TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA A NEW course in Gulf studies — the first of its kind in the Middle East and only the second in the world – has been launched in the country’s national university.

The Master’s programme in Gulf Studies at Qatar University comes at a time when the world’s gaze is increasingly focused on this region. Qatar has enhanced its international profile as a vibrant state.

The two-year full-time programme is designed to provide students with an advanced interdisciplinary understanding and indepth knowledge of issues related to the states of the Arabian Gulf. Courses covered in the programme relate to heritage, society, politics, economics, the environment, media, international relations and the Gulf’s energy industry. The programme is offered on a part- time basis for those who are currently employed.

Students have the opportunity to learn from leading in-house and visiting experts in the field such as University of Bahrain’s awardwinning professor of sociology Dr Baqer al Najjar, who taught the course ‘City and Society in the Gulf’ in Spring this year.

Launched in September 2011 and competing only with Exeter University in the UK, Qatar University’s course has already attracted interest from students across the world. Those starting the course this September will also have the opportunity to undertake an internship in public organisations within Qatar.

The organisation also hosted in November 2011, the first-ever forum to be held in the region to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The two-day scientific and academic conference was organised by the Gulf Studies Programme and the Department of International Affairs (DIA) under the theme, ‘The GCC at 30: Past Achievements and Future Prospects’.

The event brought together regional academics and experts to discuss the alliance’s gains and challenges, its growing international role and the way forward, and gave students the opportunity to be oriented on the GCC’s political, economic and social progress and development.

College of Arts & Sciences Dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi said, “The Gulf region is growing in importance on a regional and global level. Therefore, QU embraces its responsibility to connect with issues that impact on the region and to develop programmes that reflect this.”