Britain’s Prince Charles and wife Camilla of Cornwall will arrive here today on a three-day visit. The first stop of Prince Charles in Qatar will be the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), where a meeting will be held with H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) Chairperson, British Ambassador Michael O’Neill said in a press conference yesterday. Issues related to technology, education, environment and employment opportunities for women will be discussed during the visit, the envoy said. Prince Charles is known for his keen interest in Islamic culture and art, he added. A reception will be held for participants of the ongoing Qatar-UK Year of Culture 2013 at MIA. “The museum was not open during the last visit of the Prince of Wales to Qatar in 2007,” O’Neill said. This is his fourth visit to the country. The current visit reflects strong ties of the ruling family of Qatar and the royals of the UK, according to the envoy. The Prince of Wales is the UK Patron for the ongoing Qatar-UK Year of Culture 2013. To celebrate the achievements of Qataris who had the whole or part of their education in the UK, the Qatar-UK Alumni Association will also be launched by Prince Charles. The association aims to offer networking and professional development opportunities to its members. On Thursday, Prince Charles will visit the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) where he will discuss projects involving British partnerships with QSTP. “Their Royal Highnesses will also meet with members of the Qatari Royal Family and other senior officials,” O’Neill said. For a potential collaboration with HRH The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community, Prince Charles will also tour Msheireb Enrichment Centre Project. The Duchess of Cornwall has a separate schedule planned. She will visit an Independent Girls School to learn about Kids Read, an education and literacy programme run by the British Council. She will also meet Qatari women entrepreneurs under Vodafone’s Al Johara Project and take up issues related to employment opportunities for women. The Prince of Wales who is on a Middle East tour will also be visiting Saudi Arabia and Oman. On Friday, a “Garden party” for the British community at the ambassador’s Residence will be held which will be followed by a tour of a farm outside Doha for a presentation on Qatar’s National Food Security Programme. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/qatar.html

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