Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to placing teachers at the heart of national progress during a ceremony on Sunday marking Teachers’ Day, where educators from across the country were recognised for their dedication and service.

Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education organised the annual Teachers’ Day ceremony at its headquarters in Doha, gathering officials, educators, and students to celebrate what was described as one of the noblest yet most demanding professions.

Addressing the ceremony, Lolwah Al-Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, paid tribute to the vital role of teachers in shaping generations, stressing that their mission would remain central to the State of Qatar’s priorities.

“It gives me great pleasure to meet with you today at this important educational celebration, marking Teachers’ Day, which this year comes under the slogan ‘Giving that bears fruit for generations’,” she said.

Extending her gratitude to the Prime Minister for his patronage, she added that his presence “reflects the great value and attention that the State of Qatar accords to teachers as the cornerstone of human progress and the drivers of development and advancement.”

Al-Khater went on to emphasise that “the slogan is not merely a slogan we raise, but a reality that you bring to life every single day. Each of us carries memories of a teacher whose sincere words, wise guidance, or selfless actions left a lasting mark on our lives. These seemingly fleeting moments are in fact what build students’ confidence, open doors of hope, and instil in them the values of belonging and giving.”

She underscored the importance of investing in continuous training to equip teachers for the challenges of a changing world, noting that over 20,000 educators had benefited from development programmes during the past academic year. Among these initiatives are the ‘Innovation Leaders’ programme, which fosters creative teaching methods, and the ‘Successful Start’ initiative, designed to support new teachers during their first year in the classroom.

In addition, Al-Khater highlighted the expansion of other initiatives designed to nurture Qatari talent and encourage graduates to enter the profession, enabling teachers to gain international experience.

For instance, the Tamouh Scholarship initiative has already produced more than 1,650 graduates, with over 1,100 students currently pursuing their studies.

Al-Khater also pointed to Qatar’s partnerships with leading educational institutions worldwide, which she said were opening new horizons in digital technology and artificial intelligence, ensuring teachers were equipped with tools to prepare students for a rapidly changing future.

These efforts, she added, align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy, placing human capital development at the centre of building a diversified and sustainable society.

Acknowledging the challenges of the profession, Al-Khater said, “the Ministry is currently working through a specialised committee to study the reality of teachers’ work environment, identify the challenges they face, and propose practical solutions to ease administrative burdens and strengthen support systems. The goal is to provide teachers with a motivating professional environment that enables them to focus on their essential mission: teaching, creativity, and giving.”

“Today is therefore an opportunity to renew our commitment to this great profession and to affirm that supporting it will remain at the heart of Qatar’s priorities. Education is the true revolution upon which societies are built,” she concluded.

The ceremony also saw testimonies from teachers, including Hamad Ali Al-Naama of Umm Al-Qura Primary School for Boys, who reflected on the challenges and rewards of the profession.

“Whatever our specialisation may be, teaching gives us the opportunity to lay the foundations for every field and to play a vital role in shaping the future,” he said. Al-Naama described the difficulties he encountered not as obstacles, but as motivation to persevere. “Teaching, after all, is a noble mission before it is a profession; it is a calling that grants us a profound sense of achievement, belonging, and fulfilment.”

Al-Naama closed saying, “this award is a motivation for everyone in the field to continue giving. And I am certain that the day will come when they too will stand on this stage, proudly sharing the story of their dedication and service.”