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The Argentine Embassy in Doha recently hosted its third edition of ‘Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy Exhibition’, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange as a key theme driving the relationship between Qatar and Argentina. Speaking to reporters at the event, Argentine ambassador Guillermo L Nicolas underlined the exhibition’s role in setting the stage for the ‘Qatar-Argentina Year of Culture 2025’, which features numerous events in Doha and Buenos Aires. He said the event aims to connect the traditions of both nations, showcasing elements such as intangible cultural heritage and artworks, including paintings created by several diplomats and their wives. Nicolas cited the recent exhibition of Latin-American art at the National Museum of Qatar as a successful precursor, describing it as “the gem of our cultural year.” The exhibition, which concluded on July 19, featured around 170 works by more than 100 pioneering and contemporary Latin American artists, including iconic pieces from Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Wifredo Lam, Fernando Botero, and Antonio Berni. He said that cultural exploration uncovered unexpected common ground, leading them to realise they are “much closer than we believe” through shared aspects like traditional garments, a love for horses, and the importance of family. The envoy pointed out that cultural diplomacy is a main element not only for showcasing national identity but also for improving international relations. He said it serves as the essential foundation for international relations, asserting it is the primary method to foster mutual understanding and to create a network through which political and economic ties can be successfully developed. He noted that despite the vast geographical distance, cultural comparison reveals deep similarities. According to Nicolas, the year-long initiative of Qatar Museums is designed to solidify the bond forged during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which saw an influx of approximately 45,000 Argentinian visitors. “We have an amazing connection between the two peoples during the World Cup,” he recounted, adding that the cultural initiative is “a good opportunity to continue this relation.” The envoy said such initiative aligns with Qatar’s vision of becoming a global cultural hub, an effort he lauded, noting Qatar’s “wonderful position in the cultural world.” He suggested that sports should be viewed as part of cultural tradition, as the Year of Culture facilitates the exchange of artistic expressions, allowing Qatari art to be showcased in Argentina and Argentinian culture to be displayed in Doha. Nicolas added that he sees the 2025 initiative as “just one more milestone” in the already strong political, economic, and trade relationship between the two countries.

Behind Japan’s futuristic Expo showcase lies a deeper goal: turning its domestic pavilions into real-world incubators that would spark breakthroughs in healthcare, digital technology, and green solutions for the future.This strategy is anchored by two distinct pillars – resource circulation and regenerative medicine – each presented in highly interactive and functional exhibition spaces at the Expo 2025 Osaka.According to organisers, the Japan pavilion, themed “Between Lives,” serves as the epicentre of this national strategy. Its architecture, divided into unique Plant, Farm, and Factory zones, symbolises the concept of “circulation,” a principle deeply embedded in Japanese culture and craftsmanship.Masafumi Sugano, deputy commissioner general for Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and director of the Expo’s International Office, told reporters that the pavilion operationalises cyclical resource management by tackling the issue of waste generated on-site.“Within the pavilion, we actually take rubbish, garbage, trash from the Expo site, we decompose it and turn it into clean water, and methane,” Sugano said. “Then we take the algae (developed from methane) and turn it into valuable products.”This functional system, he noted, shows how Japan interprets the circular economy, focusing not just on recycling, but on creating business-viable, productive systems that remain responsible to the global climate.“It shows how we interpret the circular economy in Japan, which is something that I’m sure would be interesting for Qatar,” he added.Sugano said the commitment to circularity extends to the structure itself, pointing out that the wooden panels used in the pavilion’s architecture are designed to be repurposed across Japan once the event concludes.Adding a playful touch to this environmental pledge, the pavilion also features an array of algae – 32 unique types – some represented as popular, adorable Hello Kitty characters, flourishing in a warmly lit “forest of the future”.Complementing the focus on green innovation, the Pasona Natureverse pavilion explores the future of healthcare, highlighting revolutionary regenerative medicine based on Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPS).iPS technology allows adult cells to be “reprogrammed” back to a pluripotent state, enabling scientists to differentiate them into any required cell type. This breakthrough, discovered by Nobel Laureate Dr Shinya Yamanaka in 2009, forms the basis of two groundbreaking exhibits.Carla Alonso from the Pasona Group presented the iPS Heart, an artificial heart model created by transforming some 200 million skin adult stem cells into beating heart muscle tissue.“What you see here is essentially an artificial model of a heart... beating completely by itself without any electrical impulse,” she said.While the exhibit currently displays only the heart muscle tissue, she said the goal is to use this technology within the next 50 years to completely reproduce whole hearts from a patient’s own cells, significantly reducing the high rate of rejection associated with traditional heart transplants.However, a more immediate application is the iPS Heart Muscle Sheet, which Alonso described as functioning ‘a little bit like a band aid’. She said this sheet is applied to cardiac tissue damaged by heart failure, where it re-integrates into the surrounding tissue and promotes regeneration.“In around two weeks, new capillary networks can be created and the heart can start to function normally again,” Alonso said. She noted that the technology is already further along; the company behind the specific exhibit, CUORIPS, has completed a successful human trial and has applied for government permission to begin making this a real treatment, positioning it for potential use far sooner than the full iPS Heart.The theme of transforming society continues at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, themed “Reborn,” which offers visitors a tangible glimpse into urban life in 2050.The interactive ‘Reborn experience’ route captures visitors’ individual health data via a body analysis pod, subsequently generating an avatar showing them their personalised health and lifestyle 25 years in the future. The exhibit pools Osaka’s collective wisdom, technology, and ideas on future cities, food, and culture, creating a powerful, personalized experience.From personalised healthcare stations like the Cell Design Station and Eye Care station to interactive projections of future cities, the Osaka pavilion highlights that Japan’s Expo presence is not merely about showcasing technology, but about defining, developing, and deploying the systems needed to support a thriving, sustainable, and healthy future society.

Osaka, JapanMore than just a national exhibit, Qatar’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is a masterful architectural statement designed to strengthen cultural diplomacy with Japan, employing a blend of shared craftsmanship that is instantly inspiring global tourism interest, pavilion director Faisal Abdulrahman al-Ibrahim has said.The official told 'Gulf Times' that the pavilion, themed 'From the Coastline, We Progress' and designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a striking visual metaphor: a traditional Qatari dhow boat poised for sail. Its structure features wooden architecture, reminiscent of traditional boats, encased in a large, white membrane that evokes a sail billowing in the wind. This innovative design, he added, was rooted in a discovery of shared heritage.“Kengo Kuma... was trying to find what similarities he can bring into the design. He found common ground in the fine woodworking traditions, the craftsmanship of the boat in Qatar, it is similar to the Japanese wooden architect,” he said.According to the pavilion director, this architectural synergy establishes the pavilion as a symbol to the deepening bilateral relationship between the two nations, demonstrating that collaboration extends far beyond the energy sector. He said the interior of the pavilion immerses visitors in Qatari identity, focusing on the relationship between land and sea. Visitors embark on a “symbolic sea journey” that highlights the country’s extensive coastline, a narrative shift designed to counteract the common perception of Qatar as merely a desert nation. The exhibition guides the public through the history of the pearl industry and the development of coastal cities.On the second floor, al-Ibrahim said this cultural fusion is made tangible in the Majlis (guest room), a space reserved for high-level meetings and events. Here, traditional Qatari and Japanese artistic elements interlock: the carpet design blends Qatari rug culture with the Japanese tatami concept. Additionally, he said sofa fabrics designed by a Qatari artist incorporate three symbols: the colours of both countries, sea waves linking the peninsula and the island nation, and the names of historic Qatari diving and trading boats.He pointed out that the core of the main exhibition fuses the shared history and future co-operation between Qatar and Japan, exploring diverse areas from the historic pearl industry to modern architectural collaborations. Al-Ibrahim said this enthralling showcase of heritage and hospitality is translating directly into economic benefits, particularly for the tourism industry.The pavilion director cited the Expo as a “great opportunity as well from the tourism aspect”: By experiencing the culture and history firsthand, visitors are prompted to take immediate steps toward travel.“Lots of people get to admire the country (Qatar) and what we have, they have spoken with us from the perspective that, yes, definitely we will visit Qatar,” he noted, pointing to the success of the stopover plans offered by Qatar Airways.

OSAKA – Qatar’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka serves as a key pillar to dismantle stereotypes and strengthen its position as a proactive global partner committed to sustainable development, according to pavilion director Faisal Abdulrahman al-Ibrahim.“It’s an opportunity for the State of Qatar to break any stereotype that people might get from the social media. We’re looking into the achievements that Qatar has made within the last 10 years, that highlighted only the capital of Qatar which is Doha, not knowing the other cities which has played a huge role in shaping the Qatar vision,” al-Ibrahim told Gulf Times.He noted that the Qatar pavilion, also aligned with the “Empowering Lives” sub-theme, addresses global perceptions often limited to the nation’s energy sector or recent mega-events.Al-Ibrahim pointed out that Qatar’s participation is firmly aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, highlighting comprehensive sustainability – a theme he stressed must extend across all sectors, including economic, educational, and environmental stewardship. The concept of “Empowering Lives”, he said, is defined holistically, applying not only to human advancement but also to all living creatures.According to al-Ibrahim, such strategy centres on showcasing how Qatar is first solving global issues internally, then scaling those solutions internationally through collaborations and contributions.“The entire world is moving towards sustainability. It’s better to understand how we can manage these resources to sustain for the upcoming generations, and the Expo is key to increasing awareness,” he said.Al-Ibrahim pointed out that the success of this diplomatic endeavour is being measured by the response of visitors at the Expo, citing a dramatic shift in perception among the public.“The entire prospective of the visitors I would say 90% of them has changed into a proper understanding of our culture, our hospitality, our history and also our vision towards the future,” he said.The pavilion director said many visitors expecting a country based on “the desert only with the camels” are surprised by the reality of Qatar’s coastal focus, the history of its booming pearl industry, and its advanced social infrastructure, including its world-class education and healthcare systems.About the Expo, he said Qatar views the six-month global showcase as an ongoing, continuous legacy, not a standalone event. Having recently hosted the Horticultural Expo previously in Qatar (October 2, 2023, to March 28, 2024), he noted that the participation in Osaka builds on previous experiences and serves as a springboard for future engagements, including specialised expos and the main World Expo in Riyadh in 2030.“We are looking for sustainability of all the resources and hoping that we are capable of highlighting the achievements and to work together with other countries and entities to achieve peace, sustainability, and a happy world at the end,” he stressed, positioning Qatar’s Expo investment as a vital mechanism for long-term global influence and soft power projection.The investment, al-Ibrahim added, is expected to yield significant returns, particularly in tourism, capitalising Qatar Airways’ stopover plans to bring Japanese visitors to Doha for major upcoming mega and sports events.“We will be welcoming lots of visitors from Japan, I would say after the Expo (in Osaka), especially when the big events (in Qatar) will take place in November and December, the FIFA Arab Cup, the FIFA Youth 17 and the Intercontinental Cup as well, so I wish them an enjoyable experience in Qatar and to know us more in depth,” he said.

Visit Qatar signed a multi-year entertainment partnership with MELT Live, the global events company chaired by entertainment icon Steve Harvey, aimed at establishing the country as a premier hub for culture, lifestyle, and world-class events.The collaboration, sealed in Doha Wednesday, will introduce internationally recognised platforms to Qatar, with two flagship events set to debut in 2026.The signing ceremony was led by Qatar Tourism chair and chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji and MELT Live Events chairman Steve Harvey.FuelFest Qatar, a high-energy festival that merges international car culture with live music, is designed to unite automotive enthusiasts and feature global talent; while the Golf Classic by Steve Harvey is a unique lifestyle and sporting event blending competitive golf, top-tier entertainment, and celebrity participation, intended to provide a major platform for global exposure.Al-Kharji highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration, saying: “This strategic collaboration with MELT Live reflects our ambition to strengthen Qatar’s position as a global destination for major cultural and lifestyle events.“By introducing distinctive international platforms such as FuelFest and the Golf Classic, we are diversifying Qatar’s events calendar, creating new opportunities for engagement, and showcasing the country’s commitment to delivering world-class experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.”Speaking at the announcement, Harvey underlined the foundational philosophy of his company and his attraction to the region, noting that “MELT is an acronym: M stands for the merging of cultures and ideas; E is for the enlightenment and empowerment of people; L is for learning and leadership; T is for trade and technology”.He said the launch of MELT Live in the Gulf region was motivated by the desire to merge global ideas and address misconceptions about the Middle East.“The appeal was to come here and to open up other people’s eyes about the Middle East to try to get rid of some of the misconceptions here,” Harvey said, highlighting Qatar’s unique characteristics.“I've never been anywhere where there’s complete peace... The whole thing about MELT was the merging of cultures and ideas because we have more similarities as people than we do differences,” he added.Harvey said the initial events are designed to introduce high-profile business and celebrity figures to the region. He noted that FuelFest, which originated as a spin-off from the Fast & Furious film franchise, draws large international audiences and significant automotive presence.“The future looks so bright, we could do so many things because of the willingness of Qatar, just the openness that they have towards us. It’s an honour to be in Qatar to witness this exciting new chapter with Visit Qatar and MELT Live. These events are about more than entertainment – they’re about building connections, celebrating culture, and creating unforgettable experiences,” he added.According to Visit Qatar, this landmark agreement marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration and underscores its commitment to expanding the nation’s events portfolio, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, and attracting global audiences to experience Qatar’s unique blend of hospitality and world-class entertainment.A diverse calendar of additional events is currently being planned by MELT Live and Visit Qatar, with more information expected to be announced in the coming months.

The ongoing Expo 2025 Osaka has become a key diplomatic and economic platform aimed at forging deep and long-term partnerships with Qatar and the broader Middle East by moving beyond traditional trade to focus on technology, sustainability, and cultural exchange.Speaking to reporters recently, Masafumi Sugano, director of the International Office for Expo 2025 and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) Deputy Commissioner General, said the event has attracted diplomatic traffic, including over 300 ministerial visits and nearly 100 heads of state, government, and Royal family members, offering an unprecedented occasion for Japan to showcase its vision of a future society.He noted that one of the main aims is converting the Expo’s global platform into business interactions designed to spur fresh trade and investments with different countries, including Gulf nations.“It is an excellent opportunity for Japan to be able to showcase what we envision as future society and also cultural lifestyles,” Sugano noted during a recent briefing on the Expo’s policy significance.He added that METI is utilising the high-level access provided by the Expo to align Japanese expertise directly with the economic diversification goals of Middle Eastern countries. Sugano cited previous deep discussions held with Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia (on achieving its National Vision 2030) as an example of the strategic dialogue being facilitated across various sectors, including mobility, food, and technology.He also cited an example where a series of summits focused on fostering collaboration between Arab and Japanese creators in the gaming industry to produce interesting games.To maximise economic outcomes for Japanese companies, Sugano said METI is implementing several concrete measures during the Expo:Dedicated discussion forums known as “Theme Weeks” tackle specific industry topics, creating structured occasions for intensive B2B interactions.Sugano said the Expo hosted specialised trade and investment delegations from abroad, often coinciding with National Day celebrations, ensuring that business groups and chambers of commerce from nations like Qatar have focused side meetings and visits apart from the general exhibits.A cornerstone of Japan’s offering, and a key area for potential collaboration with Qatar, is the focus on sustainability and the circular economy, he stressed.Beyond business and technology, Sugano said METI views the Expo as crucial for strengthening people-to-people ties—a necessity for robust, long-term relationships.He noted that the intensive, two-to-three-year preparation process undertaken by exhibiting nations, including Qatar, Turkey, Bahrain, and Jordan, prompts Japanese and Middle Eastern teams to overcome regulatory, logistical, and language barriers.“Through this process, these interactions in multiple levels... we managed to, the Japanese and Qatari or Middle Eastern counterparts, have managed to understand each other better and what usually is not possible," Sugano said, stressing that the engagement was “not a superficial one”.He added that these interactions span from dignitaries meeting over coffee to collaborations among musicians and the presence of young Qatari presenters in their national pavilion, all contributing to deeper cultural understanding and confirming high-level co-operation that will lead to greater heights post-Expo.

Osaka, Japan: Expo 2025 Osaka continues to attract massive crowds, both domestic and international, eager to experience a tangible vision of a sustainable future before the gates close on October 13.The six-month event, themed 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives', seeks to foster global collaboration in building a sustainable society where individuals can redefine happiness and realise their full potential.Organisers expect total attendance to exceed 28mn, driven by the strong appeal of the participating pavilions, many of which still draw long queues across the exhibition grounds.The diversity of visitors underscores broad interest not only in technological innovation but also in cultural exchange, as large numbers of foreign guests – including those from the Middle East – arrive to experience global traditions and perspectives.**media[363572]**A major highlight, the Future Society Showcase, demonstrates practical applications of tomorrow’s technologies across six key areas: Smart Mobility, Digital, Virtual, Art, Green, and Future Life.The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) enthralled audiences with displays of next-generation vehicles positioned as near-future solutions to urban congestion and remote access. This offers seamless transportation for city commuters as well as residents in remote areas.**media[363570]**Robotics also takes centre stage at the Expo, presenting a glimpse of how androids could enhance everyday life. Visitors interact with a range of robotic platforms, from the Robot and Mobility Station to automated service units operating throughout the venue.It is learnt that the Expo is widely regarded as a key platform for addressing pressing issues, particularly climate change and healthcare, through its emphasis on sustainability. Exhibits dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 include a cutting-edge carbon recycling factory.Medical innovation is another major draw. The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion features body-analysis pods that collect seven categories of health data, enabling visitors to meet digital avatars that project their health status 25 years into the future. Other attractions include advanced surgical technologies, such as a “flying operation unit” and a “remote operation centre,” along with research into the future of sleep showcased at the Pasona Natureverse.Artificial intelligence and human connection are explored in the Future of Life Pavilion, curated by renowned roboticist Ishiguro Hiroshi. The pavilion features highly advanced androids, including Geminoid, a strikingly humanlike robot modelled after Ishiguro himself, engaging visitors in thought-provoking dialogue.The Expo’s architectural centrepiece is the Grand Ring, designed by renowned architect Fujimoto Sou. This huge wooden structure, one of the largest of its kind in the world, covers a 2-km circumference, offering shaded viewing areas while seamlessly connecting the different exhibition zones.

At Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, the “Robot Experience” is showcasing Hanamoflor—a robot designed to deliver kindness. Already active at Hana House, a nursing home, and at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Hanamoflor has been tested in environments with both elderly residents and young children, according to its creators.The trials focused on emotional response and trust-building through everyday interactions. The results have been striking: elderly participants began to sing and smile more, while children formed such strong bonds with the robot that some cried when it was time to say goodbye.The “Robot Experience” highlights how robots are being woven into everyday life—supporting people with navigation, cleaning, guidance, security, and a range of other essential services.

The “Sudan Retold Edition 1½”, a compelling exploration of Sudanese cultural wealth and intellectual achievement, was launched Friday at Alhosh Gallery at The Pearl Island.The event featured a book launch and an accompanying art exhibition, immersing attendees in photography, paintings, and multimedia installations that bring Sudan’s creative stories into dialogue with themes of memory, space, and community.Curated by Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Artist-in-Residence Khalid Albaih, alongside Larissa-Diana Fuhrmann and Abdelrahiem (Rahiem) Shadad, the project invites audiences to engage with Sudanese narratives beyond dominant political or historical frameworks, opening a space for alternative voices, layered interpretations, and artistic testimony.The initiative is part of the “Seeing Sudan: Politics Through Art” conference, a three-day event that began on September 18 at the Four Seasons Doha.It also forms part of a long-term project, now more than a decade in the making, that unites Sudanese artists, writers, curators, and cultural workers responding to a country often reduced to a single narrative despite its diverse cultures, religions, languages, and histories.Edited by Albaih, Fuhrmann, and Suzi Mirghani, the second volume of “Sudan Retold” was developed amid Sudan’s fragile transitional period: from the revolution, to renewed repression, to the 2021 military coup.With many contributors now displaced by ongoing conflict, the work resonates across geographies, weaving fiction, personal memory, archival fragments, and visual storytelling.The curators noted that the book and exhibition “are not historical overviews. They are fragments, fictions, testimonies, and visual narratives. They draw on personal archives, oral histories, forgotten objects, and speculative figures – not to reconstruct a singular past, but to open space tor layered, plural understandings of Sudan”.Among the featured works is *The Khartoum School by Ayat R H Ahmed, highlighting the influential Sudanese modern art movement shaped by artists such as Ahmed Shibrain, Ibrahim El Salahi, and Kamala Ishag.El Salahi, who once studied art in London, fused Western influences with Sudanese traditions to create a distinctive style that redefined audiences’ perceptions of modern African art.Also showcased is *Echoes of the Studio: Faces from the Archive by Waleed Mohammad, which reimagines mid-20th-century Sudanese studio portraits and family photographs, offering a meditation on continuity, change, and loss across generations.Another installation revisits “The Neighbourhood Association”, a tradition dating back to 1990 in Khartoum’s Burri district, where women organised collective support for community events, embodying enduring practices of solidarity.The exhibition also features *An Ode from the Diaspora, a series of illustrated poems that narrate fictional conversations between Sudanese creatives wrestling with self-doubt on the eve of the 2019 revolution – an exploration of art’s power to inspire change.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a “new momentum of co-operation” between Qatar and Korea, deepening their ties focused on shared advancement in AI research, infrastructure, and talent development, South Korean ambassador Hyunsoo Yun has said.Speaking at the Korea – Qatar AI Forum at Mandarin Oriental Doha yesterday, the envoy said: “Today is just a start to share experiences and know-hows, and explore opportunities for collaboration.“Under the bilateral framework of the strategic partnership, our co-operation is expanding far beyond traditional sectors into security and cybersecurity, healthcare, common response to global threats like climate change and energy diversification, such as scale-up renewable energy, and last but not the least, digital technology and AI”.The forum, organised by the Korean Embassy in Doha in partnership with Qatar's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), and supported by Kotra, brought together key stakeholders from both nations to explore the transformative potential of AI.Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed al-Mannai and MCIT’s Digital Industry Affairs Assistant Undersecretary HE Reem al-Mansoori attended the event.Building on a foundation of more than 50 years of trust, Yun spotlighted recent discussions between the leaders of Qatar and Korea in July, which addressed co-operation in AI and advanced industries.South Korea, Yun said, is well-prepared for the AI era and is actively striving to be a global leader in the field, while also ensuring the universal and inclusive enjoyment of AI benefits. He cited South Korea’s institutional readiness, including the recent establishment of a National AI Strategy Committee, chaired by the President, and its AI Basic Act, which provides a comprehensive framework for safe and trusted AI.He added that the South Korean government has committed to investing more than $70bn by 2030, prioritising infrastructure, industrial development in semiconductors and cloud computing, and nurturing AI research talent. This includes the development of a National AI Computing Centre equipped with tens of thousands of GPUs to power future AI research and applications.Hundreds of Korean startups are already developing AI solutions across healthcare, education, and logistics, with major companies like Samsung and LG making substantial investments in AI semiconductors and platforms, according to the envoy.He said South Korea’s dedication to research and development is substantial, with nearly five percent of its GDP allocated to research and development, supported by world-class universities and institutes such as Kaist and Etri, serving as strong testbeds for AI technologies.Yun said South Korea is an “optimal partner” for Qatar, stressing that the proven readiness of both nations can unlock unprecedented opportunities. He said South Korea brings advanced technology, research capacity, and industrial expertise, while Qatar offers vision, resources, and a strong drive for transformation. This alignment, he said, can create “opportunities unimagined in the past”.Seven leading Korean AI companies and a number of Qatari businesses were also present, representing the key players who will drive real-world AI co-operation across various sectors such as education, transport, communications, energy, and finance.Byung Ho Kim, regional president of Kotra Mena head office, acknowledged Qatar’s strides in establishing the National AI Centre and advancing its Digital Agenda 2030, while reiterating South Korea’s ambition to be a top three AI leader.Kim vowed Kotra’s continued role as a bridge connecting governments and companies between the two countries, supporting the expansion of AI-powered services and the opening of new markets together.

A unique digital exhibition is set to open today (September 17) at the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS), highlighting the rich visual legacy of Iran’s royal history against the backdrop of evolving regional politics.The two-day show, titled “Iran and the Changing Strategic Landscape of the Middle East”, is in collaboration between Qatar Museums (QM) and the ACRPS’ Iranian Studies Unit. It is presented as a key component of the Iranian Studies Unit Annual Conference.The exhibition draws upon the extensive holdings of QM’s General Collection to illuminate how Iran’s political image has been constructed and reinterpreted through the lens of its royal past, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.At the heart of the display are historic photographs, with a focus on the Qajar royal family and the journeys undertaken by Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar. These images underline the key role that royal portraiture and ceremonial photography played as instruments of diplomacy, statecraft, and symbolic exchange with European powers during this transformative period.Visitors will have the opportunity to compare photographs taken by Naser al-Din Shah himself between 1890 and 1900, offering a glimpse into the court’s ceremonies, palaces, and the Shah’s meticulous self-fashioning.From the opulent displays of Qajar diplomacy to the nascent stages of modern statehood, QM said these carefully curated images offer a rare and insightful lens through which to examine the continuities, ruptures, and transformations shaping Iranian state identity.According to QM, this royal perspective is compared with the prevailing realities of the time, including boycotts, debt diplomacy, and contested sovereignty, providing a nuanced understanding of Iran’s position on the global stage.Among the striking pieces featured is a photograph of the British Bank of Iran and the Middle East. Originally established in 1889 as the Imperial Bank of Persia, operating under a royal charter from London and a concession from Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar, this institution served a dual role as Iran’s central bank of issue and an instrument of British financial influence.The exhibition traces the bank’s evolution, noting how rising Iranian nationalism and the establishment of the Iranian-controlled Bank Melli in 1928 led to restrictions on its operations, reflecting a shift in power dynamics and the rise of anti-colonial sentiment. The bank was renamed The British Bank of Iran and the Middle East in 1949 as it expanded its reach across the Gulf. Amidst mounting regional tensions, the bank ultimately withdrew from Iran by 1952, later becoming the British Bank of the Middle East and eventually being absorbed into the HSBC group.Other visual contributions to the exhibition include a portrait of members of the Royal court of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar, dating from approximately 1860-1869, and a general view of the Kasbine Hotel in Kasbine, a town situated along the route from Resht to Tehran, circa 1890-1900.QM noted that these pre-1979 revolution photographs capture crucial moments of diplomacy, ceremonial exchange, and statecraft from the late 19th century, a period when Qajar Iran actively engaged with European powers through symbolic and cultural diplomacy.The exhibition invites attendees to contemplate the intricate relationship between visual culture and Iran’s evolving role within the Middle East.

From plastic waste transformed into carpets to eggshells becoming tableware and numerous new products, Thai upcycling is proving that sustainability can produce high-value items that attract global luxury brands. This was the message of Dr Singh Intrachooto, chief adviser to the Research and Innovation for Sustainability Centre and an associate professor at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, in an interview about “Thailand’s Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life” exhibition at M7. The week-long exhibition, presented by the Thai embassy in collaboration with Qatar Museums from September 8-14, aims to showcase Thailand's expertise in the circular economy and inspire similar initiatives in Qatar. Speaking to Gulf Times, Dr Intrachooto said he hopes that visitors to the exhibition would be surprised by the diverse applications of recycled materials, saying: “So the product you see here at M7 would be something the people (would say), ‘Oh really? The carpet can be made from plastic waste or even the paint from my wall can absorb carbon? Those are made from just ashes or eggshells?’” He underlined the huge potential of upcycling, such as “eggshells into tableware, into countertops, and a lot of people like to eat fruits, we turn mango peels, banana peels into leather”. “With this kind of innovation that people could see here at M7, they will start thinking, ‘hey maybe sustainability is not so far away after all’”, Dr Intrachooto said. He pointed out that these are tangible, everyday items that everyone can support, understand, and use. He added that the exhibition aims to spark initiative and encourage collaboration across borders, highlighting art, science, and co-operation as key elements for progress. About the viability of such initiatives in Qatar, Dr Intrachooto drew parallels with Thailand’s own journey, saying: “Can Qatar do this? I definitely think they can”. He recalled initial skepticism in Thailand about upcycling, but noted that after 15 years, it has evolved into mass production and established new industries. “It became a new industry to serve the future, needs and trends,” he said, citing the growing demand for sustainable products in the booming green building sector, and suggesting that Qatar is in a “great position” to capitalise on this market. While some people might question upcycling’s cost-effectiveness, he assured that “if you start doing it, you get the price down within the first few years”. Dr Intrachooto revealed the significant appeal of upcycled materials to the luxury market, as he addressed concerns about attracting customers, especially in the context of popular brands. “For example... we work with Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Cartier, so that means even big brands want to use this kind of materials,” he said, stressing the importance of merging design with science. “You can not just push science, and it doesn’t look good, and you can not just do the design without having the substance of new innovation,” Dr Intrachooto said. He expressed optimism that a Scrap Lab can be established in Qatar, along with partners, which will serve as an academic “sandbox” for developing new formulas and solutions, which would then become available to industries.

While Qatar possesses a strong will from decision-makers to create accessible spaces, the ‘missing link’ for more inclusive events lies with event planners embedding accessibility into their on-the-ground culture, according to Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy’s senior media content specialist Ahmed Habib.Speaking to Gulf Times, Habib said the nation’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its legal framework, which significantly impacts the creation of accessible spaces, events, and experiences. However, he pointed out that government regulations are only part of the equation.“In the same way or similarly as important, event planners, organisers also have a huge responsibility themselves. Regardless of what the laws and regulations say, they need to implement best practices and the latest thinking in accessible design,” he said.Habib stressed that inclusivity must be woven into the fabric of event planning from the very inception, rather than being an afterthought. He said the user journey for any attendee, including those with disabilities, begins long before the physical event.“It begins when a person is interacting with your digital content, social media website, registration forms, etc. Going back and trying to make something accessible after it’s been designed will be costly, more difficult, but doing so from the beginning, involving disabled people in the design of the event, is the best approach,” he said.The success of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Habib noted, served as a model of how accessible events can create long-lasting legacies and societies. He added that following the tournament, Qatar has become more accessible and is now recognised as one of the more inclusive countries in the region.He attributed this positive transformation to the foresight of event planners and designers who prioritised accessibility during the tournament’s organisation.Habib cited the existing culture of accessibility in Qatar and the broader region, driven by the constant advocacy of disabled individuals seeking greater inclusivity. He highlighted a strong will among decision-makers to foster accessible spaces. However, he reiterated that the key factor for future progress rests with the individuals directly involved in executing events.“If they also embed accessibility into their culture,” then I’m sure that I will see much more accessible events and experiences in the country,” he said.

A unique exhibition showcasing innovative upcycling solutions marked the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)’s 58th anniversary at M7 in Doha on Tuesday (September 9), highlighting the growing ties between Southeast Asia and Qatar in environmental stewardship.The celebration, themed *United in Sustainability, underlines the region’s commitment to a greener future and fosters a tangible demonstration of how creativity and technology can transform waste into everyday treasures, according to the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD).“Today, we mark the 58th anniversary of Asean, and the cross-partnership between Southeast Asia and the State of Qatar in advancing sustainability, heritage and innovation,” said Thai ambassador and ACD chair Sira Swangsilpa, spotlighting the exhibition, titled “Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life”.The event was attended by HE Ibrahim Yousef Fakhro, the director of the Department of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar, along with ambassadors from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam, as well as other diplomats and guests.In his remarks, the envoy highlighted Asean’s commitment to sustainability, citing the establishment of the Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue in Bangkok in 2019.He noted that as Asean co-ordinator for sustainable development co-operation, Thailand actively promotes strong and inclusive partnerships to achieve global sustainable development goals.In Doha, Swangsilpa said that the ACD has contributed to Qatar’s sustainability agenda in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.This collaboration, he added, includes participation in events such as mangrove planting, a desert clean-up at the singing sand dunes, and tree planting initiatives under the “10 Million Trees” campaign.“This year, we are adding something new,” the envoy said. “The ‘Innovative Upcycling for Everyday Life’ exhibition builds upon Thailand’s showcase at the Earthna Summit earlier this year, demonstrating how waste materials such as plastic, agricultural by-products, and even marine debris can be transformed into eco-textiles, lifestyle items, packaging, and artisanal homeware.”Swangsilpa noted that such showcase illustrates Thailand’s bio-circular green economy model and its economic framework.He pointed out that the exhibition aims to prove that sustainability is not just an abstract concept but something tangible that can be incorporated into daily life.The envoy added that this also shows how the partnership with Qatar can flourish through creativity, environmental stewardship, and shared values.The exhibition underscores Thailand’s expertise and best practices in the circular economy, presenting creative solutions that convert waste into opportunities.It displays how science and design can offer viable, scalable alternatives to unsustainable consumption, integrating the circular economy into our daily routines.Dr Singh Intrachooto, chief adviser to the Research and Innovation for Sustainability Centre and an associate professor at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, addressed the common perception that upcycled products are always more expensive."Fifteen years ago it was the case, that when you recycle things, when you upcycle things the investment upfront cost was more,” he said. “But today’s technology have changed all that.”Dr Intrachooto shared the success of Kasetsart University's “Scrap Lab”, which over the past 15 years has transformed various wastes, including agricultural, plastic, automotive, food, and fabric waste, into innovative products.“There are no exceptions that every manufacturing processes will produce waste without exception,” he stressed. “If we don’t tackle this problem, soon we will be all overwhelmed with all these wastes like what we are facing now today.”Dr Intrachooto highlighted the diverse range of products on display, from items made from recycled drink straws to those crafted from fruit peels like mango and orange.He emphasised the importance of collaboration.“The theme today, *United for Sustainability, is the key because for me, as a designer... I could not do all of that... but this collaboration, with art and science, biologists, scientists, have turned a lot of these impossible things into new innovative materials,” the expert said.He added that the items on display are ready for the market.

The British Community Foundation (BCF) was launched yesterday (September 8), marking a new non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting the welfare and well-being of Qatar’s 23,000 British expatriate community and fostering stronger ties with the host nation.Hosted by British ambassador Neerav Patel at the embassy, the event brought together British diplomats, including deputy British ambassador Duncan Hill, and representatives from across Qatar’s British expatriate community. The launch also unveiled the BCF’s upcoming schedule of events.Speaking at the gathering, Patel, who also chairs the BCF Council, highlighted what he described as the “vibrant, diverse, and engaged community” of Britons who call Qatar home, noting the “multi-generational link” connecting the two countries.“We know that life here can be rich and diverse and really rewarding. But I also am conscious that sometimes you need a bit of support and you need a community to help situate you and generate it, which is why a few months ago, and this really was the brainchild of Duncan.“We suddenly wanted to do something to just energise and bring the community together in a bit more of an organised way,” he said.Patel extended an invitation to all British nationals in Qatar to participate in upcoming events, regardless of how long they have resided in the country.The Foundation’s upcoming calendar for the autumn and winter seasons includes a weekly playgroup for parents and pre-schoolers, a monthly mixer for Brits in Doha, support groups and family days for British Special Educational Needs families, town hall meetings for community feedback, and a Winter Bazaar to be held at the ambassador’s garden.Patel also thanked the volunteers who played a key role in establishing the BCF, acknowledging Daisy Organ for her significant contribution and describing her as the “engine and the dynamo of all of this”. He stressed that the Foundation’s success will reflect the community’s involvement, encouraging attendees to spread the word and engage through the BCF’s website and social media.In a press statement, Roxy Hailes, founder of the 3,000-strong British and Irish Mums Living in Doha Facebook Group and a volunteer organiser for the BCF playgroup, said: “It’s wonderful to have the British Community Foundation here to help Brits. I am really excited to welcome parents and little ones to the BCF playgroup.“This is something that has been missing here in Doha in recent years. Playgroup is a brilliant opportunity for families to get together and make new friends. It is open to everyone across the British community: both new arrivals in Doha and those who have been here for years.”The BCF operates independently but in close co-ordination with the British embassy in Doha, the British Council, and other community organisations. It is overseen by a Council of six volunteers from the British community in Qatar, with the deputy British ambassador serving as vice-chair, and David Lish of Doha College acting as treasurer.

For many, the lunar eclipse on Sunday was a fascinating experience, with Qatar providing a conducive setting for residents and visitors to witness a one-of-its-kind celestial phenomenon.Speaking to Gulf Times, Manoj Mishra, visiting from Bengaluru, India, shared his excitement and cited the exceptional arrangements made at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park for observing the rare occurrence.He said he saw the entire eclipse from start to finish, and lauded the efforts of Qatar authorities, including the Qatar Calendar House (QCH) and the MIA, noting the ample provision of telescopes offering “very clear picture of the moon”.Noting that he was also able to capture photographs of the event, Mishra compared his experience to previous eclipses and noted that while he had seen them in his youth, the excitement remains.“It always looks new, and it’s exciting to see the astronomical events of such nature,” he said, stressing that despite seeing past eclipses, each one offers a fresh sense of wonder.The visitor described the atmosphere at the viewing location as “so very ambient, good atmosphere, people are very cool and calm”.Mishra observed attendees engrossed in watching the moon’s phases and mingling within a well-organised crowd.Citing the event’s inclusive atmosphere, he noted the presence of children, elderly individuals, young people, and families, which contributed to its broad appeal.Faisal Khan from Nepal echoed these sentiments.“This is my first time to see an eclipse, it is pretty good, especially here in Qatar, like people are enjoying here, to be here, and it’s looking pretty cool,” he said.Khan detailed the moon’s changing colours and phases, noting how it was “now half is black, half is lighted”.Observing through a telescope, he described the moon’s appearance as having a “brownish while other is grayish or its natural colour”.Khan found the view through the telescope to be “very clear” and mulls buying one in the future – impressed by the one he used courtesy of the QCH.The QCH, in partnership with the MIA, hosted this public viewing event at the MIA Park.This initiative, along with observations at Katara Cultural Village and other locations across the country, allowed a significant number of visitors to witness and study the lunar eclipse.The rare astronomical event coincided with the full moon of the lunar month, it is learnt.As previously announced by the QCH, the partial eclipse began at approximately 7.27pm, followed by the start of the total eclipse at 8.30pm.Mazem from Jordan was accompanied by his children.“This is our first time,” he said. “I came here for my son and my daughter to witness the phenomenon. We are happy to see it.”Muhib from Bangladesh was fascinated at seeing an eclipse in Qatar, having witnessed a solar eclipse in his home country previously, which he described as a “mesmerising spectacle” that occurred during the daytime and was seen by many in his village.A Filipino family also took advantage of the telescopic viewing.The mother observed a “golden yellowish colour” during the moon’s transformation and expressed delight that her two children could also witness the event in Qatar.Many attendees used their mobile phones to capture the moment, some even taking photos and videos of the clearer images displayed through the advanced telescopes.The MIA Park came alive with families and individuals who not only gathered to observe the eclipse but also took the opportunity to enjoy picnics and leisurely strolls.

The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) is charting a course towards a sustainable future by utilising its rich marine heritage through a flourishing blue economy, with regional scientific co-operation and joint coastal initiatives acting as key enablers, marine conservationist and ocean advocate engineer Ahmed Nabil has said.“I have many fellows at Qatar University (QU), they are doing an excellent job as well in marine conservation, helping in minimising the impact of coastal development. So I would say Qatar is playing a key role, and as I always say, there is no ceiling for improvement,” he said, lauding Qatar’s efforts and the contributions of researchers at QU.Nabil was speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of Qatar Events Show 2025’s ‘Tourism and the Blue Economy: A Pathway to Climate Resilient Events in the 21st Century’ session Thursday. Citing the significant strides made in recent years, Nabil noted a ‘wonderful progress’ in this area, with environmental authorities and agencies playing increasingly vital roles in coastal development projects.With the GCC region historically dependent on oil and gas, he said the blue economy serves as an opportunity for economic diversification, with tourism at its forefront. He pointed to the region’s deep historical connection to the ocean, rooted in centuries of fishing, pearl diving, and hunting. This legacy, he added, provides a natural springboard for developing unique tourist experiences that showcase local cultures and heritage.Well positioned within the Arab Gulf, Nabil said the region boasts a rich marine environment packed with diverse species, including unique “resilient corals” capable of withstanding harsh conditions. He noted that these corals could be essential for the future of marine ecosystems globally, which are increasingly threatened by coral bleaching due to climate change.“Starting from the Arab Gulf, the corals and the fish, or the rich biodiversity, could be a very good starting point for research for supporting the world and the corals of the future,” he pointed out.Beyond research, he said he sees the region becoming a prime destination for eco-tourism activities such as whale and shark watching, turtle nesting observations, various water sports, among others.Nabil noted the significant technological advancements within GCC nations, describing the last decade as a period of “wonderful movement”. He cited the UAE’s leading research vessels as a proof to collaborative regional efforts in marine science, working side by side. He also commended QU’s ongoing work in seagrass and Dugong conservation, underlining his conviction that the GCC is “in the lead” in these conservation efforts.Nabil stressed that collaboration is indispensable for the success of the blue economy, urging for further development of scientific co-operation among all GCC countries and across the Arab Gulf.Defining the blue economy broadly to cover all ocean-related human activities from fishing and shipping to coastal development, resorts, and water sports he spotlighted its growing relevance for the GCC.Given its strategic location along the Arab Gulf, Arab Sea, and Red Sea, Nabil said the ocean plays an important role in the region’s geography, resources, and the cultural fabric of its people.“That’s why we believe the next or the future of the economy is going to be from the ocean and back to the ocean,” he said.

The Qatar Events Show (QES) 2025, taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, is redefining the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, moving beyond traditional commercial exchanges to prioritise knowledge sharing and the transfer of expertise.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, Mangusteen CEO Malik Shishtawi said that valuable content and experience are the cornerstones for creating lasting impact and solidifying Qatar’s position as a global MICE leader.“We wanted to change the perception that event organisers are purely commercial driven entities, especially in the traditional trade show format which often focuses on simply renting out space.“Our focus at QES is on building real, valuable experience through knowledge sharing and transfer, because we firmly believe this is what generates long-term impact,” he pointed out, noting that this commitment to content-rich engagement is linked to QES 2025’s main aim of elevating Qatar’s status as a leading regional hub for the global MICE sector.By fostering innovation, encouraging collaboration, and showcasing cutting-edge solutions, organisers said the show aims to be a catalyst for new partnerships, driving economic growth, tourism, and essential skills development within the nation.Shishtawi highlighted his vision for the show’s long-term impact, stressing the necessity of a dedicated platform for Qatar's event professionals. “Qatar is positioned as a leading events destination, and this was proven by hosting global mega-events, including the FIFA World Cup, which was a huge success not only regionally but globally,” he said, citing the FIFA president’s commendation of the tournament.With a packed calendar of major events like FIBA, the FIFA Arab Cup, Formula 1, and ongoing Olympic bids, among others, he said there is the need for a cohesive industry platform was vital.“As active members in global industry associations representing Qatar, we recognised the need for our own platform here to bring professionals together, share experiences, conduct B2B matchmaking, and get stakeholders on board,” he said.Shishtawi added that the success of QES 2025 is further boosted by the caliber of its speakers, a deliberate effort to attract top-tier global talent. He “You've seen the level of speakers we hosted yesterday," Shishtawi said, highlighting figures such as the EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, the head of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, and the SVP of Oak View Group. “This is a big achievement for the events scene in Qatar and showcases the collaborative spirit we aim to foster”.The event, which opened on September 2, has drawn more than 50 innovative exhibitors and over 2,000 delegates. It features multiple zones dedicated to networking, business matching, and critical thought leadership, all contributing to its mission of propelling Qatar’s MICE industry forward through shared knowledge and collaborative innovation.