Doha: HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater has affirmed that the Qatar Education Excellence Award 2026 (QEEA 2026) carries special significance, with the number of winners from both genders reaching 108-the most significant figure since the award's inception in 2006.
According to Qatar News Agency, HE the Minister noted that the value of the financial accolades has been increased, alongside preparations to further advance the award in the future by introducing new categories, including Educational Leader, Diploma, and Educational Research. This move aims at strengthening the education ecosystem, institutional readiness, capacity building, and knowledge sustainability.
Addressing the honoring ceremony for the 19th edition of QEEA 2026, Al Khater expressed her gratitude to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for his patronage. She highlighted HH the Amir's commitment to making the award a national platform to honor outstanding individuals and embody the principle that education and human development are national priorities.
HE the Minister congratulated the honorees, emphasizing that their excellence results from constant effort, a supportive environment, and a commitment to ambition. She stressed that this recognition represents a renewed responsibility to continue pursuing excellence.
Al Khater elaborated on the nation's vision, treating education as a central pillar in building national strength. She noted the Ministry's collaboration with state institutions to prepare a generation equipped with skills for national development.
Focusing on the past year, Al Khater mentioned the Ministry's efforts in building a high-quality, equitable education system. She highlighted the Supervisory Committee for the National Curriculum Review and Development Project, aimed at aligning learning outcomes with future skills and labor-market requirements.
In addition, foundational programs in Qur'an education and Arabic language skills have benefited over 300 students. The Ministry plans to implement the "Qur'an Teacher" initiative in 15 schools as a pilot project after Ramadan.
Al Khater also discussed character building and values-based education, noting that the Bunyan Student Center attracted over 2,000 students. The Ministry launched initiatives to strengthen national identity and increase participation in the School Olympic Program.
The Ministry's focus on inclusive education includes developing a comprehensive system for students with disabilities, expanding special needs schools, and implementing an educational voucher program benefiting 818 students.
In science and innovation, eight innovation incubators have been launched, and 110 digital innovation clubs activated, benefiting 12,840 students. The Ministry plans to implement a biometric attendance system nationwide by next September.
Al Khater emphasized the career and technical education system's growth, focusing on expanding STEM-focused schools and developing a religious studies institute for girls. She affirmed the continuation of the National School Facilities Development Program, with several new schools operational.
Regarding higher education, Al Khater noted significant growth, with private institutions increasing by 82% since 2016, and public university enrollment rising significantly. Students from 145 countries now represent 42% of the total student population.
She urged higher education institutions to engage with the national academic accreditation framework, highlighting the system's recognition for innovation and research quality.
Concluding her remarks, Al Khater revealed increased male enrollment in the "Tomouh" scholarship program and emphasized the impact of educational and training centers.
Student Fatima Saad Al Mohannadi, a Platinum Medalist, delivered a speech on behalf of her peers, emphasizing the recognition of excellence as a pathway across all stages of education. She highlighted a robust educational environment where knowledge is valued, and creativity is a strategic objective.
Al Mohannadi extended her gratitude to HH the Amir, underscoring the importance of investing in human capital for a prosperous future. She committed to using their knowledge for sustainable development and contributing to the nation's aspirations and vision.