Hundreds of students and professionals from schools across Qatar headed towards Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) on 28 November for the University Expo Qatar to learn more about higher education in Qatar and abroad, and their academic and professional careers.

The Uni Expo Qatar 2018 was officially opened by HE Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education Qatar. HE Al Hammadi praised the importance of the University Expo Qatar for young prospective students. Speaking at the opening, he said, ‘Our strategy is to enhance education within the state of Qatar by providing  a variety of choices for students in Qatar, whether this is through private and public universities. As you see there are more than 41 universities in Qatar and we are hoping to increase this over the coming years.’

The opening seminar was a University Showcase by Professor Allen Miller from the University of South Carolina who spoke about Higher Education and Research Opportunities. Other seminars included; Studying in France: Essential Information for Students and Parents by HE Ali Zainal, Ambassador State of Qatar, UNESCO. Speaking about the Expo, HE Zainal, said, ‘I was approached by many parents telling me how rich this expo is with information. The expo is hosting a lot of universities from different countries, so it is adding the value of diversity to the space as well.’

Another equally important seminar: You’re going to the US too? A meet-up for students looking to study in the US and Studying in the USA: Essential Information for Students & Parents by Melissa Deschamps, Regional Educational Advising Coordinator (REAC), MENA, Education USA was attended by those interested in furthering their education in North America.

She said, ‘It’s important for Education USA to be here at University Expo Qatar, because it’s important for students to know that there are resources that are free, that provide wide range information on all accredited universities. We provide unbiased help for students and help them to find their priorities, find their right fit school and help them get their applications together the way they should.’

High school student, Mohith from GEMS Wellington School – Qatar, said, ‘I like this university exhibition, because it shows us all the universities from various countries, including the ones in Qatar, providing all the details and answers to all our questions, so we can know what to do in the future.’

The second half of day one seminars also included talks focusing on Studying in the UK: Essential Information for Students & Parents;You’re going to Australia too? Meet-up for students looking to study in Australia, a university showcase of the Qatar University and a talk about Student Wellbeing: How To Protect Yourself from Cyber Criminals by Dr Ameer Al Nemrat, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader, University of East London among others.

Noureddine from Musab Bin Omair School, said, ‘The beautiful thing about this exhibition is that is gives you a clear and thorough idea on each and every specialty. If, for example, you were in doubt which specialty to study, the expo lets you know all the details on each specialty with all the details and full information of each subject.’

Day two will focus on other matters relating to tertiary education such as Studying in Hong Kong: Essential Information for Students & Parents from Eric Lo, Senior Representative, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, You’re going to the UK too? A Meet-up for students looking to study in the UK a University Showcase of Northumbria University and Studying in Canada: Essential Information for Students & Parents by Mohammed Salhi, Trade Commissioner Education, Canadian Embassy.

Mohammed Al Obaidly, Board Member, Informa Tharawat, said, ‘We are very pleased with the first days’ attendance to University Expo Qatar and are thrilled to see so many young people and professionals engaging with universities and tertiary institutes on informationpertaining to their tertiary education, scholarship programmes, as well as managing finances and studying abroad. We look forward to Day 2 where we will offer a range of seminars, booths and meet-ups for prospective students to help educate them about their futures and furthering their tertiary education.’

University Expo Qatar is organised by Informa Tharawat, in collaboration with Qatar Chamber, presented by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar, and coordinated under the First Academic Institutions licensing expert Hanan Al Saadi.

The University Expo Qatar will run until 29 November from 8 am – 1 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm at QNCC.