Qatar’s economy remains “healthy and expanding”, says HE the Minister of Energy and Industry, Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada.
“The current economic climate should not blur our vision, or restrain our aspirations to realise our Qatarisation goals. Let me assure you that, despite the current economic downturn, Qatar’s economy is healthy and expanding. Today, there are many more job opportunities available to Qatari nationals than ever before,” he said while presiding over the 16th Annual Qatarisation Review Meeting of the energy and industry sector here yesterday.
He said, “Under the wise direction and leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Qatar National Vision 2030 strongly advocates the development of human capital to build a strong knowledge-based economy” adding that“we must continue the effort to attract, motivate, develop and retain Qatari nationals.”
On the importance of technical education, al-Sada emphasised the need to build strong bonds between educational institutions and the companies in the sector to ensure that the educational requirements of the companies are met.
This has already resulted in many companies signing memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with educational institutions to assist in research and to contribute in evaluating the curriculum of educational institutions.
The minister was “pleased to see tremendous efforts” from companies to educate young high school and university students regarding the range of career opportunities in the sector.
On the occasion, the minister also recognised three individuals who have provided a strong contribution and support to Qatarisation in the energy and industry sector over the years. They were Dr Sheika al-Misnad, former president of Qatar University; Abubakr al-Saiari and Roger Gregson (Qatar Petroleum). The welcome message was delivered by Hamad A al-Hammadi, chairman of the Strategic Qatarisation Committee.
The meeting was also attended by Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, QP president and chief executive officer as well as senior executives and representatives from the 37 participating companies in the sector’s Strategic Qatarisation Plan.
As part of the event, a high-level review of Qatarisation in the sector was presented by three young Qataris, namely Mais Taha, reservoir engineer (Maersk Oil Qatar); Mohamed Essa al-Kaabi, human resources manager (Nakilat); and Mohamed al-Amadi, operating specialist (Q-Chem). This was followed by an executive statistical report regarding Qatarisation in the energy and industry sector.
At the event al-Sada and al-Kaabi honoured companies that exhibited “Qatarisation excellence” in 2015.
The recipients of the prestigious Qatarisation Crystal Awards were Qapco (for support and liaison with the education sector); Maersk Oil Qatar (supporting Qatarisation); Bunduq Company (support for training and development) Dolphin Energy (supporting student sponsorships) and Kahramaa (for best Qatarisation Progress). Annual Qatarisation Certificates were also presented to Qafco (support and liaison with the education sector); Woqod (for supporting Qatarisation); Total E&P Qatar (support for training and development); and ExxonMobil Qatar Inc (supporting student sponsorships). The highlight of the event was honouring the former chairman of the Strategic Qatarisation Committee, Abubakr al-Saiari, who has served some 42 years in the service of Qatar Petroleum with “continuous dedication and outstanding commitment” to Qatarisation in the Energy and Industry sector, and 15 years at the helm of the committee.