Doha, Qatar — AFG College with the University of Aberdeen has signed strategic Memorandum of Understanding’s (MoU) with Cushman & Wakefield Qatar and TAMEER Group, establishing a collaborative framework aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in Qatar’s real estate sector, while advancing national development priorities in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
To mark the signing, and the introduction of the first-ever Real Estate degrees in Qatar, AFG College with the University of Aberdeen, in partnership with Al Waab City, convened a panel of industry experts and thought leaders to explore the future of real estate in Qatar.
The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Sheikha Aisha Bint Faleh Al Thani, Chairperson of Al Faleh Educational Holding; H.E. Sheikha Anwar Bint Nawaf Al Thani, CEO of Al Faleh Educational Holding; H.E. Sheikh Jassim Bin Nawaf Al Thani, Deputy CEO of Al Waab City; Mohammed Al Ali, Chairman of TAMEER Group; Khalifa J. Al Majed, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of TAMEER Group; Edd Brookes, General Manager of Cushman & Wakefield Qatar; alongside representatives from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) and professionals from across the real estate sector.
The panel featured Sheikh Jassim Bin Nawaf Al Thani, Deputy CEO of Al Waab City; Richard Rayner, Partner and Head of Valuation & Advisory at Cushman & Wakefield Qatar; Alaa Mobarez, Associate at Crowell & Moring; and Mairead Hughes, Manager at RICS, and Sara Taher Abdelaleem Ali Sobh, Head of International Sales & Business Development at TAMEER Group. Discussions focused on market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging investment opportunities shaping the sector.
As Qatar’s real estate and infrastructure landscape continues to experience sustained growth, the need for a highly skilled, industry-ready workforce has become increasingly critical. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, equipping graduates with the competencies required to contribute meaningfully to the sector.
Under the terms of the MoU, Cushman & Wakefield Qatar and TAMEER Group will provide internship opportunities to students and participate in career fairs and recruitment initiatives, supporting the transition of graduates into the workforce.
In parallel, AFG College with the University of Aberdeen will support workforce development through the delivery of customised training programmes designed to enhance technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking within the real estate sector. The University will also provide access to its alumni network as a potential talent pipeline.
The partnership further promotes knowledge exchange through panel discussions, guest lectures, and speaker series, enabling industry professionals to engage directly with students and academic audiences. The University will also deliver an annual seminar or workshop for Cushman & Wakefield’s and TAMEER Group’s leadership and management teams.
Dr. Sheikha Aisha Bint Faleh Al Thani, Chairperson and Founder of Al Faleh Educational Holding, said:
“The real estate sector in Qatar continues to grow in complexity and scale, yet there remains a clear need to cultivate specialised talent equipped with both technical knowledge and practical experience. These partnerships with Cushman & Wakefield Qatar and TAMEER Group reflect our commitment to addressing this gap by aligning academic delivery with industry requirements. Our aim is to contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy and support the human capital objectives outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030.”
H.E. Sheikha Anwar Bint Nawaf Al Thani, CEO of Al Faleh Educational Holding, said:
“These collaborations, alongside the launch of the first Real Estate degree programmes in Qatar, mark an important milestone in strengthening specialised higher education aligned with evolving market needs. By bringing together leading industry partners and academic expertise, we are creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation, professional excellence, and sustainable sector growth, while empowering the next generation of real estate leaders in Qatar.”
Richard Rayner, Partner and Head of Valuation & Advisory at Cushman & Wakefield Qatar, commented:
“We are pleased to collaborate with AFG College with the University of Aberdeen on this important initiative. As Qatar’s oldest international real estate consultancy, with more than 20 years in the market, we remain committed to developing talent and advancing professional excellence. This partnership enables us to contribute to the development of future talent while supporting the continuous growth and upskilling of our teams through academic collaboration and knowledge exchange.”
Mohammed Al Ali, Founder and Chairman at TAMEER Group added:
“Our partnership with AFG College with the University of Aberdeen reflects TAAMEER’s commitment to supporting education, professional development, and meaningful collaboration between academia and industry in Qatar. Through this MoU, TAAMEER looks forward to creating valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, practical learning, and future talent development, while contributing to the continued growth of Qatar’s real estate sector.”
AFG with the University of Aberdeen in Qatar
Brand, Marketing and Communications
Email: susan.sehmi@afg-aberdeen.edu.qa
Phone: +974 7110 8075
Website: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/qatar/