Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) has launched a joint national initiative in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport to sponsor Qatari students in pursuing degrees in Marine Engineering and Marine Navigation.
According to Qatar News Agency, the initiative aims to strengthen national expertise in the maritime transport and logistics sectors while supporting national development and the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at MOEHE, Dr. Hareb Mohamed Aljabri, highlighted the maritime sector's significance as one of Qatar's priority sectors. He emphasized the need for qualified national professionals to meet current and future demands, particularly in ship operations, maritime facilities, and management.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Aljabri announced that the overseas scholarship program offers students the opportunity to pursue a bachelor's degree in Marine Navigation. The program provides benefits, including a one-time pre-departure allowance of QAR 25,000, a monthly stipend of QAR 14,000, and an annual airfare ticket. Additional benefits are available for students enrolled at universities approved for the Amiri Scholarship Program.
For Qatari students pursuing a bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering domestically, the initiative offers a monthly stipend of QAR 8,000 throughout their studies. This effort aims to encourage national talent to enter maritime engineering disciplines, including programs at the University of Doha for Science and Technology.
Assistant Undersecretary for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, Eng. Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Sulaiti, stated that the initiative seeks to qualify national talents academically and professionally in Marine Engineering and Marine Navigation. It addresses the workforce needs of national organizations in maritime transport and logistics.
Eng. Al Sulaiti emphasized the initiative's alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030, aiming to build a diversified and sustainable economy. The initiative offers two primary pathways: overseas scholarships for Marine Navigation and domestic scholarships for Marine Engineering, in cooperation with MOEHE.
He underscored the importance of Marine Navigation and Marine Engineering disciplines in preparing specialists for inspection, oversight, and technical investigations, enhancing maritime safety and security, and improving seafarer qualifications. The initiative aims to strengthen the Ministry of Transport's regulatory and legislative role in the maritime sector.
Director of the Scholarships Department at MOEHE, Noora Al Ansari, stated that the initiative demonstrates MOEHE's commitment to investing in national human capital by attracting and developing talent to meet labor market requirements. The initiative is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Qatari professionals and support the maritime transport sector's efficiency and sustainability.
The initiative reflects the commitment of national institutions to investing in Qatari human capital, providing high-quality academic and professional pathways, and contributing to sustainable development and Qatar's competitiveness in strategic sectors.