QF Creates Pathways to Purposeful Careers
A professor at a Qatar Foundation partner university warns of the "blind power" of AI – and its potential consequences for human knowledge Story
137 British-based graduates of QF's schools and universities are making their mark in fields ranging from AI and medicine to policy and sustainability Story 5 min read
As QF continues building the region's future healthcare leaders, one medical student's research success highlights the power of accessible world-class education
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ILoveQatar.net
5 days ago
- ILoveQatar.net
Qatar expands scholarships for nursing and first aid, includes Doha-born residents and PR holders
As reported by Al Raya on 31 July 2025, Professor Saleh Mohammed Al-Muftah, Deputy Director of the Scholarships Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, revealed the expansion of the government scholarship plan for the new academic year. The updated plan includes specialisations such as nursing and first aid, as part of efforts to support more eligible groups, including those born in Doha, holders of Qatari documents, and permanent residency holders. As per the report on Al Raya, Professor Al-Muftah confirmed that individuals born in Doha are now eligible to join the internal government scholarship program in nursing at Qatar University and Doha University of Science and Technology. Holders of Qatari documents and permanent residency holders benefit from increased flexibility in scholarship programs. This includes the possibility of joining the "Tamooh" program for secondary school students in scientific tracks, as well as specialisations in pharmacy, nursing, and first aid. Professor Al-Muftah emphasised that this initiative is designed to meet the needs of the health sector, highlighting nursing as one of the priority specialisations in the current scholarship plan. Scholarship requirements and post-graduation employment He explained that the scholarship conditions for these categories require a minimum GPA of 80%, whether for students holding a high school diploma or enrolled in a foundation year, with the additional requirement of maintaining the necessary cumulative GPA in the chosen speciality. He added that upon signing the contract, students are directly linked to a beneficiary organisation, such as Hamad Medical Corporation or Sidra Hospital, where they will begin employment within one month of graduation. Students enrolled in these specialisations also receive a monthly stipend. New diplomas and bachelor's specialisations Among the new specialisations introduced this year under the government scholarship program are six diploma tracks: Biological Sciences Podiatry Dental Technician Anesthesia Technician Road Engineering Drawing Medical Records Coding and Encryption He noted a rise in applications from female students. A new specialisation, "Computer Teacher", has also been added, with several high-achieving students already applying. Applications are now being accepted for the STEM Bachelor's program at Doha University of Science and Technology. University admissions and high-demand tracks He also announced that admissions for U.S. universities have been completed, while applications for British universities are currently being reviewed. Admissions will be processed in August for Education City universities, Qatar University, Doha University of Science and Technology, and Lusail University. The most sought-after tracks so far include medicine, computer science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, with students receiving initial or final acceptances, including to Weill Cornell University in Education City. Developments in the 'Tamooh' program Regarding the "Tamooh" program, Professor Al-Muftah stated that it has undergone a qualitative shift by offering students from the Arts and Humanities track the chance to enrol in the College of Education at Lusail University, majoring in English Language and Health and Psychological Counselling. Science track students are also now able to enrol in the "STEM" program at Doha University of Science and Technology. He expects the number of male students to increase this year to more than 110, compared to 4 or 5 in previous years. Strategic partnerships and sector demand He further explained that the government scholarship plan is being developed in partnership with: Ministry of Education and Higher Education Civil Service Bureau and Government Development Ministry of Labour Private sector stakeholders This cooperation has resulted in requests from the private sector for scholarships in 408 specialisations. Top students granted special privileges Professor Al-Muftah also highlighted that the top ten Qatari students in both science and arts and humanities tracks, as well as students from specialised tracks, are eligible for special privileges this year. These include: Freedom to enrol in any accredited major Monthly financial reward based on specialisation This is the first time these privileges are being implemented in this form and aim to encourage excellence in priority disciplines. Master's and PhD scholarships Speaking on postgraduate opportunities, he stated that students are being sent to the top 200 universities worldwide based on track and specialisation classifications. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, prioritising high school graduates with the highest grades. The program includes academic degrees at the diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. He explained that: Bachelor's degree scholarships require an 80% high school GPA Diploma scholarships require a 70% GPA Students must meet postgraduate admission standards Master's scholarships are limited to Qatari nationals working in the public sector. PhD scholarships are reserved for national cadres affiliated with academic or research institutions and require unconditional acceptance from an accredited university in an approved specialisation. English language proficiency English proficiency is also mandatory, with students needing to meet one of the following: 80% in the English subject in high school IELTS score of 6 TOEFL score of 550 Language program abroad (if studying in a non-English-speaking country) All candidates must fulfill the general scholarship conditions as well. Creative economy and media sector focus Professor Al-Muftah also discussed the Creative Economy track for external scholarships, supported by 45 entities in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour. This track includes nearly 20 specialisations, such as: Tourism and Hospitality Museum Studies Event Management Restoration (various materials) Film and Television Animation Financial Technology Entrepreneurship Graphic Design Music and Sound Engineering As part of this initiative, the Qatar Media Corporation has launched a specialised program with Doha University of Science and Technology to train students for careers in journalism, broadcasting, and media production. The track also includes key specialisations in sports. Source: Al Raya Cover image: Shutterstock
Qatar Tribune
03-08-2025
- Qatar Tribune
Hundreds of Gaza children to be brought to UK for treatment
PA Media/dpa London Up to 300 children could be evacuated from Gaza and given medical treatment in the UK. The plans are reportedly set to be announced within weeks. A parent or guardian will accompany each child, as well as siblings if necessary, and the UK Home Office will carry out biometric and security checks before travel, the Sunday Times reported. This will happen 'in parallel' with an initiative by Project Pure Hope, a group set up to bring sick and injured Gazan children to the UK privately for treatment. More than 50,000 children are estimated to have been killed or injured in Gaza since October 2023, according to UNICEF. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said last week that the UK was 'urgently accelerating' efforts to bring children over for treatment. A government spokesperson said: 'We are taking forward plans to evacuate more children from Gaza who require urgent medical care, including bringing them to the UK for specialist treatment where that is the best option for their care. 'We are working at pace to do so as quickly as possible, with further details to be set out in due course.' The UK and Jordan have been working together to air drop aid amid warnings of widespread malnourishment in Gaza. It comes as the UK seeks to put pressure on Israel to change course with a plan to recognise a Palestinian state in September ahead of the UN General Assembly. Starmer has said the Unied Kingdom would only refrain from recognising Palestine if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire and signs up to a long-term peace process over the next two months. Concerns have been raised this could see a Palestinian state recognised by the UK without Hamas releasing the remaining Israeli hostages.
Qatar Tribune
29-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
Sidra Medicine provides 1st full adolescent eating disorders clinic in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, offers a specialised eating disorders clinic within its Adolescent Medicine programme to support children and young people, aged eight to 17. As the only comprehensive eating disorder programme in Qatar, the clinic plays a vital role in addressing a growing health concern by providing holistic, multidisciplinary care tailored to the complex physical and mental health needs of adolescents. Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team including paediatricians, psychologists, dietitians, and social workers. The team is trained in gold-standard therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) and Family-Based Therapy. The clinic provides diagnosis and management for conditions such as Anorexia Nervosa (restrictive and binge-purge types); Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID); and co-occurring mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and low self-esteem. Dr. Madeeha Kamal, acting division chief of Adolescent Medicine, General Paediatrics, and Dermatology at Sidra Medicine, said: 'Eating disorders are not simply about food or weight. They are complex mental health conditions with deep emotional and psychological roots. They often go unnoticed, as many young people hide their symptoms. Our clinic is committed to raising awareness and providing specialised care that combines medical, psychological, nutritional, and family support.' A standout feature of the programme is its integration of allied health professionals who play a crucial role in each patient's recovery. Dietitians offer tailored nutritional support to help adolescents, and their families reach treatment goals, while psychologists address underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and body image concerns. Social workers also work closely with families to address relational dynamics that may be contributing to the disorder, reinforcing the importance of trust and support throughout the healing process. The programme also has an inpatient service for adolescents requiring round-the-clock care and therapy. Patient management, for both outpatients and inpatients, is based on the American Academy of Paediatrics guidelines. Dr. Al Hammadi, chair of paediatric Medicine at Sidra Medicine, said: 'At Sidra Medicine, we have witnessed many success stories. One patient, admitted at age 13 with severe malnutrition and a critically low heart rate, made a full recovery through coordinated inpatient care and ongoing outpatient support. 'She went on to graduate with distinction and gained admission at a leading international university. All of us were so proud of her progress and milestones. With more than 90 percent of our patients achieving long-term recovery, this programme demonstrates that with comprehensive treatment and strong family involvement, adolescents can regain their health and lead fulfilling lives.' Dr. Kamal shared some advice and guidance for parents, if they are worried about their children's eating habits, saying: 'Early detection is extremely crucial when it comes to eating disorders. Which is why it is important for us to work together with the family because together we can make a difference in their child's life.' 1. Early detection: Look out for warning signs in your child. • Are they skipping meals or following rigid food rules like eliminating whole food groups (like carbs or fats) or preoccupied with calories, 'clean eating,' or weight? • Have you seen any noticeable weight fluctuations? • Is your child avoiding eating in social situations? nutrition matters: Supports growth, development, and emotional health. • What does a balanced diet look like? • It includes 3 meals and 2-3 snacks daily and daily food intake is composed of key food groups: Fruits & Vegetables; Whole Grains; Proteins; Dairy or Alternatives and Fats: Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils for brain health. 3. Importance of family meals: To foster connection and structure • Incorporate daily family meals into your routine with your child. • Make mealtimes a safe and supportive space. • Family meals are essential in the recovery journey from eating disorders – regular shared meals provide stability, support and connection. Sidra Medicine remains committed to advancing adolescent health through innovation, research, and compassionate care.
