Qatar aims for regional education hub

DOHA -- At the heart of Qatar`s ambition to become a regional educational hub is the Education City, a burgeoning enclave of educational and research institutions on the western edge of the Persian Gulf capital.

With satellite campuses on six world-renowned U.S. universities and an array of unique academic programs, the EC`s 14-square-kilometer site is spearheading the country`s efforts to become one of the world`s leading knowledge-based societies.

The universities at the EC, run under western curricula and attended by students from scores of countries worldwide, have enabled people in the conservative Islamic society to experience different cultures and new ways of thinking.

The EC is run by the Qatar Foundation, a private, non-profit organization focusing on education, scientific research and community development. Established in 1995, the foundation is currently chaired by Qatari first lady Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned.



The foundation is a principal vehicle to convert the country`s immense oil and gas wealth into durable human capital. It is dedicated to helping build a sustainable society where the sharing and creation of knowledge enhances the quality of life for all, officials said.

The foundation has provided the state-of-art facilities to the schools in the EC on long-term renewable contracts.

The six campuses offer degree programs in selected disciplines that have been identified as specialty areas in each university.

Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar was the first to come to the city in 1998. It offers undergraduate programs in fashion, graphic and interior designs.

Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar offers a six-year integrated study program -- a two-year pre-medical program, followed by a four-year medical program. The college is the only medical school and the first coeducational institution of higher education in Qatar.

Texas A&M University at Qatar offers undergraduate programs in electrical, mechanical, chemical and petroleum engineering. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar offers undergraduate programs in computer science, business administration and information systems.

Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar offers undergraduate programs in international relations. The studies at the school cover government economics, literature, philosophy and theology, preparing graduates for positions in the diplomatic arena, international business and academia.

Northwestern University in Qatar offers degree programs in journalism and communication, preparing students to work in a variety of leading roles in the media and entertainment industries.

Several institutions centering on science and research are also located at the EC. One of them is Qatar Science and Technology Park, a state-of-art facility covering 45,000 square meters of office and laboratory space.

The park, which focuses on energy, the environment and health science plus information and communication technologies, supports international companies, institutes and entrepreneurs to develop cutting-edge technologies and foster their partnership with the local universities.

Another key institute at the city is the RAND-Qatar Policy Institute, which is a joint initiative between the Qatar Foundation and the RAND Corporation, a U.S.-based think tank that works to address issues in public and private sectors through in-depth research and analysis.

The RQPI seeks to address complex public policy issues and develop sound action plans for clients across the Middle East, Northern Africa and South Asia. The institute deals with a wide range of issues involving civil justice, energy, security, education, the environment and health care.

(sshluck@heraldm.com)







By Song Sang-ho/Korea Herald correspondent