Students arrive at a public school on the first day of the new academic year yesterday. Pic: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil / The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has extended his best wishes to students across Qatar at the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, highlighting their role as future leaders and key contributors to the nation’s development.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: “At the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, we wish all male and female students success. We have great confidence in you to be role models of diligence, perseverance, and creativity. You are the foundation of the future and our partners in continuing to build our nation and achieve its sustainable development, with the support of your esteemed parents.”
Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim also extended his best wishes to students across Qatar for a successful 2025–2026 academic year and thanked school management for their dedication in preparing to welcome students back. In a post on X, the Speaker said: “Today, we celebrate the return of our children to their classrooms with the start of the new 2025–2026 academic year. I wish my sons and daughters, the students, a joyful school year filled with success and excellence, asking Almighty Allah to bless their knowledge and efforts and to fulfil their aspirations.”
He added: “On this occasion, at the beginning of the school year, I also take the opportunity to commend the efforts of the administrative and academic staff in all our schools and their readiness to welcome our students, appreciating their role in nurturing and building future generations and their dedication to the noble profession of teaching.”
Students across Qatar returned to their classrooms yesterday, marking the launch of the new academic year. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has completed all the necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and successful start, following weeks of intensive planning.
Schools buzzed with excitement as students reunited with friends and teachers, eager to embark on a new year of learning and growth. The first day was full of orientation activities, setting the tone for a year of academic excellence and personal development.
In preparation for welcoming students to the new academic session, Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) organised an extensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme for its staff, which lasted for nearly ten days. During this programme, teachers participated in rigorous professional training sessions, including workshops led by industry experts and peer-learning activities.
This initiative, organised under the leadership of Principal Ch. Muhammad Afzal, marked the first time in many years that such a comprehensive training programme was conducted at the school. The purpose of the CPD was to ensure that teachers are fully equipped with the latest pedagogical strategies, classroom management techniques, and subject expertise, enabling them to deliver high-quality education and meet the diverse learning needs of students.
"Alongside the training, the school also completed all necessary preparations for the new session, such as classroom décor, cleanliness drives, and the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical appliances, including air conditioners. On the opening day, nearly 65% of students were in attendance, and the school witnessed a large turnout of parents who came to meet teachers, inquire about new admissions, purchase of books and stationery from the school bookshop, and to clear outstanding dues," the PISQ Principal told The Peninsula.
According to the Ministry, a total of 629 schools and kindergartens are operating across the nation this year, including 278 government schools and 351 private schools.
