Author

Fanar, an Arabic AI language model developed by the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and a national project involving several institutions in Qatar aims to enhance and protect Arabic language in the digital space. QCRI, part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University has developed this special tool to bridge Arabic language and culture with the latest advancements in AI. Dr Mohamed Eltabakh, principal scientist at QCRI, at a recent conference in Doha highlighted that this project aims to revive and preserve the Arabic language in the digital age. Dr Eltabakh said: “With the emergence of ChatGPT in 2022, it was clear that it would have a tremendous impact across various fields, including medicine, education, health, the judiciary, and the media. This technology stood out from all its predecessors for its generative capabilities and interactive nature.” He noted that studies have shown that these language models, despite their sophistication, carry a significant risk of bias. “They tend to favour English over Arabic, thus reflecting Western cultures and excluding other cultures, particularly Arab and Islamic culture. Furthermore, the training methods for these models often do not align with the specific requirements and needs of Arab societies,” explained, Dr Eltabakh. According to the scientist, one of the most important goals of the project is to preserve the Arabic language and its various dialects. Built on a robust linguistic framework and powered by advanced algorithms, Fanar excels in Arabic-centric thinking, understanding nuanced meanings, and capturing subtle linguistic distinctions. These features make it an ideal tool for overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers, fostering effective communication, and promoting knowledge exchange. Its extensive capabilities include text and multimodal data generation, content creation, translation, and knowledge fact-checking. One of Fanar’s goals is to provide high-quality Arabic content that enhances the status of the Arabic language in the digital space. “Achieving cultural compatibility is among the platform’s most important objectives as the Arabic language is not merely a means of communication; it carries Arab identity, history, culture, and values, which are fundamentally different from Western culture,” he continued. Dr Eltabakh underlined that digital sovereignty in Arabic content is also of key importance for the platform. He noted: “Complete reliance on Western technology reduces us to mere consumers. The Fanar project demonstrates that we can be creators of this technology and to own its tools. Ownership here is not just technical – it also encompasses sovereignty over knowledge, content, and communication.” Dr Eltabakh emphasised the importance of capacity building as most countries find themselves unable to build local capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence. However, the presence of Arab expertise that can develop these models, and directing them according to our needs, is of paramount importance. “The Fanar project is not merely a linguistic initiative, but rather a comprehensive vision for an independent Arab digital future that reflects our culture, protects our language, and empowers us to contribute to shaping technology, rather than being victims of its biases,” added the scientist.

Nathania Lela Vipin, a 13 year-old Qatar resident, is making her presence felt in the social and academic circles through her relentless pursuit of learning and excellence in various fields, braving many obstacles.Nathania has been recognised of late by the India Book of Records for ‘'Maximum topics covered in a presentation for five-minutes by a teen.’“I want to become the voice of the voiceless and provide guidance to many like me. I hope my life will be a motivating factor for many of them live a better life” Nathania told Gulf Times in an interaction.Nathania was prematurely born at the sixth month of pregnancy at Hamad Medical Corporation. To add to the troubles, the premature birth resulted in cerebral palsy. The doctors were sceptical if the child would live long as baby Nathania weighed just 650gm at her birth.She had to fight for her life in an incubator at the hospital for over four months. Her parents, Vipin and Neethu underwent a tough ordeal as they also had to take care of Nathania’s brother, Naithan, who is just nine months elder to her.Fighting the obstacles and overcoming them, Nathania was not willing to give up on life and decided to challenge herself to be someone different. As she grew into a teen, she is brimming with confidence and ably supported by her parents, teachers and friends and among others.Today, Nathania has grown into an eloquent speaker and a motivational figure for others to emulate. Her determination is paying off as she started to address small gatherings.“A few years ago, I had a surgery and had to wear an iron cast on my leg. For six months I had to be carried by others and then the thought came up in my mind how people with handicaps need to depend on others for their daily activities,” Nathania recalled.“This made me think that I should tell others that life has to be faced with all the realities and one should never give up. I wanted to tell this to the world and this made me become a motivational speaker,” she stressed.Today, Nathania is a sought after speaker at various platforms in Doha. Her meeting with the renowned illusionist and motivational speaker, Gopinath Muthukad was another turning point in her life that made her all the more determined to continue with greater strides.Then came the India Book of Records for covering the maximum number of topics in a presentation. Nathania covered 14 topics in five minutes. The citation on the India Book of Records says she covered various subjects “including ‘A warrior’, ‘A Social Issue’, ‘Special Education’, ‘Positive Thinking’ and ‘Water’, among others, at the age of 13 years and four days, as confirmed on March 27, 2025.”Nathania, all confidence personified, is looking ahead for greater involvement in every aspect of her life. “I am just a little girl. I feel my life should be a lesson for others to face life with great confidence. Every person has a mission and purpose in this life and they should realise their potential accordingly. If I can be of little help and motivation for others, that gives me immense joy,” added the little champion.

An ongoing art exhibition at Mathaf, Arab Museum of Modern Art, is a peek into the art history of Qatar and how the thriving art scenario in the country has emerged.‘Qatar: Close to My Soul ’ from the collection of Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani exhibition presents works from the late 1960s onward providing a broad overview of Qatari art, artists, movements and ideas that have shaped modern and contemporary art from the country.Curated by Fatima Mostafawi, the Middle East and West Asia curator at Mathaf, the exhibition open until August 9 is a testament to the diversity and development of Qatar’s visual culture and a poetic journey into the past and present of the nation.The modern and contemporary art in Qatar emerged as a visual extension of the political, economic and sociocultural context of the country in the second half of the twentieth century. Featuring a significant number of artists and artworks, the exhibition reveals the distinct thematic approaches that have emerged and converged over different generations.The exhibition highlights how with the establishment of a formal education system in Qatar in 1952, the first artistic initiatives flourished. It notes that the art classes in schools played a major role in nurturing the artists who would become the pioneering generation, and from the early 1960s onward, exhibitions were continuously held in schools and public spaces, exposing art to a wider audience.These early efforts culminated in the return of the pioneers after pursuing academic art studies in neighbouring Arab countries. Since then, the Qatari art scene has grown rapidly, actively engaging with local cultural vocabularies and regional artistic dialogues.The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections. The first, O’mri Qatar, explores how artists draw inspiration from traditional architectural and natural landscape. The second, Dewdrops, features works portraying society, and the third, Boundless Expanse, presents various experiments in abstraction and hurruffiya, an art form incorporating Arabic letterforms. Through the exhibited works, texts and archival material, visitors will gain a deeper insight into the history of modern and contemporary art in Qatar.The title and narrative of the exhibition are inspired by a well-known poem and song, entitled Allah Ya O’mri Qatar, written by Abdullah al-Hammadi in 1975 and performed by Mohammed al-Saai in the following years. The poem is widely regarded as a profoundly emotional expression of the poet's love for his homeland.Since the late 1970s, the poem's simple yet demonstrative language has garnered widespread popularity, evoking nostalgic sentiments across all generations in Qatar. This poem intertwines with Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani’s collecting practices, reflecting his discerning appreciation and passion for art. It serves as a clear means of expressing his profound love for his homeland and his unwavering commitment to preserving Qatar's artistic legacy.

The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to breach into human rights are very huge, a top official of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) told Gulf Times Tuesday. “AI has the capacity to get into human rights in a big way and data protection is a big challenge in the era of AI. There is the possibility of AI machines and algorithms to produce information which does not stick to reality or influence electoral processes,” Dr Mary Kawar, director, Arab States Regional Hub, UNDP, told Gulf Times.She was speaking on the sidelines of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights organised by Qatar National Human Rights Committee.“Since the capacity of AI to breach human rights are huge we need to put the citizens at the centre and have policies and strategies that are human rights based and designed around human beings,” explained, Dr Kawar.The official said that AI unleashes several opportunities for development, for efficiency of governments, for service delivery, for improving the quality of life of citizens. “But at the same time it comes with some deep risks in terms of data breaching, in terms of replacement of human capabilities for the labour force and in terms of control.So, the overall goal of this conference is to bring people together to strategise an opportunity to make AI benefit communities and not be a challenge and a risk to our life,” she continued.Dr Kawar noted that at the level of strategies, policies and technical support, there should be efforts of making sure that there is awareness of human rights risks in this sphere. “This goes from support to governments and in terms of building coalitions that bring different stakeholders together and finally at the global level through initiatives, resolutions and global movements. They are all geared towards making sure that AI is at the service of citizens.”“Also, at UNDP, we had a recent report, the Human Development Report, which focused on AI and digitalisation. The idea was that how we can accelerate the implementation of the sustainable development goals, how digitalisation and AI can be for the benefit of human development, especially in terms of health and education and basic rights,” she highlighted.Dr Kawar stated that the conference will be a pointer to the way forward in protecting human rights while making use of AI.“The event will end with a declaration that will set the way forward and that is why it is very important. Through the sessions people from around the globe will share best practices and will discuss avenues for making use of AI in a way that is sensitive to human rights. These all discussions will end up in a declaration that will help all the stakeholders to define the way they believe artificial intelligence should be designed and approached,” she added.

Storytelling is part of the culture and tradition of the Arab world and Qatar and the region can become a gateway for international production in content creation and film making, noted HE Hassan al-Thawadi, managing director, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Wednesday.Speaking at the ongoing Qatar Economic Forum 2025 he highlighted that FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has emerged as a catalyst for positive change both in the country and within the region, accelerating human capabilities.Al-Thawadi noted that the Egyptian film industry is one of the oldest film industries as old as Hollywood or even older. “But I think, today, unfortunately, we don't have our stories or our content being created such as the blockbusters that other nations have been able to create. So I think what we want to do is, create a collaborative effort amongst ourselves,” he said.He stated that recently at Cannes he had great meetings with a number of people working within the industry and some of the neighbouring countries. “We are looking at areas of collaboration and working together in terms of, becoming a gateway for international production, because that always gives the exposure towards improving our storytelling capabilities in a way that international audience consumes it.”The SC managing director also spoke about harnessing the talent of the people and the content creators of the region to make the content. He stated: “If you look at the East, there are significant markets that have already established themselves or are establishing themselves, and there's room for our content to travel there. So the idea for us is to, initially talk about the region, the Mena region and the Arab world. It can very quickly evolve towards Global South, where we create content for ourselves, to be consumed by ourselves, and then push it to become globally consumed.”Al-Thawadi noted ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the organising committee had realised the challenges. “We wanted this event to be an accelerant, a catalyst for positive change both in the country and within the region. We worked towards that goal. We realised the challenges that were ahead of us and one of the most important legacies that we wanted to leave was the human capabilities in terms of delivering such an event and we worked diligently towards the goals,” said the official.He also pointed out that the Qatar 2022 has been one of the best sporting event the world has seen so far as it turned out to be a global carnival.“Initially, our view was this is an Arab World Cup and the Arab world will be welcoming the rest of the world. But then it evolved and manifested itself in terms of the Global South being very present over here and the Global North embracing that diverse culture and it became a global carnival,” he added.

Experts on geopolitical scenarios of the Middle East discussed the evolving landscapes in the region, especially in the aftermath of the visit of US president Donald Trump at the ongoing Qatar economic Forum (QEF) 2025.“It is a new Arab world. It is different, but there is much more in common among Arabs than there are differences. Therefore, I want to see more success,” said Nabil Fahmy, Egypt's former foreign minister and ambassador to the US, and chairman, Lynx Business Advisors while highlighting the rapidly changing scenario in the region.US Army retired General David H Petraeus, chairman, Global Institute & KKR Middle East and partner, KKR, noted that during the visit of President Trump in addition to aviation and military business deals, there was a focus on technology.“It is not the traditional fossil fuels only or petrochemicals or the rest of that was part of the technology discussions. There is a huge economy that is developing out here in the states that are promoting innovation, data centres, AI, and all that goes along with that in a very significant way. The ability to sell the most advanced chips here is one that is also very important,” he explained.The experts also delved on the current situations in Syria, Palestine, Ukraine, Iran and other political developments that are taking place in different parts of the region and beyond.As for the current situation in Syria, Petraeus said: “And let's give the new leader every opportunity. So the US lifts the sanctions. Other countries out here have been providing financial assistance, dealing with some of their debts, etc. I think that is a very significant development in the region.”Fahmy noted that what is happening in Syria is the beginning of the story and not the end of it. He explained: “Syria, for the first time, came to the Arab summit and attended a summit with President Trump. At the same time, they were asked to do a number of things, but the incentive was put up front.”He continued that while the US has lifted the sanctions, countries in the region have offered to provide assistance to Syria . “That being said, all of those who met the Syrians, be them the Arabs or the Americans, though I am speaking more on the Arab side, want a better Syria. They don't want an extremist Syria. They don't want, frankly, a revisionist Syria either. So the incentive's out there, but there has to be something to be delivered in response by the Syrians. It has to be for all the Syrians.” he added.The panellists also discussed Palestine and Ukraine and highlighted the major issues facing this region as well as Europe. The discussion was moderated by John Micklethwait, editor-in-chief, Bloomberg.

Qatar has emerged a trusted and credible mediator, capable of playing pivotal roles in complex issues, that demand wisdom, neutrality, and influence, noted HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.“Qatar has embraced dialogue as both a political practice and a strategic principle, rooted in its constitution and reflecting a steadfast vision that peace can only be achieved through justice and the preservation of human dignity," he stated Monday.HE Dr al-Khulaifi was speaking at the opening session of the International Conference on Debate and Dialogue organised by QatarDebate, founded by Qatar Foundation. The second edition of the two-day conference got underway at Qatar National Convention Centre Monday.“With this approach, Qatar has established itself as an established international mediator earning international trust, which enables it to play a pivotal role in issues that require wisdom, agility and the ability to act. Diplomacy and dialogue are the best way to build a more stable and secure world," explained the minister.The minister also spoke about the crucial roles that Qatar has undertaken to earn the trust of the international community.“Qatari diplomacy has become an influential force and a credible voice amid global transformations, taking the initiative to chart paths toward solutions and build bridges of dialogue at times when traditional channels have collapsed and positions have grown more polarised,” he continued.He highlighted the deep-rooted connection between debate and diplomacy, noting that debate is not merely about presenting ideas, but also serves as an effective means of resolving intellectual differences through wisdom and constructive dialogue.Dr al-Khulaifi emphasised that the conference represents a valuable opportunity to explore the practical dimensions of dialogue and debate, examining their tools and methods, which contributes to fostering a culture of constructive discourse, mutual respect, and understanding within societies.He also stressed the deep relationship between debate and diplomacy. ” They are not two separate fields, but they complement each other in essence, as all of them are based on good dialogue, effective communication, and the ability to convince without help, and expression without anger or aggression,” he stated."Hence, the profound relationship between debate and diplomacy is evident; both are grounded in dialogue and require attentive listening, thoughtful responses, and the ability to present opinions with well-reasoned arguments and sound logic. Debate, like diplomacy, serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas where minds are sharpened and respect for differing views is cultivated," Dr al-Kulaifi added.

The World Table Tennis Championship Finals Doha 2025, which begins Saturday will be an exceptional one, The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) president Petra Sörling told Gulf Times in an interview."We had the World Championships here in 2004 and since then we have had many major events in Qatar. So we know that we can expect a very high level of delivery in this edition of the championship,” Sörling, explained.Sörling was interacting with Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Sports and Science Congress, which concluded Thursday at the Aspetar.“Qatar Table Tennis Association under the leadership of Khalil al-Mohannadi, has a lot of experience. So we are excited because we know it will be a championship of next level,” continued, Sörling.As for the championship, the president said that there will be a lot of innovations this time. “We will use two venues and I expect that as a new innovation. We know that we will have a full house, some sessions are already sold out and I think that can also bring another level of excitement to the event here in Doha, “she explained.The official said that Doha has become a city of sport and the championship provides visibility for the local players.“Each championship motivates and encourages local players. We have seen in previous editions that a lot of players emerge from the host countries into world scenario and I am sure that will take place here in Doha. I am very happy to see that the young players coming from here are more and more successful . So I think that there will be a lot of local players emerging into the world scene with the world championships being a catalyst, ” said, Sörling.The ITTF president also said that Doha is a great destination for International sports events including table tennis and for the related activities . “When I look at it today, we have the Sports and Science Congress, which is for us very important in table tennis. And then also, we had last year the Men's Tour Finals and I know that there is also a lot of youth events coming up,” she added.ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025 runs until May 25 at Lusail Sports Arena and Qatar University.

The University of Doha for Science and Technology ( UDST) under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, celebrated the graduation of 323 Honour students at a special ceremony Tuesday at Qatar National Convention Centre.HE the Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater, HE the UDST Board of Trustees chairman Dr Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada, UDST president Dr Salem Al-Naemi, board members and other dignitaries were present.This week, the university is hosting three graduation ceremonies for its students. The first ceremony Tuesday celebrated the outstanding graduates of the Class of 2025. This year’s cohort includes 426 students from the College of Business, 164 from the College of Computing and Information Technology, 328 from the College of Engineering and Technology, and 248 from the College of Health Sciences.During the ceremony, HE AlKhater recognised 32 distinguished students who earned academic honours by maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA with an “Excellent” standing throughout their studies in addition to the recipients of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence.Dr Al-Naemi, in his address noted: “Today, we proudly reaffirm that UDST, through its applied learning philosophy and steadfast commitment to sustainability, embraces technological progress with an open and forward-thinking approach. We harness these developments across our research, teaching methodologies, and daily engagement with students, partners, and the broader community to support national development, address sector needs, and build impactful initiatives that will contribute to long-term self-sufficiency and progress.”Dr Al-Naemi also shed light on the university’s strategic direction and ongoing efforts to align academic offerings with evolving market demands, both locally and globally. This academic year witnessed the launch of several new programmes, most notably the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and aviation management offered in collaboration with Qatar Airways, Airbus, the École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile , and the Institut Supérieur de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace in France.Additionally, newly introduced bachelor’s and master’s programmes in STEM and TVET education were included under the national "Tomouh" in-country scholarship initiative. Dr Al-Naemi underscored that these milestones reflect the invaluable support extended by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, which plays an important role in advancing the university’s mission in alignment with the priorities of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy.The Class of 2025 valedictorian, Hamad al-Sharshani, said: “I am pleased to stand before you today as a doctor and as the first Qatari man to graduate from a programme that is the first of its kind in Qatar and the region: the Master of Science in Diabetes Care and Patient Education."I am also proud to be the first Qatari man to work in the field of Diabetes Care and Education at Hamad Medical Corporation. Graduating from this esteemed institution is a proud moment for all of us. Every one of us carries the promise of achieving extraordinary things. Let us continue to innovate, grow, and strive towards the betterment of our society and our beloved homeland.”

Qatar Foundation (QF) and Georgetown University signed an agreement on Wednesday in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson, QF to renew their partnership for another 10 years.At a celebratory event, marking the 20th anniversary of Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), the agreement was signed by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, QF, and Georgetown University's interim president Robert Groves.At the event, Groves presented Her Highness Sheikha Moza with Georgetown University President’s Medal which is granted to a select few very distinguished global leaders and renowned academics for their meritorious service to the humanity.Speaking at the event, Her Highness commented on the renewed partnership between QF and Georgetown University stating: “Qatar Foundation is committed to forging a path that leads to cross-cultural understanding, respect and collaboration, a commitment that is shared by Georgetown University. Together we will inspire and nurture those who will have the courage to build bridges between nations and lead our world into a better future.”Addressing the gathering, HE Sheikha Hind said: “The longevity, impact, and success of our partnership with Georgetown University is a testament to collective vision, and a shared belief in what knowledge makes possible.“When Qatar Foundation embarked on its journey to provide world-class education to the youth of Qatar and our region, we sought international partners in education who not only offered academic excellence, but whose values aligned with ours. Georgetown University was one such institution with the foresight to recognise what such a partnership could achieve – contributing to the advancement of a nation and a region, while amplifying its own capacity for scholarly research and discovery.“From the students it has nurtured to become agents of change and true global citizens in so many fields, to the wealth of new and regionally relevant academic thought it has produced, Georgetown University in Qatar exemplifies what can be achieved by partnering in the name of knowledge."We are proud that this partnership, which has already spanned 20 years, will continue to nurture leaders of the future and support human and social development on a national and regional scale – together, QF and Georgetown University aim to ensure that what we have achieved together over the past two decades is merely the beginning.”Also in attendance were HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, number of excellencies and other dignitaries, top leadership of QF and several leaders of Georgetown University, deans of various universities in Education City and leading academics from various orgaisations in the country among others.Safwan Masri, dean of GU-Q welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of the partnership between the two great institutions. He said: “Georgetown University could bring its deepest convictions of diplomacy, justice and history into a new terrain and find them met with an enthusiasm that gives them fresh urgency and direction. From a single floor in a shared building, and a handful of faculty and staff who stepped into the unknown, came the beginning of something enduring. And today, GU-Q stands as an indelible part of Georgetown's identity and a vital force in Qatar's academic landscape.”Following the signing ceremony, seven distinguished GU-Q alumni who are making a meaningful impact in Qatar and internationally, were recognised with the Alumni Impact Awards, underscoring the far-reaching influence of the academic partnership. Salma Mousa (SFS’12); Mohammed AlSudairi (SFS’11); AlJawhara Hassan al-Thani (SFS’11) Amna Mohammed al-Thani, (SFS’11) Haajerah Khan, (SFS’10); Ousaman Camara ( SFS’20) and Haya al-Noaimi( SFS’09) were those honoured.In his remarks, Groves noted that Georgetown University's 20 years of service in Qatar was made possible by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza.“If we go back just over 20 years, this campus was just an idea. It was, however, a big idea. Her Highness Sheikha Moza and the Royal Family of Qatar had a vision of a new kind of academic community, really unprecedented in the world, with multiple schools, a diversity of perspectives, various forms of expertise. All were gathered together with a unified purpose to help a region and indeed a global community of students,” he pointed out.Francisco Marmolejo, president of Higher Education at QF noted that Qatar Foundation has the genuine conviction that education is the key to unlock the human potential. He stated: “This conviction is the one that brings us together today and it will be what will continue to keep us together. The simple fact we are celebrating today is a stronger and more impactful partnership. Right from 2005, Georgetown University in Qatar has ben a central pillar in Education City”“ Education at its best is transformative and the dedicated team at GU-Q has been making it easy to happen. This is a community of scholars deeply committed to contributing meaningfully to our global conversations,” added, Soyica Diggs Colbert, interim provost at Georgetown University.QF’s ecosystem of education includes GU-Q, six other international partner universities, QF’s homegrown Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and 13 schools, including specialised schools. In the 2024-25 academic year, over 4,000 students of 102 nationalities are enrolled in universities at QF, with 64% female and 47% Qatari. Over 9,900 students have graduated from these universities, a number that will rise next month when their Classes of 2025 graduate.BOXGeorgetown University offers its Bachelor’s of Science in Foreign Service Degree to students matriculating at GU-Q, with specialisations in International Politics, Culture and Politics, International Economics, and International History.GU-Q also trains mid-level professionals in the field of foreign affairs through its Executive Masters in Diplomacy and International Affairs. In 2024, Georgetown University was ranked first worldwide by Foreign Policy magazine for its undergraduate and master’s programs in international relations.GU-Q’s inaugural graduating class was composed of 18 students. The university’s Class of 2025 numbers 134 students representing nearly 80 nationalities. Since its establishment as a QF partner university in 2005, GU-Q has graduated nearly 1,100 undergraduate and master’s degree students.

Qatar University (QU) has published a systematic literature review investigating the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in special education, with a particular focus on supporting students with disabilities.This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how AI technologies are being utilised to enhance learning outcomes, increase engagement, and address the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities in educational settings.Prof Maha al-Hendawi, Professor of Special Education, Esraa Hussein, research assistant and academic adviser and Menatalla Hussein, research assistant, master’s programme in Special Education College of Education-Qatar University are involved in this project.According to an article, “Towards Empowering and Enhancing the Capabilities of Students with Disabilities” on the latest edition of the QU Research Magazine, the integration of AI into special education represents a significant leap forward in the ability to provide personalised, adaptive, and inclusive learning experiences for students with diverse needs.The research team notes that there are a number of key areas where AI is making a substantial impact. AI-powered tools offer customised educational content tailored to each student’s unique needs, knowledge levels, interests, and abilities. This personalisation helps to optimise the learning process and improve academic performance.The study notes that AI-driven assistive devices help students with disabilities overcome communication barriers, fostering greater inclusion in the classroom and enhancing their ability to participate in educational activities. AI systems support the management of classroom behaviour and encourage positive social interactions, which is particularly beneficial for students with cognitive or behavioural challenges.The study highlights that applications such as virtual reality and emotion recognition tools provide real-time feedback to assist students in regulating their emotions, an essential skill for many learners with disabilities. AI technologies, including robotic aids and smart prosthetics, enhance mobility and independence for students with physical disabilities, allowing them to engage more fully in educational activities.The literature review has revealed a significant gap in research on AI applications in special education within the Middle East. Out of the numerous studies examined, only three were conducted in this region. This underrepresentation highlights a critical need for increased investment in AI research and development, particularly in the context of special education, within Arab countries.The limited research in this area suggests that the region may be at risk of falling behind in the global advancements of AI-driven education. This gap is particularly concerning given the potential of AI to address unique educational challenges faced in the Arab world. AI systems can be developed to address the specific linguistic and cultural needs of Arab students with disabilities, ensuring that educational content and support are culturally relevant and accessible.This systematic literature review highlights the transformative potential of AI in special education. From personalised learning experiences to advanced assistive technologies, AI is opening new doors for students with disabilities, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. However, the lack of research in this field within the Arab world presents both a challenge and an opportunity.It stresses that there is an urgent need for increased investment in AI studies and development in special education across Arab countries. This investment should focus on conducting rigourous studies to evaluate the effectiveness of AI interventions in local educational contexts; training educators and special education professionals in the use of AI technologies and fostering collaborations between educational institutions, technology companies, and government bodies to drive innovation in this field.

A group of researchers from Qatar University (QU) has developed an innovative assistive system called ‘Smart Hat’ aimed at empowering individuals with visual impairments.Designed as a lightweight, wearable device, 'Smart Hat' integrates seamlessly into the user’s daily life and enhances the ability of visually impaired people to navigate their surroundings and perform tasks independently.The team comprised of Prof Sumaya al-Maadeed, professor of computer engineering at the College of Engineering, an accomplished researcher in Computer Vision and Artificial intelligence (AI), and PhD student Jayakanth Kunhoth, Dr Mohammed Zied Chaari, and MSc student Nandhini Subhramanian.Prof al-Maadeed and her team, according to an article on the latest edition of the QU Research Magazine, noted the the potential of AI to address the challenges of the visually impaired people by providing real- time solutions that combine advanced computing techniques with user-friendly interfaces. Their goal was to design a system that could adapt to various environments, respond intelligently to user needs, and provide continuous support.The assistive system integrates multiple advanced technologies, including AI, computer vision, and sensor-based systems, to create a robust and user- centric solution. One of the key features of the system is object detection and recognition. By using computer vision algorithms, the system identifies and labels objects in the user’s environment in real-time.The system provides audio feedback to guide users by describing objects, directions, or hazards. This allows visually impaired individuals to better understand their surroundings without relying on sight. By leveraging deep learning models, the system maps out the user’s environment and provides step-by-step navigation instructions. This feature is particularly useful for avoiding obstacles and navigating crowded spaces. The AI in the system learns user preferences over time, adapting its responses to provide more personalised assistance.AI plays a central role in the assistive system, powering both the recognition and decision-making processes. Deep learning models were employed and trained on diverse datasets to ensure accurate and reliable performance in various scenarios. The system’s AI components were trained on large datasets of images, objects, and environmental scenarios to develop robust object detection and recognition capabilities. This training ensures that the system can operate effectively in diverse lighting conditions and settings.The integration of NLP technologies in both Arabic and English significantly enhances the system’s communication abilities. It enables the system to describe objects and provide instructions in a natural, conversational tone, making it more user- friendly and less daunting for individuals with visual impairments.AI models in the system are designed to learn continuously from user interactions and feedback. This iterative improvement ensures that the device remains relevant and effective as user needs evolve.The assistive system has the potential to transform the lives of individuals with visual impairments by providing them greater independence and reducing reliance on caregivers and empowers users to engage more fully in social, professional, and recreational activities.Building on the success of this project, Prof al- Maadeed and her team plan to expand their research to include additional functionalities and applications. They also plan to partner with international organisations and researchers to share insights and further develop assistive technologies.By combining cutting-edge technology with a user-focused approach, the team has created a solution that not only improves the lives of individuals with disabilities but also sets a new standard for innovation in assistive technology.

Qatar is set to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in grand style, with a week-long lineup of festivities and events across the country. Various organisations and entities have announced exciting activities to mark the joyous occasion as the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close.Visit Qatar has unveiled an exciting schedule of events starting Sunday. Kicking off the celebrations is The Wonderland of Soapy Bubbles at the Oasis Stage in Mall of Qatar. Running until April 5, this mesmerizing show will dazzle visitors with breathtaking bubble tricks and captivating effects, creating an imaginative world where creativity floats in every bubble.Adding to the excitement, Lusail Sky Festival will take center stage at Lusail City, promising jaw-dropping aerial performances, including sky text planes, paramotors, laser shows, and fireworks. Held at Al Sadd Plaza from April 3 to 5, the event is free and open to all, offering thrilling sky-high entertainment for the whole family. The festival’s highlights include aerobatic displays, a breathtaking showcase of 3,000 drones, skywriting, and aviation spectacles.For Disney fans, the highly anticipated theatrical production Disney: The Magic Box will make its Doha debut at Al Mayassa Theatre in the Qatar National Convention Centre from April 3 to 12. This enchanting show brings a century of Disney nostalgia to life, following the story of Mara as she embarks on a magical journey into The Magic Box, making it a must-see for families.The Cultural Village Foundation – Katara will present Katara Eidiya, featuring live performances by the Police Music Band and traditional Qatari Ardha dancers, alongside street art displays, Asian-African folklore performances, and a rababa music showcase. Visitors can also explore the Soul of Gold exhibition, where Turkish artist Hatice Yetiş and her students will present over 30 exquisite paintings, celebrating the beauty of Islamic gilding art through a contemporary lens.Meanwhile, municipalities across Qatar have been gearing up for the celebrations, ensuring food safety through rigorous inspections and preparing public parks and recreational areas to welcome large crowds during the holiday season.Fireworks will light up the skies at multiple locations throughout Eid. Katara will host nightly fireworks displays from the first day of Eid for three consecutive days, while Al Wakra Old Souq will extend its celebrations with fireworks for four days. As part of the Lusail Sky Festival, a synchronized fireworks show with music and light effects will also take place, adding a dazzling touch to the festivities.Msheireb Downtown Doha is set to unveil a host of Eid celebrations, including family-friendly games, live musical performances, interactive shows, and gourmet experiences. Running from the first day of Eid until April 5, these festivities will feature immersive installations and live entertainment, bringing the community together in a joyous celebration.Visitors to Old Doha Port can immerse themselves in cultural performances and activities reflecting the spirit of Eid. Traditional maritime bands will perform at Al Bandar, while live music from various artists will fill the Mina District. The area will also host interactive shows for children, expansive play zones, family-friendly entertainment, giant inflatables, street food stalls, and a bustling bazaar, running for eight days from the first day of Eid.With an array of exciting events and activities, Qatar is set to offer unforgettable Eid celebrations for residents and visitors alike, blending tradition, culture, and modern entertainment into a truly festive experience.

A recent study by a group of Qatar-based researchers has highlighted the need for screening of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression for improving the patient's quality of life after an injury.The study titled ‘Early referral of trauma patients to dedicated trauma psychology service: An observational study screening for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression’ involved 1,245 patients who were admitted to the trauma service between September 2019 and December 2020. This study has revealed very interesting facts and how screening for PTSD can enhance patients once they have come out of the trauma stage. It used a retrospective case study design, which collected, analysed, and descriptively reported data related to trauma patients admitted to the Trauma Surgery Unit for 16 months. The data of all patients that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study, which used a non-probability purposive sampling method.The research work published recently on Qscience.com assessed the utility of PTSD and depression screening and the early referral to the trauma psychology service at a level 1 trauma centre. The Injured Trauma Survivor Screen (ITSS) and an additional criteria checklist were used for patient screening, and data were analysed. The screening was conducted within 24 hours of the admission of trauma patients.The findings of the study showed that the integration of the new screening tool into a standard of care requires a significant amount of time. Screening compliance increased from 84% to 100% throughout the duration of the study. Notably, there was a 10% gap in the referral of patients identified through the ITSS tool, with 64% referrals based on the symptom checklist.During the study period, a total of 1,352 consecutive patients admitted to the Trauma Surgery Unit were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 1,245 patients who met the data collection criteria being enroled in the analysis. The median age of the patients was 34 years with 90.7% being male.The study found that patients aged between 30 and 40 years (52%) had a higher risk for developing both PTSD and depression. Overall, the referrals made to the trauma psychology service, based on the ITSS tool and the additional criteria, accounted for 79% of cases. The highest number of referred patients (91) reported experiencing intolerable pain, which was assessed as a standard of care using the numerical rating scale. Among these patients, 95% were referred for psychological support.According to the researchers, “The team hypothesised that as the screening process becomes more established as a standard of care, compliance with screening would improve. Furthermore, early referral of trauma patients to a dedicated psychologist within the trauma care system would be beneficial.”The study has noted psychological challenges, such as depression and post-traumatic distress, are common outcomes following traumatic injuries and the psychological factors significantly influence the recovery process of individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose, refer, and treat these disorders as part of the care provided to trauma patients. Patients who are predisposed to developing mental health challenges and show subthreshold symptoms often develop into major depressive episodes, highlighting the importance of addressing these concerns.The article concluded that current screening methods used as a standard of care show good utility value in identifying trauma patients predisposed to developing PTSD or depression, warranting their continued use. Facilitating direct referrals to the trauma psychology service by attending staff, including nurses, could help bridge the gap in patient identification and referral.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is providing several tools in revolutionising treatment options in neuro-oncology, especially in the context of astrocytoma detection and management, highlights a recently published study.The study titled ‘Implication of artificial intelligence on astrocytoma detection and treatment’ and published on QScience.com notes that AI and deep learning techniques have significantly advanced the diagnostic process of these diseases. These techniques enable more accurate tumour grading and classification through comprehensive analysis of histopathological images.Astrocytoma, a neoplasm arising from glial cells in the central nervous system can be categorised as either slow-growing or aggressive based on tumour grade. Tumour grading is crucial in determining prognosis and clinical course.AI-powered tools, such as convolutional neural networks, assist in distinguishing between tumour subtypes, while radiomics and computer vision improve real-time intraoperative decision-making, thereby aiding neurosurgeons to optimise surgical resections with greater precision.The study by a group of researchers from various countries in the Arab region says that in terms of treatment, AI facilitates personalised therapy by integrating genomic, radiological, and clinical data to tailor treatment strategies based on individual tumour profiles. They state that prognostic models using AI have demonstrated up to 80% accuracy in predicting patient outcomes, guiding oncologists in selecting the most effective interventions."AI-driven tumour segmentation enhances radiotherapy precision by accurately identifying organs at risk, thereby reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissues. Moreover, AI contributes to drug discovery by accelerating the identification of novel therapeutic compounds with high blood–brain barrier permeability," remarked the researchers.An ideal AI-driven diagnostic system in neuro-oncology would integrate imaging, clinical, and molecular data to accurately classify newly diagnosed tumour subtypes, thereby advancing precision medicine and enabling personalised treatment modifications, continues the study.According to the study, the clinical integration of advanced AI technologies into the field of neuro-oncology, including computer vision, machine learning, and augmented or virtual reality has led to the development of highly effective tools for managing brain and spinal tumours. AI contributes to improved patient care across all stages of neuro-oncological management, from planning to pathological identification, as well as post-operative feedback.However, the research points out despite these advancements, several challenges hinder AI’s clinical integration, including data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure equitable and ethical AI applications in healthcare. It suggests the health sector must establish standardised AI protocols, invest in AI-compatible infrastructure, and integrate AI-driven decision support systems into clinical workflows to bridge the gaps. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration between AI specialists, radiologists, and oncologists is essential to validate AI models through large-scale multicenter studies and randomised controlled trials.The study also emphasises that future research should focus on expanding AI accessibility in resource-limited settings and addressing ethical concerns through transparent AI governance. By implementing structured mechanisms for AI adoption, the healthcare sector can harness its full potential to revolutionise astrocytoma management, ultimately improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes.

Qatar is leading its Emerging Market peers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness by embracing the transformative potential of AI, notes, International Monetary Fund ( IMF), has said.According to a latest report by research analyst Tongfang Yuan and released Friday, IMF points out that Qatar’s AI exposure has increased significantly over the years and increasing AI adoption is assessed to yield more opportunities than risks for the country’s labour force. The report notes that this has been made possible by the private sector’s contribution in increasing jobs that are more likely to benefit from AI-driven productivity gains.Qatar, the report notes, is well positioned to benefit from AI-boosted productivity gains. The country's proactive approach in enhancing digitalisation and embracing AI have bolstered its digital access and AI readiness, facilitating a rapid increase in AI exposure and labour force AI preparedness. The country’s increased AI exposure is expected to bring more AI-driven productivity gains than risks. Its expatriate- dominated labor structure also allows the country more flexibility in adjusting its labor force for swifter AI adoption.The report says that Qatar has been proactive in strategic planning for the transformative potential of AI, moving relatively early with high-level initiatives. “In 2019, the country launched its first National AI Strategy, focusing on six key sectors: education, data access, employment, business, research, and ethics. This was followed by the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Committee in 2021, which includes representatives from various ministries, universities, and financial institutions to coordinate AI governance and policy,” explains the report.“The national Digital Agenda 2030 reinforces this commitment by positioning AI as a crucial driver of digital transformation across sectors such as government services, healthcare, and finance. The agenda also lays out AI-specific initiatives and workforce upskilling programmes, supporting the sustainable economic growth objectives in the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030,” continues the document.It highlights that the private sector plays a critical role in advancing AI adoption, creating job opportunities that align with AI's transformative potential. Estimates suggest that further AI adoption in Qatar could significantly boost productivity, with potential gains varying based on factors such as speed of adoption and labour force exposure.Qatar’s AI strategies are underpinned by a range of initiatives in digital talent, digital infrastructure, government services, and investments and the economic impacts of AI are multifaceted and transformative. Two main aspects of AI’s impact on the labour market have been identified as productivity gains and job displacement risk. The extent of these gains or losses remains uncertain, contingent on the pace of AI technology upgrade, adoption by the economy and workforce readiness.Staff analysis shows that Qatar’s increased AI exposure is likely to bring more opportunities than risks. As of 2023, around 37% of Qatar’s labour force see their jobs exposed to AI applications, representing an 18% point increase from 2014. This AI exposure level is comparable to the Emerging Markets average of 33% but lower than the Advanced Economies average of 58%.The scenario analysis suggests that successful AI adoption could generate considerable gains in labour productivity. With the focus on private sector growth, continued investment in human capital and efforts to attract high-skilled expatriates, Qatar’s labour force may enjoy more opportunities than risks. Combining existing estimates of global AI productivity impacts and domestic reform gains, the optimistic scenario suggests that Qatar’s labour productivity growth could be lifted by an additional 1% point annually.

Recent breakthroughs and regulatory shifts in gene editing might be the key to moving from treating the symptoms of diseases to curing their fundamental root cause, an expert has highlighted.“CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) and the technology may be the key to curing diseases, especially genetic disease such as Sickle Cell, Down syndrome, Familial Alzheimer's and Cancer among others,” said, Trevor Martin, co-founder and CEO of Mammoth Bioscience at the recently concluded Web Summit Qatar 2025.These are diseases where the root cause is in the DNA, Martin stated. “We are excited to commercialise this technology that we call CRISPR to change that DNA and the code of life so that we can fundamentally cure these diseases rather than treating the symptoms of them.”Martin said there is an approved therapy on the market in the US and other countries using CRISPR to treat sickle cell disease. “CRISPR is a kind of biology's search and replace engine. If you think of your genome, your DNA, that's in every single one of your cells, you can think of it as a giant word document with two billion letters in it. And in some ways, it's a very simple word document,” he noted.“CRISPR allows you to do a search anywhere in that document and find any specific, what we call sequence, or any specific set of letters, and then change it to anything you want. So if you think about it as this word document, maybe a disease is caused by the misspelling of a word, or maybe there's a whole paragraph missing from a chapter in your genome.“And basically what we can do with CRISPR is we can fix that. We can insert a paragraph, we can spell check a word, or we can even delete a sentence. And that's a very powerful concept for genetic disease, he said.According to the expert, CRISPR is something that originally evolved in nature. “Similar to how we all have immune systems, we get a virus and our body fights it off, actually microorganisms like bacteria have to fight off things like viruses as well. And one of the immune systems that they built is this technology called CRISPR.”Martin said that CRISPR works when a virus invades a bacteria as CRISPR systems constantly monitor the cell against the viruses. “We have basically ripped that technology out of these microorganisms. This is a really great technology where we can co-opt all that machinery and use it as a technology that we can insert into human cells and use that to chop a very specific section of the DNA and make a very specific change using a guide RNA.”He said that the guide RNA is the only thing to be changed when making CRISPR go from targeting Alzheimer's disease to targeting sickle cell disease, a very powerful concept.“The beauty of CRISPR is that across all these thousands of genetic diseases, the core technology, the core CRISPR system stays the same, and you're just kind of switching out that search function. So you can think of it as you are always using the Google search engine, but you're just typing in a different search string into it. And that means the first therapy to build with a CRISPR technology is the hardest, and then the second one's easier, the third one's easier, the fourth one's easier,” he elaborated.It could be the start of the move beyond curing specific diseases into prevention of disease, which is a very exciting position to be in, Martin said.“ Over the next five or 10 years, you're going to be shocked at how many diseases start to be cured. And this is something that's been promised for a long time, but with the first approved therapy now for sickle cell using CRISPR in the United States, I think that that's the first of a dam that's about to truly break,” he added.

Augment, a next-generation online business school, is offering an “MBA alternative” taught by world-class founders and chief executives, and for a much lower cost.“Augment is a new type of MBA that is designed specifically for entrepreneurs and people who work, and where you can learn directly from some of the greatest entrepreneurs, founders and operators on the planet,” Augment co-founder and chief executive Ariel Renous told Gulf Times. “We are talking about the founders of companies like YouTube, Amazon, Wikipedia, Waze, and many more.”He noted that Augment is not an accredited MBA programme but an MBA alternative."It is for people who don't need the piece of paper but who want to get the skills,” he said. “The participants learn really practical business advice covering all the MBA range of topics.”“Topics include sales, entrepreneurship, marketing, innovation, leadership, strategy, accounting, finance, among others,” Renous added.“You learn them based on real examples from real companies and from real people who have done it,” he explained. “We teach business skills. Basically, we replicate the MBA curriculum, but we make it super short, super quick and you can do it at your own pace and convenience.”“We are building the MBA for the 99% of the population who do not want to spend two years, spending large amount of money but still need the business skills,” Renous said.“Augment costs less than 1% of a traditional MBA and is fully online and self-paced,” he said. “The fee for the entire course is about $2,450 and provides lifetime access to the course content and all the different modules as well as access to the community, because community is also super important.”“We are not replacing business schools,” Renous added. “We are bringing business schools to many more people.”Founded in 2022, Augment already has 2,000 students and alumni worldwide, including tech executives, founders, and career changers."The majority of our students are from the US,” Renous noted. “About 15% of them are from the Middle East, and about 4% of the total student population is from Qatar."Beyond the coursework, Augment offers an alumni network with mentorship, networking, and in-person meetups.Augment courses feature instructors like Jimmy Wales of Wikipedia, Steve Chen of YouTube, Ann Hiatt of Google and Amazon, and Uri Levine of Waze.“Our assumption is that we are building a business education for people who work,” Renous said.“If they don't have time, they can complete the programme 20-30 minutes every day, one module, one lesson at a time,” he elaborated. “It is fully self-paced, it is fully online, and you learn from real companies.”“Those who are keen to complete it can do so in 5-6 months,” Renous added.