Latest news with #ThirdNationalDevelopmentStrategy


Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Minister congratulates Community College on receiving five-year institutional accreditation
DOHA: Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater has congratulated the Community College of Qatar on receiving institutional accreditation. The minister wrote on the X platform: "We congratulate the Community College of Qatar on receiving its five-year institutional accreditation, making it the first higher education institution in the country to receive this national accreditation. This is the first outcome of the National Commission for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation (NCQA), established in 2022 by a Cabinet decision. The NCQA is responsible for regulating the academic accreditation process for institutions and programs and managing the National Qualifications Framework, in accordance with the best international standards and practices. I take this opportunity to thank all members and affiliates of the committee for your outstanding efforts." This achievement represents a pivotal milestone in the development of higher education in the State of Qatar and embodies actual progress in achieving one of the goals of the Third National Development Strategy, which aims to enhance the quality of education and ensure its efficiency and outcomes, the minister said in her post. "We commend the accreditation process, which was characterised by positive interaction and high transparency, and we wish the rest of the higher education institutions success in completing their institutional accreditation process," she added.


Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar leads e-mobility transition in MENA region: PwC report
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar is rapidly advancing its transition to electric mobility, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), which emphasises sustainability, economic diversification, and technology-driven growth. The tailored plans implemented in this area have played a pivotal role in steering the country towards a sustainable mobility future. Among these is the Electric Vehicle Strategy 2021, which sets ambitious targets—including electric vehicles (EVs) comprising 10 percent of total vehicle sales by 2030—and supports the rapid deployment of EV infrastructure to facilitate a zero-emission transport future. These insights come from a recent report released by PwC, which notes that EVs are gaining traction in Qatar. The report projects that sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will rise from 1.1 percent in 2024 to approximately 14.4 percent by 2035, while sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are expected to grow from 0.7 percent in 2024 to 9.6 percent by 2035. The report highlights the Ministry of Transport's key role in driving the transition to sustainable mobility through a range of strategic initiatives aimed at building a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally conscious transport system. Thanks to these strategies, 73 percent of Qatar's public buses are already electric—an indication of the country's tangible shift towards green mobility. Additionally, the Ministry has played a significant role in establishing an e-bus assembly plant in the Um Al Houl Free Zone, a joint initiative between Mowasalat (Karwa) and Yutong. The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar marked a milestone in showcasing the nation's e-mobility capabilities. More than 1,000 electric buses were deployed to transport fans and visitors, making it the first-ever FIFA World Cup held in the Middle East with such a strong emphasis on electric transport. By shifting to e-mobility and cleaner energy generation, Qatar can potentially reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 5 percent compared to a fully internal combustion engine fleet—reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, low-carbon transportation. Qatar's dedication to sustainability, coupled with attractive green financing options, further strengthens its position in this sector. With a projected annual economic growth rate of 4.1 percent between 2025 and 2029 and a population expected to reach 3.2 million by 2030, the country is well-placed for sustainable market expansion. The report also points to significant efforts to install over 1,000 EV charging stations by 2030, with plans to expand this number to 4,000 by 2035. Qatar has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for solar capacity to reach 5 gigawatts by 2035—enabling the country to potentially meet EV charging demand entirely through clean energy. To support the development of its e-mobility ecosystem, Qatar has made strategic investments. In 2023, Ecotranzit unveiled prototypes of Vim, the first EV to incorporate Qatari intellectual property. Meanwhile, ABB E-mobility, a global leader in EV charging solutions, partnered with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to establish a state-of-the-art service and training centre in the Um Al Houl Free Zone, providing both theoretical and practical training on EV charging infrastructure. Qatar is also emerging as a key international investment partner, with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) investing in major EV battery manufacturers such as SK On—positioning the country as an important player in the global EV battery sector.


Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar ranks among top ten countries in 2025 Global Competitiveness Report
Tribune News Network Doha The National Planning Council (NPC) has announced that the State of Qatar has made remarkable progress in its development journey by ranking 9th globally in the 2025 Global Competitiveness Report, issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). This marks the first time Qatar enters the top ten countries in the global competitiveness ranking. The achievement reflects Qatar's well-established position in economic and administrative performance indicators and reaffirms the effectiveness of its long-term national policies in implementing the Third National Development Strategy and achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. The Global Competitiveness Report assesses the performance of 67 economies across more than 330 indicators covering four main themes: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Qatar has made significant progress in overall ranking, rising from 11th in 2024 to 9th in 2025. A key driver of this advancement was Qatar's leap in the business efficiency axis, from 11th place in 2024 to 5th in 2025, reflecting ongoing reforms to enhance labor market flexibility, stimulate entrepreneurship, and empower the private sector. Qatar also maintained its 7th place globally in both economic performance and government efficiency, highlighting the resilience of its fiscal policy, the efficiency of public institutions and the quality of governance, especially in light of the current global economic challenges. In the infrastructure axis, Qatar moved up three ranks, indicating continued strategic investment intransport, education, healthcare and digital infrastructure. Commenting on this achievement, HE Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Planning Council, stated: 'Qatar's entry into the top ten globally in the competitiveness Report is a true testament to the clarity of our strategic vision, the solidity of our institutions, and the cohesion of our national efforts. This progress underscores the country's firm commitment to building a dynamic knowledge- and innovation-based economy, that offers fair and sustainable opportunities for all. We continue to implement the Third National Development Strategy in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, while focusing on enhancing competitiveness, achieving sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for the entire population.' The report pointed out that Qatar recorded a significant improvement in several key indicators, where real GDP growth increased by 2.4%, real GDP per capita increased by 0.82%. Additionally, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded a modest 1.07% year-on-year increase, while the homicide rate dropped to 0.07 cases per 100,000 people—the lowest globally. Moreover, Qatar ranked first globally in 14 sub-indicators in the report, including youth unemployment rate, overall unemployment rate, consumption tax rate, individual income tax rate, homicide rate, human capital from expatriate labor, use of big data and analytics, effectiveness of corporate boards, banking and financial services, credit availability, perceived need for economic and social reforms, environmental legislation, financing of technological development, and healthcare infrastructure. Qatar also ranked second in several other sub-indicators, reinforcing its leading position in various aspects of competitiveness. This progress yields tangible benefits for individuals and businesses alike. Qatar's high ranking in global indices boosts investor confidence, generates greater levels of foreign direct investment, and expands job opportunities in developed and future-oriented sectors. It also contributes to creating a business environment that stimulates growth and innovation and supports the diversification and long-term stability of the national economy, which is a key pillar of the Third National Development Strategy. This advancement underscores the effectiveness of Qatar's data-driven policy approach, empowering the private sector, and instilling a governance system based on performance, transparency and innovation, ensuring Qatar's position as a regional and global leader in competitiveness and sustainable development. It should be noted that this is Qatar's 17th consecutive participation in the Global Competitiveness Report, representing a sustained collaboration between the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) and the National Planning Council.


Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar ranks first in the world in 14 sub-indicators
In the infrastructure axis, Qatar moved up three ranks, indicating continued strategic investment in the sectors of transport, education, healthcare and digital infrastructure. Commenting on this achievement, Secretary General of the National Planning Council, HE Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, stated: 'Qatar's entry into the top ten globally in the competitiveness Report is a true testament to the clarity of our strategic vision, the solidity of our institutions, and the cohesion of our national efforts. This progress underscores the country's firm commitment to building a dynamic knowledge- and innovation-based economy, that offers fair and sustainable opportunities for all. We continue to implement the Third National Development Strategy in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, while focusing on enhancing competitiveness, achieving sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for the entire population.' The report pointed out that Qatar recorded a significant improvement in several key indicators, where real GDP growth increased by 2.4%, real GDP per capita increased by 0.82%. Additionally, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded a modest 1.07% year-on-year increase, while the homicide rate dropped to 0.07 cases per 100,000 people—the lowest globally. Moreover, Qatar ranked first globally in 14 sub-indicators in the report, including youth unemployment rate, overall unemployment rate, consumption tax rate, individual income tax rate, homicide rate, human capital from expatriate labour, use of big data and analytics, effectiveness of corporate boards, banking and financial services, credit availability, perceived need for economic and social reforms, environmental legislation, financing of technological development, and healthcare infrastructure. Qatar also ranked second in several other sub-indicators, reinforcing its leading position in various aspects of competitiveness. This progress yields tangible benefits for individuals and businesses alike. Qatar's high ranking in global indices boosts investor confidence, generates greater levels of foreign direct investment, and expands job opportunities in developed and future-oriented sectors. It also contributes to creating a business environment that stimulates growth and innovation and supports the diversification and long-term stability of the national economy, which is a key pillar of the Third National Development Strategy. This advancement underscores the effectiveness of Qatar's data-driven policy approach, empowering the private sector, and instilling a governance system based on performance, transparency and innovation, ensuring Qatar's position as a regional and global leader in competitiveness and sustainable development.


Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar among top ten countries worldwide in Global Competitiveness Report 2025
DOHA: The National Planning Council (NPC) announced that the State of Qatar has made remarkable progress in its development journey by ranking 9th globally in the 2025 Global Competitiveness Report, issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). This marks the first time Qatar enters the top ten countries in the global competitiveness ranking. This achievement reflects Qatar's well-established position in economic and administrative performance indicators and reaffirms the effectiveness of its long-term national policies in implementing the Third National Development Strategy and achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. The Council indicated in its statement that the Global Competitiveness Report assesses the performance of 67 economies across more than 330 indicators covering four main themes: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Qatar has made significant progress in overall ranking, rising from 11th in 2024 to 9th in 2025. A key driver of this advancement was Qatar's leap in the business efficiency axis, from 11th place in 2024 to 5th in 2025, reflecting ongoing reforms to enhance labor market flexibility, stimulate entrepreneurship, and empower the private sector. Qatar also maintained its 7th place globally in both economic performance and government efficiency, highlighting the resilience of its fiscal policy, the efficiency of public institutions and the quality of governance, especially in light of the current global economic challenges. In the infrastructure axis, Qatar moved up three ranks, indicating continued strategic investment in the sectors of transport, education, healthcare and digital infrastructure. Commenting on this achievement, Secretary-General of the National Planning Council Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa said, "Qatar's entry into the top ten globally in the competitiveness Report is a true testament to the clarity of our strategic vision, the solidity of our institutions, and the cohesion of our national efforts. This progress underscores the country's firm commitment to building a dynamic knowledge - and innovation-based economy, that offers fair and sustainable opportunities for all." "We continue to implement the Third National Development Strategy in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, while focusing on enhancing competitiveness, achieving sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for the entire population," he noted. The report pointed out that Qatar recorded a significant improvement in several key indicators, where real GDP growth increased by 2.4 percent, real GDP per capita increased by 0.82 percent. Additionally, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded a modest 1.07 percent year-on-year increase, while the homicide rate dropped to 0.07 cases per 100,000 people, the lowest globally. Moreover, Qatar ranked first globally in 14 sub-indicators in the report, including youth unemployment rate, overall unemployment rate, consumption tax rate, individual income tax rate, homicide rate, human capital from expatriate labor, use of big data and analytics, effectiveness of corporate boards, banking and financial services, credit availability, perceived need for economic and social reforms, environmental legislation, financing of technological development, and healthcare infrastructure. Qatar also ranked second in several other sub-indicators, reinforcing its leading position in various aspects of competitiveness. This progress yields tangible benefits for individuals and businesses alike. Qatar's high ranking in global indices boosts investor confidence, generates greater levels of foreign direct investment, and expands job opportunities in developed and future-oriented sectors. It also contributes to creating a business environment that stimulates growth and innovation and supports the diversification and long-term stability of the national economy, which is a key pillar of the Third National Development Strategy. This advancement underscores the effectiveness of Qatar's data-driven policy approach, empowering the private sector, and instilling a governance system based on performance, transparency and innovation, ensuring Qatar's position as a regional and global leader in competitiveness and sustainable development. It should be noted that this is Qatar's 17th consecutive participation in the Global Competitiveness Report, representing a sustained collaboration between the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) and the National Planning Council.