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On 18 December, Qatar marks its National Day. While the occasion invites national pride, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on one of the country’s most defining business realities: a workforce shaped by more than 100 nationalities, operating in an economy that has transformed at exceptional speed. With a population of approximately 2.7 million, of which around 85–90 percent are expatriates, Qatar has one of the most internationally diverse labour markets in the world. This structure has enabled rapid development across sectors such as energy, aviation, construction, finance, education, media and sport. At the same time, it introduces structural and managerial complexities that directly affect productivity, governance and long-term competitiveness. In the Qatari business environment, diversity is not a corporate initiative. It is an operating condition. Most organisations depend on teams composed of multiple nationalities, educational backgrounds and professional cultures.This creates clear advantages. International teams bring speed, specialised expertise and global best practice. Research from McKinsey and Harvard Business Review consistently links well-managed diversity to improved decision-making and financial performance. However, these outcomes are not automatic. In practice, diverse teams often face challenges related to communication, accountability and alignment. Differences in attitudes toward hierarchy, time management, risk and feedback can slow execution if not addressed through deliberate leadership and clear operating models.As Peter Drucker famously observed:“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”A defining feature of Qatar’s workforce is its segmentation. Qatari nationals are predominantly employed in the public sector, while the private sector remains heavily reliant on expatriate professionals. This division has supported rapid growth, but it also raises long-term business and policy questions.For the private sector, high dependence on international talent can create risks related to continuity, institutional memory and talent turnover. For the national workforce, limited exposure to private-sector roles may slow skills transfer, innovation and entrepreneurial capacity. From a business perspective, the challenge is not substitution, but integration. Companies that successfully combine local insight with international expertise are better positioned to scale sustainably, manage stakeholder relationships and align with national development priorities.Speed of change as a management challengeQatar’s economic transformation over the past 20–25 years has been exceptionally fast. New sectors have emerged, regulatory frameworks have evolved, and organisations have scaled rapidly. While this has created opportunity, it has also increased pressure on leadership capability, workforce readiness and organisational maturity. In fast-growing environments, systems often lag ambition. Roles may be unclear, decision rights fragmented and accountability diluted across multicultural teams. Without strong management frameworks, diversity can amplify these weaknesses rather than compensate for them. This is where leadership becomes a critical differentiator. Leading in Qatar requires not only technical competence, but cultural intelligence, patience and the ability to balance speed with cohesion. As Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, once said:“Tolerance, intercultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected.”As Qatar continues its transition toward a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy, workforce diversity will remain a strategic asset, but only if actively managed. Businesses will need to invest more deliberately in leadership development, cross-cultural capability and inclusive operating models. National competitiveness will depend not only on attracting global talent, but on building bridges between local and international workforces, between public and private sectors, and between speed and sustainability.Diversity, in the Qatari business context, is neither a simple success story nor a temporary phase. It is a structural reality. One that requires clear-eyed analysis, capable leadership and long-term thinking.______________Fact: workforce realities in QatarPopulation: Approx. 2.7 millionNationalities represented: 100+Expatriate share: Around 85-90 percent of residentsPublic sector: Predominantly Qatari nationalsPrivate sector: Heavily dependent on expatriate talentEconomic transformation: Rapid diversification over the last 20–25 years

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future scenario. It is already reshaping how work is performed, how organisations are structured, and which skills are in demand. The real question today is not if AI will affect jobs, but how fast – and who adapts.According to multiple global studies, the world is entering the most profound labour market transformation since the Industrial Revolution. Most credible research agrees on one important point: AI primarily automates tasks, not entire professions. However, when a large share of tasks within a role is automated, the role itself inevitably shrinks or disappears.Roles most exposed include:Administrative and clerical jobsData entry, payroll processing, basic accounting, and standard reporting are increasingly automated.First-line customer serviceAI chatbots and virtual agents now handle a growing share of customer queries, complaints, and support cases.Routine content productionSimple news summaries, product descriptions, SEO texts, and basic marketing copy are increasingly AI-generated.Entry-level legal and financial rolesDocument review, contract analysis, and due-diligence tasks are being automated at scale.The World Economic Forum estimates that 83 million jobs could be displaced globally by 2027, as automation and AI adoption accelerate.At the same time, AI is creating entirely new roles and significantly increasing demand for others.Fast-growing roles include:AI and machine learning specialistsData scientists and data engineersAI product managers and AI strategistsCybersecurity expertsDigital business developersChange managers and transformation leadersHuman skills become more valuable, not lessParadoxically, the rise of AI makes uniquely human capabilities more important. According to OECD and McKinsey, demand is rising for skills such as:Critical thinking and judgementCreativity and complex problem-solvingCommunication and storytellingLeadership and decision-makingEthical reasoning and accountabilityAnother fundamental shift is underway: the labour market is moving from fixed job titles to skills-based work. Individuals increasingly combine domain expertise, AI tools, and business understanding in new ways.The World Economic Forum describes this as a shift from jobs to skills. Conclusion: AI Is not taking Jobs. It is transforming them. Every major technological shift has created fear. But history shows that those who invest early in reskilling, education, and adaptation benefit the most. AI does not signal the end of work. It marks the beginning of a new era of work.  FACT AI AND THE FUTURE OF WORK83 million jobs expected to be displaced globally by 202769 million new jobs expected to be created in the same period44% of workers’ skills will need updating within five years60-70% of tasks in many white-collar roles can be partially automatedAI-related jobs are among the fastest-growing globallySources: World Economic Forum, McKinsey, OECD, Gartner, LinkedIn Economic Graph

In December 2025, OpenAI marks ten years since its founding, closing a decade that fundamentally reshaped artificial intelligence and its role in society. What began in 2015 as a research-driven initiative focused on building safe and beneficial artificial general intelligence (AGI) has evolved into one of the world’s most influential technology platforms and a catalyst for a global AI race. Today, artificial intelligence is no longer experimental. It is embedded in everyday work, education, media, software development and government services, while competition between global technology giants has intensified. For much of its early existence, OpenAI operated largely within academic and developer communities. That changed decisively in late 2022 with the launch of ChatGPT, which introduced large language models to a global audience. Adoption was unprecedented. Within months, generative AI became a daily tool for writing, learning, research and coding. By 2025, OpenAI’s ecosystem, led by ChatGPT and its API platform is ,estimated to serve around 600 million monthly active users worldwide, making it the most widely used standalone AI service globally.OpenAI’s success, however, also ignited a broader transformation. Google rapidly scaled its Gemini platform by embedding AI across Search, Android and Gmail. Microsoft positioned Copilot as an enterprise standard by integrating AI directly into Office, Windows and cloud workflows. At the same time, specialised players such as Anthropic and Perplexity AI carved out strong positions in professional and research-oriented use cases. One way to make sense of today’s AI landscape is to view it in four broad layers:1. At the consumer level, AI has become part of daily life. Tools are commonly used for writing, learning, translation and search, with platforms such as ChatGPT and Gemini driving mass adoption and introducing hundreds of millions of people to AI-powered services. 2. At the professional level, AI supports more specialised knowledge work. Services such as Claude and Perplexity AI are built to handle long documents, structured analysis and source-based research, making them popular among journalists, analysts, researchers and legal professionals. 3. At the enterprise level, AI is embedded directly into organisational workflows. Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot automate office tasks and software development, delivering measurable productivity gains across businesses, governments and public institutions. 4. Beneath all of these sits AI infrastructure — cloud platforms, large-scale computing capacity, data centres, application interfaces and national AI systems. Operated by companies such as OpenAI, Google and Microsoft, and increasingly backed by sovereign investment, this foundational layer enables everything built on top of it. Across these layers, a relatively small number of platforms now account for the majority of global AI usage. ChatGPT and Gemini lead at the consumer scale, Copilot dominates enterprise environments, and specialised tools serve professional niches. Together, they shape how artificial intelligence is used in practice today. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has emerged as one of the fastest-growing AI adoption markets globally. High smartphone penetration, young populations and government-led digital strategies have accelerated uptake across the region. By 2025, MENA is estimated to account for 30-40 million monthly AI users, representing roughly 3-4% of global generative AI usage. While this is modest in absolute terms, growth rates exceed global averages, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Within the region, Qatar stands out for its high level of adoption relative to population size. With an estimated 700,000 to 1 million monthly AI users, approximately 25-30% of Qatar’s population actively uses AI tools. This places the country among the top AI adopters per capita in the Middle East, alongside the UAE and ahead of several larger economies. AI usage in Qatar is strongest in education and research, government and smart city initiatives, media and bilingual content production, and finance and fintech. Beyond adoption, Qatar has also invested heavily in AI infrastructure, data centres and cloud capacity, positioning itself not only as a consumer of AI but as a regional enabler. As OpenAI enters its second decade, CEO Sam Altman has outlined a clear strategic shift for the industry: from chatbots to autonomous AI agents, from content generation to task execution, and from standalone tools to platforms that do real work. This transition signals the next phase of AI development, where trust, regulation, integration and economic value will define success. Ten years after its founding, OpenAI represents more than a single company’s journey. It reflects how rapidly AI has moved from research to mass adoption and now toward becoming core infrastructure for economies and societies. For Qatar and the wider MENA region, the opportunity ahead lies not only in using AI, but in shaping how it is governed, scaled and integrated into national development strategies. As OpenAI turns ten, the global AI race is no longer centred on Silicon Valley alone. It is global, multi-layered and increasingly strategic.

Jordan has entered the Nobel community for the very first time. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Professor Omar M. Yaghi, a scientist whose journey began with a simple childhood question: could the air around us hold the key to survival? His groundbreaking research into air-harvesting materials has now placed him at the forefront of global scientific innovation and opened new pathways for addressing the world’s most urgent climate challenges.The 2024 Scientific Innovation Award is presented to Professor Omar M. Yaghi, one of the world’s most pioneering chemists and the inventor of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Renowned for transforming a childhood curiosity into a breakthrough with global impact, he grew up in an environment where water was scarce and daily life demanded resourcefulness. He learned early that the air surrounding him was not empty,  it held untapped possibilities. As a child, he watched how his community adapted to deprivation and began asking questions few others thought to ask. What if the air itself could give us what the earth no longer could? What if we could extract water from dryness? “Science gives us tools to rewrite what we believe is possible. My childhood taught me that even the air around us can be a resource if we learn how to listen to it.” This curiosity guided him into chemistry and ultimately into the study of MOFs, crystalline materials with vast internal surface areas and extraordinary absorptive power. These structures, resembling microscopic sponges, can trap gases, filter pollutants and extract moisture even from extremely dry air. After decades of research, he succeeded in doing what once seemed impossible: finding a way to “catch air” and turn it into water. A vision born in childhood has now become a technology with profound global relevance.A breakthrough for a climate-challenged centuryMOFs (Metal Organic Frameworks) are now considered one of the most versatile material classes in modern science. Their ability to harvest water from the atmosphere positions them at the center of global conversations about sustainability and climate resilience. For water-scarce regions, the implications are immense. Devices built with MOFs can extract clean water even in desert climates with very low humidity. They can support rural communities, agriculture and emergency response without relying on traditional water systems.Beyond water harvesting, MOFs enable:• Carbon capture• Hydrogen storage• Air purification• Advanced filtration• Catalytic processes• Environmental remediationThese applications make the Nobel Committee’s decision clear. His research is not simply a scientific milestone; it is a blueprint for the future.In its citation, the Nobel Committee emphasized that his work “transforms global challenges into solvable problems through molecular design.”The laureate himself reflected on the origins of his journey:“I learned early that scarcity is not a limitation. It is an invitation to think differently.Air is not empty. It holds everything we need if we learn how to unlock it.”A historic first for Jordan and a notable moment for the Middle EastThis year’s Nobel Prize carries additional significance. Jordan has never before had a Nobel laureate. This award marks a major scientific milestone for the country and shines a spotlight on the intellectual potential emerging from the region. While other Middle Eastern nations including Egypt, Israel, Iran, Yemen and Palestine have been recognized in the past, the number of laureates remains small. Jordan’s entry into this global circle is therefore both historic and symbolic. It signals that scientific excellence from the Arab world is increasingly being recognized on the world stage.What this means for the Gulf regionFew regions face climate constraints as acutely as the Gulf. High temperatures, limited freshwater reserves and rapid development place enormous pressure on water systems. While desalination remains indispensable, its environmental and energy costs are high. MOF technology offers a powerful complement.1. Water SecurityAir-harvesting can decentralize and diversify water sources, delivering clean water without large infrastructure.2. Climate TransitionMOFs support carbon capture and hydrogen storage, aligning with national sustainability agendas across the Gulf.3. Scientific LeadershipInvestment in advanced materials research can position Gulf nations at the forefront of climate and water innovation.4. Economic DiversificationApplications across energy, environment and manufacturing support long-term transformation toward knowledge-based economies. The journey from a child who imagined how to “catch air” to a scientist receiving the world’s highest scientific honor is a reminder that innovation begins with imagination and courage. It shows that even the harshest environments can inspire ideas that reshape the world. As Qatar and the wider Middle East pursue sustainability, resilience and scientific excellence, this Nobel Prize is more than a personal triumph. It is a regional moment of pride and a global symbol of what becomes possible when curiosity meets determination.____________________________________________FACT: What Are Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)?Definition:Highly porous crystalline materials that act like molecular sponges.Why they matter:One gram can contain internal surface area comparable to a football field.Key applications:• Atmospheric water harvesting• Carbon capture• Hydrogen storage• Air purification• Filtration and catalysisWhy the Nobel Prize?They represent a fundamental shift in material design with direct applications to climate, energy and water security.

For 124 years, the Nobel Prize has stood as one of the world’s most respected distinctions, recognising discoveries and ideas that advance humanity. The prize was founded by Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist, engineer and industrialist whose inventions in explosives, including dynamite and safer detonation systems , built a vast international fortune. In his will, Nobel directed that this wealth should be used to honour individuals who had “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind”, turning personal success into a global legacy of progress. On 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death, the world honours the 2025 Nobel Laureates. Nobel Day has become a defining moment in international recognition, celebrating achievements in science, literature, economic thought and peacebuilding. The 2025 awards speak directly to the challenges shaping the modern era: the defence of democracy, advances in medical research, breakthroughs in quantum physics, climate-relevant materials, deeper insights into innovation and a literary voice that captures the anxieties of contemporary life. From María Corina Machado’s struggle for democratic freedoms to discoveries in immunology, chemistry, physics and economics, and the visionary writing of László Krasznahorkai, the 2025 Nobel Prizes illustrate what becomes possible when knowledge, creativity and courage converge. The 2025 laureates, announced in October, are celebrated at a moment of political strain, rapid scientific progress and global transformation. Nobel assigned the Peace Prize to Norway’s Parliament because, at the time he wrote his will, Sweden and Norway shared a union but had separate governments. Norway’s reputation for diplomacy made it, in his view, the most credible guardian of a prize dedicated to peace. That tradition continues today: the Peace Prize is presented in Oslo, while all other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm in the presence of His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.The 2025 Nobel laureates and their motivations**media[391542]**Nobel Peace Prize:Democracy defended in VenezuelaMaría Corina Machado receives the Peace Prize for her determined efforts to restore democratic freedoms in Venezuela. Despite intimidation, political exclusion and exile, she has become a leading figure in peaceful resistance to authoritarian rule. Her recognition underscores global concerns about the fragility of democratic institutions.Nobel Prize in Literature:The visionary voice of László KrasznahorkaiHungarian novelist László Krasznahorkai is honoured for his compelling and visionary body of work. His long, flowing prose and themes of collapse, transformation and spiritual unrest have shaped contemporary literature across Europe, Asia and the Americas.Nobel Prize in Medicine:Understanding the immune system’s self-controlMary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi receive the Medicine Prize for pioneering discoveries on regulatory T cells, the immune system’s mechanism for preventing attacks on the body’s own tissues. Their work has reshaped modern immunology and opened new avenues for treating autoimmune disease, cancer and transplant rejection.Nobel Prize in Physics:Quantum mechanics at human xcaleJohn Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis are recognised for demonstrating quantum tunnelling and energy quantisation in macroscopic electrical circuits. Their findings proved that quantum effects extend far beyond the microscopic realm and laid the foundation for superconducting qubits, accelerating efforts to develop practical quantum computers.Nobel Prize in Chemistry:Materials for a climate-challenged centurySusumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi are awarded the Chemistry Prize for developing metal–organic frameworks, or MOFs, a class of materials with immense internal surface area and critical environmental applications. MOFs have become central to carbon capture, hydrogen storage and water harvesting, making this research vital in a climate-constrained world.Prize in Economic Sciences:Innovation as the engine of prosperityJoel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt receive the Prize in Economic Sciences for theories explaining how technological innovation drives long-term economic growth. Their work clarifies why societies prosper when they embrace new ideas, offering insights that resonate strongly in an age defined by artificial intelligence, automation and global economic change. From democracy and literature to immunology, quantum physics, climate-focused chemistry and the economics of innovation, the 2025 Nobel Prizes reflect the most pressing questions of our time. They also reaffirm Alfred Nobel’s vision: that human progress depends on curiosity, creativity and the courage to challenge accepted limits. Awarded for more than a century, the Nobel Prizes continue to define what the world values most. In 2025, they once again highlight the individuals whose ideas and achievements are helping shape the future.

Qatar has reached another important benchmark in its digital transformation. According to the October 2025 Speedtest Global Index, the country now ranks #2 in the world for median mobile download speed, recording 587 Mbps, second only to the UAE. This milestone comes at a pivotal moment. This week, Doha hosts Mobile World Congress (MWC Doha, November 25-26) the first time the global event is held in Doha. And in just a few weeks, Qatar will host the AI Summit (December 10-12 2025), bringing global leaders in artificial intelligence, policy and innovation together in Doha.These developments underscore Qatar’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for digital innovation, investment, and talent. The country’s rise in mobile speed is closely linked to the core pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. Strong digital infrastructure supports economic diversification by enabling new industries to emerge and grow, while also contributing to human development through enhanced digital skills, education, and innovation capacity. It further lays the foundation for smarter public services, from healthcare to mobility, aligned with the nation’s broader modernization goals. At the same time, a high level of digital readiness strengthens Qatar’s competitiveness as a business environment, increasingly influencing the decisions of global companies looking to invest and expand in the region. In recent weeks, operators in the country have also been testing next-generation uplink performance on 5G Advanced (5G-A), reaching real-world speeds above 600 Mbps.Top 10 (Oct 2025)1. UAE – 748 Mbps2. Qatar – 587 Mbps3. Kuwait – 422 Mbps4. South Korea – 371 Mbps5. Bulgaria – 316 Mbps6. Brazil – 309 Mbps7. Bahrain – 303 Mbps8. Brunei – 280 Mbps9. Denmark – 271 Mbps10. Saudi Arabia – 270 MbpsQatar’s rise in international rankings reflects a clear forward trajectory and growing strength in the digital sector. To build on this progress, continued nationwide performance will be important, along with steady advancement of 5G-A and early readiness for 6G. Supporting emerging areas such as AI, immersive media, industrial IoT, and smart mobility will also help position the country for the next wave of technological opportunities. At the same time, aligning digital infrastructure with the broader economic transformation outlined in Vision 2030 will remain a key part of sustaining this development over time.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping journalism faster than any previous technological wave. It can analyse data in seconds, transcribe interviews instantly, and summarise complex reports in moments. It is a powerful ally - but also a demanding one. Because as AI takes over tasks once done by humans, the responsibility of journalists to verify, interpret and protect truth only grows.“AI can accelerate journalism, but it can’t replace human judgment. The faster the tools become, the higher our responsibility grows.”AI can accelerate research, but it cannot understand nuance or context. It doesn’t know when a quote has moral weight or when a number hides a human story. The role of the journalist remains to question, verify and explain. Major news agencies such as the Associated Press and Reuters now allow AI tools only under strict human supervision. The BBC, in its own policy, forbids using generative AI for news gathering without editorial control. The message is consistent: AI is a tool - not a reporter.”What truly matters today is who stands behind information. Every piece of content we see - text, photo or video - must raise the question: Who created this? Why? What do they gain?”A recent Reuters Institute study shows that audiences trust traditional news brands more than AI-generated news. People might admire AI’s speed, but they still trust human judgment and transparent reporting far more. AI can fabricate sound and image with frightening realism. The risk is not theoretical - it’s already here. For journalists, this means treating every visual or audio file as potentially manipulated until verified. Yet technology alone is not enough; the duty of proof still lies with us.Journalism’s mission has not changed: to discover what is true and make it understood. The difference is that in the AI era, this mission demands more skill, more discipline, and more courage than ever before. AI gives us extraordinary reach and speed. But it also exposes us to misinformation at the same velocity. The solution is not to resist technology but to pair innovation with integrity — to build systems that are both intelligent and accountable.AI does not free journalists from responsibility - it raises the bar. In this new landscape, skepticism must be our default setting. Every fact, image, and quote should be treated as potentially altered until proven authentic. Editorial brand remains the ultimate trust anchor. In an age of overwhelming noise, heritage and credibility stand as the clearest signals of truth.FACTSWhat is AI?Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence — such as understanding language, recognising patterns, analysing data and making predictions. Generative AI goes a step further, creating new text, images and video based on existing information.AI in numbersGlobal data centres currently consume about 1% of the world’s electricity, a figure projected to double by 2030, reaching nearly 945 terawatt-hours per year.(Sources: International Energy Agency, World Economic Forum 2025)Upcoming AI & tech Events in Qatar 2025MWC Doha 2025 (25–26 Nov). Focused on telecom, smart infrastructure and AI-driven innovation.World Summit AI Qatar 2025 (9–10 Dec, Doha Exhibition & Convention Center). Global conference under the patronage of MCIT, uniting industry, academia and policymakers to shape the future of AI.

The world’s most influential connectivity event is coming to the Middle East. On 25–26 November 2025, the GSMA Mobile World Congress (MWC) will make its debut in Doha, hosted at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).This marks the first-ever MWC edition in the Middle East and North Africa — and the beginning of a five-year partnership between the Qatari government and GSMA.“Hosting MWC Doha will position Qatar as a regional leader in innovation and digital connectivity, supporting our mission to build a smarter, more sustainable future.”- HE Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information TechnologyWhy Doha?Qatar has rapidly positioned itself as one of the region’s leading digital innovators. The event aligns directly with Qatar National Vision 2030, emphasizing digital transformation, sustainability, and technological advancement.By hosting MWC, Doha aims to:Establish itself as a regional innovation hub, attracting investors, startups, and global tech leaders.Strengthen collaboration between telecom operators, governments, and private enterprises.Showcase Qatar’s growing influence in the global technology and telecommunications sector.The minister emphasized that the conference will help accelerate Qatar’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy, creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and investment in digital innovation.A gateway for the regionThe arrival of MWC in Doha represents a transformative opportunity for the Gulf and wider MENA region. Local tech firms and telecoms will now be able to connect, exhibit, and collaborate without traveling to Europe or Asia. Dedicated sessions will spotlight AI in telecom, fintech innovation, smart infrastructure, and digital inclusion — all areas central to the Gulf’s rapid development.For startups, it’s an unprecedented opportunity to meet investors and potential partners from around the world - right here in Qatar.Mobile & Tech trends to watch in 2025As the event approaches, several global and regional trends are expected to dominate the discussions:AI Everywhere Artificial intelligence will transform mobile networks, customer experiences, and device performance.5G-Advanced and the Road to 6G: Next-generation connectivity and programmable networks will take center stage.Sustainability & circular tech: From energy-efficient data centers to refurbished devices, sustainability is becoming a core KPI.Fintech & mobile wallets. The Gulf is moving rapidly toward mobile-first financial ecosystems.Edge, cloud & convergence. Mobile devices are evolving into unified control hubs for connected life - integrating IoT, vehicles, and smart homesA platform for global collaborationMWC Doha will attract thousands of participants from more than 200 countries, mirroring the scale of its flagship event in Barcelona - which drew over 100,000 attendees and 2,700 exhibiting companies in 2024.For Qatar, the event represents a strategic platform for international cooperation, where leading companies, innovators, and government agencies will engage on emerging topics such as AI ethics, data privacy, smart cities, and climate-conscious technology.The conference will also encourage public-private partnerships and cross-sector investment to expand Qatar’s digital infrastructure and strengthen its position as a global technology hub.About MWC Doha 2025Dates: 25–26 November 2025Venue: Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC)Organised by: GSMA, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, State of QatarFocus areas: AI, 5G/6G, IoT, fintech, sustainability, and digital transformationExpected attendees: 10,000 + from 200 countries

From Moorish castles to oceanfront villages, it’s a land of quiet beauty, living history and heartfelt hospitality.“Portugal doesn’t try to impress you - it simply opens your heart.”The first time I came to Portugal, I didn’t plan to fall in love. It just happened, slowly, like the tide coming in. It began with the light. That soft, golden light that rests on everything it touches - the ocean, the rooftops, the fields of olive trees. In Portugal, even time feels gentler. Life doesn’t rush here; it unfolds.**media[378867]**Ericeira - our home by the AtlanticEriceira is our second home, a small seaside town above the Atlantic, just 40 minutes from Lisbon. Once a fishing village, today it’s a sanctuary for surfers, artists and people who love the rhythm of the sea. Despite its growing popularity, it remains deeply authentic. Fishermen still repair their nets by hand, church bells echo through the narrow streets and neighbors stop to chat in the afternoon sun.The waves here attract surfers from all over the world. Ericeira is a World Surfing Reserve, the only one in Europe, with famous spots like Ribeira d’Ilhas and Coxos. Even if you don’t surf, watching the locals glide over the waves is pure joy.The Atlantic stretches endlessly west. Some days the sea glimmers like glass, other days it roars against the cliffs with wild energy. I must admit, I prefer watching it to swimming in it. The water rarely gets warmer than 20 degrees, but that’s part of the charm. There are fewer crowds than in the Mediterranean, more space, more peace. A coffee here still costs one euro, often with a breathtaking view of the sea.“A coffee for one euro - often with a breathtaking view.”The climate is one of the reasons we fell in love with Portugal. Even in summer it’s rarely too hot. The ocean keeps the air fresh and clear, and the sunsets seem to last forever.**media[378872]**A country built on storiesPortugal is one of Europe’s oldest nations, shaped by explorers, poets and dreamers. You feel history everywhere - in the cobblestones beneath your feet, in the tiles that tell stories on the walls, in the names and flavors that reveal its Moorish and maritime past.It’s a small country with an immense legacy. The Portuguese once ruled seas from Brazil to Goa and Macau, leaving behind a global language and culture of navigation. For centuries, the English were their closest allies, while Spain has always been both neighbor and rival. You can still sense that proud independence in every village square.Just ten minutes inland from Ericeira lies Mafra, home to the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, a grand baroque palace from the 18th century. Its marble halls and vast library reflect Portugal’s devotion to craftsmanship. Nearby, Tapada Nacional de Mafra is now a forest park of cork oaks and wild deer.Cork remains one of Portugal’s biggest exports, used not only for wine bottles but also in design and architecture. Along the roads, you see the patchwork of cork trees, their bark carefully harvested every nine years.“Every stone tells a story - of faith, courage and quiet beauty.”**media[378861]**Sintra - a fairytale in the hillsHalf an hour away lies Sintra, a dreamlike town that feels suspended between history and myth. The colorful Pena Palace rises like a castle from a storybook, while the Moorish Castle winds along the ridges of the Serra de Sintra, its stones whispering tales of centuries past.Wander through Quinta da Regaleira, where tunnels and moss-covered wells make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.The hills around Sintra are lush and green, dotted with palaces and gardens that once belonged to kings and poets. Lord Byron called Sintra “the most beautiful village in the world” - and centuries later, it still feels that way.**media[378865]**Lisbon - city of light and tilesLisbon, just 45 minutes away, is a city built on seven hills and endless charm. Ride the yellow tram 28, listen to fado drifting through the lanes of Alfama, and watch the sunset from a miradouro high above the rooftops.Everywhere, the azulejos - blue ceramic tiles - decorate churches and staircases. Their patterns are more than art; they’re history. The word comes from the Arabic al-zulayj, “polished stone”, a reminder of the Moorish legacy that shaped this land.Portugal’s love for craftsmanship extends far beyond tiles. The country is famous for its handmade ceramics and porcelain - delicate, imperfect and deeply human. Every village seems to have its own signature glaze or pattern, a living heritage passed down through generations.“The beauty of Portugal isn’t loud - it’s whispered through light, color and calm.”**media[378860]**Cascais and Estoril - elegance by the seaFollow the coast west from Lisbon and you’ll find Cascais, once a fishing village, later a royal retreat. Today it’s a blend of elegance and ocean air - promenades, small galleries and beaches framed by cliffs. Nearby lies Estoril Casino, the place that inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel Casino Royale. The coastline is also home to some of Europe’s most scenic golf courses, surrounded by dunes and pine forests.The drive from Ericeira to Cascais winds through rolling hills, olive groves and open farmland. Portugal’s landscape is never flat; it moves in soft waves of green and gold, like the rhythm of the ocean itself.**media[378871]**Óbidos - a village frozen in timeAbout an hour north of Ericeira sits Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most enchanting towns. Enclosed by medieval walls, it’s a maze of cobbled lanes and flower-filled balconies. Once a royal wedding gift, today it feels like a living postcard.The whitewashed houses and terracotta roofs overlook the countryside, where cork and olive trees stretch toward the horizon. It’s the kind of place where time stands still - and you start to wish it always would.A taste of PortugalPortuguese food is simple, comforting and full of soul. Fresh fish grilled over charcoal, bacalhau (salted cod) cooked in endless ways (I prefer the Scandinavian way - fresh cod, not salted), and the beloved pastel de nata - a warm custard tart dusted with cinnamon. Meals are never rushed. People talk, laugh and share. Food here is about presence as much as taste.The climate - gentle and aliveAlong the coast, summers are warm but rarely too hot. The Atlantic breeze keeps the air light. September and October are my favourite months. Spring can be windy or rainy. The landscapes are lush and green all year round - a reminder that Portugal’s beauty is never static, always alive.“Even the wind feels alive here - full of salt, light and memory.”A genuine countryPortugal doesn’t try to impress you. It doesn’t need to. It’s genuine, kind and deeply human. People greet you with warmth and generosity that feels natural, not rehearsed. The air smells of eucalyptus and salt. The horizon is always open. You sit, you breathe and you feel at peace.“In Portugal, beauty isn’t loud - it’s quiet, steady and everlasting.”**media[378868]**Travel facts - Portugal from QatarGetting there: Direct flights from Doha to Lisbon with Qatar Airways (around 8 hours). Lisbon Airport is about 40 minutes by car from Ericeira.Best time to visit: July–August for sunshine; September–October for warmth and calm. Spring can be windy or rainy.Weather: 25–30 °C in summer, 12–18 °C in winter. Lisbon can reach 35–37 °C in August, but the Atlantic keeps the air fresh.Language: Portuguese (English widely spoken).Currency: Euro (€) - coffee still costs about €1.Places to visit near Ericeira: Azenhas do Mar • Cabo da Roca • Tapada Mafra • Óbidos • Sintra Palaces • Lisbon • Cascais & Estoril“This is not a place you just visit. It’s a place that stays with you.”

After experiencing my first summer in Doha, I quickly understood why so many look for ways to escape the intense heat. When temperatures climb above 45°C, I find myself longing for something completely different — cool air, open spaces, the sound of water, and that soft northern light that never quite fades. For me, that place is Sweden, my country of birth. Since moving to Doha earlier this year, travelling north during the summer has become the perfect contrast. Swedish summer isn’t about crowds or busy tourist hotspots — it’s about calm, clarity, and connection to nature. It’s early morning swims in glassy lakes, quiet dinners on sunlit terraces, and evenings where the sky glows pink long past midnight. It’s where time stretches, and the air feels clean enough to breathe deeply again. And then there’s the light itself — or sometimes, the lack of it. In the far north, during June and July, the midnight sun never sets. Imagine the sun at 2 a.m., with birds that sing through the night. You can not tell if it is night or day. In winter, darkness returns, and with it comes another wonder: the Northern Lights, dancing across the Arctic sky in waves of green, violet, and pink. Few countries capture such extremes of light, weather, and emotion as Sweden. **media[371138]** A city built on water and light The journey begins in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and my former hometown. Built on 14 islands connected by elegant bridges, the city is surrounded by water so pure you can swim right in the centre. In summer, Stockholm feels alive yet unhurried. Cafés spill onto cobblestone streets, boats glide across sunlit channels, and people gather on piers to share ice cream or watch the light change over the water. Temperatures hover around 22°C by day and dip to 16°C at night — perfect for evening walks by the sea. In winter, the same water turns to ice, and it becomes dark. Not all the day like in the north, but from 3pm in the afternoon, you feel like it is time for bed. **media[371135]** The magic of the archipelago Just beyond Stockholm lies one of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes — the Stockholm Archipelago, a scatter of 30,000 islands stretching into the Baltic Sea. Some islands are lively with cafés and summer houses, while others are wild and untouched, home only to seabirds and pine forests. A ferry to the small city of Vaxholm brings you pastel-coloured houses and harbour charm; a longer ride to Sandhamn offers sailing, beach walks, and long lunches under pine trees. Sleeping on an island, with the water outside your window and the whisper of waves as your lullaby, is pure Scandinavian peace. **media[371134]** North to the light — and the aurora Further north lies Swedish Lapland, where nature still sets the rhythm. In summer, under the midnight sun, days never end. The light glows soft and gold, touching rivers, forests, and mountains that seem to go on forever. In winter, this land turns silent and white. The temperature can drop to minus -30°C, the air feels like crystal, and then suddenly the sky erupts in colour - the Northern Lights, moving like silk across the stars. Here you might meet reindeer, grazing freely across the tundra, tended by the Indigenous Sámi people whose culture is deeply rooted in this region. It’s a place where time slows and nature commands respect. And in Kiruna, the northernmost city, something remarkable is happening: an entire city is being moved due to the expansion of the iron ore mine beneath it. Homes, schools, and even the magnificent wooden church — one of Sweden’s most cherished buildings — are being carefully relocated piece by piece. It’s a powerful story of resilience and coexistence between people, industry, and nature. **media[371137]** A culinary awakening Back in the south, Sweden’s food scene has blossomed into one of Europe’s most exciting. What was once a land of meatballs and herring now offers a world-class mix of innovation and tradition. Chefs highlight local, seasonal produce - chanterelles, cloudberries, Arctic char, and fresh seafood. You’ll find cosy cafés serving shrimp sandwiches and cinnamon buns, vibrant food halls filled with artisanal cheeses and sourdough bread, and restaurants blending global inspiration with Nordic precision. And, of course, no day in Sweden is complete without fika — coffee and something sweet, shared with friends, preferably by the water. **media[371130]** Where innovation meets nature Sweden is a country of contrasts — where cutting-edge innovation lives side by side with deep respect for nature. It’s home to world-renowned companies like Volvo, Scania, ABB, Ericsson, IKEA, Spotify, and Klarna — each reflecting the Swedish spirit of problem-solving and design thinking. Sweden is also one of the world’s top music exporters. Producer and songwriter Max Martin has written global hits for artists like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Adele, and Coldplay, shaping the sound of modern pop music. From ABBA to Avicii, Swedish creativity continues to travel far beyond its borders. And at the heart of it all is something often called Scandinavian design — a philosophy of simplicity, functionality, and beauty in everyday life. It’s about clean lines, natural materials, and spaces that breathe. Whether it’s a chair, a house, or a digital product, Scandinavian design strives to make life both beautiful and practical — elegant, but never excessive. **media[371132]** Why Sweden? So why choose Sweden for your summer escape? Because it offers something rare: a perfect balance between modern life and untouched nature, between innovation and stillness, creativity and calm. For travellers from Qatar, Sweden is not just a change of temperature — it’s a change of tempo, perspective, and mood. A cool-cation in the truest sense: refreshing, restorative, and unforgettable. **media[371131]** Top natural highlights Sweden’s greatest luxury might just be its nature. Whether you have a week or a month, these belong on any traveller’s list: • The Stockholm Archipelago – explore by ferry or private boat • Abisko National Park – pristine wilderness and Northern Lights hotspot • Sarek National Park – one of Europe’s last wild frontiers • Gotland & Österlen – coastal beauty, medieval towns and art-filled landscapes • ICEHOTEL – sleep inside art made of snow and ice • Sandhamn & Vaxholm – classic summer escapes just outside Stockholm • Kiruna – the moving city and its iconic church • Jokkmokk – reindeer herding traditions and Sámi culture **media[371132]** Practical Information • Flights: Qatar Airways flies direct from Doha to Stockholm in under 7 hours. • Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK). Sweden is largely cash-free; cards are accepted everywhere. • Language: Swedish. English is widely spoken. • Clothing: Layer up — even in summer, evenings can be cool (down to 12–15°C). • Cost of living: Similar to other Northern European destinations. A coffee costs around USD 5, lunch USD 15–20, and dinner USD 50–70. Public transport is efficient and affordable. It is common to use bicycle. Parking the car is extremely costly. **media[371136]** Fun facts • Sweden has nearly 100,000 lakes — more than almost any other country in Europe. • You can roam freely in nature thanks to Allemansrätten, the “Right of Public Access.” • Stockholm’s subway system doubles as an underground art gallery. • In the north, you can ski at midnight in June under the midnight sun. **media[371133]** When to go The best time to visit is June–August, when Qatar is hottest and Sweden is at its most alive. Days stretch endlessly, with temperatures around 20–25°C in Stockholm and 10–15°C in Lapland. Winter (December–March) offers its own magic: Northern Lights, reindeer sleigh rides, snow adventures, and a stillness that feels almost sacred.