CCQ to launch AI and Digital Media programmes

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 12, 2026

The Community College of Qatar will launch Associate degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Media starting January 2027, admitting 108 students across both programmes. These new offerings aim to equip students with practical skills aligned with Qatar’s growing AI sector and evolving digital media landscape, supported by industry partnerships and national economic priorities.

The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) is set to introduce two new academic programmes in the spring of 2027: an Associate of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and an Associate of Digital Media. The college plans to enroll a total of 108 students in the inaugural cohort, with 48 admitted to the AI programme and 60 to the Digital Media programme. Classes are scheduled to begin on January 10, 2027.

Transfer applications for current CCQ students wishing to switch into the new programmes will open on October 18, 2026. Registration for new applicants will commence on November 1, 2026, following the college’s established admission criteria.

The new offerings aim to address rapid technological advances and the increasing demand for digital and AI-related skills in Qatar’s labor market. The Associate of Artificial Intelligence, housed within the Information Technology Department of the Science and Technology Division, represents the first associate degree focused on AI in Qatar. This two-year, 60-credit-hour programme combines theoretical coursework with hands-on training in areas such as machine learning, data analysis, computer vision, data structures, and AI ethics. Students will gain practical experience through labs equipped with advanced GPU-based computing resources tailored to prepare them for current industry standards.

Economic forecasts underpinning the programme highlight significant growth in Qatar’s AI sector, with the market expected to expand from $222.81 million to $1.94 billion by 2030. Additionally, AI’s contribution to the country's GDP could reach between $10.57 billion and $13.69 billion. This aligns with Qatar’s national priorities, which emphasize technical fields like information technology, data science, and AI as key focus areas, as outlined in the national scholarship plan and the government sector’s specialist guidance.

The development of the AI programme received endorsements from several global and local technology companies including Google Cloud, Huawei, Microsoft, and Cisco, affirming its relevance to employer needs. Dr. Abdullah Al Ghusha-mi, dean of the Science and Technology Division, emphasized that the programme is designed to meet the increasing demand for professionals equipped with practical AI skills to support digital transformation across various work environments.

Alongside the AI programme, CCQ will launch the Associate of Digital Media through the Literature Department of the Liberal Arts Division. This two-year programme focuses on applied learning to equip students with skills necessary in today’s digital media field. Training will take place in studios and labs simulating real media organization environments. The curriculum covers digital writing, podcast production, web documentaries, data journalism, multimedia production, and the integration of AI technologies in media work, all while emphasizing responsible professional conduct and fostering a sense of national identity.

Dr. Al Jazi Al Athba, dean of the Liberal Arts Division, noted that the programme is designed to keep pace with the evolving media landscape. She highlighted its applied learning approach, preparing students to enter the workforce with relevant practical skills, and underscored the programme’s commitment to professional ethics, national values, and community engagement.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.