Challenge 22 receives over 400 submissions
Challenge 22 has closed submissions for the first cycle of applications, having received over 400 submissions to date following a four-week roadshow around the GCC states.
The Challenge 22 Team will screen all proposals in collaboration with industry experts in each of the themes and focus areas.
The Challenge 22 roadshow commenced on January 25 in Kuwait and concluded on February 17 in Abu Dhabi, passing through Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain.
More than 3,000 attendees came to 25 information sessions that featured talks from the initiative’s ambassadors, Sami al-Jaber, famed former football player; Mohamed Saadon al-Kuwari, popular sports TV presenter; Mohamed Saeed Harib, director of animation and founder of Lammtara Productions; and Areej al-Kharafi, Kuwaiti
entrepreneur.
Mahmoud Qutub, executive director of strategic development and assurance at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), said: “We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response of potential applicants across the region at the information sessions. Challenge 22 is a truly unique opportunity to think big and come up with inventive solutions to the challenges associated with hosting the FIFA World Cup in the Middle East in 2022.”
Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie, executive director of Qatar National Research Fund, one of Challenge 22’s strategic partners, said: “Challenge 22 provides a tremendous opportunity for innovators in Qatar and the region to showcase their talents, while contributing solutions to the success of the region’s first FIFA World Cup here in Qatar in 2022. We’ve been overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of applications we’ve received from the region’s next generation of
innovators.”
Fatma al-Nuaimi, social and human legacy manager at the SC, added: ““The Challenge 22 roadshow was a great success and it was rewarding to receive feedback that this initiative is giving people in the region the motivation and outlet they need to think about solutions that can potentially go on to have a global impact. With submissions closing, we wish all those who have applied the best of luck.”
Initiated by the SC, Silatech and Qatar National Research Fund, Challenge 22 calls on applicants within the GCC with solution-based proposals related to three key themes that address challenges faced by Qatar and the world while hosting major sports events: Sustainability, Event Experience, and Sports and Health.
Challenge 22 application deadlines for phase one are split into two rounds; the round one deadline is over, with the results to be announced on April 2. The round two deadline is May 5.
Successful applicants have the opportunity to win a cash prize of $20,000 during phase one of the competition and a grant to further develop their idea into a proof of concept during
phase two.
Online law journal’s 2015 issue launched
Qatar University College of Law (QU-LAWC), in partnership with Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation, yesterday announced the launch of the first issue for 2015 of its online law journal, The International
Review of Law (IRL).
The issue includes five articles by authors from international law schools such as University College London (UK), Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (Switzerland), Xi’an Jiaotong University (China), and Bouira University (Algeria) as well as legal professionals from UAE-based law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton.
The articles, in English and Arabic, and with abstract translations, cover a wide range of legal subjects and specialisations - investment law, international humanitarian law, criminal law, conflict law, and EU law - with several addressing legal issues raised in the college’s conference on the Syrian crisis held in February 2014.
LAWC dean Mohamed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi said: “The IRL has proven to be the choice platform for publication of diverse articles of legal significance. It has grown to become the leading and most respected law journal in the region due to its commitment to a stringent international and independent peer review process.”
IRL editor-in-chief Dr Jon Truby said, “The journal has started off the year with very thought-provoking articles that will invite meaningful discourse in legal and other circles. We will continue to bring to our audience articles of similar impact and quality, thus demonstrating our commitment to tackling difficult legal issues of regional and international concern while showcasing our editorial diligence.”
Forum calls for use of innovation
Participants have called for use of innovative concepts and green specifications for the successful management of engineering projects in the region at the concluding session of the 18th Gulf Engineering Forum.
The forum, jointly organised by the Qatar Society of Engineers (QSE) and Ashghal (Public Works Authority) was held under the theme “Main Infrastructure Projects” in the GCC states.
While announcing the recommendations, the forum insisted on the importance of implementing the best practices in the management of engineering projects. The importance of the Gulf engineers acquiring global expertise, training and relevant and credible educational qualifications was stressed.
It is essential to introduce the best and latest means of transportation modes in the region to improve the mobility of the residents.
The speakers highlighted the necessity of designing and implementing transport systems in line with the actual travelling requirements of people with special needs.
The participants also reviewed some of the successful projects and how important has been the role of green architecture in some of the infrastructural projects in the urban areas in the recent times.
The forum witnessed the participation of representatives of several institutions, advisory bureaus, construction companies, and engineering consultancies.
QFCA meets lawyers’ forum
QNA/Doha
Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) has held a meeting with Qatar Lawyers’ Association (QLA) to discuss a number of concerns and address any misconceptions regarding QFC law and QFC licensed law firms.
“Our most recent meeting cemented our positive relationship with the QLA and we look forward to continuing our discussions and dialogue with them on a number of important matters,” QFCA said in a press release.
“QFC believes in the strength and potential of the legal market in Qatar. We have continually taken a leadership position on meeting the future needs of Qatar’s growing legal, financial and business landscape. The 23 registered law firms within the QFC have played a vital role in developing the market for legal advice in Qatar, after satisfying many conditions and strict criteria to receive a QFC licence as stipulated by QFC law, regulations and rules,” the statement added.
The authority said that, after consideration of the local legal market, it has decided that there are sufficient QFC law firms to meet the current local market demands. However, it added that “this position is subject to some exception and may change in the future depending on the market and other factors.”
“Our focus continues to be supporting Qatar’s economic diversification and we will continue to engage with all relevant groups,” it added.
Established in 2005, QFC is an onshore centre that provides a platform for domestic, regional and international growth. As QFC’s commercial and strategic arm, QFCA develops and ensures compliance with QFC regulations, administers key QFC office functions and deals with applications from non-regulated organisations.
American education expo today
Students interested in obtaining a scholarship to further their education in the US, can meet representatives from several universities and colleges at the American Education Expo Scholarship Fair at the St Regis Doha today. Entry is free. The participating universities, some of which will be offering full tuition scholarships include Concordia University Wisconsin, California State University, Drexel University, Drury University, Fisher College, Full Sail University, Northampton Community College, Oklahoma City University, Penn State University, Stephen F Austin, The College of Saint Rose, University of Central Florida, University of Houston and the University of Michigan. Representatives from these American colleges and universities will discuss undergraduate and graduate admissions. Interested students should bring multiple copies of their report cards, transcripts and TOEFL scores to enable representatives to determine admission and scholarship eligibility. For information visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/isn-american-education-expo-doha-gulf-tickets-15407601551?ref=ebtnebregn or call +974 4446 0007.
Air India Express free baggage allowance
Air India Express has announced that it has extended free baggage allowance from 20kg to 30kg until March 31, on all its flights on Doha-India routes.
