QAA, UDST sign pact to co-operate in higher education, research areas

Qatar Aeronautical Academy (QAA) and the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding of co-operation in the education and higher education sectors.QAA director-general HE Sheikh Jabor bin Hamad al-Thani and UDST president Dr Salem Al-Naemi signed the MoU in the presence of HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti.The objective is to help develop the academic and research co-operation between the two sides based on mutual benefit. Areas of co-operation include redesigning the foundation programme, and jointly upgrading the diploma programmes, currently offered by the QAA, to a bachelor’s degree and making them available for admission at both entities with a certificate to be issued by the UDST. Co-operation areas also cover scientific research, student affairs, marketing, and training.HE the Transport Minister said the agreement will reflect positively on building up and improving students’ knowledge in a way that supports human development and the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030."The Ministry of Transport (MoT) supports all forms of co-operation with educational institutions to optimise the work of the QAA further thereby building promising generations capable of meeting the requirements of the civil aviation industry,” HE al-Sulaiti said. He thanked the two parties for their efforts to sign the MoU noting that it would serve students’ learning paths according to their aspirations and desires.The QAA director-general lauded the signing of the MoU, which lays the foundation of a strategic partnership with UDST."The MoU will achieve the desired benefit for both parties, most importantly, enabling QAA students to enrol at UDST,” he said, noting that the co-operation with UDST will open promising prospects for future co-operation, exchange of expertise and development of work between the two sides, thereby creating new opportunities to obtain higher degrees.Al-Naemi emphasised the importance of the MoU in terms of empowering the QAA’s students, sharpening their skills, and allowing them to complete their academic path at UDST. He praised the faith the academy has placed in UDST through the efforts of the MOT and the QAA administration.He also pointed out the potential good outcomes of this MoU such as the exchange of expertise and conducting joint research within the framework of the national strategic pillars, which help meet the needs of the country and national industries and contribute to developing the national economy within the framework of the QNV2030.