DOHA: H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, has said that the country’s energy sector is committed to Qatar’s ongoing endeavour to create a strong knowledge-based economy, despite the economic slowdown.
Delivering the keynote address during the 16th annual Qatarisation review meeting of energy and industry sector, the minister said:” 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.”
“Under the wise direction and leadership of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar National Vision 2030 strongly advocates the development of human capital to build a strong knowledge based economy…We must continue the effort to attract, motivate, develop and retain Qatari nationals”, he said.
The meeting was also attended by Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Petroleum; as well as senior executives and representatives from the 37 participating companies in the sector’s Strategic Qatarization Plan. Also present during the event were senior executives from Qatar’s education community.
Dr Al Sada, who stressed on the importance of technical education, said there is a 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 appreciated the efforts taken by large number of companies to educate and equip young Qataris to take up growing job opportunities in various sectors.
Dr Al Sada also used the occasion to recognise three individuals who contributed immensely to support Qatarization in the energy and industry sector over the years. They included Dr. Sheika Al-Misnad, former president of Qatar University, Abubakr Al-Saiari and Roger Gregson, both from Qatar Petroleum.
As part of the event, a high-level review of Qatarization in the sector was presented by three young Qataris, . Mais Taha, Reservoir Engineer from Maersk Oil Qatar; Mohammed Essa Al-Kaabi, Human Resources Manager of (Nakilat); and Mohammed Al-Amadi, Operating Specialist at Q-Chem. This was followed by an Executive Statistical Report regarding Qatarisation in the energy and industry sector.
The 16th Annual Qatarisation Review Meeting also featured the sector’s Eight Annual Qatarisation Awards ceremony, during which Dr. Al-Sada accompanied by Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, honoured companies that exhibited Qatarization excellence in 2015.
The recipients of the prestigious Qatarization Crystal Awards were Qatar Petrochemical Company Ltd (QAPCO) for Support and Liaison with the Education Sector; Maersk Oil Qatar for Supporting Qatarization; Bunduq Company Limited for Support for Training and Development, Dolphin Energy Limited for Supporting Student Sponsorships; and, Qatar General Electricity and water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) for Best Qatarization Progress.
Annual Qatarisation Certificates were also presented to Qatar Fertilizer company (QAFCO) for Support and Liaison with the Education Sector; Qatar Fuel Company (WOQOOD) for Supporting Qatarization; Total E&P Qatar for Support for Training and Development; and ExxonMobile Qatar Inc. for Supporting Student Sponsorships. The highlight of the event was honouring the former chairman of the Strategic Qatarization Committee Abubakr Al Saiari who has served 42 years in the service of Qatar Petroleum with continuous dedication and outstanding commitment to Qatarization in the Energy and Industry sector, and 15 years at the helm of the committee.
The Peninsula
