Qatar Foundation for Social Work welcomed the launch of the Government Scholarship Plan for the academic year (2026–2027), emphasizing that the inclusion of specialized tracks—particularly the Disability Track and behavioral health programs—reflects the State’s commitment to equal opportunities and enhanced inclusivity, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.

In this context, Mr. Rashid Mohammed Al Hamda Al Naimi, CEO of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, affirmed that introducing a dedicated track for persons with disabilities within the scholarship plan represents a fundamental step toward ensuring equitable access to quality higher education. He noted that this initiative supports independence and strengthens the presence of persons with disabilities across academic and professional pathways.

He further explained that the inclusion of behavioral health specializations—most notably clinical psychology—reflects a practical direction toward developing services that are more responsive to the needs of individuals and families. This is achieved through preparing specialized national cadres capable of improving quality of life and enhancing social stability, in line with national priorities in the social development sector.

Within the same framework, Ms. Fatima Saeed Al Saadi, Executive Director of Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, welcomed the plan, stating that the introduction of the Disability Track represents a qualitative leap in Qatar’s strategy to build national competencies. She emphasized that it reflects the country’s firm commitment to empowering persons with disabilities and enhancing their access to higher education in accordance with international best practices.

She added that incorporating this track within the government scholarship system demonstrates an advanced national vision that recognizes investment in human capital as inclusive of all segments of society. Empowering persons with disabilities academically and professionally, she noted, constitutes a key pillar of national development. The track also opens broader opportunities for students to enroll in leading international institutions that provide accessible environments and specialized programs that foster independence and skill development.

For his part, Mr. Mishal Abdullah Al Naimi commended the launch of the scholarship plan, affirming that the inclusion of a dedicated track for persons with disabilities represents a strategic step toward enabling students with visual impairments to access high-quality higher education within supportive and integrated learning environments.

He highlighted that this initiative aligns with national efforts to build an inclusive education system that enables persons with disabilities to develop their academic and professional capabilities and enhance their participation in the labor market. He also noted that the expertise of Al Noor Center for the Blind in rehabilitation and assistive technologies serves as a key enabler in supporting this direction and preparing beneficiaries for university-level education and scholarship opportunities.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jawaher Mohammed Abu Alfain, Executive Director of the Behavioral Healthcare Center, emphasized that investing in the qualification of specialized national cadres in clinical psychology represents a strategic shift toward enhancing the quality of therapeutic and preventive services, as well as improving the efficiency of the country’s mental and behavioral healthcare system.

She explained that this direction contributes to addressing gaps in specialized expertise and supports integration across the health, social, and education sectors. It also enables evidence-based early interventions, thereby enhancing quality of life and mental well-being across society. She affirmed the Center’s readiness to collaborate with relevant entities to provide specialized training environments that support scholarship students, facilitate knowledge transfer, and ensure its effective local application in alignment with national priorities and Qatar National Vision 2030.