Microsoft embarks on six new technology projects at Qatar Science & Technology Park

The world's largest IT company will work closely with university and government partners in Qatar to deliver many of the programs, which will bolster computing skills and capabilities in the country.

Microsoft, which is already a tenant of QSTP, will invest around $4 million in six pioneering technology-related projects at the science park over the next year:

1. A collaborative research project with Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar on the development of English language written communication skills among students in Qatar. The project will contribute to an understanding of the country's current language education policy and practice
2. Development of an 'Office 4 Kids' version of the Microsoft Office set of software applications in collaboration with the company's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, and also involving computer science students from Qatar's universities
3. Customisation and delivery of Microsoft's Community Learning program, partnering with organisations in Qatar to teach basic to intermediate IT skills in a hands-on manner to the general community
4. Development of an Arabic Digital Literacy Curriculum, a 'train the trainers' program that will increase Qatar's ability to take advantage of emerging digital technologies
5. Implementation of the Microsoft IT Academy program, encouraging individuals to improve IT skills or pursue an IT career by providing academic institutions with teaching tools such as course material and virtual labs
6. Continuation of the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft Certified Application Developer training programs for government and education IT professionals in Qatar.

Once QSTP's new buildings open in mid 2007 and the projects reach their full capacity, Microsoft expects to employ 25 people to run them from its base at QSTP.

'We have been carefully studying and planning our activities at QSTP to make sure they genuinely benefit the people and organisations in Qatar, and that they link with the academic institutes already here' said Mohammad Hammoudi, Microsoft's Country Manager. 'Qatar is looking to the future by building a solid base of IT skills and infrastructure, and Microsoft's projects at QSTP are designed to complement and contribute to that vision.'

'Microsoft is one of the world's biggest investors in research, technology development and training, so we are delighted that they will be bringing all of these activities to QSTP' said Dr. Eulian Roberts, Chief Executive of QSTP. 'We are confident that Microsoft's projects will prove to be a great step forward in the development and transfer of information technologies in Qatar'.