The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has formalized a partnership with Somalia’s Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in higher education. The agreement, signed on September 2, 2026, seeks to establish a collaborative framework for academic program development, faculty professional training, and quality assurance practices.
The signing ceremony was attended by UDST President Dr. Salem bin Nasser al-Naemi and Somalia’s Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir. The official signatories of the MoU were UDST Vice-President (Academics) Dr. Rachid Benlamri and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud, director-general for higher education at the Somali ministry.
Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will focus on developing joint diploma-level programs in five specific fields: Information Technology, Information Systems, Construction Engineering, Electric Power and Renewable Energy Engineering Technology, and Healthcare Management. The cooperation also includes plans for establishing a joint, co-branded educational institute in Somalia aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and supporting the growth of higher education in the country.
Dr. Benlamri described the partnership as a demonstration of UDST’s commitment to advancing applied education through international collaboration. He emphasized the university’s role in sharing expertise in program design, faculty development, and quality assurance, with the goal of creating meaningful educational opportunities that contribute to Somalia’s higher education sector.
Mohamud highlighted the significance of the agreement as a key step toward bolstering Somalia’s higher education infrastructure. He expressed optimism about leveraging UDST’s experience in academic development and capacity building to expand opportunities for Somali students and institutions.
The MoU represents a strategic effort to enhance educational ties between Qatar and Somalia, reflecting broader trends of international collaboration aimed at promoting academic quality and capacity building in the Horn of Africa region.