Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), with representation from the National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation (NCQAA), in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other regional bodies, hosted the second meeting of officials tasked with ensuring higher education quality and academic accreditation across GCC states. The event aimed to enhance collaboration and share expertise among institutions to achieve efficient and high-quality educational policies and practices, aligning with global standards.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Mazen Omar Hasna, Chairperson of NCQAA, highlighted the opportunities presented by rapidly evolving AI technologies and new educational concepts like micro-credentials. He stressed the importance of these advancements in maintaining educational quality for both young learners and lifelong education seekers. Dr. Hasna praised Qatar’s higher education strategy, which emphasizes quality as a fund
amental element of progress and aligns with Qatar’s third National Development Strategy focusing on human advancement for sustainable development.
HE Eng. Abdullah Bin Ali Al Rubaie, Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs at the GCC Secretariat General, expressed gratitude towards Qatar for hosting the event, emphasizing the importance of such meetings in advancing education in the region. He acknowledged the GCC General Secretariat’s support in fostering joint Gulf educational efforts.
The meeting addressed various topics of mutual interest, including the progress of higher education and academic accreditation in GCC states. Key discussions involved the GNQAHE’s proposed projects, such as a shared database for external auditors and a series of joint training programs. Additionally, the meeting reviewed the draft project for unified Gulf standards for institutional and programmatic academic accreditation for higher education institutions in GCC states. Plans to convene future meetings of GCC higher edu
cation and scientific research ministers were also discussed.
Dr. Hasna reiterated to Qatar News Agency the meeting’s significance in allowing GCC institutions to share expertise and knowledge. He highlighted Qatar’s initiatives, including the creation of a register for auditors and the organization of training workshops, preparing 45 local auditors for academic accreditation visits. Dr. Hasna advocated for the involvement of both internal and external auditors to ensure adherence to global best practices, emphasizing the importance of a shared auditor register and joint training projects.