Total is to collaborate with Education City for oil and gas training and development in the Middle East.

Qatar Foundation and the oil giant will work together on identifying European universities offering highly-ranked post graduate degrees and training programmes that can be implemented at the campus.

The areas being targeted cover finance, management, science, engineering and culture and selected institutions will be encouraged to join universities in North America already in Education City.

It is hoped the collaboration will enhance the campus' global coverage and enrich the academic and cultural experience of its oil and gas education students.

Dr Mohammed Fathy Saoud, president of Qatar Foundation, said: "This important initiative demonstrates our commitment to work with Qatar's partners in industry to build a sustainable future for Qatar's economy, built on a rich pool of highly trained talent."

Earlier this month UK energy minister Malcolm Wicks vowed to help build Iraq's oil and gas sector capacity.


Following a visit to the country Mr Wicks said that the oil and gas industry is "fundamental" to its reconstruction and economic development.

Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Refining & Petrochemicals