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January 26, 2026 – Qatar –
Two major media institutions in Doha, Qatar, have announced significant expansions of their 2026 training programs, aiming to bolster professional media skills and support career development for journalists and media professionals. The initiatives reflect a broader push to strengthen media competencies amid rapid technological change and evolving industry demands.
The Al Jazeera Media Institute launched its comprehensive 2026 training plan, unveiling a substantial expansion in both scope and scale. The plan will offer 294 training courses covering 155 specialised titles, including 42 new courses and a series delivered in English, as part of a diversified curriculum. In addition, the institute has introduced blended courses that combine in-person and online instruction to widen participation and reach a global audience. The courses span 13 categories, encompassing areas such as audiovisual journalism, artificial intelligence applications in media, professional diplomas, digital content management, sound engineering, editing, and social media storytelling techniques. The initiative is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to produce high-quality content that meets industry standards across platforms and technologies. Facilities equipped for high-quality audio and real-time interaction will support blended learning and enhance accessibility for trainees both within and beyond Qatar. Al Jazeera Media Institute emphasises that this training expansion aligns with its strategic vision to support media professionals in navigating digital transformations and maintain excellence in media practice.
Meanwhile, the Qatar News Agency (QNA) has begun roll-out of its own training series for 2026, starting with its first media training course titled “Photojournalism.” The course, attended by around 20 trainees from QNA and other government bodies, aims to strengthen core competencies in professional photography, including technical principles, effective image composition, and integration with editorial workflows. The broader 2026 training plan from QNA includes approximately 20 courses covering specialised fields such as professional journalistic editing, digital media, media monitoring and analysis, media content creation, and translation — all designed to enhance editorial standards and practical media skills among participants.
Together, these training efforts underscore a concerted effort within Qatar’s media sector to invest in human capital, support continuous professional development, and adapt to the challenges and opportunities of contemporary journalism and digital communication.
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