Doha: During the past few years, Qatar University (QU) has recorded significant development in its infrastructure, responding to the requirements of change and modernisation in its academic and research buildings, scientific laboratories, and recreational facilities. It is also preparing to open new projects to keep pace with the current needs and future aspirations.
In a statement during the graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020, Vice-President for Administration and Financial Affairs, Dr. Khalid Al Khater, said that in the last few years, QU has implemented numerous projects. The university is also preparing to open a group of completed buildings next year, including the College of Education, College of Law, and Student Affairs.
He explained that within the framework of the university’s urban plan, several projects were implemented, such as the Sports and Events Complex project, which is one of the most important facilities that host university events and sporting activities, and the Ibn Al Bitar Building project, dedicated to the College of Pharmacy and all medical specialties. It contains classrooms and educational and research laboratories and accommodates more than 800 students. QU also completed the university’s Housing Complex, which contains ten residential apartment buildings for students and temporary and visiting faculty members, he added.
Dr. Al Khater announced that the university’s Club building has been completed. It is expected to open in September at the university’s Housing Complex, pointing out that the Club represents a quantum leap in recreational services, which will be designated for the university’s academic and administrative staff.
He also announced a plan for all the university housing buildings to operate at full capacity soon, following the expansion plans and maintaining the current challenges related to COVID-19. He added that a strict plan has been drawn to facilitate the students’ return to university life and regulate their entry to the campus if the return to normal life at the campus is approved.
He highlighted QU’s endeavours to construct a building for the College of Medicine per the university’s infrastructure strengthening strategy. At the same time, work is ongoing regarding the Engineering Building, which will be inaugurated in early 2022 with a capacity of 3,500 students.
Regarding the polarization of the Qatari cadres, Dr. Al Khater said that the university is keen to attract and maintain competencies from all specialties. He stressed that the university has made great strides in localisation and Qatarisation of jobs, especially during the past four years.
He also emphasized QU’s close cooperation with the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) to employ Qataris, which contributed to the employment of many, training and developing skills according to the university’s requirements.
