_{Qatar Government School Registration 2026-2027: How to Enroll Online via Maarif Portal}

If you are planning to enroll your child in a government school in Qatar for the 2026-2027 academic year, or if you want to transfer them from one public school to another, the registration window is now open. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced on August 24, 2026 that electronic registration and transfer for students of all nationalities in Qatar’s public schools is available from August 25 to October 1, 2026.

Everything is done online through the Maarif portal. Here is what you need to know.

Key Details: Qatar Government School Registration 2026-2027

Registration period: August 25 to October 1, 2026
Who can apply: Students of all nationalities
Type: New enrollment and school transfers
How to apply: Online through the Maarif portal
Portal link: Click here
Announced by: Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar (@Qatar_Edu)

Who Is This For?

This registration window covers two groups of families. First, families with children who are joining a Qatar government school for the first time, whether they are new to Qatar or transitioning from a private school to the public system. Second, families who already have children in a government school but want to transfer them to a different public school, whether due to a change of address, a new sibling at a different school, or any other reason.

The announcement specifies that this is open to students of all nationalities, which means both Qatari nationals and expatriate residents can apply through the same online system.

How to Register: The Maarif Portal

All registration and transfer applications must be submitted electronically through the Maarif portal, which is the Ministry of Education’s central digital services platform. The portal is available at eduservices.edu.gov.qa.

If you have used the Maarif portal before, including for educational voucher applications or other Ministry services, your existing account login should work. If you are a first-time user, you will need to create an account before submitting your child’s registration.

The portal supports applications in both Arabic and English, making it accessible for the full range of families across Qatar’s diverse community.

Important Dates to Remember

The registration and transfer window runs from August 25 to October 1, 2026. That is approximately five weeks to complete the process. While October 1 may feel like a comfortable deadline, schools begin on August 30 for students, meaning early registration gives your child the best chance of a smooth start to the academic year with their placement confirmed in advance.

Do not leave it to the last week of September. School places and transfer approvals take time to process, and submitting early avoids unnecessary stress.

What Is New This Year

The 2026-2027 academic year brings significant changes to Qatar’s government school system alongside the registration opening. Six new government schools are opening this year, which may affect school zoning and availability of places in certain areas. Families living near Al-Sakhama, Rawdat Al-Hamama, Ain Khalid, Muaither and Al-Dhakhira may now have new local school options available. For the full list of new schools, see our Qatar new government schools 2026-2027 article.

The curriculum is also being updated significantly this year, with new unified science at Grade 10, Life and Professional Skills programmes, and self-learning courses in AI, Data Science and Economy and Trade. See our Qatar new school subjects 2026-2027 guide for full details.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Qatar government school registration open for 2026-2027?
Registration opened on August 25, 2026 and runs until October 1, 2026.

How do I register my child for a government school in Qatar?
Through the Maarif portal at eduservices.edu.gov.qa. All applications are submitted online.

Can expats enroll in Qatar government schools?
Yes. The registration is open to students of all nationalities.

Can I transfer my child to a different government school?
Yes. The same registration window and Maarif portal handles both new enrollments and school transfers.

What if I miss the October 1 deadline?
The Ministry has not specified a late registration process. It is strongly advisable to complete registration before the October 1 deadline to avoid complications.

When does school start for students in 2026-2027?
Students return on Sunday August 30, 2026. See our full Qatar school calendar 2026-2027 for all term dates.

Source: Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar, announcement of August 24, 2026 via @Qatar_Edu on X.

_{Qatar New School Subjects 2026-2027: AI, Data Science, Financial Literacy and What’s Changing}

The 2026-2027 academic year in Qatar brings some of the most significant curriculum changes the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has introduced in recent years. New subjects are being added, existing ones are being reorganised, and a new self-learning programme is launching that will give high school students the chance to earn accredited digital certificates in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Economy and Trade.

This is the complete guide to every curriculum change and new subject for Qatar schools in 2026-2027, written for parents, students and anyone who wants to understand what is actually changing and why.

For term dates and the full academic calendar, see our Qatar school calendar 2026-2027 guide.

The Biggest Change: A New Unified Science Subject for Grade 10

One of the most significant curriculum reforms in this announcement is the introduction of a unified science subject for Grade 10 students. Previously, science at this level was taught as separate subjects covering physics, chemistry and biology. From 2026-2027, these three disciplines are being combined into a single integrated curriculum that presents them in a balanced, connected framework.

The reasoning behind this is straightforward and sensible. Science does not exist in isolated boxes in the real world, and separating it into three completely distinct subjects with three separate exam loads can create unnecessary pressure while obscuring the connections between disciplines. The new unified approach helps students understand how physics, chemistry and biology relate to each other, while also reducing the exam burden at a critical stage of secondary education.

The Ministry has been clear that learning science is not just about memorising facts. The new curriculum emphasises scientific curiosity, research skills, teamwork, critical and creative thinking, data collection and analysis, problem-solving and ethical values. The primary goal is to attract more students to scientific fields by making the experience more engaging and less overwhelming.

The unified science subject is being introduced gradually in public schools and private schools that follow the national curriculum starting this academic year.

Life and Professional Skills: Available Across All Three School Stages

Life and Professional Skills is now offered across primary, preparatory and secondary education, making it one of the broadest-reaching subject introductions in this announcement. The subject is designed to prepare students for the realities of adult life, covering both personal and professional dimensions.

Under this broader subject, several distinct programmes are offered:

Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship: Introduces students to money management, budgeting, and the basics of entrepreneurship. In a country where financial literacy is increasingly seen as a foundational life skill, this is a genuinely valuable addition to the curriculum for students at all levels.

Information Literacy: Develops skills in researching, evaluating and effectively using information. Given the volume of information available online and the growing importance of distinguishing reliable sources from unreliable ones, this is one of the most practically useful skills any student can develop.

Family Culture: Promotes family values, social responsibility and the building of healthy family and social relationships. This sits within Qatar’s broader educational philosophy around cultural identity and community values.

Home Economics and Life Management: Two gender-specific tracks are offered within this programme. For girls, the focus is on home economics covering household management, cooking, sewing skills, personal care and first aid. For boys, a life management programme covers camping, land and sea trip skills, first aid and self-reliance skills.

Self-Development for High School Students: A dedicated programme for secondary-level students to help them identify their interests and abilities, choose appropriate academic specialisations, plan for the future, and prepare practically for university life and the labour market.

New Self-Learning Programmes: AI, Data Science and Economy

This is the part of the announcement that has generated the most interest, and rightly so. During the first semester of the 2026-2027 academic year, the Ministry will offer self-learning programmes to high school students through its official platforms. These are not classroom-based mandatory subjects but optional enrichment programmes that students complete independently.

Artificial Intelligence, in partnership with Injaz Qatar Foundation. Students will engage with the concepts, applications and implications of AI technology.

Economy and Trade, in partnership with Qatar Development Bank. Students will explore economic principles, trade dynamics and financial concepts relevant to Qatar’s economy and the wider global market.

Data Science, in partnership with Cisco Academy. Students will develop foundational skills in data analysis, interpretation and use, one of the most in-demand skill sets in the modern economy.

Crucially, students who complete these programmes and meet the requirements will receive accredited digital certificates. These certificates can be added to student portfolios and will contribute to their academic and professional profiles as they apply to universities and eventually to employers. For a student who completes all three, that is three recognised certifications on top of their regular school qualifications before they even leave high school.

The Ministry has explicitly positioned these programmes as a way to support future readiness, bridge the gap between school education and the labour market, and give students interactive, flexible learning experiences that go beyond what the standard curriculum can offer.

Why These Changes Matter

Qatar’s curriculum reforms are not happening in isolation. They are part of a broader national strategy to develop a generation of Qataris and residents who are equipped for the demands of a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy. Qatar National Vision 2030 identifies human development as one of its four core pillars, and changes to what students learn and how they learn it are directly connected to that goal.

The introduction of AI and Data Science programmes at the high school level is particularly significant. These are fields where global demand for skilled professionals is growing faster than almost any other area of the economy, and introducing students to them at 16 or 17 years old rather than waiting until university gives Qatar’s young people a genuine head start.

The reduction in science exam load at Grade 10 through the unified curriculum reflects a more student-centred approach that prioritises depth of understanding over the volume of material covered. And the life skills, financial literacy and self-development programmes address a gap that most traditional school curricula leave unfilled: the practical knowledge students actually need to function as adults.

For parents of children in Qatar government schools or private schools following the national curriculum, the 2026-2027 year brings a meaningfully different educational experience for students at multiple stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new subjects are being introduced in Qatar schools 2026-2027?
New additions include a unified science subject for Grade 10 combining physics, chemistry and biology, Life and Professional Skills programmes across all school stages, and self-learning programmes in AI, Data Science, and Economy and Trade for high school students.

What is changing about science education in Grade 10 in Qatar?
Physics, chemistry and biology are being merged into a single unified science subject at Grade 10, reducing the exam burden and helping students understand the connections between different scientific disciplines.

Can Qatar school students earn certificates from the new programmes?
Yes. Students who complete the self-learning programmes in AI, Data Science and Economy and Trade will receive accredited digital certificates that can be used in their academic and professional portfolios.

Which organisations are partnering with Qatar’s Ministry of Education for the new programmes?
Injaz Qatar Foundation for the AI programme, Qatar Development Bank for Economy and Trade, and Cisco Academy for Data Science.

Are the self-learning programmes mandatory?
No. The self-learning programmes are offered through the Ministry’s official platforms during the first semester as additional learning opportunities, not mandatory curriculum subjects.

When do these curriculum changes take effect?
From the 2026-2027 academic year, beginning when students return on August 30, 2026.

Source: Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar, announcement of August 24, 2026.

Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North has announced the appointment of Rosette Fares as its new Cluster Director of Marketing, where she will lead the integrated marketing and communications strategy for Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, Meryal Waterpark and Azure Beach Doha, supporting the destination’s vision of becoming Doha’s premium all-inclusive destination, where luxury hospitality, aquatic adventure and beach culture come together in one world-class experience.

In her new role, Rosette will oversee the overall marketing and communications strategy across the three assets, driving brand positioning, digital marketing, public relations, strategic partnerships, destination campaigns and commercial marketing initiatives. She will serve as the primary media liaison for the destination while leading the digital ecosystem, crisis communications and the development of a high-performing marketing team, supporting the continued growth and positioning of Qetaifan Island North.

With more than 18 years of experience in luxury hospitality marketing, branding, communications and public relations, including five successful years within the Rixos brand, Rosette has built a distinguished career leading marketing function for internationally renowned luxury brands. Throughout her career, she has managed multi-million-dollar marketing budgets, developed integrated commercial strategies and successfully launched major hospitality and lifestyle brands. Most notably, she led the pre-opening marketing and communications of Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha, successfully introducing the Rixos brand to the Qatari market and driving its positioning across the GCC and key international source markets, contributing to the hotel’s success as Qatar’s first all-inclusive beach resort and one of the country’s leading luxury lifestyle destinations.

Commenting on the appointment, Sherif Kasseb, Managing Director of Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North, said:

Commenting on her appointment, Rosette Fares said:

Alongside her new responsibilities, Rosette will continue to serve as Director of Public Relations for Rixos Hotels & All-Inclusive Collection – MENA, where she leads Arabic-language public relations and communications for the region, driving strategic media relations, corporate communications and brand visibility across key Arabic-speaking markets.

–

_{Qatar at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026: Everything You Need to Know}

Qatar is taking its place on one of Scotland’s most famous international stages as the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team participate in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026 in Edinburgh.

The prestigious event is taking place from 7 to 29 August 2026 at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, bringing together more than 800 performers from across the world for a spectacular programme of military music, precision drill, dance, culture and live entertainment. Qatar is among the international participants in this year’s production, titled A Call to Gather.

For Qatar, the appearance is more than a performance. It puts Qatari personnel, discipline, musical tradition and ceremonial skills in front of an international audience while strengthening cultural and professional connections between Qatar, the United Kingdom and other participating nations.

Here is everything you need to know about Qatar at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026, including the dates, venue, Qatari performers, what the Tattoo is, why Qatar is participating and what makes this year’s event special.

Qatar at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026

The State of Qatar is participating in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026, one of the world’s best-known military music and cultural spectacles.

Qatar’s contribution features the Police Academy of the Ministry of Interior, represented through its Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team. The team is performing alongside military bands, ceremonial groups and cultural performers from several countries.

The participation was also highlighted by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo itself, which lists the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team among its international acts for the 2026 production.

The appearance gives audiences in Scotland and visitors from around the world an opportunity to see a Qatari team perform alongside major international military and ceremonial groups.

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A post shared by Beautiful Edinburgh (@beautifuledinburgh)

When is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026?

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026 runs from:

7 August to 29 August 2026

The event is being staged at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The 2026 production is called A Call to Gather, a new show built around the idea of bringing nations, performers, cultures and audiences together.

The show combines traditional military music with large-scale production, lighting, sound, precision formations, dance and storytelling.

For people searching for Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026 dates, the key dates to remember are 7 to 29 August.

Where is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo held?

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, directly beside the historic Edinburgh Castle.

The setting is one of the major reasons the event has become so recognisable internationally. Performers appear against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle while the production combines military precision with music, lighting and visual effects.

The official event information describes the 2026 show as a large-scale production featuring music, dance, precision display, cinematic storytelling and special effects.

Who is representing Qatar?

Qatar is represented by the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team.

The team comes from Qatar’s Police Academy under the Ministry of Interior and is taking part in the international programme alongside military and ceremonial performers from around the world.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has specifically highlighted the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team as one of the international acts taking part in its 2026 show.

According to the Tattoo’s official programme, the Qatari team and the event itself share an interesting connection: both were founded in 1950.

That makes Qatar’s participation particularly notable in the context of the Tattoo’s history.

What will Qatar perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

Qatar’s participation centres on the Police Academy’s band and precision drill team.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo brings together military bands and drill teams to create performances built around musical precision, coordinated movement, discipline and ceremonial presentation.

Qatar’s team therefore forms part of a much larger international spectacle rather than appearing as a standalone performance.

Audiences can expect to see the Qatari performers share the stage with groups including the German Army Band Koblenz, New Zealand Army Band and United States Army Field Band, as well as British military musicians and other performers.

How many performers are taking part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026?

More than 800 performers are taking part in the 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The international cast includes performers from Qatar, Germany, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and other participating groups.

The scale of the event is one of its biggest attractions. Rather than being a traditional military parade, the Tattoo is designed as a major live entertainment production combining music, movement, culture and spectacle.

Which countries are participating in the 2026 Tattoo?

The 2026 international line-up includes performers from several countries.

Among the featured international participants are:

• Qatar
• Germany
• New Zealand
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Other international and Scottish performers

The major international acts include the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team, German Army Band Koblenz, New Zealand Army Band and United States Army Field Band. They perform alongside Royal Air Force musicians, Massed Pipes and Drums, Highland dancers and other Tattoo performers.

What is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

If you have never heard of the event before, the name can be slightly confusing.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual international military music and cultural event held in Edinburgh during August.

It brings together military bands, precision drill teams, musicians, dancers and performers for a large-scale production at Edinburgh Castle.

Despite the word “military”, the event is much broader than a conventional military display. It has become one of Edinburgh’s best-known cultural attractions, combining military tradition with music, Scottish heritage, international culture and modern stage production.

The event attracts more than 220,000 people in person each year, while its performances reach audiences around the world through television and other broadcasts.

Why is Qatar participating in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

Qatar’s participation highlights the country’s growing presence at major international cultural and professional events.

According to coverage from Qatar, the participation is intended to strengthen cooperation, encourage the exchange of expertise and showcase the capabilities of Qatari personnel on an international stage.

There is also a cultural dimension.

Military music and ceremonial performances are a way for countries to showcase discipline, heritage and national identity without relying on language. Bringing Qatari performers together with Scottish, British, American, German and New Zealand performers creates a space where different traditions can be experienced side by side.

For Qatar, that makes the Edinburgh appearance both a performance and a form of international cultural exchange.

Qatar’s growing connection with international military music events

The Edinburgh appearance follows Qatar’s increasing involvement in international military music and marching events.

Qatar hosted the inaugural Doha International Music and Marching Festival, known as Doha Tattoo, in December 2025 at Katara Cultural Village.

The festival brought together military and musical groups from several countries, combining marching displays, music, cultural performances and large-scale entertainment.

That event helped establish Doha as another destination for international military music and marching performances.

Qatar’s participation in Edinburgh now takes that connection onto one of the world’s most established stages for this type of performance.

For readers interested in Qatar’s own military music scene, our guide to the Doha International Music and Marching Festival is a useful place to start.

Qatar Police Academy and the importance of precision drill

Precision drill is one of the most visually recognisable elements of a military tattoo.

It requires performers to move together with exact timing while maintaining formation, posture and coordination.

For an audience, the result can look effortless. Behind the scenes, however, performances require extensive preparation, repetition and teamwork.

That makes the Qatar Police Academy’s appearance particularly significant. The team is not simply representing Qatar through music. It is demonstrating the discipline, coordination and professional standards associated with the Police Academy.

Qatar has also been developing its capabilities through international participation and training, giving personnel opportunities to experience different military and cultural environments.

What is the theme of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026?

The theme of the 2026 show is A Call to Gather.

The production uses the idea of gathering as its central concept, bringing together nations, allies, friends and communities through music, culture and performance.

The show is designed to feel larger than a traditional military display.

According to the official Tattoo information, audiences can expect Massed Pipes and Drums, Highland dancers, international military bands, precision displays, lighting, sound, storytelling and special effects.

That international theme makes Qatar’s participation especially fitting.

What can audiences expect from the 2026 show?

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo describes its 2026 production as a blend of:

• Military music
• Precision drill
• Scottish traditional arts
• Highland dancing
• Pipes and drums
• International military bands
• Cinematic storytelling
• Lighting and projection
• Special effects
• Large-scale live entertainment

The show lasts approximately 90 minutes.

The production also uses pyrotechnic effects, lasers, smoke or haze effects and strobe lighting, making it a highly visual evening event.

What time does the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo start?

For the 2026 season, performances generally begin at 9:30 PM from Monday to Friday.

Saturday performances are scheduled at 6:15 PM and 9:30 PM, with additional performance arrangements on specific dates.

The earlier evening show can be particularly appealing to families because there is still natural light, while the later performance creates a darker backdrop for the show’s projections and lighting effects.

Can children attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

Yes.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo welcomes children and does not impose a general age limit.

Children aged three and under can attend free without a ticket if they remain seated on an accompanying adult’s lap. Children older than three require tickets.

Parents should also be aware that the performance includes loud sounds and special effects, which may be uncomfortable for some younger children.

Are there flyovers at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026?

Yes.

The 2026 Tattoo has scheduled flyovers on selected dates.

According to the official FAQ, flyovers are scheduled for:

• Saturday, 15 August at the 6:15 PM performance
• Tuesday, 18 August
• Friday, 21 August
• Tuesday, 25 August
• Friday, 28 August at the 9:30 PM performance

Schedules can change, so visitors should check the official Tattoo information before attending.

Why Qatar’s Edinburgh Tattoo appearance matters

For people in Qatar, it is easy to see the Edinburgh appearance simply as another international event.

But there is a bigger story behind it.

Qatar has spent years building its reputation as a country capable of hosting and participating in major international events across sport, culture, tourism and entertainment.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026 adds another dimension to that international presence.

The Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team are appearing alongside established military and cultural institutions from around the world. That creates opportunities for professional exchange while giving international audiences a chance to see another side of Qatar.

It is also a reminder that international representation is not limited to major sporting events.

Music, ceremonial performance, military tradition and cultural exchange can create just as powerful a connection between countries.

From Doha to Edinburgh: Qatar’s international cultural presence

There is an interesting full-circle element to Qatar’s participation.

In 2025, Doha welcomed international military music groups for the Doha International Music and Marching Festival.

In 2026, Qatari performers are appearing at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the world’s most established military music festivals.

The two events show how military music and ceremonial performance have become part of Qatar’s wider cultural exchange with the international community.

For Qatar’s audience, the Edinburgh performance is therefore not happening in isolation. It forms part of a broader story about Qatar’s role in international cultural events.

You can also read our previous coverage of the Doha Tattoo Festival and its international line-up.

Qatar’s Police Academy is already attracting attention

The Qatar Police Academy has become increasingly visible through national and international events.

Its role extends beyond ceremonial appearances, with training and professional development forming an important part of the institution’s work.

For readers following Qatar’s military and security developments, our recent guide on Qatar Military Diploma 2026 requirements, dates and applications provides more context on Qatar’s military education and recruitment landscape.

Our guide to Qatar National Service 2026 also explains recent developments in national service and eligibility.

What makes the Edinburgh Military Tattoo different from a normal military parade?

The biggest difference is the scale and production.

A military parade generally focuses on ceremonial movement, formations and official presentation.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo combines those elements with music, theatre, choreography, lighting and storytelling.

The result is closer to a major live stage production performed by military and cultural groups.

That is why the event attracts not only military enthusiasts but also families, tourists, music lovers and people interested in Scottish culture.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026 quick facts

Source: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Qatar-focused reporting.

Is Qatar performing at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2026?

Yes. Qatar is participating in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026 through the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team.

When is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2026?

The 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is taking place from 7 August to 29 August 2026 at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

Who represents Qatar at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

The Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team, from the Police Academy under Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, represent Qatar at the 2026 event.

What is the Qatar Police Academy Band and Drill Team?

It is the Qatari group participating in the Edinburgh Tattoo through musical performance and precision drill. The team is part of the international cast performing at the 2026 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Where is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo held?

The event is held at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in Edinburgh, Scotland.

How long is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

The 2026 show, A Call to Gather, runs for approximately 90 minutes.

What does “Tattoo” mean in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?

The term “Tattoo” has military origins. It evolved from a traditional signal calling soldiers back to their quarters and eventually became associated with organised military musical displays. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo transformed that tradition into a major international cultural spectacle.

Why is Qatar’s participation important?

Qatar’s participation showcases the country’s Police Academy personnel on an international stage while supporting cultural exchange, professional cooperation and international connections.

_{Qatar Opens 6 New Government Schools for 2026-2027 Academic Year: Full List and Details}

Qatar is expanding its government school network ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year, with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education officially announcing the opening of six new schools across different areas of the country.

The announcement was made through Decision No. 14 of 2026, issued by H.E. Lolwa bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al-Khater, the Minister of Education and Higher Education. The decision covers new school openings, the appointment of 17 new school principals, and the transfer of 17 existing principals across government schools in preparation for the new academic year, which begins on Sunday August 30, 2026.

The Six New Government Schools Opening in Qatar

Qatar Science and Technology Preparatory Secondary School for Boys, Al-Sakhama

A new preparatory secondary school for boys in the Al-Sakhama area, focused on science and technology education. This adds a dedicated STEM-pathway school for male students in the northern Doha area.

Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Girls, Rawdat Al-Hamama

A secondary school for girls focused on science and technology, located in Rawdat Al-Hamama. Together with its male counterpart in Al-Sakhama, these two schools represent a significant expansion of Qatar’s specialised science and technology school network.

Ain Khalid Secondary School for Boys

A new secondary school for boys in the Ain Khalid area, serving the educational needs of the growing residential communities in that part of Doha.

Doha Preparatory School for Girls

A preparatory school for girls based in Doha, providing an additional government option for female students in the preparatory stage across the capital.

Al-Dhakhira Primary School for Boys

A primary school for boys in Al-Dhakhira in the north of Qatar, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to expanding government school access beyond Doha into growing communities across the country.

Muaither Primary School for Girls

A primary school for girls in Muaither, serving the Al Rayyan area with a new government primary option for female students.

Leadership Changes: 34 Principals Appointed and Transferred

Alongside the new school openings, the decision also includes the appointment of 17 male and female principals to government schools, as well as the transfer of 17 male and female principals across the network. This type of leadership reshaping ahead of a new academic year is a standard and important part of how the Ministry prepares its schools operationally, ensuring the right leadership is in place before students return.

Why This Matters

The opening of six new government schools in a single year reflects several things happening simultaneously in Qatar. The country’s population continues to grow, particularly in newer residential areas like Muaither, Rawdat Al-Hamama and Ain Khalid, where existing school capacity is being tested. At the same time, the opening of dedicated science and technology schools at both secondary and preparatory levels signals the Ministry’s continued focus on building STEM education pathways for students who want to pursue careers in engineering, technology and science.

The decision also aligns directly with Qatar National Vision 2030’s human development pillar, which prioritises investment in education and the development of a knowledge-based economy. New schools, new principals and expanded capacity are all part of that longer-term national strategy.

For parents with children entering the government school system in Al-Sakhama, Rawdat Al-Hamama, Ain Khalid, Doha, Al-Dhakhira or Muaither, the 2026-2027 academic year brings new local options that may be closer to home than previously available.

The new academic year begins on August 30, 2026 for students, with staff returning from August 23. For the full school calendar including term dates, exam schedules and holiday periods, see our complete Qatar school calendar 2026-2027 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many new government schools is Qatar opening in 2026-2027?
Six new government schools are opening for the 2026-2027 academic year.

What are the names of the new government schools in Qatar 2026?
Qatar Science and Technology Preparatory Secondary School for Boys (Al-Sakhama), Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Girls (Rawdat Al-Hamama), Ain Khalid Secondary School for Boys, Doha Preparatory School for Girls, Al-Dhakhira Primary School for Boys, and Muaither Primary School for Girls.

When do new schools open in Qatar for 2026-2027?
The new academic year starts August 30, 2026 for students.

Who announced the new school openings in Qatar?
H.E. Lolwa bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al-Khater, Qatar’s Minister of Education and Higher Education, through Decision No. 14 of 2026.

Are there new science and technology schools opening in Qatar?
Yes. Two new STEM-focused government schools are opening: Qatar Science and Technology Preparatory Secondary School for Boys in Al-Sakhama and Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Girls in Rawdat Al-Hamama.

Source: Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar, Decision No. 14 of 2026.