Cybersecurity Research and Teaching at UDST
Qatar
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) invites a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for one academic year to contribute to its growing expertise in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). The scholar’s activities will focus on a combination of research (70%) and teaching (30%), supporting UDST’s degree program in cybersecurity and its master’s program in AI and cognitive cybersecurity. The scholar will teach one 3-credit-hour course per term at the bachelor’s and/or master’s level across three academic terms.
In addition to teaching, the scholar will engage in applied research that addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity. He/she will contribute to strengthening the collaboration between UDST’s College of Computing and IT and Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA). By working closely with the holder of the NCSA Cyber Security Professorship Chair, the scholar will help enhance cybersecurity programs and research initiatives at UDST, contributing to Qatar’s broader efforts to build a robust cybersecurity ecosystem.
UDST is open to explore the possibility of a 4/5-month visit that aligns with academic terms.
University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST)
UDST will host scholars based on the academic year. The academic year in Qatar is from September to June. The calendar may be adjusted around Islamic holidays. UDST is open to explore the possibility of a 4/5-month visit that aligns with academic terms.
Projects are sought in Cybersecurity.
Staying in Qatar for more than 90 days will require a specific visa. There are two options for visits to Qatar for a period exceeding 3 months: the multi-entry official visa and the residency permit. The multi-entry official visa allows the visiting scholar to spend up to ten months in country and has some restrictions compared to the residency permit. Those restrictions are related to services that require a Qatari ID, such as signing rental contracts or an internet contract. The residency permit, which is the best option, allows its holder to obtain a Qatari ID valid for one year. Both options require the visiting scholar to provide attested copies of their PhD degree and transcripts. If the visiting scholar is planning to bring their family members to stay for more than 90 days in Qatar, they will need to provide attested copies of their marriage certificate, birth certificate(s) of child(ren), FBI clearances, and blood tests. Those documents are required by the Qatari Ministry of Interior which issues all types of visas. The U.S. Embassy in Qatar cannot assist with obtaining any visa or residency permit.
To avoid any delays with the visit, the visiting scholar should start working on documents’ attestation and the visa process with the host institution immediately upon confirmation of their placement. In most cases, the visa process is fully handled by the Human Resources department of the host institution.
During their grant period, Fulbright U.S. Scholars in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region may apply for a short-term regional travel grant (five to 14 days) for participation in a variety of activities including faculty and student lectures, graduate or faculty seminars, curriculum development, public lectures, panel presentations, needs assessment, conferences, or some combination thereof.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Please reach out to Prof. Zakaria Maamar, Dean of the College of Computing and IT, UDST at zakaria.maamar@udst.edu.qa
For teaching, English proficiency is a requirement.
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- Institutional policies or expectations: https://www.udst.edu.qa/
- Bachelor of Science in Data and Cyber Security (B.Sc. DCS): https://www.udst.edu.qa/academic/our-colleges/college-computing-and-information-technology/bachelor-science
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Cybersecurity (M.Sc. AICC): https://www.udst.edu.qa/academic/our-colleges/college-computing-and-information-technology/master-science
- Some of the College of Computing and IT’s scientific events
- International Cybersecurity Symposium, https://www.udst.edu.qa/cyber2024
- Winter School in AI and SE: https://www.udst.edu.qa/AiSeschool
- Qatar National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA): https://ncsa.gov.qa/en/
Qatar presents an attractive environment with a cost of living that reflects its high-end infrastructure and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Expenses are often quoted in Qatari Riyal (QAR); for reference, 1 USD = 3.64 QAR. It is a fixed and unchangeable exchange rate.
For an experienced American university scholar, monthly expenses in Doha typically range between $4,000 to $6,000, contingent on personal preferences and housing choices. Daily expenses are relatively high, with meals at mid-range restaurants averaging $15-$30 per meal, and fine dining options in expat areas like The Pearl can be substantially higher.
Transportation costs can be managed through a mix of taxi services and vehicle rental, with monthly expenses estimated at $600-$800. Public transportation is relatively affordable, and Doha features a modern metro system with a monthly pass costing between $40 and $60.
Family educational expenses are significant, with international schools in Doha charging annual tuition ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per child, depending on the institution's reputation and curriculum.
Healthcare costs are relatively manageable, with world-class medical facilities like Hamad Medical Corporation and numerous private hospitals offering comprehensive care. Most expatriates choose private health insurance.
- Resources available at UDST to support the scholar’s work: office, desktop, printer, access to UDST facilities like library, sport, cafeteria, etc.
- Depending on availability of budget, UDST may provide financial support to cover one-bedroom accommodation, healthcare insurance, and transportation for the visiting scholar. Awardees can discuss these benefits with UDST prior to their visit.
Please refer to the figures above for an estimate of total monthly Fulbright award benefits. Benefits may include a monthly base stipend, living and housing allowances, and additional one-time allowances. Benefits may vary based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent), the city of placement, the type of award (teaching, teaching/research, or research), and the number of and duration of stay of accompanying dependents. Research-only or Professional Project grantees receive a standard stipend that is not adjusted for academic rank. In most cases, dependent benefits will not be provided to Flex grantees, or to grantees pursuing grants less than four months (or a semester) in length.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Qatar
Qatar is considered as one of the safest countries in the world and both visitors and residents can experience the courteous and hospitable nature of Arab culture.
The official language of the country is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood. Islam is the official religion of the country. The work week is Sunday to Thursday.
The academic year is from September to June. The first semester starts in September and the second starts in January. The calendar may be adjusted around Islamic holidays.
The Qatari official e-Government portal is https://hukoomi.gov.qa/. Most of the portal’s pages and the governmental websites are available in English and Arabic.
Qatar’s population in 2025 is 3.12 million, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority. The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). The exchange parity has been set at the fixed rate of USD1 = QAR3.64. Qatar has one of the fastest growing economies and the highest per capita income in the world.
The country has a moderate desert climate with mild winters and hot summers. Humidity levels can be very high on the coast during the summer months. Most places such as shopping malls, restaurants, and cinemas are air‐conditioned.
Qatar has a good healthcare system that has been ranked in the world’s top five in terms of quality of care. All residents with a valid ID and residence permit, including expats, can access public healthcare in Qatar. Healthcare in Qatar is overseen by the Ministry of Public Health.
Qatar provides an exceptional digital environment for scholars, characterized by its 100% fiber-optic telecommunications network. The country is consistently ranked among the Top Five globally for mobile internet speed.
The country is served by Hamad International Airport (HIA). HIA is Qatar’s gateway to the world, and the home and hub of Qatar Airways, Qatar’s five-star airline. HIA serves over 360,000 flights and 30 million passengers every year.
Metered taxis and limousines are easy to find and there is a comprehensive public transport system. Rideshare is also available using Uber and other local applications. Doha has an automated Metro system with three lines (Red, Gold, and Green) and 37 stations. These lines intersect at Msheireb Station and connect major areas of Doha, including the airport, West Bay, and Education City. A fourth line, the Blue Line, is planned for completion around 2026.
Qatar University (QU) hosts ten colleges and offers the widest range of academic programs -- 48 Bachelors, 32 Masters, nine Ph.D. programs, four Diplomas, and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Research is an integral part of the academic environment at QU and is bolstered by its Research Complex, and 17 research centers of excellence.
Learn more about QU at http://www.qu.edu.qa/
Mustafa Mashal
Associate Professor at Idaho State University
2022-2023 Fulbright Scholar at Qatar University
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmashal/
Charity Lovitt
Associate Professor at University of Washington-Bothell Campus
2023-2024 Fulbright Scholar at Qatar University
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chariteach/
Feras Batarseh
Associate Professor at Virginia Tech
2025-2026 Fulbright Scholar at Hamad Bin Khalifa University
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferasbatarseh/
Elizabeth M. Palmer
Comms & Radar Systems Engineer, and Planetary Scientist
2021-2022 Fulbright Scholar at Hamad Bin Khalifa University
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empalmer1/
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars will be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.