VPET system International cooperation

Deepening scientific dialogue with the Gulf States

Name: State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI
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In May 2025, State Secretary Martina Hirayama led a scientific delegation to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The trip had two main objectives: to nurture existing contacts in education, research and innovation and explore new avenues for cooperation.

04.06.2025

Author: Mia Mader

A group of people are standing in front of an entrance with the words: "Enter to innovate"

The President of Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, welcomed the Swiss delegation to a gathering with representatives of various Emirati universities to share ideas and connect.

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All three countries are undergoing a profound transformation process geared towards economic diversification and social modernisation. Education, research and innovation are considered key pillars in this endeavour. Switzerland is perceived in the region as a country with a high level of scientific excellence and a strong tradition of vocational education and training. This has fuelled interest in closer cooperation.

During her trip, State Secretary Hirayama held bilateral talks with high-ranking officials from the respective ministries of education and research. In Qatar, for example, she met with Minister of Education Lolwah Al Khater, in Saudi Arabia with representatives of the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA) and in the UAE with the Deputy Minister for Strategic Affairs as well as with the Acting Minister of Higher Education and Research. Topics discussed included the role of science in economic development, the importance of aligning vocational education and training with real-world needs and the specific instruments used for bilateral and multilateral research cooperation. On this occasion, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at facilitating exchanges between the two research communities.

Doha (Qatar)

Two women are standing next to each other, in front of two armchairs and a wall with two paintings. — Working meeting between State Secretary Martina Hirayama and Qatari Minister of Education and Higher Education, Lolwah Al Khater.

Four people are standing in a circle talking to each other. — Visit by the Swiss delegation to the Qatar Foundation and working meeting with RDI Executive Director, Dr Hilal Lashuel.

Four people are standing behind a table, two of them holding up a signed MoU. — Signing ceremony for the memorandum of understanding between the SNSF and the QRDI aimed at facilitating exchanges between the two research communities.

Experiencing research and innovation first-hand

A number of collaborations with Swiss higher education institutions are already in place in all three countries. In the UAE, New York University Abu Dhabi is working with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and EPFL on several research projects that receive federal funding through a Leading House mandate. Under the Leading House model, SERI commissions Swiss higher education institutions to develop and test new cooperation instruments in selected regions. Joint projects also exist through Horizon Europe (e.g. in the fields of medicine and energy). Discussions have also been held with representatives of (higher education) institutions in all three countries to explore further avenues of cooperation.

The Swiss delegation visited institutions such as Sidra Medicine and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute in Doha, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai and Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi. In Riyadh, the Swiss delegation was welcomed at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC). These visits gave participants valuable insights into local research priorities in areas such as sustainability, energy and space technology. Discussions with scientific and industrial stakeholders also helped to identify potential future joint projects and strategies to encourage research and innovation.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

A group of people looking at a machine. — Delegation visits the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and The Garage, a start-up incubator.

Two rows of people are sitting on both sides of a conference table. — Working visit to the Acting Governor of the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), Dr Mohammed Alotaibi.

A woman and a man are sitting on two armchairs talking to each other, surrounded by other people. — Swiss delegation working visit to the Assistant Minister of Education for Development and Transformation, H.E. Eng. Murhaf bin Mohammed Al-Madani.

Focus on cooperation potential

In all three countries, considerable interest was shown in dual vocational education and training. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE each have their own national reform agendas focussed specifically on developing vocational skills. Swiss expertise, delivered through Swiss companies operating locally, could play a greater role in future.

In highly innovative regions with global aspirations – such as the Gulf region – diplomacy for science can play an important role in building trust and fostering lasting connections between scientific communities.