Education & Research

As part of a long-term strategy to diversify away from dependency on hydrocarbons and move towards a more knowledge-based economy, Qatar has placed considerable importance on education and training. Due to the fact that the Foreign Investment Law exempts the education sector from the requirement to have a local Qatari partner or sponsor, the opportunities for foreign investment and partnerships are numerous, and the process of investing is relatively straightforward. With the population swelling and the government channelling increasing amounts of funds into the system to improve it, chances are that there are opportunities available for any investor looking to participate in the sector. This chapter contains interviews with Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, President, Hamad bin Khalifa University and Vice-President of Education, Qatar Foundation; and Faisal Alsuwadi, President of Research and Development, Qatar Foundation.