ABU DHABI — Qatar has organized a conference meant to tap the
expertise of expatriate Arab scientists.
The emirate has scheduled the first conference for expatriate Arab
scientists in Doha from April 24 to April 26. Organizers said the
conference, sponsored by the emirate, would seek to establish a framework to
utilize the expertise of Arab scientists from the West, Middle East Newsline reported.
About 200 scientists have announced their intention to attend. Most of
them work in Europe and the United States.
Organizers said participants would discuss the future of science in the
Arab world. They said scientists would draft a plan to increase Arab
research and development as well as a mechanism to launch projects.
Qatar plans to establish a foundation that would facilitate research
exchange as well as funding opportunities. In December 2005, leading Arab
scientists organized a forum to help Arab societies.
"While the achievements and research of our Arab scientists abroad stand
out in their countries of immigration, Arab societies are suffering a
retreat in the role of scientific research, which inflicts negatively on all
other fields and hinders development in the Arab world," conference
organizers said in a statement.
