General

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs' (Awqaf) Human Resources Department has concluded the first phase of a sign language training program designed for customer service and frontline staff. The program aims to enable effective communication with the deaf, the hard of hearing, and individuals with speech difficulties, thereby enhancing the quality of services provided to this demographic. The comprehensive training program targets 26 administrative staff members from the Ministry and is conducted in two phases; the first took place from Oct. 4 to 8, while the second is scheduled for Oct. 18 to 22. A period of practical field application is included between the two phases, allowing participants to directly apply the skills they have acquired within the workplace. The program’s implementation aligns with the Ministry’s strategic objectives to develop human capital and embed values ​​of inclusivity and social integration. It also supports the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to build a cohesive society that empowers persons with disabilities and facilitates their access to government services. In this context, Director of the Human Resources Department at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Mohammed Hassan Al Malki noted that investing in employee skill development is a cornerstone of achieving institutional excellence. He highlighted that the program focuses on practical application and direct communication, while also providing digital reference materials to ensure the sustainability of the knowledge gained. The training is supervised by expert Mohammed Ali Al-Banali, accredited by the Arab Union for Organizations Working in the Care of the Deaf, with the participation of personnel from key ministry departments, including Financial and Administrative Affairs, Islamic Affairs, Human Resources, Zakat Affairs, Mosques, and the General Directorate of Endowments (Awqaf).

Health

The clinic brings together oncology and vascular surgery expertise to ensure continuity of care and enhance the patient experience. Doha, Qatar: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has launched a new specialized clinic at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) to support cancer patients who require repeated intravenous treatments. The clinic provides specialized assessment to determine the most appropriate method of care tailored to each patient’s condition and treatment plan. The clinic brings together oncology and vascular surgery teams from the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) and the Vascular Surgery Department at HGH. This provides a full picture of each patient’s needs related to intravenous treatment, and helps with planning and follow-up at every stage of treatment. Many cancer patients require medications and treatments to be administered intravenously repeatedly during their treatment. Some patients may experience difficulty establishing and maintaining suitable venous access for treatment, particularly when treatment sessions are frequent and follow-up extends over a long period. The clinic assesses these cases and determines the most appropriate option for each patient, while also monitoring their health needs and the type of treatment they receive. This helps medical teams plan for the patient’s needs and avoid unnecessary delays or difficulties during treatment. From left: Dr. Mohammed Salem Al Hassan, Medical Director and CEO of NCCCR and Chairman of Cancer Services at HMC, Dr. Al-Harith Al-Khater, Head of Oncology, Palliative Care and Urgent Care Services at NCCCR and Dr. Hassan Ali Saud Al Thani, Head of Trauma, Vascular, and General Surgery Department at HGH Dr. Mohammed Salem Al Hassan, Medical Director and CEO of NCCCR and Chairman of Cancer Services at HMC, said: “We are committed to continuously developing cancer care services to meet patients’ diverse needs throughout their treatment journey. The launch of this clinic is part of these efforts, providing specialized care to address a critical challenge many patients experience during treatment”. “Caring for cancer patients requires ongoing integration among different medical specialties and areas of expertise. We place great importance on this integration to ensure continuity and coordination of the services provided to patients and to address their needs,” added Dr. Al Hassan. Dr. Al-Harith Al-Khater, Head of Oncology, Palliative Care and Urgent Care Services at NCCCR, said: “Some cancer patients require intravenous treatments over extended periods, and their needs may change as treatment continues. The clinic enables medical teams to assess these needs at an early stage and address them as part of the patient’s treatment plan, helping to facilitate the treatment journey and manage challenges that may arise.” Dr. Hassan Ali Saud Al Thani, Head of Trauma, Vascular, and General Surgery Department at HGH, said: “Some patients may experience difficulty maintaining suitable venous access for treatment, particularly when intravenous treatments are administered repeatedly. Specialized assessment helps determine the appropriate options for each case based on the patient’s needs and the nature of their treatment.” “This pathway enables cases requiring specialized assessment to be addressed in a timely manner and supports decision-making regarding venous access options according to each patient’s needs”. One patient described their experience with the clinic, saying: “I used to feel anxious before my chemotherapy sessions because of the difficulty accessing my vein. Sometimes this meant having to make repeated attempts to insert the needle, which caused me pain and discomfort. After I was referred to the clinic, the team, along with the Vascular Surgery team, listened to my concerns and explained the option that was appropriate for my condition. They answered my questions clearly, which made me feel more reassured. After the appropriate catheter was inserted for my treatment, receiving my medications became easier and more comfortable.”

Education

Doha, Qatar: Community College of Qatar (CCQ) has announced the launch of two new programs in Spring 2027: the Associate of Artificial Intelligence and the Associate of Digital Media. This initiative aligns with the college's efforts to keep pace with digital transformation requirements and labor market needs. CCQ plans to admit 108 students in the first cohort, with 48 in Artificial Intelligence and 60 in Digital Media. Classes begin on Jan. 10, 2027. In a statement issued Sunday, CCQ announced that the Admission and Registration Department will open transfers into the new programs for current CCQ students in other majors starting Oct. 18, 2026, while registration for new applicants opens on Nov. 1, 2026, in line with CCQ's approved admission requirements and procedures. Read Also Qatar expands digital access to business and investment opportunities Qatar forecasts possible rain, thunderstorm until October 14 The Associate of Artificial Intelligence, offered by the Information Technology Department in CCQ's Science and Technology Division, is the first associate degree in this field in Qatar. The two-year, 60-credit-hour program combines academic study with hands-on practice in areas including machine learning, data analysis, data structures, computer vision, and AI ethics, where students train in labs with advanced GPU-based computing equipment, supported by recommendations from global and local technology companies, including Google Cloud, Huawei, Microsoft, and Cisco, offering the possibility of transferring up to 54 credit hours to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Qatar University (QU), in line with approved academic pathways and requirements. In this regard, Dean of the Science and Technology Division Dr. Abdullah Al Ghushami said, "This program responds to the need for professionals with practical skills in artificial intelligence and related technologies," adding that CCQ surveys showed strong interest in the field. In the surveys, 68% of students said they wanted to enroll in the program. In addition, 95% of employers and officials surveyed said their organizations have specialized units or departments that need graduates of this program, such as the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, the National Cyber Security Agency, and QatarEnergy. CCQ is also launching the Associate of Digital Media, a two-year program offered by the Literature Department in the Liberal Arts Division, which runs under the slogan "Today's Field, Tomorrow's Opportunities in Qatar." The curriculum covers digital writing, podcast production, web documentaries, data journalism, multimedia production. Dean of the Liberal Arts Division Dr. Al Jazi Al Athba affirmed that the program integrates modern technologies while underscoring professional responsibility and national identity, thereby preparing graduates for careers in media organizations, government sectors, and telecommunications and marketing companies. The launch of these two programs aligns with the inclusion of these disciplines among the priority areas in the scholarship plan and the government’s guide to targeted specializations, against the backdrop of projections that Qatar’s artificial intelligence market will grow to $1.94 billion by 2030.