Qatar has launched a new initiative aimed at cultivating a domestic workforce of maritime specialists, focusing on training nationals in marine navigation and marine engineering. The programme, announced on June 14, 2026, represents a joint effort between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) and the Ministry of Transport, designed to enhance local expertise in a sector critical to the country’s trade and economic diversification efforts.

The initiative offers two primary educational pathways for Qatari students. Those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marine Navigation can study abroad through an overseas scholarship programme. Participants receive a pre-departure allowance of QR25,000, a monthly stipend of QR14,000, and an annual airfare ticket, with additional benefits available for students enrolled in universities approved under the Amiri Scholarship Programme.

For students opting to study Marine Engineering domestically, the government provides a monthly stipend of QR8,000. This course is offered at local institutions such as the University of Doha for Science and Technology. Officials emphasize that this dual-track approach—overseas study for navigation and domestic education for engineering—reflects a strategic effort to build a diversified and sustainable maritime workforce.

According to Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Affairs at MoEHE, Dr Hareb Mohamed al-Jabri, the maritime sector holds significant strategic importance for Qatar and requires a cadre of qualified nationals to meet current and future demands in ship operations, port management, and overall maritime activities. He characterized the programme as a crucial component in advancing the Qatar National Vision 2030 by reducing reliance on expatriate expertise.

Supporting this vision, Assistant Undersecretary for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, Eng Abdulaziz Abdullah al-Sulaiti, highlighted that the initiative aims to prepare Qatari nationals both academically and professionally to fill roles across maritime transport and logistics organizations. He noted that specialists trained through these programmes will be equipped to conduct vessel inspections, oversee technical soundness, develop maritime regulations, investigate accidents, and enhance safety and security standards. Further, this effort is expected to bolster Qatar’s compliance with international maritime conventions and strengthen the Ministry of Transport’s regulatory and legislative functions.

Noora al-Ansari, Director of the Scholarships Department at MoEHE, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Qatar’s human capital. She emphasized that it is designed to align talent development with labor market needs and elevate the competitiveness of Qatari professionals in the maritime sector. The programme is also intended to enhance operational efficiency within the maritime transport system and support broader ambitions to expand Qatar’s logistics services and maritime economy in line with global best practices.

Overall, the initiative reflects Qatar’s long-term goal of achieving full self-reliance in specialized maritime expertise, ensuring the sustainability and growth of a sector integral to the nation’s economic future.