• In collaboration with five global technology companies.
• The duration of the professional secondment ranges from two months to a full year.
• Incorporating ministry employees within the global headquarters of international partners to gain experience and integrate into the work environment.
• The program focuses on professional training in the fields of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data security.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) launched its Overseas Internship Program for Qatari employees who wish to join the Ministry. This program aims to develop the skills of the workforce and enhance their competencies to lead the digital transformation in Qatar during significant growth in the technology sector, in line with the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), and the Digital Agenda 2030 (DA2030).

The Overseas Internship Program extends from two months to a year, depending on the program offered by MCIT’s international partners, such as Google, Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, and SAP. The program is based on hosting participants at the headquarters of these global companies with the aim of enhancing their competencies in emerging technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data protection and cyber security by integrating them into work at these headquarters to gain international experience. This enables them to apply these practices and acquired expertise in Qatari government institutions and contribute to achieving Qatar's national vision and digital agenda.

The program includes three main stages. The first stage is the preparation phase, which involves defining the selection criteria and then selecting the first cohort of participants. The second stage is the implementation phase, which includes launching the pilot version of the program and initiating it for the first cohort by integrating them into the work locations of the global partners. This stage also involves monitoring their performance, and addressing any challenges they may face. Additionally, participants will return to the ministry to apply the skills and experiences they have acquired and sharing them with their colleagues.

The third stage is the evaluation phase, which includes assessing the pilot version of the program, refining it to improve future versions, and analyzing feedback from global partners.

Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Director of Human Resources Department at MCIT, said: "We are harnessing our efforts to accelerate the digital transformation journey in Qatar by providing the opportunity for the Ministry employees to acquire best global practices through working at the premises of our international partners. This program aims to transfer and apply those experiences in practices, contributing to the development of current practices and achieving Qatar's national vision (QNV2030) and DA2023. Our partnership with leading global companies enhances Qatar's position as a pioneering center in the field of technology. By refining the skills of the program participants and equipping them with innovative and diverse tools that align with the latest global practices, we are fostering an environment of innovation.

It's worth mentioning that the Overseas Internship Program offers unique advantages that make it important. These include strategic partnerships with leading pioneers in the digital transformation field, such as Oracle, Microsoft, Google, SAP, and Cisco, to facilitate access to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. The program also provides specialized training paths focusing on participants competencies, ensuring they acquire valuable and specific skills and insights. Moreover, it provides participants with various options from technical fields that are compatible with their career aspirations in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data protection and cyber security.