DOHA, Qatar—April 07, 2008— Recognizing the immediate need to support Qatari nationals in securing job opportunities, Qatar National Hotels Company (QNH) and its associated units signed agreements today with The Institute of Administrative Development and The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to become partners in implementing training programs, sponsoring high school graduates and offering employment within Qatar National Hotels Company and its units. 

The agreements were signed during a signing ceremony held at the Sharq Village & Spa attended by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Bin Hassan Al Dosari, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs and Chairman of The Institute of Administrative Development and His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar National Hotels Company, in addition to the representative of each of the hotels under Qatar National Hotels Company's umbrella, which include Sharq Village & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, Doha Marriott Hotel, Mövenpick Hotel Doha, Sealine Beach Resort, Merweb Hotel Al Sadd and Royal Hall.

Details of the agreement between The Institute of Administrative Development and Qatar National Hotels Company and its units on the implementation of training programmes include:

• Sponsorship of Qatari high school graduates training course fees for three months
• Basic monthly salaries in addition to statutory allowances
• Securing employment for the sponsored students
• Details of the agreement between The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and Qatar National Hotels Company and its 5 star hotels on the sponsorship of high school student for scholarships include:
• Three year term sponsorship of a minimum of 2 Qatari high school graduates every year
• Scholarship includes school fees (in Qatar or aboard) and monthly allowances
• Securing employment for the sponsored student

"Today, we are taking an unprecedented step by signing agreements with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and The Institute of Administrative Development to establish the foundation of creating job opportunities for Qatari male and female high school graduates in the hospitality industry," said Qatar National Hotels Company Chairman Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani.

Ultimately, QNH expects that based on the success of these programmes, each of its units will substantially increase the percentage of Qatari students employed within the properties.