The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) in Qatar is gearing up for the new academic year, with over 131,000 students set to return to their classrooms on September 1. Director of the Department of Schools and Student Affairs, Mariam Al Nisf Al Buainain, has stated that the ministry has finalized all preparations to welcome students in 215 public schools, 70 integration schools, seven Al Hidaya Special Needs Schools, and 64 kindergartens. The ministry is dedicated to providing a quality educational environment by focusing on enhancing educational resources, infrastructure, and pedagogical cadres in coordination with relevant bodies.
The educational system in Qatar includes private schools that offer professional technical skills to develop highly talented students who can contribute to the development process in the country. Al Buainain has emphasized the importance of parents utilizing the ‘Maarif’ portal on the MoEHE website for student registration in public schools and kindergartens. The ministry is committed to enhancing the quality of student life by launching projects aimed at developing students’ cultural and social skills, in addition to forging close partnerships with parents to create a supportive educational atmosphere.
To align with the third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, the ministry has announced updates to the educational curricula, focusing on 21st-century skills such as digital competency, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. These updates aim to strike a balance between academic achievements and enhancing students’ personal and psychosocial capabilities. The curriculum adjustments include increased focus on linguistic and technical aspects for elementary and preparatory school students, along with an extension of teaching hours on Wednesdays in preparatory schools to further develop students’ skills.
Preparations for the new academic year also include the opening of new specialized schools, workshops, and educational meetings throughout the year. The government scholarship plan for the academic year 2024-25 will offer 1,500 scholarships, up from 700 in the previous year, to meet the needs of the Qatari labor market. The MoEHE is working in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior to ensure the safety and security of students and smooth traffic flow during the academic year, highlighting the importance of education as the key foundation for nation-building in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The MoEHE’s focus on enhancing students’ academic and practical skills through an extended school day demonstrates its commitment to preparing students for success in their professional lives and higher education. The ministry is also actively filling vacancies by appointing teachers with high academic qualifications and practical experience, including graduates of programs like the “Tomouh” initiative in partnership with Qatar University’s College of Education. These efforts reflect the state’s dedication to education as a vital component of national development and progress.
