Recently announced at the Qatar Economic Forum, the partnership between Qatar University and Qatar Shell has led to the introduction of a student entrepreneurship development pilot programme known as Shell Intilaaqah. The primary objective of this initiative is to cultivate the innovation and business acumen of young Qataris, equipping them with the essential skills and mindset required to establish and operate successful ventures.
The Shell Intilaaqah programme aims to provide students with a comprehensive set of business and soft skills, while also facilitating connections with supportive networks within the labour market. This collaboration marks the local launch of the Shell LiveWIRE programme, which is globally recognized for fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing local economies.
Initially launched in Scotland in 1982 to address youth unemployment, Shell LiveWIRE has since expanded to 18 countries, empowering thousands of individuals annually to launch or expand their businesses. In 2023 alone, the programme provided training to 3,400 people globally, resulting in the creation of over 1,200 jobs. Additionally, it supported over 1,000 existing businesses and facilitated the establishment of 196 new enterprises.
During the signing ceremony at the Qatar Economic Forum, Richard Tallant, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Qatar Shell, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership and highlighted the collaborative commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to the social and economic growth of Qatar. He also emphasized the programme’s goal to inspire and empower entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions for the future.
Qatar University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Organisational Excellence (CEOE) will serve as the local implementing partner for the Shell Intilaaqah programme, customizing Shell’s curriculum to cater to the needs of the first cohort. Additionally, participants will receive individualized advisory services and coaching from business experts to navigate challenges specific to the local business environment.
In line with the objectives of Qatar Vision 2030, the programme will be available in both Arabic and English and has been designed to commence in the next academic year, welcoming Qatar University students who are 18 years and above. Dr. Omar Mohamed al-Ansari, President of Qatar University, underscored the university’s commitment to promoting innovation and excellence in education and research, expressing optimism about the opportunity for students to engage in real-world challenges through the Intilaaqah programme. Together with Shell, the university aims to drive innovation and contribute to a sustainable future for Qatar.