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The proposed cancer hospital will help provide comprehensive care for cancer patients, said the director of the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), part of the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)."The government is now building a new hospital, which will be comprehensive and everything will be under one umbrella,” NCCCR director Dr Mohamed Salem al-Hassan said Monday. “This is very good, because now the cancer treatment is taking place at different places, some here at the NCCCR and some at Hamad General Hospital."He was interacting with the media during a tour of the facilities at the NCCCR as part of the “Your Health, Our Priority Campaign – Cancer Care”.Dr al-Hassan said that the new hospital is going to be built in the same campus along with other HMC hospitals in the Medical City.“Surgery, treatments without surgery ... all will be under one umbrella, and it will be convenient for patients,” he said. “We have already started the work now, and hopefully, we will be able to complete in 2-3 years. It will be a great project.”According to the NCCCR official, cancer patients at the hospital will benefit from advanced facilities equipped with the latest technologies.“Our treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, are personalised to ensure expert care throughout the journey,” Dr al-Hassan said. “The HMC is a national and regional leader in cancer care, offering unique technologies that set us apart.”“Our facilities feature advanced treatment modalities, such as robotic-assisted surgery and innovative imaging techniques, enabling precise interventions that enhance patient outcomes," he added.Dr al-Hassan also revealed that the NCCCR has started a survivorship programme clinic.“This refers to patients who have completed five years after cancer treatment,” he explained. “(These are patients whose) last treatment was five years ago ... we call them ‘survivorship patients’.”“For such patients, we have arranged special clinics with the Primary Health Care Corporation, and they are being followed up in the primary healthcare,” Dr al-Hassan said.Cancer, he stated, is very much a treatable disease if diagnosed early.“We cannot diagnose early if the patient does not offer himself to come and do the early test,” he stressed.“We call it screening,” Dr al-Hassan continued. “We have a good screening programme now for breast cancer and colorectal cancer, and we are in the progress of doing more such programmes for thyroid and cervical cancers.”“We want all the patients living in Qatar, national or non-national to follow this programme,” he said.“I would say maybe 90-95% of the cancers can be treated if diagnosed early,” the official added. “So my message is – they should adhere to this type of recommendation and also to do the test as early as possible.”During the media tour, officials of various NCCCR departments gave briefings on the latest treatment facilities and the newest technologies available at the hospital to provide world-class cancer care.Over 90% of suspected cancer patients at the HMC are seen within 48 hours of referral – one of the fastest referral rates globally.They said that the NCCCR’s expert team collaborates to create individualised cancer treatment plans, ensuring optimal outcomes and enhancing the quality of life.This approach involves experienced oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and allied health professionals providing comprehensive support throughout the patient's journey.

Queen Silvia of Sweden, the president of Mentor International, will be among the high profile dignitaries at the Mentor Arabia Gala Dinner 2025 held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Education Above All Foundation (EAA).The EAA, a global development and education foundation, in collaboration with the Mentor Arabia Foundation, will host the Mentor Arabia Gala Dinner 2025 on February 18.Details of the event were announced at a press conference Monday.The gala dinner is set to bring global leaders, sponsors, and changemakers together to support youth empowerment and sustainable development.Mentor Arabia chairman Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud will also be attending the event, which aims to highlight the critical role of youth in building sustainable and healthy communities while raising funds for impactful projects.Mentor Arabia chief executive Thuraya Ismail and Abdulla al-Abdulla, the executive director of the EAA’s Rota (Reach Out to Asia) programme, with representatives of key sponsors such as Katara Hospitality, Qatar Airways, Doha Bank, Lulu Group, Place Vendôme, Vodafone Qatar, Chopard, Al Abdulghani Motors, Marriott Worldwide Business Councils Qatar, and Snoonu, were at the press conference.They shared insights into the events’ objectives and significance of the gala dinner.Attendees also received a preview of high-profile guests, auction items, and participating celebrities of the upcoming event.Swedish ambassador Gautam Bhattacharyya said that it would be the first time a Swedish monarch is coming to Qatar.“We are proud and very excited about the visit,” he said. “It is a private visit, but an important (one), for Her Majesty, for Sweden and for the foundation and for the youth.”“It is just the start of a long collaboration, I hope, which will lead to positive impact for youngsters across the Arabian countries,” he said.He also highlighted the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Stockholm in September.Proceeds from the gala dinner will benefit thousands of youths in Qatar and Lebanon through the Youth Empowerment and Employment for Development (Yeed) project, a joint initiative between the EAA and Mentor Arabia.The project underscores the shared commitment to equipping youth with the skills and opportunities to build sustainable futures.“The Yeed project exemplifies the transformative power of education and collaboration,” said Rota executive director al-Abdulla. “By equipping youth in Qatar and Lebanon with critical skills and pathways to employment, we are not just changing individual lives, we are empowering a generation, too.”“Create sustainable, thriving communities,” he continued. “By fostering education-to-employment pathways and supporting green skills development, we aim to provide meaningful employment opportunities that contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future for the region.”"The essence of everything we do is to make a positive impact on the lives of children and youth through our targeted awareness programmes and our strategic partnerships with the governments, private sector, international organisations, media and academic institutions and others,” said Mentor Arabia chief executive Ismail. “Contributing to sustainable communities and empowering youth is what we aim to achieve throughout our joint venture with Education Above All in Qatar, Lebanon, and the region.”The Mentor Arabia Gala Dinner 2025 promises an unforgettable evening, featuring thought-provoking keynote speeches, captivating cultural performances, and unparalleled networking opportunities with global leaders, dignitaries, and changemakers.

Fifty One East pavilion is hosting some of the some of the leading global luxury brands at the ongoing Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2025 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. TUDOR has unveiled its latest models, including the new Black Bay with a 41mm steel case which was released in Geneva’s Watches & Wonders 2024, and the Pelagos FXD ‘Cycling Edition’, crafted from black carbon composite, launched earlier last year. These models exemplify TUDOR’s dedication to precision, durability, and timeless style, presented within a strikingly designed section. Azza Fahmy Jewellery unveiled the second chapter of its high jewellery collection, Tales of the Nile. Inspired by Ottoman elegance and nature’s beauty, the collection features emeralds, rubellites, tanzanites, and aquamarines in 18 ct gold designs. Signature pieces include The Chains of Happiness Necklace and The Garden of Light Choker, showcasing the brand’s timeless artistry. David Yurman’s Sculpted Cable Collection takes centre stage, offering a modern interpretation of the brand’s signature Cable motif. The collection reflects the legacy of David Yurman’s original bracelet gifted to his wife Sybil, reimagined with architectural and sculptural elements by his son, Evan. Intricate designs featuring wavelike patterns, carved fluting, and diamond pavé promise to captivate visitors. Additionally, Annamaria Cammilli presents novelties from its Dunes, Firenze, and Sultana collections, highlighting the brand’s mastery of blending art and unique techniques. L’Âme by Fifty One East is presenting vibrant transformable jewellery adorned with diamonds and gold, combining elegance with personal meaning. Falamank by Tarfa Itani debuts its Bubbles collection, alongside Splash, Art Deco, and FUN collections, showcasing playful sophistication. J by JOELLE is offering ear piercing and styling by the celebrity jewellery designer, Joelle Moughalian. WOLF highlights iconic storage solutions like the Silver Box, Ballet Musical Jewellery Box, and Ida Trunk. Genesia spotlights their latest Baroque and Trill collections, redefining pearl jewellery with innovative designs. The Little Frog unveils its latest collection with unique handmade heart designs. As for Yvan Tufenkjian, the legacy brand has introduced its latest “Edge of Grace” collection which blends bold geometry and refined elegance. A new brand at Fifty East this year is the Swiss brand KERIS that is presenting the innovative WOW Project, allowing luxury watch collectors to transform their timepieces into personalised works of art. The project helps the time piece to be projected seven times bigger than its original size. This exclusive bespoke experience, presented for the first time in Qatar through the DJWE, offers a unique fusion of functionality and creativity. DJWE 2025 will conclude on February 5.

CHANEL, the French brand synonymous for luxury, is showcasing some of its latest collections at the ongoing Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2025.Stationed at the Fifty One East pavilion, the iconic brand is presenting some of its exquisite and stunning jewellery and watches collections, enchanting the visitors.CHANEL is bringing a unique perspective to the DJWE, enabling visitors to retrace the history of its most cherished icons, its renowned fine jewellery collections, and the latest high-end watches.The French House is showcasing its iconic COCO CRUSH, inspired by the quilted motif, a signature of the House since 1955; Collection N°5, an homage to the most iconic number in CHANEL’s history; and Plume de CHANEL, an elegant reinterpretation of the feather motif, emblematic of the House since 1932.CHANEL is also presenting at the exhibition the latest novelties from its celebrated timepieces, including J12, an icon in watchmaking, Mademoiselle Privé, and Première, offering a captivating glimpse into the timeless artistry and innovation that define the House.CHANEL’s Musical Clock Couture Workshop is a masterpiece of technical and aesthetic sophistication. This creation merges artistry with precision, bringing Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment to life. The automation features couture busts that move in a graceful choreography to the melody of ‘My Woman’ by Al Bowlly. The diamond encrusted chandelier, gold plinth and meticulously crafted musical mechanism are a testament to CHANEL’s extraordinary craftsmanship. The unique time display on a tape measure and the winding key, suspended from a gold chain necklace, further elevates it as a true tour de force.Another major attraction is the CHANEL J12 X-Ray Pink Edition, introduced in 2024 with limited number and designed to highlight the striking hue of pink sapphires. The J12 Pink Edition watch stands out for its mesmerising design in which the transparent case, dial and the bracelet show off the watch’s mechanics and gems to perfection.The total of 93 baguette-cut pink sapphires makes this the most adorned piece in this limited collection with these gems even appearing in the bracelet. This is a testament to CHANEL’s commitment and it is limited to only 12 pieces.

Boucheron, the renowned French luxury jewellery maker is enchanting the visitors at the ongoing Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2025 with its exquisite and stunning jewellery collections.At the exhibition, Boucheron invites visitors to experience a seamless blend of savoir-faire and heritage through its exquisite creations. Housed at the pavilion of Fifty One East, one of Qatar’s premier luxury houses the French luxury jewellery maker is showcasing some of its latest collections offering the visitors a mesmerising collection of fine jewellery and craftsmanship.In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the iconic Quatre collection in 2024, Boucheron has unveiled remarkable pieces that is showcased at this year’s exhibition. Highlights include the dazzling Quatre Radiant Edition necklace, alongside the revolutionary Quatre 5D Memory Ring, a masterpiece that captures the sound of water within its design.The timeless Plume de Paon collection and standout pieces from previous Histoire de Style collections, including “Signature” and “New Maharajahs,” are also taking centre stage.The Maharaja of Patiala came to Place Vendôme in 1929 where Boucheron had its main flagship boutique. He met Boucheron in the boutique and he commissioned the brand to produce a beautiful collection. The creative director of Boucheron in 2022 decided to recognise or re-celebrate this collection by creating one that she referred to as the New Maharajhas.One of the highlights of the brand is the New Maharani necklace. The new Maharani necklace is made of 5178 pearls with diamonds, rock crystal and in white gold. This piece can be worn in seven different ways. It can be detached into different parts and can be worn in different styles.Another attraction is the Peacock Feather collection. They are coloured blue and blue to green. and are made of titanium just to reduce the weight as titanium is known for being lightweight. Another masterpiece on display is one of its signature creations, the Question Mark necklace. In addition, guests have the opportunity to admire exceptional timepieces from the Ajourée and Épure d’Art collections.Enhancing the experience, the Jardin D’Hiver Café returns with an upgraded, ivy-clad design, offering a serene French-inspired tea salon at Main Entrance 3.

Rolex is presenting a selection of its latest creations from Geneva’s Watches & Wonders 2024, such as the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date and the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2025.Housed at Fifty One East Pavilion at the exhibition, the iconic watchmaker is showcasing some of its stunning collections along with the latest 2024 time pieces.Offering unique harmonies of materials, colours and textures, the 2024 watches illustrate a desire to constantly reawaken watchmaking emotions, while demonstrating uncompromising quality down to the smallest detail. Thanks to the brand’s in-house mastery of watchmaking expertise, the new timepieces play with contrasts to achieve a harmonious balance of functionality and aesthetics, performance and preciousness, tradition and innovation.Rolex is enriching the Day-Date range with new versions of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 and the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 showcasing finely worked dials.Ombré dials make their debut on the Day-Date 40.The version presented, in 18ct Everose gold, introduces slate ombré, a completely new hue for such a dial, whose surface, coloured at the centre, progresses to a deep black around the edge. Also appearing for the first time on the ombré dial of this watch are faceted, deconstructed Roman numerals and faceted index hour markers in 18 ct pink gold.Until now, Rolex ombré dials were set with diamond hour markers and were reserved for the Day-Date 36. This new dial represents the continuity of a design that the brand introduced in the 1980s and relaunched in 2019. The manufacture of these dials with a concentric gradient involves the application of black lacquer, a delicate operation overseen by a specialist, whose task it is to ensure the harmonious transition from colour to darkness.Fashioned from 18ct white gold, a second new version of the Day-Date 40 features a dial made of pearlised white mother-of-pearl. This natural material is used on the model for the very first time.Extracted from the oldest and noblest part of the oyster shell, pearlised mother-of-pearl has a subtle, rich structure whose irregular texture evokes tiny overlapping clouds and gives a sense of volume. Every disc of material used to create a mother-of-pearl dial is meticulously selected for the harmony of its patterns and finesse of its iridescent effects and is positioned in a way that optimizes the dial’s shine.Rolex also presents two new 18 ct gold versions of the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller, each sporting a Jubilee bracelet. It is the first time that this watch for world travellers has been fitted with a Jubilee bracelet in precious metal. The first version is crafted in 18 ct Everose gold and features a slate dial, while the second, fashioned from 18 ct yellow gold, displays an intense white dial.The two Jubilee bracelets are equipped with an Oysterclasp, the clasp traditionally used on the Sky-Dweller. And, like the majority of Rolex bracelets made from precious materials, they include ceramic inserts inside their links. The Sky-Dweller is equipped with calibre 9002, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology that enables it to display the date and the month, as well as an additional time zone in 24-hour format, and the hours, minutes and seconds.Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG CAAC) have launched a new guidance toolkit to support teachers and educators working with children and young people affected by armed conflict.This innovative resource developed with the support of Qatar will be rolled out to educators and policymakers globally to enhance their ability to address the complex needs of children impacted by conflict.The launch ceremony held Wednesday at Marriott Marquis was attended by Salah Khaled, director, Unesco regional office for the Gulf States and Yemen; Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman al-Thani, director international organisations and co-operation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Sheikha Haya Abdulrahman al-Thani, head of strategic partnerships, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD); Dawoud al-Masri, head, Analysis and Outreach Hub OSRSG CAAC among others.Al-Masri read out the message of Virginia Gamba, special representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Gamba emphasised: “Education is a cornerstone of healing and resilience for children affected by armed conflict. This Guidance toolkit is a vital step in ensuring educators are prepared to support these children in reclaiming their futures. By fostering safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environments, we can empower young people to overcome the trauma of conflict and thrive.”This self-learning tool is tailored for use in formal and non-formal education settings, equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to support children in their reintegration journeys. It also serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, and teacher educators involved in programming and training in conflict-affected and post-conflict settings.Khaled from Unesco highlighted the collaboration’s significance: “This partnership between Unesco and OSRSG CAAC reflects our shared commitment to protecting children’s right to education in the face of adversity. The guidance toolkit offers practical tools for educators to address the unique challenges faced by children associated with armed forces and groups. Together, we aim to ensure education remains a beacon of hope and a pathway to a brighter future for all.”Sheikha Hanouf noted that recognising the importance of training teachers, especially those working in conflict areas, Qatar worked with the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict and Unesco to develop a set of guidelines for teachers and staff working with children affected by armed conflict.She highlighted: “Qatar plays a fundamental role in supporting education in conflict areas and regions affected by attacks through humanitarian and development initiatives aimed at ensuring children’s right to education despite difficult conditions. Qatar reaffirms its humanitarian commitment through these ongoing efforts and its global role in ensuring inclusive and safe education for all children, even in the most challenging situations.”“The toolkit not only recognises the need for supporting children in conflict areas, but is an aid of those teachers and administrators in their tireless commitment towards their students and of those communities. A collaboration of this nature is precisely what the world requires. This vision aligns closely with the mission of Qatar Fund for Development, which is dedicated to support sustainable development and upholding human dignity worldwide,” added Sheikha Haya.

Vowing to protect education and provide opportunities for marginalised and out-of-school children around the world, a large number of people turned up at the Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA) Park to participate in the Walk for Education: CSR & Sustainability Fair, organised by the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation.With the participation of a huge number of people, EAA, a global development and education foundation marked the UN International Day of Education, emphasising the power of community and collective action to support the EAA Foundation’s mission of providing inclusive and quality education to marginalised children around the world.The event started from 1pm and went all the way until 9pm with a large number of families and individuals The event brought together individuals, for a day filled with fun, engagement, and meaningful purpose to support education. The event was also overwhelmingly supported with the participation of several corporations and organisations from various sectors in the country.One key element of the celebration was the three symbolic walks held at 2pm, 4pm and 7pm around the park where participants came together in solidarity, showcasing a shared commitment to ensure that every child has access to education. The ‘Walk for Education’ served as a vibrant celebration of the transformative role education plays in shaping lives and building a sustainable future.“Education is the foundation of progress and equality, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure every child has access to this basic right,” said Taj Suliman, director, Communications and Private Sector Partnerships, EAA Foundation. “Today, thousands came together not just to walk but to stand as one community supporting education for all. This event reflects the essence of the International Day of Education—a call to action to ensure every child’s right to learn and thrive.”The event offered various activities for all ages, including football tournaments, art competitions, calligraphy workshops, and bouncy castles, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive experience. The ‘Buy a Brick, Build a School’ campaign provided an opportunity for participants to contribute directly to the construction and development of Assalam Schools.Food and beverage stalls, live stage performances, and CSR showcases by sponsors added to the day’s vibrant atmosphere, creating a unique space for engagement, education and collaboration.Proceeds from the Walk for Education will directly support Assalam Schools, a flagship initiative under the EAA Foundation’s Together Project. These schools empower children in need to overcome barriers to education and achieve their full potential.The sponsors of the event included QNB, Carrefour Doha, Marriott Worldwide Business Councils, Al Abdulghani Motors, Megamart, Baladna, Apparel Group, Yallatoys and KPMG.“At QNB, we are proud to support initiatives that strengthen communities and empower future generations through education,” said Heba Ali al-Tamimi, senior executive vice president, Group Communications at QNB Group. “This event exemplifies the power of collective action, and emphasizes our efforts at QNB to support initiatives oriented towards health and education, both being two of our main CSR Pillars.”

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with support from Qatar will launch Polio Legacy Challenge early 2025, disclosed a top official of the organisation.“With our work on polio eradication, we are actually launching something called the Polio Legacy Challenge with the Islamic Development Bank. Gates Foundation and the governments of Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia will provide some funding through the Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund to support the primary healthcare system in Afghanistan,” Dr Chris Elias, president of the Global Development Division at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation told Gulf Times in a recent interview.Dr Elias said that his foundation is continuing to work for polio eradication. “This is a new initiative that is just beginning now. We are basically, working with the countries that have indicated their interest in doing it and in the process of finalising the agreements with the Islamic Development Bank. We hope to launch it in early 2025,” he explained.“We will have a governing body in which all of the contributors will participate. The funds will be administered through the Islamic Development Bank for support of the primary health care system in Afghanistan,” continued the official.Dr Elias noted that currently he chairs the board of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and has been working with Qatar on some of the regional initiatives to help finalise the job of polio eradication.The official elaborated: “We have seen the wild polio virus in the two endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Under the auspices of the World Health Organisation, the regional subcommittee on polio eradication is co-chaired by Qatar and UAE. The ministers of health of the Middle East region have actually been very helpful in encouraging both Pakistan and Afghanistan to do what is necessary for the final elimination of polio virus. So again, Qatar has been very helpful in this regard.”Dr Elias said that the Gates Foundation has worked with Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health on the regional coordination on polio eradication leading to convening in Doha a number of important discussions about the polio eradication programme.Dr Elias also highlighted some of the projects the Gates Foundation has been working in tandem with various organisations in Qatar such as Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Foundation among others. “My colleague who runs our emergency response programme was here recently for the WISH Summit 2024 and the Gates Foundation has been providing emergency relief to some of the important crises in the region, including the crisis in Lebanon and Gaza, as well as in Sudan,” he highlighted.“We have a very strong and growing relationship with Qatar over the last decade or so. You know, our biggest project has been our collaboration with the Lives and Livelihoods Fund at the Islamic Development Bank. Qatar was actually the first country to commit to that fund. Now it is a $2.5bn fund with support from Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Development Bank, as well as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and few other donors,” he remarked.The official said that the second phase of the programme is being lunched and the foundation is expecting commitments from all of the funders from the first phase in the next phase too.“And we've worked with the Islamic Development Bank to make the programme faster in terms of making investments, and as well as more concessional in terms of the financing for developing country projects,” added, Dr Elias.

As many as 127,237 marginalised children have been enroled into quality primary education in Somila with the 'Educate Your Children II project', a three-year initiative in Somalia led by Education Above All Foundation’s Educate A Child (EAC) programme and CARE USA.The EAA foundation told Gulf Times that running from 2021 to 2024, the project improved infrastructure, trained 519 teachers, and achieved an 86% retention rate, with many students transitioning to formal schooling. The project marks a significant step forward for education in Somalia, addressing the significant education access gap in the country, while offering hope and opportunities to children who remain out of school.Since 2013, EAA Foundation has been working in Somalia through its EAC programme, supporting the most marginalised with different partnership projects and successfully enroling 300,005 out-of-school children across Puntland, Somaliland, and South Central Somalia Zones. These joint projects with partners, such as, CARE USA, Mercy Corps, and Unicef, have been working to address barriers to education, including social, economic, disabilities and gender discrimination, with the aim of increasing enrolment and retention in quality primary education for children from excluded groups affected by recurrent conflict and crisis.In Somalia, significant barriers to education persist, including poverty, lack of schools, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to qualified teachers. Over half of the primary school-age children are out of school, and marginalised groups such as girls, internally displaced persons and nomadic populations are especially vulnerable. These challenges are further compounded by ongoing conflict and environmental crises, which disrupt education and hinder attendance.Iqra, a 12-year-old from Galkaio, Somalia, was one of the many who faced multiple barriers to education, and had to drop out of school in 2019 due to financial constraints. “I missed my classmates and the school. I always wanted to continue, but I was not able to. Being at school is always a joy,” Iqra said.It was only through Educate Your Children II project—a collaborative effort of EAC and CARE USA that enabled her to return to school. The project provided accelerated learning programmes, necessary school materials, and renovated the school infrastructure, enabling Iqra to pursue her education again.Now back in school, Iqra is thriving in the fifth grade, with a passion for science and the Somali language. She aspires to become a doctor to help her community. “I love coming to school now! With our new classrooms, I can study without distractions,” says Iqra.Iqra’s renewed access to education is just one example of how targeted programmes can transform lives, offering children in even the most challenging environments the chance for a better future. In celebration of the upcoming UN International Day of Education, EAA Foundation is hosting the Walk for Education: CSR & Sustainability Fair on January 24, at Museum of Islamic Arts Park , Doha. The fair will unite schools, corporates, and the community to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation’s global education projects aimed at providing marginalised children worldwide with access to quality education.The event will feature a variety of community activities, including a football tournament, art workshops, symbolic walks, and the “Buy a Brick and Build a School” campaign, which allows attendees to donate to building schools for underprivileged and children with disabilities in Qatar.

HEC Paris Doha has set up a new initiative, the Business Research Lab to develop high-quality, locally and regionally relevant teaching materials for its programmes. “What sets it apart is the exceptional calibre of our diverse faculty and the broad scope of its activities. These include writing business case studies, publishing industry insights for wider audiences, and conducting specialised research tailored to key industries,” said Deval Kartik, senior case writer at HEC Paris DohaThe lab also pioneers learning simulations to provide immersive educational experiences and collaborates with leading public and private entities in Qatar to create teaching materials with global relevance and impact. “Our selection process for case studies is largely guided by the sectors and priorities outlined in Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the strategic goals of economies across the GCC. We focus on creating in-depth case studies that explore a wide range of entities, including start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, family businesses, non-profits, and large local and international companies operating in the region,’ explained Kartik.According to Kartik, the alumni network of the university helps build and maintain strong connections with Qatari businesses and government entities. “Many of our alumni hold influential positions within these organisations, and their support is instrumental in facilitating introductions to key leaders and decision-makers. This network allows us to identify opportunities for collaboration and engage with organisations that can provide valuable insights and data. These partnerships foster mutual growth and knowledge-sharing, enabling us to develop case studies that reflect the unique challenges and opportunities within Qatar’s business and governmental landscape,” she continued.The academic said that the Business Research Lab has significantly enhanced the learning experience by developing case studies tailored to the industry challenges faced by the custom programme clients. Kartik noted: “The Business Research Lab plays a key role in contributing to Qatar’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy by developing local and regional case studies. These case studies address real-world business challenges and provide valuable insights, making them an essential tool for fostering knowledge creation and learning. There is a strong demand for region-specific case studies, and we actively encourage more businesses to come forward and share their challenges.”She pointed out that several key research areas are emerging as crucial for both business education and the economic development of the GCC region, including sustainability, digital transformation, and diversity and inclusion.“As Qatar and the wider GCC region prioritise sustainable growth, research into sustainability will play a pivotal role in shaping business practices that balance economic goals with environmental responsibility. Qatar’s National Vision 2030 exemplifies the region’s commitment to green policies and sustainable development,” added Kartik.

A study conducted by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) about visual impairment (VI) among schoolchildren in Qatar has revealed that more than 10% suffer from abnormal visual acuity (VA) measurements.The research done by the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programme was published on Qatar Journal of Public Health.The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of VI among primary and preparatory school students in Qatar as paediatric impairment has profound implications on the children’s development, intellectual skills and quality of life.The exercise has established a baseline data on VI among the target group, revealing that more than one-tenth of the students had abnormal VA measurements.“However, further interventions are needed to improve screening strategies. Future research should focus on the causes of childhood VI and explore methods to reduce it, such as encouraging parents of visually impaired students to ensure that their children wear glasses regularly and attend annual eye checkups,” the study has recommended.The Ministry of Public Health and the Primary Health Care Corporation recognised the urgency of a vision screening programme to detect visual impairment complications, highlighting Qatar's commitment to ensuring the eye health of children.A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among students in grades one, three, five, seven and nine in Qatar. School nurses conducted VA measurement using a Snellen chart placed 6m away, with an E symbol, in which the 6/6 line is the standard for normal vision. Each student's information was recorded in their electronic health records or in Excel sheets depending on public or private schools.A total of 330 schools participated in this survey, with 99,379 students divided into 45,670 from government schools and 53,709 from private schools. The study revealed a high prevalence of undetected VI in 93,356 students from 330 schools. The prevalence of abnormal VA among students was 10.4% in government schools and 12.6% in private schools.There was no significant association between VI and gender or nationality, although VI was higher in grades five, seven and nine, but not statistically significant. The proportion of visually impaired students diagnosed with refractive errors and wearing glasses or contact lenses during vision measurement was 14.7% in government schools and 27% in private schoolsThe MoPH released vision screening guidelines as a basis VA measurement, role description, and location planning, taking all precautions to ensure a safe and healthy screening process. The school health team includes licenced practical nurses, school counsellors, and school psychologists. Nurses in government schools are recruited and supervised by the school health department of PHCC. Private schools must have health personnel as part of the school clinic under support services.According to the research team, the study has some limitations, including the lack of insights into the causes of abnormal vision among school children.“Further study of low vision could help develop strategies to address the causes of low vision. Future research should focus on the causes of childhood VI and explore methods to reduce it, such as encouraging parents of visually impaired students to ensure that their children wear glasses regularly and attend annual eye checkups,” the report concluded.

The Doha Global South Health Policy initiative launched in February 2024 by various Qatari stakeholders in partnership with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is making steady progress focusing on primary healthcare in global south countries selected for the programme, disclosed a top official of the Gates Foundation.“We had a roundtable with the participating countries in Africa during Doha Forum. It was clear in a number of the presentations, to potentially use some of the digital technologies to help improve primary health care in those countries,” Dr Chris Elias, president of the Global Development Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.“During the discussions, the countries have identified one or two projects where Qatar could partner with them on strengthening the health workforce or improving the digital transformation within the primary health care system,” he highlighted.The official said that the focus will be on the underlying immunisation and maternal and child healthcare part for a strong primary healthcare system in these countries.“So, there were a number of project ideas presented. I think the next step will be to see if there's a potential match on some of those projects where Qatar might support some of the countries directly and then actually try to disseminate the learnings,” continued the official.The partnership with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Middle East Council on Global Affairs was formed with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar in February 2024, to create an innovative platform that aims to leverage the experience and know how of senior public officials from the Global South.The Qatari stakeholders are the Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Charity, and Qatar Red Crescent and the participating countries are: Nigeria, Somalia, Congo, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, and Malawi.“The roundtable showed a tremendous amount of promise, as it brought forward some very important voices from senior technical people in a variety of countries to talk about their perspective on what their needs were and how the donor community could better coordinate with them. We had really insightful presentations from Somalia, Malawi and Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Congo, and Mozambique,” explained, Dr EliasAccording to Dr Elias there were several important takeaways for the Global South countries form the meeting. “They need to focus on workforce development, financing for critical health development initiatives and collaboration with the private sector. They also have to look at the potential for digital technology to be transformative in some of their programmes. The presentations included their thinking across some of the key priorities on immunisation, maternal health, primary healthcare, and presented some specific ideas,” he elaborated.Dr Elias noted that Gates Foundation works in a very focused way in a number of those countries. He remarked : “We also have other projects in Malawi and Somalia, as well as in Mozambique. So we work in all of those countries and in some of them more intensively. The one that we work in the most is Nigeria. In the last 18 months, Nigeria has prioritised primary health care and they have increased their domestic funding for primary healthcare.”“We have outlined a plan going forward that would involve having an annual convening, with the next in the fourth quarter of 2025 and in the subsequent years. In the meantime, there is going to be a community of healthcare practitioners in several areas among these countries,” added Dr Elias.

Renowned Italian ship, Amerigo Vespucci, “the most beautiful vessel in the world” according to Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi, will dock at Old Doha Port on December 17, coinciding with Qatar National Day (QND) to mark the long-standing friendship and cultural co-operation between Qatar and Italy.“We will bring here the most beautiful vessel in the world, a ship that is almost 100 years old and that has been continuously operational since the 1930s, every year,” Toschi told Gulf Times. “It will be in Doha until December 21 and the public will have the opportunity to visit it.”“Vespucci is a sign of our friendship in four different ways,” the ambassador said. “One is peace, because this vessel travels the world...it is now doing a world tour of over 30 countries. Qatar is the first in the region in this tour, and it is a sign of direct friendship, peace and dialogue with Qatar.”“Second is education, as this ship is used to train naval officers today, as it was 100 years ago,” he continued. “It is a very different ship from those built nowadays, as it stands as a testimony of how traditional knowledge could still be fundamental in facing today’s challenges and upskill future generations.”“In our view, education is about having perspective on the past to be able to read the future,” Toschi noted.“Third is environment, because this ship studies the health of the oceans and of marine life,” the ambassador said. “We feel this is something that connects us with Qatar very directly.”“Finally, fourth is inclusion,” he stated. “Alongside the Vespucci, we will welcome to Doha the catamaran Spirito di Stella, which is also on a parallel world tour with the project ‘Wheels on Waves’.”“The boat is entirely designed to function with a crew of people who are carrying disabilities,” Toschi said. “Doha’s public is invited to join us in this activity and concerned locals are encouraged and able to sail and be part of this visit and of this experience.”Going back to the Vespucci, the envoy said the public can visit the ship’s website www.tourvespucci.it and book their visits.“Next to the Old Port, there will be what we call ‘Villaggio Italia’,” Toschi said. “It is a village where the public of Doha, visitors and residents, can access for free and experience Italian culture, whether it is food, fashion, design, music among others.”“We consider this our contribution to celebrating Qatar National Day,” he added.Meanwhile, the envoy noted that Italy chaired G7 summit this year and Qatar was invited for the final meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs.“It is a year of tension and challenges in the international agenda in the Middle East and in Europe,” he remarked. “We wanted to finish on a note of dialogue and openness to the Middle East and the Arab world.”“That is why we invited Qatar for the final meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of the G7,” Toschi said.“HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi graced the meeting,” he continued. “The goal was to work for peace together, work for peace in Gaza, work for peace in Lebanon.”“At the same time, we are attentively following the last developments in Syria, with the objective of ensuring a peaceful transition which guarantees the civilian population and the political unity of the country,” the envoy said.“We want to bring peace back to the region. We want to de-escalate tensions, we want to make sure that peaceful resolution of dialogue prevails over violent confrontation,” he said. “Qatar has shown to be a very committed diplomatic actor, a very committed mediator even in the face of adversity.”Regarding the trade volume between Qatar and Italy, the ambassador said: “The current trade exchange between Italy and Qatar amounts to €3.4bn from January-October this year. In the same period, Italian exports to Qatar rose by 6%, making Italy Qatar’s 3rd global and first European trade supplier.”

Various stakeholders in education highlighted the need for cross-border collaboration and regional partnership to overcome the challenges in education especially for the marginalised out of school children at the Doha Forum on Sunday.Speaking at a session on, ‘Financing the Future: Tackling the Global Education Crisis’ the panellists highlighted the need for global partnership to ensure regional collaboration.Fahad al-Sulaiti, director-general, Qatar Fund For Development; Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation, Rwanda; Laura Frigenti, CEO, Global Partnership for Education; Hiba Ahmed, director general of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, Islamic Development Bank; and Fatima Yasmin, vice-president, Asian Development Bank (ADB); were the panellists. The session was moderated by Dr Safwan Masri, dean, Georgetown University in Qatar.Al-Sulaiti pointed out that there are different paths to go with in facing the challenges in education.“Education is not moving from its traditional way and the traditional way is to have schools. Now we have technology to assist in learning process and I think the future is to go with it. So we have to find ways to leverage it together,” he said.“We need to have more partners and more commitment coming from the countries and begin the collaboration. So I think, it is good for the future that we need to support qualified teachers, giving them the best of what they need to make the learning process last long,” he continued.The discussion focused on the urgent need for new financing models to solve the global education crisis, underscoring the essential role of education in building a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.ADB’s Yasmin highlighted an example of cross-border collaboration. She said that ADB provided technical assistance to plug the gap is existing education in small Pacific Islands as ADB has created a platform for online classes and assessment for the students for all 40 ADB Pacific member countries.Frigenti noted that her organisation involves several players at the country level and local education groups are created to bring around the table all the actors that are interested in working in education. “And that involves everybody those that put money on the table, involves those that are implementers, civil society organisations, international NGOs, teacher associations when they are interested in private sectors. The name of the game is to support one strategy to transform the sector that everybody is going to contribute to,” she added.

Noting that Syria’s stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity are of great importance to Turkiye, Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan said that his country will work towards supporting the people of Syria and help them determine their own future towards stability and security in the country.Addressing a press conference at the Doha Forum Sunday, he noted that the new administration in Syria will be an inclusive one and will work towards progress of the country.“Today there is hope,” Fidan said. “The country needs to be supported.”“The Syrian people alone cannot achieve its reconstruction,” the minister added. “The international community must support them. Turkiye attaches great importance to the unity, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and well-being of Syrian people.”He said that all stakeholders must work together to support.“The regional and international actors must act wisely and cautiously, avoiding steps that could undermine stability of the nation,” Fidan reiterated.“They should support the Syrian people in achieving stability, construction, and reconstruction,” he emphasised.He hoped that as a result of the change in the regime of the country, millions of Syrians who had fled the country would be able to return to their motherland.The minister stressed that terrorist organisations must not be allowed to take advantage of the situation.“As of this morning, Syria has reached a stage where Syrian people will shape the future of their own country,” Fidan noted. “The new Syrian administration must be established in an orderly manner, the principle of inclusiveness must never be compromised, there must never be a desire for revenge.”“It is time to unite and reconstruct the country,” the minister stressed.He emphasised on the importance of preserving state institutions and unifying opposition groups, pledging that Turkiye would continue to work towards stability and security in Syria.He expressed appreciation for the proposals from countries involved in the Syrian issue during the meetings in Doha.“We will continue our discussions with all the partners,” Fidan stated. “The key priority is to reassure regional countries that the new administration will not pose a threat to its neighbours, but instead focus on resolving existing issues and eliminating threats.”

Qatar is looking forward to a positive engagement with the upcoming US administration, noted HE Dr Majed al-Ansari, adviser to the Prime Minister and official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at a panel discussion at Doha Forum Sunday. Speaking on the topic ‘The Future of US Strategy in the Middle East Following the 2024 Election’, he said:“We need to listen to each other, understand each other, and go with our discussions beyond the specific interest of our states. We have to go towards the interest of the region as a whole, and international peace and prosperity.” Dr al-Ansari said it is time to have an open dialogue on every issue of the region. “We are willing to work very closely with the incumbent Trump administration. We are optimistic about what we are doing about ending conflict in the region, about the quick engagement that is taking place right now, about the need to end a lot of the conflicts,” he explained. The official said Qatar has best experience when it comes to mediation. “We have helped bring about the end to the war between Taliban and the US through mediation. So we have worked with President Trump, we have the track record of working with his administration, and we are waiting very positively to deal with the incumbent administration,” he added. Dr al-Ansari highlighted that Qatar has very good strategic relationship and engagement with the US and that is why it has been classified as a major non-Nato ally by the US. “We want to work with the incoming Trump administration to further the cause for peace in the region.” “We believe in the strategic presence of the US in this partnership. Qatar believes very strongly that stability and security in the Middle East is also dependent on US engagement and the US understanding. There should be an open dialogue over the future of our region. Therefore a positive engagement can help find solutions and lasting peace,” he added. The session was also attended by Jason Greenblatt, former White House Middle East envoy under the First Trump Administration and founder of Abraham Venture LLC; Dr Abdulaziz Sager, founder & chairman, Gulf Research Centre; and Dr Sanam Vakil, director Middle East & North Africa Programme Chatham House. The discussion was moderated by Jonathan Panikoff, director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, Atlantic Council.

The First Lady of Türkiye Emine Erdogan has reiterated the appeal for ceasefire in Gaza while speaking on the topic of United for Peace in Palestine, at Doha Forum 2024 Saturday.She said that the conflict in Gaza has been ongoing for over 14 months.“We are witnessing one of the most merciless attacks in the history of humanity, which has been committed against the common conscience of humanity and the dignity of humanity for 14 months,” she pointed out. “A country and its culture are targeted to be erased from history. I want to raise it on behalf of everyone who has a conscience.”“For the sake of the innocent people who we can still save today, let us now call for a ceasefire,” Erdogan said. “Let me reiterate the call for a ceasefire.”She raised questions about the ongoing brutalities in Gaza.“The war has killed more than 44,000 civilians brutally, bombed hospitals, schools, shrines, even orphanages,” Erdogan said. “A good percentage of the dead were aged 18 years old or less. These events in Palestine are neither legitimate nor a manifestation of self-defence.”She said that what Israel is doing in Palestine is a “post-modern holocaust”.“For almost a century, the Palestinian people have been subjected to systematic theft, inhuman discrimination, and an endless occupation,” the Turkish first lady said. “For past year, this occupation has become one of the darkest massacres in history.”She stressed that what is being witnessed in Palestine is not a war.“This is an attempt to make the world accept a world order in which only the strongest can survive and the other lives do not matter,” Erdogan said. “It is an attempt to destroy a system in which all sacred things can be polluted, all common values can be neutralised, and everyone and everything left behind can be made worthless.”She exhorted world leaders to come up against the scenario and respond accordingly.“This is a civilised world that sees itself as a defender of human values in the face of this obvious reality,” Erdogan said.“Hope is not just a feeling, it is a choice to hope,” she emphasised. “It is to get up every morning and again, despite everything, to choose to believe in a bright future with great spirit and courage.”