Amir's visit is significant for both countries: Qatari cultural attache

Qatar's cultural attache to the United Kingdom and Ireland Fahad bin Mohammed al-Kuwari confirmed that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the United Kingdom is highly significant for both nations.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), he explained that education plays a central role in Qatari-British ties, especially through partnerships in student scholarships, universities, schools, and institutional collaborations. He described the visit as a culmination of this long-standing and multifaceted relationship.Al-Kuwari further noted that the co-operation between Qatar and the UK in education and culture is extensive, with a strong focus on higher education. The UK remains the top destination for Qatari students worldwide, with over 3,000 Qatari students currently studying in the UK. Additionally, nearly 3,300 Qatari students are enrolled in seven British universities in Qatar.He also pointed out that the British educational system is a major draw in Qatar, with around 50 British schools operating in the country and more than 100 schools offering the British curriculum. Furthermore, over 19,000 candidates from Qatar take the IELTS exam annually. He noted that the growing investments between the two countries reflect an ongoing expansion in co-operation, particularly in higher education.Regarding scientific research collaboration between Qatar and the United Kingdom, al-Kuwari emphasised that scientific research is a fundamental pillar of co-operation between the two countries. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between universities in Qatar and the UK, pointing out that many research projects have been funded by the Qatar National Research Fund. In addition, numerous studies have been conducted in partnership with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, as well as through university partnerships.He also explained the role of Qatar's Cultural Attache Office which provides a range of services. Primarily, the office plays a role in strengthening cultural ties between Qatar and the UK, particularly in education. It also offers guidance and support to Qatari students, helping them gain admission to top programmes.He said that several initiatives are being developed with the UK to attract more Qatari students to study there. He explained that one of these initiatives focuses on increasing the number of Qatari students at universities that Qatar has designated as elite institutions. These include four top universities: Cambridge, Oxford, UCL and Imperial College. He added that the goal is to encourage more Qatari students to apply to these prestigious universities, often referred to as the Ivy League of the UK. Additionally, there are over 20 highly regarded Russell Group universities in the UK.Regarding the co-operation between Qatar's Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the UK's education authorities, al-Kuwari pointed out that there is an agreement in place to strengthen the partnership between the two countries. He added that there was more work being done to reach additional agreements in the cultural and educational areas.He said that engineering and scientific fields are among the top disciplines chosen by Qatari students studying in the UK. The Cultural Attache also noted that interest in studying medicine has surged in recent years, with a growing number of Qatari students pursuing medical degrees in the UK. British universities offer a number of medical school places specifically reserved for Qatari students.Additionally, al-Kuwari said that the Cultural Attache's office in the UK works closely with British university branches in Doha, particularly regarding student exchanges between the two countries. This collaboration also includes the sharing of resources and information to improve the academic experience for Qatari students.He noted that the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, Qatar Energy, and several other government bodies are among the key institutions that sponsor Qatari students to study in the UK.