Doha, October 01 (QNA) - The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) launched the Katara International Academy, reinforcing the Foundation's role in education, training, and capacity building while drawing on its cultural and professional expertise to develop programs and pathways that meet the needs of individuals and institutions.
The launch took place during a ceremony held at Building 15 in Katara, attended by officials, academics, experts, and other interested parties.
General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation and Chairman of the Katara International Academy Board of Directors Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said the launch marks a new milestone in the Foundation's journey and a significant addition to its cultural and knowledge ecosystem. He noted that the Academy's establishment is based on the belief that culture and education are complementary pillars of human development, and that cultural institutions, with their wealth of experience and knowledge resources, can contribute effectively to human capacity building and the development of professional skills.
He added that the Academy's institutional vision goes beyond offering standalone training programs, aiming instead to build integrated educational and development pathways that address the actual needs of individuals and institutions and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Dr. Al Sulaiti said the Academy aspires to become a leading platform in Qatar and the region for cultural and professional education and training, linking knowledge with identity, heritage with innovation, and learning with sustainable impact.
For his part, Director General of the Katara International Academy Dr. Hassan Abdullah Al Mannai told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Academy was established with culture, particularly Katara, as its foundation. He said it focuses on culture and its integration with science and knowledge, offering two tracks: vocational training and academic education.
He added that agreements were signed on Thursday with the National University of Malaysia and the Al-Adasa Media Network. These partnerships will help advance the Academy's mission and support the development of curricula and courses based on both academic and vocational principles.
Dr. Al Mannai explained that the Academy is committed to linking culture with training and education, noting that culture is a fundamental component of education and a connection the Academy places particular emphasis on.
He emphasized the Academy's commitment to selecting experienced instructors with expertise in their respective fields and integrating their knowledge with the Academy's digital platform. He added that the Academy plans to establish partnerships with various entities in the near future.
He also highlighted specialized courses for children, including Al-Ardah (traditional dance), “Young Falconer,” Arabian horse training, and Majlis etiquette. The Academy also offers courses tailored for girls, including women's empowerment, female leadership, and “Sana' Banatina” (Our Daughters' Etiquette) course, all of which reflect cultural values and the role of women in society and the workforce.
For his part, Deputy Director General of the Katara International Academy Dr. Mohammed Khalid Al Hajri outlined the Academy's areas of operation and the services it provides. He explained that the Academy's approach to program design begins by identifying the specific outcomes and skills participants are expected to acquire upon completing the training. Based on these requirements, content, trainers, activities, and assessment tools are selected to ensure that the training addresses clear needs and produces measurable results.
Dr. Al Hajri noted that the Academy offers organizations various forms of cooperation, including implementing specific employee training programs, developing comprehensive career development pathways for different job categories, preparing joint annual training plans, and designing tailored programs based on the specific needs and challenges of each organization. (QNA)