Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) is showcasing its key projects and operational achievements since the launch of its services, through its participation in InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin under the umbrella of the Ministry of Transport.Qatar Rail's participation underscores Qatar's notable achievements in developing a modern, integrated and sustainable rail transport system, while reaffirming the company's pivotal role in advancing the nation's public transportation network.It also highlights Qatar Rail's expertise in the operation and management of the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, delivering safe, reliable and accessible services that enhance connectivity, support sustainable mobility, and contribute to improved quality of life.On the sidelines of the exhibition, Qatar Rail signed a new strategic partnership agreement with DB Engineering and Consulting, a subsidiary of Germany's Deutsche Bahn Group and a global specialist in engineering, consulting and project management for railway infrastructure and transport systems.The agreement aims to strengthen coordination and the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise and best practices in the railway sector.The agreement builds on the longstanding collaboration between the two companies and enables Qatar Rail to continue benefiting from DB Engineering and Consulting's industry knowledge and technical expertise.Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Rail Jassim Mohammed al-Ansari stated: "The signing of this agreement marks a new step in our collaboration with DB Engineering and Consulting. It reflects our commitment to building strategic partnerships that enable knowledge exchange and access to specialised global expertise, supporting the continued development of Qatar's rail transport system and advancing operational efficiency and the passenger experience."He added: "Our participation in InnoTrans 2026 within the State of Qatar's unified Transport Pavilion, highlights Qatar's progress in developing a modern, integrated and sustainable public transport system. The exhibition is also an important platform to engage with industry leaders, explore innovations in smart mobility, safety and maintenance, and discuss partnerships that strengthen Qatar's position on the global transport map."A Qatar Rail delegation met with Hitachi Rail to explore rail innovations, taking a guided high-speed train tour and reviewing artificial intelligence applications in operations and maintenance to assess potential network integration.At the accompanying exhibition, Qatar Rail showcased the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram projects.The Doha Metro has surpassed 300mn passengers since its launch, reflecting strong public demand, operational efficiency, and a shift toward sustainable transport.The company highlighted its success during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where its integrated network efficiently managed peak spectator movement between stadiums and key destinations.Qatar Rail also displayed its international awards in safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Qatar is set to train its workforce for the AI era on a large scale. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has joined Google Cloud to launch a national upskilling drive that will open more than 50,000 training seats by 2030.Delivered through Qatar Digital Academy, the initiative will give professionals across the country hands-on command of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other advanced digital technologies, the tools that are rapidly reshaping how economies work, compete and grow.The programme is built as a ladder rather than a single course. It starts with foundational digital literacy and climbs to specialised tracks for executives, technical professionals and developers, so that talent at every level can move from understanding new technologies to putting them to work.It is a central part of MCIT's push to develop human capital and build a deep pool of digital talent that can keep pace with fast-moving technology and meet the specialised skills needs of sectors across the economy.Her Excellency Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT Reem Mohammed al-Mansoori described capability-building as a cornerstone of Qatar's digital transformation."This initiative expands investment in skills by providing specialised training pathways that address the needs of the workforce, executive leaders and technical professionals," she said. "By providing more than 50,000 training seats by 2030, we aim to build a broad base of talent capable of leveraging artificial intelligence and cloud technologies and developing digital solutions that enhance institutional efficiency and support the growth of the digital economy."She tied the programme directly to the Digital Agenda 2030, which targets the creation of about 26,000 jobs in the information and communications technology sector by the end of the decade and a 10% rise in the capabilities of ICT professionals through advanced skills development."Through this programme, we are translating these targets into practical capacity-building pathways in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and advanced digital technologies," al-Mansoori said.For Google Cloud, the initiative scales up a track record already in place. The company has trained more than 12,000 people in Qatar over the past five years."Our expanded skilling collaboration with MCIT scales this commitment to deliver over 50,000 learning opportunities by 2030," said Ghassan Kosta, Regional General Manager at Google Cloud. "Through specialised frameworks like the Advanced Solutions Lab and targeted curricula for Gemini Enterprise and Google Looker, we are providing the structured technical proficiency required to architect and deploy enterprise-scale cloud and AI solutions."The programme runs under the five-year framework agreement between MCIT and Google Cloud. It was unveiled at Google Cloud Summit Doha 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), which coincided with the third anniversary of Google Cloud's Doha region.

His Highness the Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani conveyed the condolences of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum on the demise of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.At the Zabeel Majlis in Dubai Wednesday, HH Sheikh Jassim also offered condolences to Dubai Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and members of the al-Maktoum family.He prayed to Allah to have mercy on the deceased, grant him a place in paradise and bestow patience and solace upon his family.HH Sheikh Jassim was accompanied by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa al-Thani and a number of sheikhs.