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.
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 stated that the initiative stems from the maritime sector's importance being one of Qatar's priority sectors, requiring qualified national professionals capable of meeting current and future demands, particularly in ship operations, maritime facilities, and the management of various maritime activities.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Dr. Aljabri said that the overseas scholarship program offers students the opportunity to pursue a bachelor's degree in Marine Navigation as one of the targeted fields of study.
The program provides various benefits, including a one-time pre-departure allowance of QAR 25,000, a monthly stipend of QAR 14,000, and an annual airfare ticket, with additional benefits for students enrolled at one of the universities on the list of universities approved for the Amiri Scholarship Program, he added.
Through the domestic scholarship program, Qatari students wishing to pursue a bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering will receive a monthly stipend of QAR 8,000 throughout their studies, the Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at MOEHE said.
This is intended to encourage national talent to enter maritime engineering disciplines, including programs offered by the University of Doha for Science and Technology, Dr. Aljabri added.
For his part, Assistant Undersecretary for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, Eng. Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Sulaiti said that the initiative seeks to qualify national talents academically and professionally in Marine Engineering and Marine Navigation, meeting the workforce needs of national organizations operating in maritime transport and logistics.
During the press conference, Eng. Al Sulaiti said that the initiative reflects the Ministry of Transport's commitment to supporting Qatar's efforts in building a diversified and sustainable economy in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
He noted that the initiative aims to attract Qatari students interested in maritime studies through two primary pathways: overseas scholarships for a Bachelor's degree in Marine Navigation and domestic scholarships for a Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, implemented in cooperation with MOEHE and its overseas scholarship program.
He emphasized the Ministry of Transport's commitment to preparing highly qualified national professionals equipped with both academic knowledge and practical skills to meet the needs of organizations operating in the maritime transport and services sector, while enhancing efficiency in this vital industry according to international best practices.
Eng. Al Sulaiti highlighted the importance of the Marine Navigation and Marine Engineering disciplines, noting that they contribute to preparing specialists capable of supporting inspection and oversight activities, evaluating the technical and engineering aspects of vessels, developing technical systems and regulations, assisting with technical investigations of maritime accidents, enhancing maritime safety and security, improving seafarer qualification and licensing requirements, and strengthening oversight of compliance with relevant international conventions.
He further stated that the initiative will strengthen the Ministry of Transport's role as the regulatory and legislative authority for the maritime sector by increasing the readiness of specialized national talent, supporting maritime inspection and oversight activities, and contributing to evidence-based decision-making grounded in technical expertise, thereby positively impacting the national maritime economy.
The Assistant Undersecretary for Maritime Transport Affairs added that the initiative ultimately seeks to achieve full reliance on specialized national expertise, improve the quality of maritime legislation and policies, strengthen maritime oversight and inspection, and provide the technical expertise necessary for informed decision-making.
Eng. Al Sulaiti described the initiative as a strategic step toward building a strong national base of qualified maritime professionals, supporting the sustainability of the maritime sector and contributing to the achievement of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Meanwhile, Director of the Scholarships Department at MOEHE, Noora Al Ansari stated that the initiative reflects MOEHE's commitment, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, to investing in national human capital by attracting and developing talent academically and professionally according to the highest standards, in line with labor market requirements and with the goal of enhancing the competitiveness of Qatari professionals.
She added that this strategic step is designed to support the maritime transport sector, one of the country's increasingly important sectors, by preparing specialists capable of contributing to its development, efficiency, and sustainability in line with the aspirations of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The initiative is expected to enhance the readiness of national talent to fill technical and operational roles within the maritime sector, improve the efficiency of the maritime transport system, and support the country's plans to develop logistics services and the maritime economy in accordance with international best practices and standards.
It also reflects the commitment of national institutions to investing in Qatari human capital and providing high-quality academic and professional pathways that align with the future needs of the labor market, thereby contributing to sustainable development and strengthening Qatar's competitiveness in strategic sectors.
