Qatar has joined Gulf partners in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States during a high-level celebration held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The event highlighted education as both a moral responsibility and a strategic pillar for the region’s long-term development.

Qatar’s delegation was headed by the Minister of Education and Higher Education, HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, accompanied by the Ministry’s Undersecretary, HE Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, along with a number of senior officials. The gathering brought together education ministers from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in addition to representatives from prominent regional and international institutions.

On the sidelines of the jubilee events, HE Al Khater toured a special exhibition marking the Arab Bureau’s milestones and observed the signing of a series of strategic cooperation agreements. The partnerships were concluded with leading international and research bodies, including UNESCO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).

A ministerial-level dialogue on the future of education in Gulf states was also held as part of the programme. During the session, HE Al Khater described the Arab Bureau of Education as a regional hub of expertise that has effectively balanced decades of accumulated experience with a forward-looking vision. She commended the Bureau’s contribution to advancing educational reform and reinforcing a unified Gulf approach to educational development.

HE Al Khater underlined that Qatar considers education an ethical obligation aimed at nurturing responsible individuals who are confident in their identity and equipped with leadership and initiative skills. She highlighted Qatar’s ongoing national efforts, including the introduction of an updated curriculum in 2025, designed to reflect global advancements while safeguarding national values.

She also reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to inclusive education, stressing the importance of guaranteeing equal learning opportunities for people with disabilities.

Addressing digital transformation, the Minister noted that Qatar has embraced artificial intelligence in education and is working to develop Gulf-generated educational knowledge capable of stimulating innovation both within the region and beyond.

The golden jubilee celebrations reflected a growing consensus among Gulf states on the importance of regional cooperation, global partnerships and digital advancement as key foundations for future education systems.