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Old Doha Port and Nomas Centre brought Qatar’s rich maritime heritage to life for young enthusiasts, hosting a fishing competition for children aged 8 to 14 at the Mina District on Thursday.The event immersed dozens of participants in a unique experience, offering them a chance to learn traditional skills, forge a deeper connection with local culture, and revel in a weekend of friendly competition by the sea.At Mina District docks, young participants competed and presented their catch for weighing. The event concluded with the awarding of the winners, who received cash prizes and toolboxes.The fishing contest was followed by a pearl diving competition Friday. Organisers noted that these events expand Old Doha Port’s cultural calendar, aimed at honouring Qatar’s fishing traditions and showcasing innovations in the regional fishing industry.A fishing competition in March attracted more than 500 participants in 132 teams, a record for fishing competitions in the country. Organisers said this high participation reflects public enthusiasm and positions Old Doha Port as a leading marine destination.Old Doha Port also engaged in cultural preservation and community outreach through other events, including a four-day fishing exhibition in April at Mina Park. This show aims to combine heritage with modern aspects, presenting Qatar's fishing history and current industry. It featured events, performances, and demonstrations by traditional craftsmen, who displayed skills such as net making and rope weaving, associated with maritime life.The artisans at the exhibition showcased invaluable skills integral to maritime life such as the intricate art of net making and the robust craft of rope weaving, offering a living testament to the ancestral expertise of Qatari seafarers.According to the organisers, these cultural events honour Qatar’s maritime traditions and aim to foster cultural continuity and pride among younger generations.

The successful hosting of 456 Italian delegates in Doha highlights the ‘exceptional growth’ of Qatar’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, an industry expert has said. Sreekanth Menon, the general manager of popular online travel portal Musafir.com, told Gulf Times that the convention, held at one of Doha’s premier venues recently, highlighted Qatar’s capacity to handle large-scale professional events.He cited cutting-edge infrastructure, seamless service, and logistical precision as key factors in the event’s success.“Qatar is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Our ability to offer state-of-the-art infrastructure alongside deeply enriching cultural experiences makes us a compelling destination for MICE travellers. “Hosting 456 distinguished guests from Italy is a proud achievement, showcasing Qatar’s potential on the global MICE stage,” Menon said.According to Menon, the delegates from Italy visited Doha for a high-profile international convention, and took part in a rich cultural immersion programme. The guests also enjoyed a meticulously designed itinerary that combined business excellence with authentic Qatari experiences.He expressed confidence that with continued collaboration and investment, Qatar is poised to emerge as a premier international hub for conventions and incentive travel.Menon said the Italian delegation explored Qatar’s rich cultural heritage, joining a thrilling desert safari, offering them a taste of the golden dunes and traditional Bedouin hospitality. “They were captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of the iconic Souq Waqif, exploring its bustling marketplace, traditional crafts, spices, and local street life”.He added that the cultural journey continued with a curated tour of Msheireb Museums, located in Doha’s heritage district. The museums presented an inspiring narrative of Qatar’s transformation from a pearl-diving economy to a modern global player—an experience many guests described as deeply educational and emotionally engaging.Menon lauded the key role of Qatar Tourism, crediting its ongoing efforts in attracting an increasing number of international visitors. He pointed out that Visit Qatar has been actively promoting the country’s MICE capabilities on the global stage.As part of its strategic outreach, he said Visit Qatar led a delegation to IMEX Frankfurt 2025, one of the world’s leading exhibitions for the meetings and events industry.At IMEX, Menon noted that Visit Qatar and its partners showcased diverse offerings, ranging from luxury hospitality and cutting-edge event venues to tailored cultural and leisure programmes designed for global business travellers.He added that Visit Qatar also engaged with international buyers, industry stakeholders, and event planners, reinforcing the message that Qatar is ready and equipped to host events of any scale with excellence and authenticity. He described the response from the international community as overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the country’s rising stature as a MICE destination.

Qatar is set to sign its first public-private partnership (PPP) for a new QR20bn high-end beach resort Thursday, as the nation pivots its tourism development towards maximising its coastal attractions, Qatar Tourism Chairman HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji has announced.Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum Wednesday, he said the project signifies a strategic shift towards maximising the nation’s coastal attractions and offering distinctive luxury experiences.According to al-Kharji, the centerpiece of this expansion is the “Simaisma Project,” located just a 20-minute drive from the Raffles Doha hotel. He added that this expansive development will feature a “Land of Legends Theme Park” with diverse attractions and a golf course, promising a world-class experience for visitors.He said further details on the PPP project, involving Qatar Tourism, the Public Work Authority, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, are expected to be announced Thursday.Al-Kharji also revealed that Qatar is placing a moratorium on new hotel licenses, with the exception of beach, waterfront, and resort properties. Currently, he said Qatar boasts a portfolio of 40,000 hotel rooms, with an additional 7,000 in the pipeline. This strategic adjustment aims to channel future development towards high-value coastal experiences that align with Qatar's vision for luxury tourism.The discussion, moderated by Joumanna Bercetche of Bloomberg Television, also explored the intrinsic link between luxury and sustainability in Qatar's new wave of development. Al-Kharji underscored that this integration is by design, woven into the fabric of every recent project in Doha.“Luxury and sustainability are very well integrated here in Qatar, in every and each project been developed recently in Doha,” al-Kharji said. He cited several examples, including the Ras Abrouq resort, a “great habitat hotel” built within the environmentally sensitive Al Reem Biosphere Reserve.The Qatar National Convention Centre, a beacon of sustainability in the region for over a decade, boasts a LEED Certificate. Furthermore, Msheireb Downtown Doha exemplifies this dual focus, designed as both a luxurious and environmentally friendly urban space.

Capitalising on its status as one of the world's highest spenders on healthcare (12% of its annual budget), Qatar’s health tourism strategy aims to attract international visitors seeking high-quality healthcare services, Qatar Tourism Chairman HE Saad bin Ali Al-Kharji told the Qatar Economic Forum 2025.Speaking Wednesday, he highlighted Qatar's significant annual investment in healthcare, allocating a substantial 12% of its state budget – one of the highest expenditures globally – as a cornerstone of this new tourism thrust.“We at Qatar Tourism look at it as like it’s an opportunity, and we worked very closely with the Ministry of Public Health to develop the new health tourism strategy and we just finished it and presented it to the Prime Minister,” he stated during the discussion, moderated by Joumanna Bercetche of Bloomberg Television.Al-Kharji said the strategy seeks to take advantage on this vast government investment, inviting global audiences to “come, enjoy our quality healthcare, and our quality and safety in the city”.He stressed that this move is not about increasing visitor numbers but attracting a demographic that values and is willing to extend their stay for high-quality specialised services.To achieve this, the QT chairman noted that Qatar is looking to integrate advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to promote its healthcare offerings. “This is what we are focusing on with AI with big tech companies in Doha, and put tourism more closely with the people to let people, everyone, to know what they can have and what they can enjoy here in Doha,” al-Kharji explained.Beyond medical services, he said Qatar is investing in ensuring a high-quality visitor experience across all touchpoints. He cited the “Qatar Excellence Academy,” an initiative covering all aspects of the tourism sector, from museums and tour guides to DMCs and taxi drivers, actively educating service providers both within and outside Doha about the nation's diverse attractions and high standards.He said this is done with the support of international partners like Accor, whose Group Chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin also spoke at the forum.The 'Tourism in Focus' session also addressed broader themes, including luxury tourism, sustainability, Gulf competition, highlighting Qatar's comprehensive approach to shaping its tourism future.

Qatar's tourism sector is witnessing an unprecedented surge, recording 5mn visitors and 10mn room nights in 2024, marking a significant 25% increase from the previous year, according to Qatar Tourism (QT) chairman HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji.Speaking during the 'Tourism in Focus' session at Qatar Economic Forum 2025 Wednesday, he said this growth underscores Qatar's strategic shift from solely focusing on visitor numbers to prioritising the economic impact generated by extended stays.He announced that the tourism sector contributed QR55bn to the national GDP in 2024, representing 8% of total economic output — a 14% increase over 2023. He assured that Qatar is well on track to achieving its Tourism Strategy 2030 goal of contributing 12% to GDP, highlighting the sector’s increasing importance in the nation’s broader economic diversification strategy.HE al-Kharji underlined Qatar’s leading position in regional room night growth, with a 22% increase, surpassing other prominent Gulf destinations.“I'm very happy to find Qatar ranking number one in the region with a growth around 22% in room nights,”, he added, noting that Abu Dhabi and Kuwait followed with 8-10% growth.The session, moderated by Joumanna Bercetche of Bloomberg Television, explored the evolving landscape of global tourism, touching upon luxury, sustainability, health tourism, and Gulf competition.Al-Kharji noted that Qatar is strategically building on the momentum from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which HE the Prime Minister likened to an 'IPO moment' for the country." He said the nation continues to host various international events, utilising its state-of-the-art infrastructure.“The big events are non-stop that we host in Doha, and to utilise the great infrastructure we have," he said, noting that this year alone, Qatar is set to host the FIFA World Cup Under 17, the Arab Cup for the second time, and Formula 1 in the last quarter. He added that Doha is currently hosting the World Cup for Table Tennis, and will host the 2027 Basketball World Cup, as well as the Asian Games for the second time in 2030.Joining al-Kharji on the panel was Accor Group Chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin, who has visited Qatar more than 100 times in the past three decades and expressed his long-standing admiration for the country's development.Bazin expressed optimism for the global travel industry, predicting a “golden age” where demand will significantly outpace supply. “The tourism travel industry is a blessed industry," he said, adding that demand has consistently grown at 3-5% annually for the past 50 years against a supply growth of 1.5-2%. He forecasts this trend to intensify in the next two decades, with demand potentially increasing by 4-6% while supply remains at 1.5-2%.This unprecedented growth, according to Bazin, is fueled by three key factors: higher global demography, the rapid growth of the emerging middle class, and improved means of transport. Accor considers the GCC region to be the fastest-growing globally for its business, having increased by 32% since pre-Covid times.Bazin also cited the emotional aspect of travel, stating, “You always forget what people say, you always forget what people act but you don't forget what they make you feel.”He underscored Accor's focus on creating feelings, sentiments, memories, and souvenirs, particularly within the luxury segment, aligning with Qatar's efforts to diversify its offerings to ensure longer, more enriching “staycations” for visitors.

The Gulf region stands as a “credible and historical partner” crucial for facilitating payments, attracting global capital, and investing in Africa’s flourishing market and human potential, prominent African business leader Tony O Elumelu has said at the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) 2025.Elumelu, the Group chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, was speaking at a QEF session on Tuesday titled, “Banking 2025: The New Growth Playbook.” He was joined on the panel by DBS Bank Group CEO and director Tan Su Shan.Moderated by Bloomberg Television’s chief Africa correspondent and anchor Jennifer Zabasajja, the discussion explored how disruptive technology, evolving credit markets, and shifting risk dynamics are transforming global banking.“We have operations in the GCC because, in the Global South today, intra-South co-operation is very important. Trading amongst ourselves, facilitating payments among ourselves is very important, attracting global capital,” Elumelu said.He made a comparison to Qatar’s $1.2tn investment pledge directed towards America after US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf, suggesting this represents the kind of capital Africa should attract.“Africa is a land of opportunities; Africa has a huge population that’s upcoming and very energetic, and active. We need to do more on the continent, which is why I am here... Africa is ready for the global capital to come in and make investment,” he pointed out.Elumelu underlined that such investments to Africa should foster mutual prosperity, saying: “We welcome people from the Gulf states to come and invest in Africa”.He also cited a recent collaboration where the Tony Elumelu Foundation signed a partnership with the UAE to further support young Afghan entrepreneurs.Elumelu said his main message was for a partnership model prioritising investment over aid in 21st-century Africa: “We have the market, we have the people, we have a lot of endowments, let’s collectively come together... for the common good of humanity. For benefits of investors, as well as benefits for the locals”.The UBA chairman also shines a spotlight on Africa’s pressing needs, particularly job creation for its youthful demographic, saying: “Africa is an interesting continent; we have over 600mn of its 1.1bn people are aged 25, so employment, job creation is very critical for us on the continent”.He noted that access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains a significant challenge.

The search for Qatar’s top tourism and hospitality performers is officially underway as Qatar Tourism (QT), in collaboration with the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), opened applications for the third annual Qatar Tourism Awards 2025 Monday. Addressing a press conference, QT’s Tourism Development Sector chief Omar al-Jaber said: “We are proud to continue highlighting stories of excellence by honouring individuals and institutions that elevate service standards across the tourism sector.“Our renewed partnership with UN Tourism strengthens the credibility of every stage of the awards. With the organisation’s global expertise and established benchmarks, we are confident that this edition will be managed with the utmost transparency and precision”.He stressed that QT has refined the evaluation framework for greater clarity and depth, maintaining its collaboration with UN Tourism in a shared effort to support Qatar’s ambitions and uphold fairness for applicants. Submissions are now being accepted, with the portal open until August 7.According to QT, this year’s edition added two new sub-categories: Hotelier of the Year, for general managers demonstrating notable leadership and innovation in hotel operations; and Leading Chief Concierge, for five-star property concierges in Qatar who exemplify exceptional guest service and deep local knowledge.Organisers noted that the initiative, now in its third year, continues to evolve as a legacy platform fostering exceptional performance and competition by recognising superior service and the shaping of distinctive Qatari visitor experiences. QT and UN Tourism will initially assess applications, before a distinguished panel of local and international experts, announced in June for transparency, conducts the final evaluation.UN Tourism’s International Development and Co-operation director Jaime Mayaki said: “As we launch the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence, transparency, and global best practices.“These Awards honour the pioneers shaping Qatar’s tourism story – from chefs reimagining local flavours, to concierges creating unforgettable experiences, to innovators harnessing technology for smarter travel.“Every nomination tells a story of dedication, with the power to shape not only the future of tourism in Qatar, but around the world. UN Tourism is proud to stand alongside Qatar in this initiative, built on trust, shared values, and a common pursuit of progress,” Mayaki added.QT also launched the Qatar Tourism Awards Alumni Network recently to promote engagement between previous winners and its leadership. Winners of the third edition, set to be revealed in November, will gain increased visibility via QT/Visit Qatar platforms and sponsorship priority, reflecting ongoing sector support.Meanwhile, Gastronomic Experiences applicants must be enrolled in the Taste of Qatar initiative, highlighting QT’s commitment to industry-wide service quality.Application guidelines and more information are available at: https://www.qatartourism.com/en/service-excellence/qatar-tourism-awards or email [email protected]

The “Nuovo Paesaggio (New Landscapes)” exhibition at M7 presents Italian artist Quayola’s work as a "perfect match" for Doha, as it bridges past and future much like the city itself, according to curator Claudio Composti.Speaking to *Gulf Times, he said that the exhibition, featuring pieces that appear as paintings or photographs but are created using advanced contemporary technologies, aims to resonate deeply with a city known for its rapid development while honouring its rich history.Composti noted Doha’s unique position as “a city that is very contemporary that has these amazing museums where they show their ancient culture and tradition”.The exhibition, presented by the Italian embassy in Doha in collaboration with Fondazione AGO – Modena Fabbriche Culturali and supported by the Directorate-General for Contemporary Creativity of the Italian ministry of culture, is on view at M7 (first floor) until July 19.Composti noted that Quayola is the ideal artist for the Doha exhibition, as his work’s ability to bridge the past with the future mirrors how Doha itself has evolved and shaped its distinctive cityscape.He added that the renowned Italian artist achieves this bridge by utilising contemporary technologies such as 3D laser scanning and specialised video recording.He said New Landscapes also prompts a broader discussion on the nature of art in the digital age, suggesting that works like Quayola’s, which skillfully use machines and technology, challenge traditional definitions, particularly of photography.“Photography literally means ‘written by light’, and out of the film, we cannot call photography,” he said. “So the point is, why we continue to describe it as photography only? Maybe it’s an image printed on paper, but it's done and created with a very contemporary and futuristic technologies.”Composti proposed that this evolution might require new vocabulary.“Maybe we have to create not only a new landscape but a new word ... we define where art is today, and which tools we have – or the artist has – to create art.”

Qatar and Denmark can broaden their healthcare partnership beyond pharmaceuticals, creating new opportunities in public health education and lifestyle initiatives following the recent launch of the obesity drug Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) in Doha, Danish ambassador Anders Bjørn Hansen said.Speaking to Gulf Times, Hansen – who serves as ambassador to both Qatar and the UAE – described the introduction of Wegovy by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk as a strong reflection of the deepening healthcare diplomacy between the two nations.“Foremost, I think this is a very good testament to the close co-operation between our two countries and a very successful co-operation also involving Novo Nordisk,” he said.Developed by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy is a treatment for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above, designed to address obesity — a global public health challenge that increasingly affects populations both in Qatar and worldwide.It is learnt that the global obesity epidemic now affects approximately 1bn people, with the crisis escalating rapidly in the Gulf region, which reports some of the highest rates globally.Hansen stressed that the launch of Wegovy not only reflects Denmark’s expertise in life sciences but also underlines the nation’s values of balancing scientific innovation, patient care, and ethical responsibility.“It shows our very strong commitment to the life science area, where Novo Nordisk is one of our champion companies. It’s extremely important that the products also benefit people globally, so it’s a very positive event to see the launch of this particular product in Qatar,” he said.The ambassador underscored the potential for Qatar and Denmark to work together on holistic health initiatives that extend beyond pharmaceutical distribution.“The question is really spot on in terms of looking at this as a holistic approach. There is much that both countries can do to promote a healthy lifestyle — to make sure young children have active life activities in school, for example.“This is very important for all of us, and it is also something Denmark focuses on in both our healthcare and educational systems,” he added.

Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Autism-Friendly Hospital initiative at Sidra Medicine is reshaping autism care through tailored pathways, trained staff, and parental support, advancing a wider 2025–2035 national strategy for earlier diagnosis and compassionate healthcare.According to QF’s 'Building an Autism-Friendly Nation in Qatar' progress report (2016-2024), the programme is based on proven international best practices adapted to the Qatari context, aiming to make every hospital visit as comfortable as possible.Launched in 2023 as a pilot model, the report noted that the initiative directly addresses the significant stress hospital appointments can cause for children with autism and their families.The comprehensive, three-step process begins with Personalised Childcare, according to the report. Upon a child’s registration in Sidra Medicine’s online system, an alert triggers a specific care pathway.Nurses then proactively contact parents to complete an Autism Support Checklist, available in Arabic and English, detailing the child’s sensory and communication needs, preferences, and behavioural patterns.This vital information is saved and updated, while every ward is equipped with devices and sensory toys to ease discomfort. Further accommodations for parents include minimised waiting times and dedicated parking spots.A cornerstone of the initiative is Specialised Staff Training where Sidra Medicine promotes an inclusive, respectful attitude towards individuals with autism and stresses dignity and patient-centered care.The report noted that all health personnel undergo training via a culturally sensitive e-learning module, providing basic education about autism, its varied manifestations, and effective accommodation strategies. This might involve using sensory or communication devices, visual aids, or allowing more time for children to process information and prepare for procedures.The third pillar, Parent Training, empowers families by equipping them with essential knowledge about autism. This can be achieved through small workshops and the dissemination of printed or digital resources during hospital visits.According to the report, Sidra Medicine is aiming to reduce the average age of diagnosis for children with autism, ensuring they receive the earliest possible support. This objective, it added, is a key component of QF’s broader Autism Strategy for 2025-2035, highlighting a long-term commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with autism and their families across the nation.

Poland is eyeing stronger agri-food exports to Qatar and the wider region, capitalising on initiatives such as the recent “Taste of Poland” event at LuLu Pearl Qatar to showcase its diverse and high-quality offerings, according to Polish head of Mission in Doha, Tomasz Sadzinski.Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, the envoy said that while LuLu Group remains a key partner in bringing Polish foodstuffs to Qatar, the embassy is actively engaging with other stakeholders to broaden market access for Polish products — ranging from gourmet food to beauty items, among others.“Currently, LuLu is our focus because they initiated this idea a number of years ago, but obviously we’re working with all our partners,” Sadzinski said, pointing to the recent celebration of Polish National Day on May 6 at the Sheraton Grand Doha, where several Qatari brands that import Polish goods were invited as partners.“We want to get everyone on board, everyone bringing all sorts of products from Poland to Qatar, and we’re looking for opportunities to support one another,” he said.While the presence of Polish cuisine in Qatar remains modest, anchored by the sole Polka Restaurant, Sadzinski expressed optimism that Polish culinary offerings will continue to grow in visibility.“Restaurant business is challenging, of course, but initiatives like Taste of Poland will promote our food more. Many chefs here already know how to prepare dishes like pierogi or different Polish meat products,” he noted, as he encouraged Qatar’s residents to “discover Poland, visit Poland, enjoy Poland, and also ‘taste’ Poland”.On the regional scale, Sadzinski said the Polish embassy sees strong potential in Qatar’s market, where consumers with significant purchasing power are increasingly interested in exploring new products. Its strategy aims to cater not only to Qatari nationals but also to the country’s diverse expatriate population.The envoy also noted that Poland, with its deep agricultural traditions and vast green fields, has seen record-breaking agri-food exports recently, exceeding €53billion in 2023. Increasingly, he said these exports are reaching markets outside the European Union.According to Sadzinski, the LuLu Group’s regional footprint offers added value by positioning Polish products not only for Qatari consumers but also for neighbouring Gulf countries.“The very good thing about what LuLu is doing is that it’s not looking solely at the Qatari market but also has a regional perspective. That is the added value of this co-operation," Sadzinski said.

Poland aims to significantly boost and diversify its QR4.2bn trade with Qatar, targeting growth beyond its nearly QR800mn in 2024 exports with high-end products and advanced technology, Polish head of mission Tomasz Sadzinski has said.“I think we’re doing a great job, but the potential is obviously significantly larger,” he told the Gulf Times on the sidelines of the recently held National Flag Day of Poland and the Day of the Polish Diaspora.While Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) currently represents Qatar’s primary export to Poland, Sadzinski expressed optimism about future Qatari offerings. He sees that Qatar’s aim to diversify its exports away from hydrocarbons will result in a meaningful range of Qatari products becoming available for export to Poland.However, the envoy stressed that his priority remains promoting Polish products and solutions for development and use within Qatar, highlighting key areas such as highly developed machinery, fashion, high-end services for banking and other sectors, and tech services.Sadzinski noted Poland’s current export portfolio to Qatar is already varied: “It’s quite diversified because a meaningful part, for instance, is foodstuffs, but we also have machinery, aviation, and high-end industries. So it’s a fairly balanced foundation for co-operation, and I think it’s a very good base to build upon.”Beyond the economic sphere, he said, Poland is actively working to enhance cultural and artistic exchanges with Qatar, initiating these efforts by planning a number of events in Qatar this year. While acknowledging that a full “Year of Culture” requires extensive planning and might be premature, he said it is an idea the embassy is keen to explore, particularly inspired by Qatar’s current cultural year with Latin American countries, which he described as impressive.The envoy cited a specific cultural ambition for the near future: an exhibition designed to resonate deeply with Qatari heritage. “My ambition is also to organise a number of exhibitions with our Qatari friends, [one] that would highlight the Polish heritage and success story in terms of breeding pure-blood Arabian horses,” he said.“I think it’s a topic very close to the Qatari heart, and we want to support this as strongly as possible,” he added.Sadzinski stressed that for the embassy, occasions like the National Flag Day serve a dual role: while celebrating history, they are also crucial for highlighting Poland’s modern identity, innovation, arts, and its ambitions on the global stage.These events, he pointed out, underline the presence of Polish people and professionals in Qatar, showcasing their affection for the country and their significant contributions to its development. He added that their high qualifications in innovative sectors demonstrate that Poland is, in a sense, an integral part of the development currently taking place in Qatar.The envoy noted that a cornerstone of this effort to showcase innovation is the planned continuation of the annual Poland-Qatar technology forum. He announced that this will happen at the end of the year, confirming that discussions are already underway with key partners in Doha. These include Invest Qatar, Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Science and Technology Park, Qatar Development Bank, and Qatar Free Zones Authority.According to Sadzinski, their intention is to ensure broad participation to effectively showcase Qatar’s development, progress, and locally developed solutions, while also facilitating meaningful discussions with Polish counterparts that could potentially lead to business co-operation.

As Qatar’s cultural landscape undergoes rapid expansion, a new exhibition by renowned Italian artist Quayola at M7 offers a timely exploration of how generative art and artificial intelligence (AI) can shape evolving dialogues between Europe and the Gulf region.'Nuovo Paesaggio (New Landscape)', presented by the Italian embassy in Doha in collaboration with Fondazione AGO – Modena Fabbriche Culturali and supported by the Directorate-General for Contemporary Creativity of the Italian Ministry of Culture, is on view at M7 (first floor) until July 19.“Certainly in the region, there is really a cultural explosion. There are a lot of very interesting things happening, and I find my work also starting to circulate more here—that’s something that makes me very happy,” Quayola told 'Gulf Times'.The artist, renowned for his innovative use of technology to reinterpret classical art and natural forms, sees the flourishing cultural landscape in the Gulf as fertile ground for such exchanges. “Having this cultural exchange, and this sort of point of view that meets through art, is always a nice thing to witness and to be part of,” he said.However, Quayola underlined the essential human element in his creations, noting that while technology is fascinating and full of potential, it also carries risks that require occasional restraint. For him, the human component is fundamental, and the crucial question is not what technology is used, but how it is applied.“As technology becomes more advanced and standardised, the artist’s role is to innovate how it is used... What you see here in this room is the result of observations made with a very specific technology – one that is widely used in a very different context.“But it is not the technology itself that produces what you see here; it is the human using that technology, sometimes subverting it in unusual ways. What makes this artwork unique is the person, not the technology. And I think how we use technology is a crucial question for the future,” Quayola noted.Having exhibited globally, Quayola finds the diverse interpretations of his work enriching. He shared that the opportunity to display his art around the world, including in the Gulf, is deeply rewarding. He explained that his work explores universal themes, such as humanity’s relationship with nature and the ways people observe the world, and he considers art to be a form of universal language. While interpretations may vary, he noted, the fundamental core of what his artworks offer remains consistent.Quayola views his art as “a celebration of nature, and also a celebration of human creativity – in a form where machines are there to enhance our own creativity.”

Qatar’s cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure, further enhanced by innovative treatments and strong international collaborations, positions the country as a rising destination for medical tourism in the region, according to Aamal Company CEO Rashid bin Ali al-Mansoori.Speaking to 'Gulf Times', al-Mansoori expressed confidence in Qatar’s capabilities, highlighting its status as having one of the world’s best healthcare systems and the presence of “very advanced hospitals”. He also stressed that Hamad Hospital stands out in the region.“Healthcare is an important pillar in Qatar’s vision 2030, so we need to be supporting this vision by bringing the best to the Qatar market,” he said, citing the recent introduction of innovative treatments, such as the recently launched obesity drug Wegovy. This, he pointed out, forms part of Aamal’s aim of providing the best in healthcare for the people of Qatar.“We look at healthcare not only as a trading or for making profit but it is the service and social responsibility of Aamal for its community,” al-Mansoori said. He added that partnerships with international pharmaceutical leaders such as Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, are crucial not just for accessing new medicines but also for knowledge transfer.Al-Mansoori said that Aamal’s commitment extends beyond providing medication, but to include public health awareness and prevention. He said the company actively works to educate its staff and the wider community about these diseases, viewing such efforts as fundamental, pre-medical steps that underline the importance of lifestyle and dietary choices.He said the noticeable increase in general tourism, demonstrated by reports of a crowded airport, also shows that Qatar’s tourism authorities are successfully working on all fronts to attract more visitors and diversify the nation’s economy.

Qatar’s cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure, further enhanced by innovative treatments and strong international collaborations, positions the country as a rising destination for medical tourism in the region, according to Aamal Company CEO Rashid bin Ali al-Mansoori.Speaking to Gulf Times, al-Mansoori expressed confidence in Qatar’s capabilities, highlighting its status as having one of the world’s best healthcare systems and the presence of “very advanced hospitals”. He also stressed that Hamad Hospital stands out in the region.“Healthcare is an important pillar in Qatar’s vision 2030, so we need to be supporting this vision by bringing the best to the Qatar market,” he said, citing the recent introduction of innovative treatments, such as the recently launched obesity drug Wegovy. This, he pointed out, forms part of Aamal’s aim of providing the best in healthcare for the people of Qatar.“We look at healthcare not only as a trading or for making profit but it is the service and social responsibility of Aamal for its community,” al-Mansoori said. He added that partnerships with international pharmaceutical leaders such as Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, are crucial not just for accessing new medicines but also for knowledge transfer.Wegovy’s launch, a weight management therapy already attracting global attention, adds to the portfolio of advanced healthcare offerings available in Qatar, it is learnt.Al-Mansoori said that Aamal’s commitment extends beyond providing medication, but to include public health awareness and prevention. He said the company actively works to educate its staff and the wider community about these diseases, viewing such efforts as fundamental, pre-medical steps that underline the importance of lifestyle and dietary choices.He said the noticeable increase in general tourism, demonstrated by reports of a crowded airport, also shows that Qatar’s tourism authorities are successfully working on all fronts to attract more visitors and diversify the nation’s economy.

Tech-driven autism care – from building smart playgrounds and classrooms – is at the core of Qatar Foundation (QF)’s 10-year autism strategy aimed at transforming diagnosis, care, and family support, according to QF’s Dr Hilal Lashuel.“We are bringing all the technologies that allow us to capture these different features of the disease (autism) at a level that we can capture the unique features of everyone,” Dr Lashuel, the Research, Development and Innovation advisor to the chairperson of QF, told Gulf Times.He said this includes integrating a range of technologies, from eye-tracking and voice analysis to advanced sensors that monitor interactions with robots and the surrounding environment.Dr Lashuel, also QF’s Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) executive director, pointed out that this approach represents a significant departure from traditional clinical settings as QF envisions a future where diagnostic data is gathered in more natural environments, such as “smart playgrounds” equipped with sensing technologies.“Instead of taking a person to a clinic, our vision is to bring a child to a playground but one that is connected with all the sensing technologies around them, and then we capture that data,” he said.Dr Lashuel added that the huge amount of data collected in these environments will be analysed using artificial intelligence (AI), enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses.Beyond diagnosis, he said a key focus of the strategy is on empowering parents, who often find it challenging to monitor their child’s progress and make informed decisions about their care.Dr Lashuel noted that many parents feel lost between infrequent doctor visits, unsure if their child is improving or not.To address this, he said QF is developing technologies that can be used at home, allowing parents to track their child’s responses to interventions and monitor their overall progress.“If you have a technology that allows you to understand the state of your child, how is he responding, how is he improving, is he getting worse, that is one of the unique things we are doing,” he said.According to Dr Lashuel, the Autism Strategy 2025-2035 also aims to improve access to information and support for parents by creating a “community hub”.This, he said, serves as an integrated pipeline, guiding parents through the entire process of diagnosis, care, and support. Parents will have access to relevant data, resources, and contact information, all facilitated through AI-powered technology.Recognising the challenges of providing personalised care at scale, he said QF is also exploring how technology can support educators in the classroom. He cited Autism Sensing Centre of Excellence’s pilot projects that include the development of a connected classroom, equipped with technologies to assist with learning.Dr Lashuel said the goal is to provide teachers with AI-driven insights that can help them tailor their approach to each student’s individual needs. “What we want eventually is to be able for the teacher to sit and do their job. Technology captures the information, and AI translates this information to individual insight.”

Qatar’s maritime industry received a huge boost Monday with the launch of the first-ever Mina Pre-Owned Boat Show at Old Doha Port’s Mina Corniche.The event will run until tomorrow (May 7), bringing together marine enthusiasts, first-time buyers, and seasoned boaters eager to explore a curated selection of second-hand vessels. It is open daily from 5pm to 9pm.According to the organisers, this boat show offers boat owners a unique opportunity to display their vessels, ranging from jet skis and fishing boats to yachts, superyachts, and traditional dhows, for free. Public entry is also free, making it accessible to a wide audience.“We at Old Doha Port have set objectives and goals that we want to achieve, one of which is definitely enhancing the maritime experience locally, regionally and then globally.“This pre-owned boat show is considered as the first-of-its-kind in Qatar, and the aim is to provide a safe platform for sellers and buyers, whether individuals or companies,” Old Doha Port CEO, engineer Mohammed Abdullah al-Mulla, told reporters.He noted that the event facilitates smoother transactions by providing dedicated spaces for inspection companies and service providers. This, he pointed out, allows potential buyers to obtain initial inspection reports on the vessels, aiding in informed decision-making.He added that stringent criteria are in place to ensure the quality of boats offered, including a requirement of at least one year of valid inspection reports and a registration year of 2007 or beyond. More than 40 marine vessels are participating in this maiden edition, highlighting the strong momentum in Qatar’s pre-owned boat market.The show has transformed the Mina Corniche into a vibrant open-air marketplace, organisers said. It also offers on-site maintenance workshops and inspection services at competitive prices, fostering a supportive environment for both buyers and sellers.Al-Mulla said this latest edition of the show joins other recent initiatives at Old Doha Port, including the first Qatar Boat Show and a fishing exhibition.He said the combination of events caters to local, regional, and international markets, and provides the right infrastructure for yacht owners to safely and easily berth their vessels in Qatar.In addition to the diverse range of boats on display, organisers noted that visitors can also enjoy a unique hospitality experience in a welcoming maritime atmosphere, overlooking Doha’s skyline and the West Bay towers. It also features music and various activities.Organisers stressed that this boat show is poised to become a key event in Qatar’s maritime calendar, underscoring Old Doha Port's commitment to nurturing and strengthening the local industry.

Qatar and France have forged a deeply-rooted strategic partnership in the past four years with increased co-operation across diplomatic, defence, economic, and cultural sectors, in addition to high-level visits, the outgoing French ambassador Jean-Baptiste Faivre said.“I think the best reflection of the renewed strength of the strategic partnership between France and Qatar was His Highness’ State visit to France in February 2024. It was the first State visit in 15 years. It showed how much France and Qatar have built strong co-operation in every field,” he told reporters at a press briefing on Sunday at his residence in Doha.Faivre is set to leave Doha Monday, marking the end of a four-year tenure that witnessed a significant deepening of the strategic partnership between the two countries. He said he is expected to continue his diplomatic career with a posting within the region.On the diplomatic front, the envoy underlined the high level of confidence that has been built, enabling constant co-ordination on pressing global issues. “Our co-ordination has been constant, at many levels, on many issues, on particular Gaza and Lebanon,” he said, noting the seven visits from French foreign ministers and the three strategic dialogues, including one scheduled later this month in Paris.The envoy pointed out that these dialogues involve key figures like HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, and his French counterpart, fostering critical discussions and collaborative problem-solving.The establishment of the strategic dialogue mechanism was a key accomplishment of Faivre’s tenure, representing the pinnacle of the mutual trust that has positioned Qatar and France as steadfast partners.“It is the pinnacle as well as the illustration of the highest level of confidence our countries have reached, which make them all-time and all-weather partners now,” he said.Faivre noted that the robust diplomatic ties were further demonstrated by numerous high-level visits. President Macron visited Doha four times during the envoy’s term, accompanied by frequent visits from the French ministers of foreign affairs and defence, enabling consistent consultation on critical geopolitical issues such as Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Afghanistan.“I am very glad that we’ve created long-term partnerships in humanitarian action and development aid. Many thanks to our partners in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Qatar Fund for Development, and all other agencies,” he said.In the area of defence, Faivre stressed that co-operation has reached an unprecedented level with the implementation of operational partnership and training activities. This, he said, was highlighted by the bilateral joint exercise “Al Koot” in Qatar in 2024, involving 450 French soldiers.Reciprocal training activities, such as the pilot training programme at the Qatar Air Academy for four French pilot officers, showed the strong ties between the armed forces, the envoy said. He noted that Qatar’s confidence in French defence industries, as demonstrated by ongoing acquisition projects, promises to shape defence relations for years to come.Faivre said security co-operation between France and Qatar, a longstanding tradition, was underscored by the joint efforts for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and the upcoming Olympics in Paris in 2024.He lauded Qatar’s emergence as a prominent sports nation, recalling the numerous sporting events he attended in Doha. He also expressed personal support for the Duhail football team.Faivre highlighted the enhanced ambition in the economic and finance sectors, building upon already strong ties in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and digital technology.He noted the significant progress in cultural relations, citing the recent visit of French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati and the signing of six framework agreements between leading cultural institutions.In the field of higher education, Faivre said: “Many efforts have been made to enhance academic co-operation. This has led to numerous agreements signed between French and Qatari institutions. We have successful partnerships between University Paris 1-Panthéon Sorbonne and Lusail University as well as between Sciences Po and Doha institute.“Overall, I leave Qatar with a deep feeling of gratitude and also confidence when I look at what’s next for Qatar and France. Long live our friendship. I want to extend my special and deep thanks to the Qatari authorities – and in particular His Highness the Amir and HE the Prime Minister – for their trust and support of my mission,” Faivre added.