EDUCATION SECTOR IN QATAR

Current State Assessment Series

2021

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 CEO’S MESSAGE

QDB continues to make strides in its transformation and reinvention

journey while meeting the aspirations of Qatari business owners
throughout their journey with a multitude of symbiotic initiatives and
growth platforms that perpetually expand possibilities for forward-looking
SMEs and entrepreneurs and empower them to play an even bigger role
in Qatar’s transformation into a diversified knowledge-based economy
and a global leader in business and innovation. In line with its objectives
to establish reliable data and analysis as a prerequisite for the formation
of new ventures on a sound and viable business basis, and extend
meaningful support to Qatari entrepreneurs. QDB has published a series
of five current state assessment reports across service sectors. To bring a
fresh new outlook on potential services and arms entrepreneurs with the
relevant information and perspectives that can be leveraged to enter
those sectors and their niches with confidence.
This report covers Qatar’s education sector with a focus on advancements
in vocational training and upskilling resources, ed-tech, and blended
learning environments. Government spending on education, which
accounted for over 8.9% of the national budget in 2021, has contributed
to the 4% CAGR growth in enrolment between 2016 and 2020. Along
with targeted initiatives to upskill resources and expand infrastructure, the
rising local presence of leading foreign universities collectively supports
the development of a well-governed, world-class education system.
Further, Qatar is gradually prioritizing vocational training and shifting the
curricula from STEM to STEAM – emphasizing innovative thinking and
creative ability in equal measure. In addition, ed-tech is playing an
increasingly important role in enhancing access to quality education in
Qatar, with both public and private schools rapidly adopting e-learning
Acting Chief Executive Officer,
Qatar Development Bank
platforms, ensuring uninterrupted learning, independent of lockdowns or
other logistical restrictions. There are also some examples of the use of
AI, AR/VR, and gamification by institutions to improve student
Abdulaziz Al Khalifa engagement and provide personalized learning pathways.
CEO Qatar upholds high-quality education and training opportunities – at par
with international standards – as a critical lever in achieving its long-term
human development goals. The same is enshrined in the Qatar National
Vision 2030 and the Second National Development Strategy 2018- 2022,
which aims at stepping up the quality of education at all levels.
I strongly believe Qatar is poised to become not just a highly ranked
education hub, but a global advocate of innovation in education and a
key stakeholder in scientific research and intellectual activity.
I invite readers to go through the report to gain valuable insights and in-
depth knowledge and understanding of this sector’s prospects.

Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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 Table of contents
Appendix: Glossary of Terms 8

Introduction 10

Local Ecosystem 11

Value Chain 18

Sector Market Drivers 20

Global Trends and their Regional Adoption 22

COVID-19 Impact 25

SWOT Analysis 26

Conclusion 27

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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 List of Charts
Chart 1: Pre-Primary Enrolments Thousand, (000s, 2016-2020) 13

Chart 2: Gross Enrolment Ratio (2019) 13

Chart 3: Primary and Secondary Enrolments by School Type 14

Chart 4: Higher Education Enrolments by Nationality (000's, 2016-2020) 15

Chart 5: Enrolment by Education Level (000's) 20

Chart 6: Education Expenditure (% of Government Spending, 2019) 20

Chart 7: Consumer Spending on Education (USD Bn) 21

List of Figures
Figure 1: Education Ecosystem in Qatar 11

Figure 2: Satellite Campuses 12

Figure 3: Select Players (out of ~608 schools) 14

Figure 4: Public Private Partnership Schools Development Program 14

Figure 5: TVET Perception, Low Financial Reward & Lack of Awareness Represent Top Challenges 16

Figure 6: SWOT Analysis 26

List of Tables
Table 1: Glossary of Terms 8

Table 2: Value Chain 18

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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 Appendix: Glossary of terms

Table 1: Glossary of Terms

ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

AED United Arab Emirates Dirham
AI Artificial Intelligence
AR Augmented Reality
Bn Billion
BSME British Schools of the Middle East
CAGR Compound Annual Growth Rate
EYFS Early Years Foundation Stage
GCC Gulf Cooperation Council
GDP Gross Domestic Product
HBMSU Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University
HE Higher Education
IB International Baccalaureate
ISIC International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities
K-12 Kindergarten through twelfth grade
KSA Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
MOEHE Ministry of Education and Higher Education
NEASC New England Association of Schools and Colleges
NVTC Nasser Vocational Training Centre
OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
QAR Qatari Riyal
QDB Qatar Development Bank
QF Qatar Foundation
QNSA Qatar National School Accreditation
QNV Qatar National Vision
QRDIC Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council
STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics
STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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 Appendix: Glossary of terms

Table 1: Glossary of Terms

TEC Technical Education Copenhagen

TVET Technical and Vocational Education & Training
UAE United Arab Emirates
UK United Kingdom
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training
US/USA United States of America
USD/US$ United States Dollar
VC Venture Capital
VR Virtual Reality
WISE World Innovation Summit for Education
ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
AED United Arab Emirates Dirham

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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 Introduction

QDB has embarked key service sectors on a journey to achieve the National
Vision 2030 and the second National Development Strategy 2018-2022
objectives. As a result, to accomplish a diversified economy that gradually
reduces the dependence on hydrocarbon industries, enhances the role of
private sectors and maintains its competitiveness through sustainable
development and localization of services in the state of Qatar.
Although the Services Sector is well-established in the region, preference is
mostly given to international service providers. Focused sectors were
assessed to highlight the asymmetrical deployment between services that are
being offered locally and services sourced from outside.
The Education report is part of the 5 series of the Current State Assessment
publication, this subsector was selected following a strict sector filtering and
prioritization framework based on presence of local champions, sector size,
growth and scalability as well as existence of opportunities emerging from
the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the assessment of the sector, QDB has
studied local gaps in the local market for Education-related services and
subsequently identified investment opportunities for new services.

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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 Local Ecosystem

Qatar’s formal education system can be divided into five levels: Pre-primary, Primary, Secondary, Higher Education,
and Technical and Vocational Education and Training. The overall sector is primarily governed by a single public
stakeholder: the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE). Qatar Foundation is the primary funding body
for the education sector, with local and global accreditors overseeing and maintaining high-quality standards.
Moreover, as technology increasingly becomes the mainstay of student life, e-learning platforms and tools, ed-tech
hubs and accelerators are emerging as digital enablers.
Figure 1: Education Ecosystem in Qatar

Regulators Accreditors Funders

Policy setting and regulation for K-12 Adherence recognition based on set of Contributors body financing education
public & private schools & higher national/international standards
Key Funders
education institutions

Qatar National School Select Third Party

Accreditation Accreditors

Delivery Stakeholders

Pre- Primary Primary Secondary HE TVET

0-6 years old – with Grades 1- 5 Grades 6-121 Includes institutes & Programs focused
3-6 for kindergarten universities on acquisition of
Public
K-12 Select Players technical skills

Digital Enablers
E-Learning Platforms Learning Tools Tech Hubs & Accelerators
Supports online classroom delivery, Technologies offers online tutoring, Communities innovative research &
interaction with teachers, peers, language skills, skills boot camp education related technology solutions
resources

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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 Regulators
The MOEHE helps develop policies, supports and regulates K-12 public and private schools as well as higher
education institutions. It also monitors the compliance of private schools with pre-approved educational plans. The
Ministry’s key responsibilities include: tuition fees, curriculum quality and teachers.
• Tuition fees: The Ministry regulates fees across all schools and approves price hikes as required. It has initiated a
project to determine fees for private schools and universities. The recent tuition fee increase of 3-10% for 28
kindergarten and private schools was intended for academic and educational improvement.
• Curriculum quality: The Ministry mandates that private schools teach Arabic language, Islamic studies and the
history of Qatar as part of their curriculum. It also approves private schools’ curricula delivery, including resources
and teaching methods used. As far as public schools are concerned, the Ministry requires them to instruct students
on Mathematics, Science, Arabic and English languages, Qatar history and Islamic studies.
• Teachers: The Ministry is responsible for recruiting, training, supporting and licensing all public-school teachers. It
employs national, Arab and international staff to ensure high teaching quality. The Ministry also provides per-
specialty development programmes and professional licenses to the teaching staff.
Accreditors
The MOEHE formed the Qatar National School Accreditation (QNSA) to build a national accreditation system. The
QNSA aims to improve the quality of schools and their adherence to advanced learning standards. The Doha British
School, among others, is accredited by the QNSA.
The British Schools of the Middle East (BSME), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and
the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) are some of the international accreditation bodies
operational in Qatar.
• The BSME has accredited ~144 members of high-quality British international schools in the region, including the
Nord Anglia International School.
• The NEASC attests to the quality and integrity of schools and universities offering US curriculum globally, such as
the American School of Doha and the International School of London.
• The ABET accredits college and university programmes in computing, engineering and others. It has recognised
Qatar University’s Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
Funders
With as many as 50 entities under its wing, the Qatar Foundation is a non-profit organisation that works in the fields of
education, research and community development. It manages Education City, the multi-university campus housing
world-renowned educational and research institutes.
Figure 2: Satellite Campuses

The Foundation also oversees the funding for academic research in Qatar, extends scholarships and financial aid to
students, and supports research and development projects. In addition, it manages the Qatar National Research
Fund, which has financed 2,300+ projects with over US$1.4 billion to date.

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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Delivery
• Pre-primary: Enrolment in the pre-primary segment has expanded at 5.1% CAGR between 2016 and 2020, inviting
a diverse range of participants like the Qatar Academy, the ACS International School Doha and the Royal Grammar
School Guildford Qatar.
Chart 1: Pre-Primary Enrolments Thousand, (000s, 2016-2020)
•
~80% of enrolments in 2020 captured by private schools as a result of expat driven market

+5.1%
56.1
45.7 48.4

2016 2018 2020

Select Players (out of ~473 schools)

✓ Founded by QF, offers National curriculum via play based approach

✓ Private school offering IB curriculum & follows Early childhood program

✓ Independent school offering UK curriculum & follows EYFS1

While the gross enrolment ratio lags international markets, targeted Government strategies like awareness
campaigns and quality delivery are expected to boost the segment.

Chart 2: Gross Enrolment Ratio (2019)

Qatar 67

Bahrain 54

Kuwait 61

Oman 51

KSA 22

UAE 78

United States 72

Sweden 97

Government Strategies

Awareness campaigns on the importance of pre-primary education with a focus among nationals as education is only
✓ compulsory at the primary level

✓ Focus on improving quality offering at the primary school levels to align with international standards

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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 • Primary & Secondary: At 3.3% CAGR growth between 2016 and 2020, the number of primary and secondary
schools in Qatar has increased in line with total student enrolments (3.6% CAGR between 2016 and 2020). Some of
the prominent schools are the International School of London, the American School of Doha and the Park House
English School. That said, there is still room for more growth in these segments.

Chart 3: Primary and Secondary Enrolments by School Type

Primary and Secondary Enrolments by School Type Primary and Secondary Schools
Thousand of Students, 2016-2020 No. of Schools, 2016-2020

Private Public Primary Secondary

+3.6% +3.3%
CAGR CAGR
261.4 273.9 2016-2020 608 621 2016-2020
237.3 545
110.2 114.4 149 151
101.9 2.9% 138 2.3%

151.2 159.5 4.2% 407 459 470 3.7%

135.5

2016 2018 2020 2016 2018 2020

Figure 3: Select Players (out of ~608 schools)

✓ Private school offering IB curriculum delivered in interactive/high tech classrooms

✓ Private school offering US curriculum

✓ Private school offering UK curriculum & with a mix of in person/remote learning delivery

The Government has introduced the Qatar Public Private Partnership Schools Development Program to cater to
the rising demand of a growing population and their need for high-quality education.

Figure 4: Public Private Partnership Schools Development Program

✓ Implemented by govt. in an attempt to cater to supply gaps in light of growing population & need for high quality education

✓ ~57% of current schools are private & unable to meet growing demand

✓ 45 schools forecasted to be delivered in 2023 adding ~ 6,000 seats for primary, & secondary schools but also pre-primary levels

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• Higher Education: Enrolment at the Higher Education level appears to be driven by local and girl students. This
can be attributed to major state-run initiatives like the Education City.

Chart 4: Higher Education Enrolments by Nationality (000's, 2016-2020)

Higher Education Enrolments by Nationality

Foreign Local

+3.7%
CAGR
2016-2020
33.7 33.0
28.5
11.5 10.9 0.1%
10.8

17.7 22.2 22.1

5.7%

2016 2018 2020

Higher Education Enrolments by Gender

No. of Schools, 2016-2020
Male Female

+3.7%
CAGR
2016-2020
33.7 33.0
28.5
30% 30%
32% 1.6%

68% 70% 70%

4.7%

2016 2018 2020

The multi-campus ‘Education City’ was launched by the Qatar Foundation to attract foreign universities and improve
the quality of higher education. It is home to nine marquee universities and 11 schools with ~8,000 students. For
example, Qatar University is a public university in Education City, with 10 colleges offering graduate, postgraduate
and doctorate programmes. HEC Paris School of Management, the top institution for management programmes, is
the first European partner of Education City. The campus also houses research centres, such as the Qatar Science &
Technology Park, to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): TVET is a nascent segment in Qatar, accounting for only
1.8% of all secondary students in 2019. Recognised as a Centre of Excellence in TVET, College of the North
Atlantic Qatar offers 30 diploma programmes in the fields of Business Management, Information Technology,
Engineering Technology and Health Sciences. It is the designated UNEVOC Centre for Qatar and partners with
UNESCO on exploring the role of TVET in the country.
• There are certain challenges associated with TVET like poor perception, lower financial reward and lack of
awareness that hinder its development. However, government projects – like establishing a National Qualification
Framework, upskilling TVET teachers and putting into place a robust governance structure – are expected to drive
growth in the segment.

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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 Figure 5: TVET Perception, Low Financial Reward & Lack Of Awareness Represent Top Challenges…

Inferior Perception of TVET

• Difficulty in attracting & retaining Qataris as TVET perceived as secondary education option

Low Financial Reward

• University graduates are usually on a higher salary scale compared to TVET diploma holders

Lack of Awareness
• Limited knowledge on good career paths in TVET, in comparison to university

…However, Several Govt. Initiatives Are Expected To Boost Segment Demand

Establishment of a National Qualification Framework for quality assurance & occupational standards
benchmarked v.s global best practices

Upskilling of TVET teachers by providing continuous training & workshops

Establishment of a governance structure to monitor quality & performance & set policies

Digital Enablers
E-learning platforms and ed-tech hubs are gaining prominence as digital enablers, particularly in the wake of COVID-
19. Public schools in Qatar have initiated the use of Microsoft Teams from 2020, while Northwestern University-Qatar
initiated the use of the Canvas Learning Management System post-pandemic. Further, opportunities are arising for
integrating e-learning tools in delivery. Qatar is witnessing fragmented adoption of gamification, VR technology, AI-
powered student assessment across private and public K12 schools as well as higher education institutions.
• E-learning Platforms
– Microsoft Teams is an education-specific platform with options to create an interactive environment. Features
include assignment tracking/grading, whiteboard, etc.
– Moodle allows teachers to extend content/courses on the platform. Features include collaborative forums,
progress monitoring, live feedback on assignments, etc.
– Canvas supports videoconferencing and course management. Features include content management, blended
learning and interactive blended learning.

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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• E-learning Tools
– Coursera provides online courses from top global universities. It facilitates hands-on learning in various sectors.
– eduTechnoz supports online Arabic learning for primary students and schools. It utilises a gamified platform for
grading and adaptive learning.
– SchooPedia hosts a K-12 educational digital library and offers videos/books on curriculum subjects in Qatar.
– Century provides AI-generated dashboards to help track student progress. It is adaptable to curricula and
offers personalised development plans for students.
• Tech Hubs and Accelerators
– World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) is an initiative of the Qatar Foundation, focused on transforming
education through innovation. It addresses urgent challenges and current ed-tech trends, in consultation with
key stakeholders and industry experts. The WISE Prize for Education celebrates projects that address global
education challenges, thereby encouraging investments.
– Qatar Science & Technology Park is an innovation hub focused on education, research and development, and
community wellbeing. The Park includes an incubation centre to nurture local entrepreneurship and an Arab
Innovation Academy in partnership with the European Innovation Academy.

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 Value Chain

Table 2: Value Chain

Qatar’s education value chain primarily consists of four segments: accreditation and certification, curriculum and
content design, delivery and assessment; and is heavily dominated by international players.

Segment Description Activities/Services involved Global players* Local players*

Accreditation Recognising and • Accreditation**
and approving • Certification**
certification academic
programmes and
courses based on
established
standards
Curriculum Designing the • Curriculum design**
and content structure and • Lesson design**
design content of what
students learn and • E-pedagogy**
the evaluation • Use of VR/AR**
mechanisms for
• Content gamification**
the same
• Educational consulting**

Delivery Providing • Pre-primary education

educational • Primary education
services to
learners including • Special education for handicapped
teaching; it students
includes types of • Provision of adult literacy programmes
provisions,
• General school education at the first
learning
stage of secondary level
environments,
teachers/faculties • General school education at the
and research and second stage of secondary level
development • Special education for handicapped
students at secondary level
• Technical and vocational education
• Tertiary education
• Cultural education
• Academic tutoring
• College board preparation
• Language instruction and
conversational skills instruction
• Other skill-based training
• Educational consulting
• Educational guidance counselling
• Student exchange programmes
• Remote learning software**
• Online course repositories**
• Certified teacher training**

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

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 Segment Description Activities/Services involved Global players* Local players*
Assessment Measuring student • Professional examination review
performance and courses
evaluating student • Educational testing evaluation services
learning and
progress on a • Educational testing services
regular and more • Standardised testing**
frequent basis
• Bespoke testing**
• AI-powered student performance
monitoring**

*Non-exhaustive
**Non-lSIC suggested additional service

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 Sector Market
Drivers

Public Investment
The Qatar Government’s quality-focused initiatives are largely responsible for
driving up enrolments at the pre-primary and secondary school levels.
The Government has improvement plans in place, emphasising the
importance of the pre-primary segment through awareness campaigns. The
Government has also initiated the renovation of public schools and new
construction to plug gaps in supply and provide quality education using the
latest education resources.
At the same time, Qatar’s current education expenditure, compared with
regional and global benchmarks, indicates room for further growth within the
sector. And the Government appears to be on track to capitalise on these
opportunities.
Chart 5: Enrolment by Education Level (000's)

Pre-Primary Primary Secondary1 Higher Education

3.9% CAGR
2016-2020
363
344
312 33
34 3.7%
29
108 120
98 5.1%

154 154 2.6%

139

56 5.1%
46 48
2018 2019 2020

Chart 6: Education Expenditure (% of Government Spending, 2019)

17.5 17.1

12.4 12.2 12.1

10.4
9.3

Qatar KSA UAE Oman Kuwait Bahrain OECD

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 Consumer Spend
Consumer spending has grown at 2% CAGR between 2016 and 2020 and is
forecast to surge at an accelerated CAGR of 6% by 2025.
Three key sectoral and demographic trends are propelling consumer spending
on education: population growth, resource upskilling and training, and
localisation of international providers.
• Population growth: Rising overall population, particularly the expatriate-
driven profile, in Qatar is steering the demand for education services to a
great extent.
• Resource upskilling and training: Government focus on equipping
public/private schools with highly qualified teachers to improve sector
attractiveness is another key factor. For instance, the recent launch of a
state-run training project will benefit ~180 teachers across private schools
and institutions between 2018-2022.
• Localisation of leading international providers: Projects like the Qatar
Education City are opening doors to eminent foreign universities –
encouraging consumer spend and driving up sector attractiveness.

Chart 7: Consumer Spending on Education (USD Bn)

+6% 1.8

+2% 1.5
1.3 1.3
1.2

2016 2018 2020 2022F 2025F

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 Global Trends and
their Regional
Adoption

Accelerated Adoption of Technology

Even before the pandemic, there was already widespread acknowledgement
of the importance of technology in education. From language apps and virtual
tutoring, to video conferencing and online learning software, technology is
proving to be a lifeline for students and teachers alike. Global ed-tech
witnessed US$4.5 billion investment from VC firms in the first half of 2020
alone.
1. E-learning
E-learning helps ensure uninterrupted learning in an interactive
environment. Distance learning is being integrated with content delivered
via tablets and other devices.
Global Adoption
• Nord Anglia in the UK started a modern form of primary school to help
students learn and collaborate virtually – offering both continuous
learning and ease of access. The virtual school allows students to
connect with ~66,000 students through a ‘Global Campus’, enhancing
collaboration on challenges and learning activities.
• Since switching to remote learning for all its offerings, University
College London has utilised a range of tools to improve the student
experience including Moodle, Turnitin (anti-plagiarism assignment
submission software), Lecturecast (lecture scheduling and recording
software) and MyPortfolio (online space to display students’ portfolio).
Regional Adoption
• The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) in Dubai is the
first e-learning academic institution accredited by the Ministry of
Education, UAE. It offers online and distance learning for Bachelor’s,
Master’s and PhD degrees. The HBMSU is the first in the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) to become a member of the International
Council for Open & Distance Education. The HBMSU’s learner-centric
platforms facilitate access, interactivity and learning.
• Aldar Academies in Abu Dhabi invested AED10 million in their IT
infrastructure to support distance learning – purchasing iPads and
laptops to aid students facing financial difficulties and exploring options
for remote learning options beyond COVID-19.
• The MOEHE decided to implement e-learning in Qatar’s public schools
in 2020. Adoption of remote learning in private schools is focused on
collaboration and enquiry.
2. Artificial Intelligence
AI has a wide range of applications, benefitting both students and
teachers. Examples include automated multiple-choice grading and
student performance monitoring.
Regional Adoption
• Doha College in Qatar introduced the use of Century to analyse student
performance, generate personalised dashboards and recommend
development pathways.

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 3. Gamification
Gamification allows curriculum components to be taught via games where
students can score points. It enables interactive and engaging learning
environments, while stimulating critical thinking and problem solving.
Global Adoption
• In the US, Ball State University developed a mobile application that
uses gamification to improve collaboration, engagement and learning
outcomes within and outside the classroom. Students were rewarded
through points for completing a wide array of activities, with additional
points on high-impact achievements.
• The University of South California launched a new campaign to reward
first-year students through a prize/coupon-based system – using
university resources to augment their skills. Gamification enabled the
students to gain a richer and more productive learning experience
based on knowledge and experimentation.
Regional Adoption
• The HBMSU in Dubai introduced EduGame to increase students’
motivation and understanding of key concepts. Students engaged in
several activities – like interactive discussions on published case
studies, community work and volunteering – with completion linked to
a point-based system. EduGame was seen to enhance interpersonal
and analytical skills of students.
• The educators at Dubai’s Jumeirah English Speaking School introduced
gamification to support content delivery – creating an engaging
environment and fostering interpersonal skills. Students became
fantasy characters and were rewarded for homework completion,
collaboration, reading/writing progress, etc.
• Founded in Qatar and based out of Canada, eduTechnoz gamifies
Arabic language courses for primary school children.
4. Augmented/Virtual Reality
AR offers an enriched view of a natural image, while VR projects a
simulated reality. Both aid in interactive learning and simplified
explanation of concepts using close-to-real-life experiences.
Regional Adoption
• Qatar’s School of Science and Technology for Boys, a public tech-
specialised school, recently introduced VR labs; and the Qatar
University developed a VR system to teach courses.
5. Vocational Education
Specialised training prepares a worker with skills to meet the demands of
industry-specific jobs. For instance, the Technical Education Copenhagen
(TEC)
Global Adoption
• in Denmark is a large vocational college, offering 25 programmes
across sectors, such as energy and transport. It also delivers adult
vocational courses via state-of-the-art facilities. TEC programmes
balance pedagogy and on-job training – presenting students the
opportunity to gain deeper industry knowledge and acquire essential
training and skills.

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 • In the US, the Washburn Institute of Technology provides industry-
specific training in eight areas, such as construction, hospitality and
human services, and transport. Partnerships with key industry players
allow students to enhance their skills and acquire hands-on experience.
Regional Adoption
• Vocational education is particularly dominant in the GCC countries,
since a large proportion of their population comprise highly skilled
expats, which puts pressure on the employment opportunities
available to locals.
• The Nasser Vocational Training Centre (NVTC) in Bahrain offers a
three-year programme with core and foundation level courses, along
with an opportunity to specialise in mechanical or electrical
engineering maintenance. NVTC programmes are designed to be at
par with international industry standards; thus, ensuring NVTC
graduates are employable and ready to meet the requirements of local
and global commercial enterprises.
• Bahrain’s National Institute for Industrial Training is the first in the
country to offer internationally recognised short engineering courses
tailored to the needs of the employer and the industry. The Institute
aims to alleviate employment disparity, improve industry-specific skills
and knowledge, and generate opportunities for employment.
• In Qatar, the College of the North Atlantic is a Centre of Excellence in
TVET, with a wide range of programmes like Business Management,
Information Technology, Engineering technology and health sciences.

6. Shift in Curriculum from STEM to STEAM

STEAM sees the introduction of Arts to STEM, where Arts includes
humanities, languages, dance, drama, music, visual arts, design and new
media. The transition from STEM to STEAM underlines the contribution of
arts and creative thinking as well as collaboration and experimentation
towards the holistic development of a student's skillset.
Regional Adoption
• Students at the Nord Anglia International School in Dubai tackle real-
world challenges across various subjects, enhancing flexibility,
communication and creativity. The school’s partnership with USA’s
Massachusetts Institute of Technology allows students to immerse
themselves in hands-on problem-solving experiences. Projects include
robot building, bioengineering, coding and so on.
• Interdisciplinary courses at the Regent International School in Dubai
focus on nurturing problem solving, critical thinking and creativity
among students through real-world projects. Right from the primary
school level, students are taught to apply technology skills, while
secondary school students are exposed to insights from industry
mentors.
• All three Nord Anglia Education schools in Qatar also follow the
STEAM curriculum, providing an interdisciplinary and experimental
approach. Similarly, the Arab International Academy integrates STEAM
principles, amplifying student engagement via projects and practical
activities.

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COVID-19 Impact

Restrictions imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 caused disruptions in

the education sector that extended beyond online delivery of courses and
content – and compelled institutions to rethink tuition fees, student
engagement and curriculum development.
Delivery and Assessment
• Disrupted delivery and assessment methods, especially for admission and
summative examinations
• Required education providers to adapt and invest in online tools to
reimagine delivery and assessment
Tuition Fees
• Increased dropout rates owing to students’ financial, health and family-
related concerns
• Limited students’ full on-school experience, raising their demands for
discounts
• Initiated assessment of more flexible tuition fees
Student Body
• Lowered enrolment of new international students for the next academic
year, on account of the disrupted ‘student experience’
• Pushed for redesign of course offering to retain and attract new
international students
Employability
• Hiked up unemployment and financial strain
• Brought about a shift in demand for worker skills owing to the digital
disruption
• Forced institutions to re-examine current curricula to match market needs
for greater chance of successful student placement

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

24
23
 SWOT Analysis

Figure 6: SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESS

• Presence of global universities & international • Limited definition of future required skills
school operators (e.g., Education City) required at national level for job markets
contributing to sector attractiveness, quality
• Fragmented integration of wider educational
improvement & increase in consumer
technology as part of the curriculum
expenditure
• Limited interest in local entrepreneurs develop
• Global advocacy to enable innovation in
innovative education service solutions to boost
education (WISE) and entity focused on Research,
sector quality and advancements
Development and Innovation (QRDIC)

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

• Room to adopt new/innovative global • Demographic profile dominated by expatriate

educational technologies locally such as population with uncertainty around population
gamification, VR technology, AI-powered student growth following the World Cup
assessment across private and public K12 and
• Recent lift of blockade will introduce new
higher education using Education City institutions
competitors in education services
as a testing ground
• Recent lift of blockade allows Qatar to benefit
from regional expertise & collaborations to
improve sector and boost small businesses (e.g.,
regional funding/access to industry experts, etc.)

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25 23
 Conclusion

Through the years, the Qatar Government’s continued investments in

education reforms have been aimed at expanding access to quality
education for a growing population, preparing its future workforce with the
right skills and shoring up the path to resilient, inclusive and sustainable
economic growth.
Today, Qatar’s education sector consists of a diverse mix of state and
independent schools, colleges and universities. The sector pays close
attention to harmonising with international standards and benchmarks, while
also preserving an understanding of local history and culture. The current
phase of education policies and reforms are particularly crucial, as this
generation of learners and workers are expected to transform Qatar into a
knowledge-based economy by 2030.
The flagship initiative, Education City has emerged as a centre of
possibilities, fostering an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Qatar Foundation’s WISE programme has become a global advocate for
innovation in education and a strong proponent of research.
COVID-19 accelerated many of the changes that had been already in play in
the sector. Schools and universities in Qatar have widely adopted e-learning
platforms. There is also some scattered evidence of the nascent adoption of
AI-powered monitoring, gamification and AR/VR as well as integration of
learning tools into the regular curriculum as a means to enrich students’
learning journeys.
Sustained government action to set and achieve steep development
standards across all levels of education, along with the localisation of foreign
colleges and universities will boost the prospects of the sector over the next
decade.

Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

20 26
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Education Sector in Qatar: Current State Assessment Series

27
About Qatar Development Bank
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) was founded by Emiri Decree
to grow Qatar’s private sector and diversify its economy. His
Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir,
identified these as vital tasks in developing Qatar into a modern
state. Since its establishment in 1997, QDB has been at the
forefront of these efforts. It has worked with thousands of Qatari
entrepreneurs and enterprises and has provided investment
and guidance to brand-new start-ups and well-established
corporations. QDB has built a reputation for identifying
promising investment opportunities. Its focus is on growing
SMEs in key sectors by offering several services via a single
window to support expected growth. Through smart, targeted
financing products and advisory support services, QDB is
nurturing a sound and sustainable knowledge-based economy
for Qatar.

For more information

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P.O. Box 22789
Tel.: (974) 4430 0000
Email: [email protected]
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(974) 5060 6013