Doha, Qatar – Shell has launched its 2025/2026 NXplorers program in Qatar with a three-day teacher training workshop held at the Ministry of Education & Higher Education (MoEHE). This initiative aims to equip educators with the resources to foster innovation and critical thinking skills among Qatari youth, building on a successful six-year run. The program is part of Shell’s broader commitment to supporting STEM education and Qatar’s knowledge economy.
The workshop, which concluded recently, trained 60 teachers from 20 schools across Qatar. This marks the beginning of the new academic cycle for NXplorers, a global program operating in over 30 countries and reaching more than 200,000 young people. The training focused on providing teachers with practical tools and methodologies to guide students through the development of innovative projects addressing real-world challenges.
Expanding STEM Skills with the NXplorers Program
The NXplorers program centers around a challenge-based learning approach, encouraging students to identify local problems and develop sustainable solutions using science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) principles. According to Shell, the program is designed to move beyond theoretical knowledge and cultivate practical problem-solving abilities. This aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which prioritizes investment in human capital and a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Teacher Perspectives on the Program
Participating teachers expressed enthusiasm for the program’s potential impact. Majdi Khair Al-Din, from the Institute of Religion Studies Preparatory and Secondary School, described NXplorers as “a platform for empowering the next generation.” Diana Al-Wuraidat, a teacher at Maria Al Qibatiya Preparatory school, highlighted the program’s ability to “inspire students to think creatively and critically.”
Over the past six years, NXplorers has reached 2,800 students and trained 170 teachers in Qatar. This established network provides a strong foundation for continued growth and impact. The program’s success is evidenced by the achievements of Qatari student teams on the global stage.
Global Recognition for Qatari Innovation
A team from the International School for Medical Science and Engineering recently won the Global Gold Award in the NXplorers competition for their “Aqua Filter” project. This innovative solution reduces carbon dioxide emissions while simultaneously generating usable water, addressing critical environmental concerns relevant to Qatar’s climate. The project was lauded for its scalability and potential for real-world application.
Several schools participating in this year’s cycle have already been nominated for the 2024/2025 NXplorers Global Awards, demonstrating the increasing quality and impact of projects developed within the program. This recognition underscores the program’s effectiveness in nurturing innovative thinking and problem-solving skills among Qatari students.
Al Hijji, General Manager of Corporate Relations at Qatar Shell, emphasized the program’s strategic importance, stating that NXplorers is “an essential part of our strategy to attract more young people into STEM fields.” He further noted the program’s contribution to the future growth of Qatar’s knowledge economy. The initiative also supports the development of Ministry of Education & Higher Education goals for curriculum enhancement.
The next phase of the program will focus on supporting students and school teams as they refine their project ideas. The timeline for project submissions and the selection process for the 2025/2026 Global Awards remain to be announced. Observers will be watching to see how the program continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of Qatar’s educational landscape and its focus on National Vision 2030 goals.
Additionally, the program’s long-term impact on student interest in Qatar’s economy and STEM careers will be a key area of assessment.
