always a risk attached to it, but I would like to say that it is very rewarding, not only for ourselves, and the publications we work with, but for the communities whose stories we tell,” she said.Matikinca urged members of the public to be resolute in their pursuit for the truth and holding those in power accountable. 

Qatar University (QU) hosted the Employer Recognition Ceremony 2025 to honour 120 partner organisations from across Qatar’s public and private sectors.The annual event recognises the essential role these organisations play in enriching QU students’ academic and professional journeys by offering academic sponsorships, field training opportunities, and employment pathways.The ceremony was attended by QU president Dr Omar al-Ansari along with vice-presidents, college deans, and representatives of governmental and private institutions.The programme featured a video highlighting the QU’s key achievements over the past year and showcased several initiatives delivered in partnership with collaborating organizations.“QU believes that developing national capacities requires strong collaboration between academic institutions and industry partners,” Dr al-Ansari said.“We are proud to witness the impact of this cooperation in the success stories of our graduates,” he said. “We value your continuous partnership and look forward to expanding our joint efforts in ways that benefit society and enrich the landscape of education and development.”The ceremony included a segment led by QU Office of International Affairs director Cesar Wazen, who highlighted the important contributions made by employer representatives in positively influencing QU’s global rankings through feedback, collaboration, and engagement with university initiatives.Gadeer Zainal, director of the Career Development Centre, said the ceremony marks the culmination of a year filled with impactful partnerships that significantly supported QU students and graduates by providing diverse opportunities for growth and distinction.The event concluded with the presentation of recognition awards to participating organisations. 

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has confirmed its full preparedness to launch the end-of-semester exams for the 2025-2026 academic year. The announcement came during an extensive co-ordination meeting held by the Student Assessment Department with principals of public and private secondary schools implementing national standards.The meeting aimed to unify procedures and ensure all schools are fully equipped for the upcoming exams. Director of the Student Assessment Department Ibrahim Abdullah al-Mohannadi delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining final preparations, the approved exam schedule, and key organizational guidelines to ensure smooth exam administration.He emphasized the importance of adhering to official instructions and preparing exam halls in advance to provide a calm and disciplined environment that guarantees equal opportunities for all students. The meeting also addressed procedures for handling elective subjects this year, including grading protocols, updated mechanisms for recording results, and the importance of adhering to the set timeline for grade approvals.Additionally, the session reviewed essential regulations for exam committees, stressing the need for professional conduct by invigilators and responsible interaction with students. A strict ban on electronic devices, including mobile phones, smartwatches, and earphones, was reiterated to uphold exam integrity and maintain a stable assessment environment.The meeting concluded with an interactive discussion, during which school leaders raised questions and shared feedback on implementing the guidelines. The Student Assessment Department provided clarifications to ensure all schools are fully prepared to conduct exams in line with the highest educational standards. 

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) celebrated its outstanding students in a prestigious annual academic awards ceremony, honouring 50 students across eight majors.These majors included Academic Excellence Awards, Academic Merit, Academic Distinction, Foundation Program, Industrial Trades Dean Award, Achievement Award, Applied Research Award, and Innovation Award.UDST President Dr Salem bin Nasser al-Naemi affirmed that the celebration embodies the boundless potential that education can achieve and reflects UDST's shared belief that excellence is a way of life.Every award UDST presents today tells a story of determination, passion, and purpose-values that define its community. Its role as academics is to nurture these capabilities and guide students to become innovators and change‑makers, contributing to the nation's renaissance and progress on the global stage, Dr al-Naemi underlined.Noteworthy, all recipients of the Academic Excellence and Academic Merit awards received financial rewards, alongside an official certificate from UDST recognising this exceptional achievement in their academic records.Dr al-Naemi further indicated that the annual awards ceremony underlines UDST's commitment to fostering an environment that spurs academic excellence and innovation, making this yearly event a powerful source of inspiration and recognition for the extraordinary accomplishments in the community.He emphasized that the purpose of this annual celebration is to help build an academic, research-driven, and home-like environment that consistently supports students, promoting their excellence and distinction.Academic excellence is not the only criterion for recognition, there are other urgent and impactful standards based on evaluations and engagement in events at the college, university, and national level-standards that bolster UDST's educational ecosystem and prepare students holistically in both academic and research dimensions, he outlined.Dr al-Naemi highlighted that the honoured students have not only excelled at UDST or in Qatar but have also won prestigious international awards in academic and research arenas.He elucidated some of UDST's scientific programs in academics, health, and innovation, stressing that true innovation only arises through research, and that is how students are being trained to maintain the required balance in their lives and sustain their ongoing excellence.Through the UDST-championed innovation and research, students have founded seven commercial companies, aligning with the nation's developmental plans and its National Vision 2030, Dr al-Naemi elaborated.Dr al-Naemi further noted that earlier, UDST launched its innovative business incubator, "UHUB", to support the university community on its journey to transform exceptional ideas into tangible projects.

Her Excellency the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater met, separately, with ambassador of the Republic of Ukraine Andrii Kuzmenko; ambassador of the Republic of Italy Paolo Toschi; ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt Walid Fahmy El Feki; and Charge d'Affaires of the United States Embassy Stephanie Altman Winans.**media[381440]**Discussions during the meetings, focused on prospects for co-operation in education, higher education, and research, as well as ways to strengthen and expand partnerships between academic institutions in Qatar and their counterparts in the respective countries.

Qatar University (QU) celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of students from the Honours Programme for the 2024-2025 academic year.The ceremony honoured 63 male and female graduates from various colleges of the university and was attended by faculty members, programme administrators, the members of the Honours Council, and students' families.The Honours Programme is one of QU's distinguished initiatives designed to support talented and high-achieving students. It provides a stimulating and unique experiential learning environment that emphasises research, innovation, and leadership development, contributing to the preparation of national talents capable of advancing the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.In her speech, Dean of General Studies at QU Dr Saba Qadhi stated that this day represents "a harvest of years of dedication and perseverance.”She added, "This event is not merely a certificate-awarding ceremony, but a celebration of all the achievements our students have accomplished.”Dr Qadhi added, "Today, we celebrate an outstanding generation of QU students who represent the future of our nation and the cornerstone of its development.” She also announced the establishment of the Honours Programme Alumni Association, scheduled to launch in Spring 2026. The association will serve as a platform connecting programme graduates with new students, strengthening community engagement and fostering a sense of belonging among programme members.In his address, Director of the Honours Programme at QU Dr Yousri Marzouki expressed his pride in graduating this cohort under the programme's enhanced framework. He emphasised that this day marks the culmination of the combined efforts of students, faculty, and administrative staff in reinforcing standards of academic excellence and innovation.Dr Marzouki also announced a pioneering initiative being launched for the first time at QU: the introduction of the Digital Badge. Graduates of this year's class will be the first to receive this electronically certified academic distinction, which enables them to document and showcase their achievements across various digital platforms.He explained that the Digital Badge represents a strategic step toward strengthening ongoing engagement between QU and programme graduates, empowering them to leverage their academic experiences in future professional environments. He affirmed that this initiative aligns with QU's commitment to honouring academic excellence and expanding opportunities for innovation, lifelong learning, and development in education.The ceremony concluded with the recognition of graduates, who received certificates of appreciation in a celebratory atmosphere reflecting the university's pride in its outstanding students.

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has signed an Academic Collaboration Contract with three globally recognized UK-based companies: Metaverse Learning Limited, MX Reality Limited, and vGather Limited (Metaverse Hub). The contract marks a milestone in advancing innovation, immersive education, and applied research in Qatar. Through this collaboration, the parties will engage in several key initiatives, including joint applied research projects, and integration of cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies into education. The companies will also provide training for UDST faculty, internships for students, and contribute to UDST's research proposals and industry-driven initiatives. President of UDST Dr. Salem Al-Naemi commented: "This collaboration is a strategic step toward embedding immersive technologies into applied education and research at UDST. It will enrich the learning experience for our students by allowing them to engage with state-of-the-art VR, AR, and MR tools, and will open new pathways for applied research in areas of national and global relevance. Together, we are positioning UDST as a hub for innovation in Qatar and the wider region, aligned with the national vision for knowledge-based development." CEO of mXreality, Dr. Majid Al-Kader, said: "This partnership represents a powerful collaboration between UDST and our group of businesses — mXreality, Metaverse Learning, and Metaverse Hub. Together, we are committed to accelerating the digital transformation of learning by bringing immersive technology, AI, and innovation into the hands of students. By combining UDST's academic excellence with our expertise in creating engaging, future-focused digital platforms, we will give learners the tools and confidence to succeed in an increasingly dynamic global workforce." This collaboration highlights UDST's commitment to aligning academic learning with real-world innovation, ensuring students and faculty gain access to transformative technologies and global expertise.

The Ministry of Sports and Youth, in cooperation with the Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), launched the third edition of the Get Ready program, which will run until Sept. 18, 2025, with the participation of high school students.The program aims to provide young people with the academic and professional guidance necessary to help them choose university majors and future paths that align with their interests, abilities, and labor market needs.It also provides a platform to introduce students to local and international universities and scholarship opportunities, develop professional networking skills, and ensure a smooth transition from high school to university and the job market.In this context, Director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth Fawaz Al Musaifri said Get Ready empowers Qatari youth and builds their capabilities in line with the Ministry's vision to nurture a responsible, engaged generation with a strong national ethos.The program raises awareness about choosing the right university major, introduces national and international universities and scholarship opportunities, and develops practical skills, such as crafting CVs and personal statements, that help young people participate effectively in society and the workforce.For his part, the Executive Director of QCDC, Saad Al Kharji, emphasized that facilitating the transition from high school to university is a key factor in the success and comprehensive development of our youth, indicating that the Get Ready program is a strategic step that enables students to navigate this critical stage with confidence and awareness, and to make informed academic decisions that take into account their interests, abilities, and future aspirations.The program's training sessions are held daily at Multaqa (Education City Student Center), under the supervision of the Youth Development and Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and with the participation of specialized trainers from QCDC.The program focuses on spreading professional awareness and serving the local community, in addition to supporting students in linking their academic interests with their future aspirations.The launch of the Get Ready program comes as part of the Ministry of Sports and Youth's efforts to support the country's efforts to build a pioneering education system that enhances Qatar's regional and international standing, as it embodies the Ministry and the Center's commitment to investing in the energies of young people, enabling them to acquire the academic and professional skills necessary to choose appropriate specializations and capitalize on available opportunities to serve their future and contribute to the nation's progress.The training program includes key topics, most notably self-knowledge and personal skills, work values and ethics, writing a CV and personal statement, learning about international universities and scholarship programs, and building a professional network.

As the new academic year begins, Qatar Charity has announced the launch of the "Education 2025" initiative, aimed at expanding access to education for underprivileged children, particularly in communities affected by conflicts and natural disasters.The initiative underscores education as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of the Sustainable Development Goals, with the ultimate vision of building a brighter future for generations across the globe.Recent figures from the United Nations' Education Cannot Wait for fund reveal a sharp increase in the number of school-age children impacted by crises and in urgent need of quality education. By the end of 2024, the number reached 234mn children, of whom 37% remain completely out of school.Through Education 2025, Qatar Charity seeks to combat school dropouts, facilitate children's enrollment, and provide them with quality learning opportunities. The initiative focuses on constructing and rehabilitating schools, training teachers, and supplying students with essential educational and nutritional support, including school bags and food packages.

As the new 2025/2026 academic year approaches, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the completion of all school zone safety measures around 669 schools across Qatar and development of 53 existing schools, including upgrading fire protection systems. Such plans, Ashghal said in a statement, aim at protecting students and ensuring the safety of road users during school drop-off and pick-up times, along with ensuring the highest standards of safety and security towards enhancing the efficiency of educational facilities.This is done in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Ashghal also plans to improve 140 schools within a comprehensive plan that includes developing fire protection systems, enhancing educational, recreational, and sports facilities to help provide a safe educational environment that supports the learning process. The plan also covers the reconstruction of seven existing schools to meet the latest global standards and specifications in design and equipment. Project Engineer Dana Saeed Al-Saiari from the Building Projects Department explained that the Ashghal, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, has carried out a wide range of development and improvement works in 53 existing schools. These included upgrading fire protection systems in line with the highest international standards, as well as introducing advanced technical and operational enhancements that improve the efficiency of the buildings and the overall quality of the learning environment. On the other side, Eng. Abdullah Al Maraghi, Road Safety Engineer, said that the school zone safety strategies cover the road networks surrounding 673 schools in various areas, as part of the School Zone Safety Programme, since the start of the programme in 2013 until now, which is being implemented in coordination with all relevant authorities. In this context, Ashghal has also undertaken comprehensive preparations over the past months to enhance road infrastructure and implement safety measures to facilitate traffic flow. These technical and essential improvements represent an important step towards providing a safe and sustainable school environment for all community members in the new academic year. The improvements include the installation or upgrading of clear and prominent traffic signs, as well as the inspection, maintenance and installation of speed bumps and pedestrian crossings to alert drivers to slow down at school entrances and exits. These enhanced measures aim to improve pedestrian visibility in areas surrounding schools, while enforcing the minimum speed limit of 30 km/h. In addition, further road safety measures have been adopted to regulate traffic flow during peak times at school entrances during drop-off and pick-up hours. Moreover, road markings, such as pedestrian crossings and stop lines, are being repainted to ensure maximum clarity for road users. In addition to expanding and repaving sidewalks adjacent to schools to provide safer pedestrian pathways capable of accommodating larger numbers.