Doha, Qatar: The British Council launched its latest report, ' Examining sustainability of Transnational Education in Egypt, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates' at Hilton Doha. The event gathered key stakeholders from the education sector to explore the findings and discuss the future of sustainable TNE collaborations. The British Council commissioned report, was developed by Times Higher Education THE, delves into how the Qatar is evolving as a key player in the global higher education landscape, showcasing the importance of international partnerships in shaping the future of education.

The event featured a keynote address from Dr. Hareb Al Jabri (The Acting Assistant Undersecretary of Higher Education Affairs, MoEHE), followed by esteemed panellists including Dr. Khalid Al- Ali (Advisor at the Minister Office, MoEHE), Dr. Arshad Jamal (Dean of Academic Affairs, QFBA Northumbria University), Prof. Gary Bond (Dean, University of Central Lancashire UCLan), and Mr. Brian Buckley (Principal, AFG College with the University of Aberdeen).

The event explored Qatar's growing role in global higher education and the importance of international partnerships. Speakers focused on building sustainable, impactful partnerships and Qatar’s evolving role in the global educational landscape. Inspiring stories were shared from alumni of Northumbria University, University of Central Lancashire, University of Aberdeen, and Qatar University, highlighting the positive impact of UK TNE education.

Key Insights and Findings

The report highlights Qatar's growing role as a leader in Transnational Education (TNE), emphasising its commitment to high-quality academic programmes that align with national development goals, prioritising specialised fields like engineering and technology, which are crucial for the country’s future workforce.  The report also highlights the importance of industry collaborations in driving the success of TNE in Qatar, ensuring students gain valuable practical experience that supports both their academic and career ambitions. These findings demonstrate how TNE is playing a vital role in Qatar’s efforts to develop human capital and diversify its economy.

Key Insights:

• 3,345 Qatari students were enrolled in UK TNE programs in 2022-23.
• 1,545 undergraduate and 1,800 postgraduate students were enrolled in UK TNE programs in Qatar.
• 14% of Undergraduate students in Qatar opted for online/flexible learning formats.
• 45% of postgraduate students in Qatar opted for online/flexible learning formats.

Commenting on the launch of the report, Dr. Waseem Kotoub, British Council Country Director Qatar said: “The findings of this report highlight the unique approach to TNE in Qatar, prioritising quality and alignment with national development goals. While the number of UK TNE students in Qatar is currently smaller than in other countries, the report highlights a growing demand for high-quality, specialised programmes, particularly those with strong industry collaborations. This aligns with Qatar's strategic focus on human capital development and economic diversification. The British Council is committed to supporting sustainable TNE partnerships that contribute to Qatar's vision for a knowledge-based economy”.

The launch event had participants explore and discuss key insights on the future of transnational education in Qatar, emphasising the need for sustainable partnerships and collaboration between global institutions and Qatar educational priorities. The British Council remains dedicated to supporting Qatar educational vision by fostering long-term sustainability, promoting innovation, and strengthening global cooperation in higher education.