Qatar Joins First Gulf Arab Training Conference in Cairo

The first Gulf Arab Training and Development Conference commenced in Cairo on Friday, marking a significant step in regional collaboration for human resource development. The event, which opened in the Egyptian capital, brought together participants for a two-day forum dedicated to advancing training and development initiatives across the Gulf and broader Arab world. Organized by the International Federation for Training and Development, the conference operates under the evocative slogan "From the Gulf to the Ocean… Bridges of Knowledge and Development," showing its expansive vision for knowledge exchange and progress. This inaugural gathering aims to set a precedent for future collaborative efforts in human capital enhancement.

Key Themes and Objectives

Participants from 14 Arab countries, including Qatar, attended the conference in Cairo, reflecting a broad regional interest in its objectives. The full programme for the two-day event includes a series of specialised sessions and working papers designed to address critical areas of modern development. These sessions concentrate on key themes such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and construction and development. The focus on these areas notes the region's commitment to embracing technological advancements and sustainable growth strategies. During the proceedings, a notable contribution came from Jameel Obaid Mohammed Turki, who presented a detailed case study focused on Qatar Community College, offering insights into practical applications and educational best practices. The discussions aimed to foster innovative solutions and share expertise among participating nations.

Building on Past Successes

Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Thani, Qatar’s ambassador to Egypt and permanent representative to the Arab League, attended the opening session of the Cairo conference, signifying Qatar's strong support for regional development initiatives. Nasser Al-Qahtani, director general of the Arab Administrative Development Organisation, also participated in the opening session, further emphasizing the institutional backing for the event. Looking ahead, the International Federation for Training and Development has announced ambitious plans for future events across the region, building on the momentum generated in Cairo. The organization will organize a conference in Oman in September, which will focus specifically on family institutions and identity, addressing key societal structures. Following this, Kuwait is slated to host its inaugural training and development conference in October, marking a new chapter for the country in this domain. These upcoming conferences aim to further extend the reach of training and development initiatives throughout the Gulf and broader Arab world, creating a network of continuous learning and professional growth.

Broader Regional Impact

The conference aims to strengthen and develop Arab human resources, a critical endeavor recognized across the region. Diraa Moajab Al-Dosari, president of the International Federation for Training and Development, eloquently described these human resources as "one of the region’s most important assets," noting their indispensable role in national and regional progress. Organizers intend for the full recommendations emerging from the conference to be systematically submitted to civil service bodies and human resources departments throughout the Arab world. This initiative seeks to foster tangible improvements in human capital across the region by providing actionable insights and best practices derived from the conference's expert discussions. The goal is to translate theoretical knowledge into practical policy and implementation, driving real change in workforce capabilities.

Future Outlook

The Cairo conference follows a series of successful training and development events previously conducted in Doha in 2023, 2024, and 2025, demonstrating a sustained commitment to these themes. Diraa Moajab Al-Dosari, president of the International Federation for Training and Development, explicitly stated that "the event builds on a series of training and development conferences previously held in Doha in 2023, 2024 and 2025," showing a continuous trajectory of knowledge sharing and collaboration. Additionally, the federation has a busy schedule planned, with a civil diplomacy and volunteerism conference scheduled to take place in Tunisia later in September. These ongoing and upcoming events collectively reinforce the commitment of the International Federation for Training and Development to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development across the Arab world.