Qatar

Qatari luxury jewellery brand Noudar is delighted to announce its collaboration with acclaimed Lebanese couturier Nicolas Jebran for the launch of its new Bridal Couture Collection, designed by Noor Alfardan, at the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition 2026. The partnership is rooted in a friendship spanning more than fifteen years. Noor Alfardan and Nicolas Jebran first crossed paths between 2008 and 2010, when he began dressing her for her engagements in Beirut. What began as a creative connection has since grown into an enduring friendship, built on mutual admiration and a shared devotion to artistry, and it is from this bond that the collaboration has naturally unfolded. Bringing together Nicolas Jebran's couture and bridal expertise with Noudar's couture jewellery, the collaboration unites two couture worlds in a single vision of bridal elegance. Unveiled at the Alfardan Jewellery Pavilion, the collection will be presented on models dressed exclusively by Nicolas Jebran, whose Beirut-based house is celebrated for its romantic silhouettes, intricate embellishment and refined craftsmanship. Each gown has been thoughtfully paired with Noudar's newest creations, allowing jewellery and couture to complement one another seamlessly. Inspired by the grace and significance of a bride's most cherished day, the Bridal Couture Collection reflects Noudar's dedication to exceptional craftsmanship and its celebration of Qatari heritage through a contemporary lens. "Nicolas has been part of some of my most treasured moments, and to now share this collection with him is truly meaningful," said Noor Alfardan, Founder and Designer of Noudar. "His bridal couture and our couture jewellery speak the same language of detail, emotion and craftsmanship. Together, we wanted to celebrate the bride in her most complete and radiant form, and this is only the beginning of our story together.” “This is a venture that comes from a vision that aligns with identity. The way Noudar values detail and implements it throughout her jewellery line stands out, almost mirroring my couture creations and vision for my dresses. The fact that each piece she works on has a theme and a story behind it relates not only to women in the Arab world, but also to women worldwide. These are pieces that touch the soul rather than simply being jewellery. This is what makes Noudar a brand that I love to associate with, and one that completes the story behind the dresses I create,” said Nicolas Jebran, Founder and Creative Director of Nicolas Jebran. Guests are invited to discover the Bridal Couture Collection at the Alfardan Jewellery Pavilion, Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), from September 28 to October 3.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the occasion of German Unity Day.

His Higness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Iraq Nizar Amedi on the occasion of his country's Independence Day.

Alfardan Jewellery is reshaping its creative direction to engage a younger generation while preserving the heritage and identity that have defined the family business, its vice-president and creative director Dana Alfardan said. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2026, Alfardan said the luxury house is evolving its storytelling, imagery and aesthetics as the next generation of the family became increasingly involved in the business. Alfardan, who is also a prominent Qatari composer and cultural artist, said that her multidisciplinary background had reinforced the importance of looking beyond traditional boundaries in both creativity and leadership. “I think in today’s world it’s very important to be multifaceted,” she said. “There is no one way of doing things, but also things are not two-dimensional anymore. We have to go beyond the confines of conventional storytelling.” In an increasingly competitive luxury market, Alfardan said brands needed to develop distinctive identities rather than rely solely on conventional approaches. “There are just so many products out on the market,” she said. “So how do you stand out? How do you maintain your distinctive personality? It’s to generate a multifaceted, multilayered, 3D approach.” For Alfardan, innovation begins with a clear understanding of where a brand comes from. “What really sets us apart right now, today, in a globalised world, is our distinctive identity,” she said. “Our heritage and our identity is at the core, and we build everything around that into a global, multifaceted house.” Alfardan’s experience in music and the creative industries has also shaped her approach to jewellery, where heritage, emotion and storytelling can be expressed through another artistic medium. She said the house was now particularly focused on strengthening its connection with younger consumers as the third generation of the family assumes a greater role in the business. “I represent the third generation of my family business,” Alfardan said, noting that her sisters are also increasingly involved. Her sister has been designing Noudar Jewellery for around 15 years, while another sister, Juju, is also joining the business. As a result, Alfardan said, “the narrative is shifting. The rhetoric is shifting. The approach that we’re taking is shifting”. “The imagery, the aesthetics are shifting,” she added, explaining that the objective was to “bridge the gap between Alfardan and a younger generation”. Yet, for Alfardan, modernisation does not mean abandoning the foundations of the house. “Legacy is what gives the brand meaning,” she said. “Legacy is what gives the brand value. And legacy is what creates that distinctive profile that everybody can rely on.” She also linked legacy to consistency and trust, saying that maintaining core values and messaging gives a brand the transparency and reliability that audiences can depend on. At the same time, Alfardan acknowledged that the luxury industry operates in a rapidly changing environment. “We are in a fast-paced, evolving world,” she said. “The challenge is to adapt while maintaining your core values, your core identity.” For her, that balance comes naturally to the family business. “We are naturally forward-looking. We are naturally always looking to the future,” Alfardan said. “But at the same time, we have this natural capacity to maintain the respect for where we come from.” Her vision positions Alfardan Jewellery at the intersection of heritage and contemporary creativity, with the next generation helping shape how a longstanding Qatari luxury house communicates with an evolving audience.

Civil Defence teams brought under control a fire that broke out aboard a marine vessel at Al Khor Port on Friday, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said. In a post on X, the ministry said the fire was contained, and no injuries were reported. The MoI did not provide further details of the vessel, the cause of the fire, or the extent of any damage. No casualties or wider impact from the incident were reported.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani has discussed bilateral cooperation and regional and international issues with Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi. The talks took place in Tokyo yesterday and focused on strengthening ties between Qatar and Japan, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation, energy security, technology and innovation, trade, investment and advanced industries.Both sides expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation across a range of fields and welcomed the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries. **media[498852]**The leaders also praised the ongoing success of the 2026 Asian Games, being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. They discussed prospects for further cooperation ahead of Qatar's hosting of the next edition of the Asian Games.HE Sheikh Mohammed also met in Tokyo with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi. The meeting focused on cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen bilateral relations, as well as the latest regional developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in the region and efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure freedom of navigation."Japan is an important partner of Qatar. We share longstanding relations and cooperation. My meeting in Tokyo with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi reaffirmed these relations and explored ways to serve our shared interests,"HE the Prime Minister said on X platform.The two sides commended the level of relations and strategic partnership between their countries, affirming their commitment to further developing bilateral ties across various fields. (QNA)

The Ministry of Municipality is stepping up support for local farmers through a digital agricultural voucher programme that covers nearly 75% of the cost of essential inputs, including seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, as Qatar seeks to strengthen domestic food production and improve food security. The programme is designed to boost farm productivity, reduce production costs, and give farmers greater flexibility to choose inputs suited to their individual production plans.More than 400 productive farms currently benefit from the voucher system, with support levels determined by factors including cultivated area and crop types. Under the updated system, eligible farmers can access the service digitally and select the agricultural inputs that best match their production needs, including crops with greater income-generating potential.The programme focuses on five key vegetable crops – tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, zucchini and sweet peppers – alongside other seasonal vegetables. According to Ministry of Municipality figures, about 950 productive farms supplied local markets with agricultural products in 2025, while domestic vegetable production reached around 75,000 tonnes. The voucher programme forms part of Qatar’s broader efforts to increase food self-sufficiency and strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector, which faces significant environmental and climatic challenges.Qatar has achieved high levels of self-sufficiency in several food sectors. Dairy self-sufficiency reached 99% in 2026, while domestic poultry production met 100% of national requirements.Vegetable self-sufficiency, meanwhile, stood at around 39% in 2024, reflecting progress in a sector constrained by the country’s natural conditions. Alongside production support, Qatar has expanded seasonal and permanent agricultural markets, giving farmers opportunities to sell produce directly to consumers. During the 2025-26 agricultural season, more than 100 Qatari farms participated in seasonal markets in Al Khor and Al Thakhira, Al Wakrah, Al Shamal and Al Sheehaniya, in addition to the year-round Al Mazrouah Yard. The combination of production incentives, digital support services and expanded market access is intended to help local farms increase productivity, improve their economic viability and contribute more significantly to Qatar’s food-security objectives.

Qatar is rapidly expanding its recycling and resource-recovery infrastructure as it shifts towards a more circular economy, with millions of tonnes of construction waste now being recycled and reused in public projects instead of being sent for disposal. According to Ministry of Municipality data, more than 3mn tonnes of recycled construction materials had been produced by October 2025 and put to use in various public construction and infrastructure projects. Using recycled materials helps reduce construction input costs, maximise available resources, and limit the depletion of natural materials.The figures, highlighted in the ministry’s latest awareness campaign, also point to the growth of Qatar’s recycling industry. In 2025, 51 recycling factories and projects were identified, including 25 operational facilities, 21 under construction and five plots allocated for future recycling plants. The facilities cover a wide range of materials, including construction and demolition waste, plastics, metals, paper and tyres.The expansion forms part of Qatar’s broader drive towards a circular economy, in which waste is treated as a resource that can be recovered, recycled and reused rather than disposed of. The Al Afja recycling area, near Mesaieed Industrial Area, has been developed as a dedicated hub for recycling industries, with government policies increasingly encouraging private-sector investment and creating markets for recovered materials. The site is designed to accommodate recycling activities involving construction waste, plastics, metals, tyres, wood and other materials.The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) reported recycling 5,571,008 tonnes of construction materials in 2025, an overall recycling rate of 63% — more than twice its 30% target. This included 49,987 tonnes of reclaimed asphalt pavement and 766,174 tonnes of excavation and demolition materials recycled for use in foundation works.Meanwhile, Qatar’s national waste-transfer stations received 716,772 tonnes of waste in 2025, of which 700,360 tonnes were transported for treatment, recycling and recovery. During the year, the facility also issued around 27,000 electronic waste-disposal permits and carried out more than 40 sustainability and awareness initiatives.The Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre in Mesaieed remains a key component of Qatar’s waste-management system. In 2025, the facility generated about 249,568 megawatt-hours of electricity from waste and produced more than 32,000 tonnes of organic compost. The scale of construction-waste recovery is also demonstrated by the Qatar Primary Materials Company’s (QPMC) Rawdat Rashid operation. Since taking over the site in 2020, the company says it has recycled more than 20mn tonnes of construction waste into materials meeting Qatari specifications. The facility handles around 14,000 tonnes of waste a day, producing recycled sand and other construction materials for use in the local market.

A meeting of two sisters and their shared appreciation for scent, culture and wellbeing brings Shifa’s five artisanal fragrances to Noudar Noudar founder Noor Alfardan has joined forces with her sister, Najla Alfardan, to introduce Shifa, a collection of five artisanal fragrances created around the idea of reconnecting with the self through the senses.Meaning “to heal” in Arabic, Shifa was born from Najla’s own journey of exploring the relationship between the senses and wellbeing. During the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in 2020, Najla began looking beyond conventional approaches and immersed herself in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, developing a deeper awareness of how the senses can shape the way we feel and experience the world around us. This personal journey became the foundation for Shifa.The collaboration with Noor brings that philosophy into the world of Noudar, creating a meeting point between fragrance, craftsmanship and the sisters’ shared connection to their regional heritage. Together, Noor and Najla have brought a distinctly Middle Eastern sensibility to a collection designed to be both intentional and personal.“Shifa began with a very personal journey of learning to listen to my body and understand the connection between our senses and how we feel,” said Najla Alfardan. **media[498866]** “I wanted to create fragrances that could become part of those everyday moments of connection, scents that invite you to pause, breathe and tune into yourself,” she said. “Working on this collection with my sister Noor makes it even more meaningful, as we are bringing something deeply personal to us into the world of Noudar.” At the heart of Shifa is a considered approach to fragrance.The collection is crafted in small batches using responsibly sourced botanicals, safe synthetics and upcycled ingredients, with every ingredient selected to have a safe rating on the EWG Skin Deep scale. **media[498865]** The fragrances were developed and refined over more than two years, reflecting the artisanal care behind each composition.The collection comprises five distinct fragrances, each offering a different olfactive experience. “Layla” is warm and rich, pairing vanilla and jasmine with oud, amber and cedarwood, while “11:11” takes a bolder direction with black pepper, cardamom, saffron, oud and vetiver.“Kenza” combines praline, vanilla and sandalwood for a sophisticated, luxurious character. “Skin To Skin” is fresh and light, built around ginger, fig, white musk and soft woods, while “Men in Grey” brings together pink pepper, cardamom, jasmine, tuberose and orris for a fresh, energising finish. With Shifa, Noor and Najla bring together two sisters, two perspectives and one shared language: the language of scent. **media[498864]** Drawing on rich Middle Eastern fragrance traditions while embracing a more considered approach to modern perfumery, the collection invites fragrance lovers to experience scent not simply as something they wear, but as a sensory ritual that can become part of their everyday lives.

Qatar and Mexico held the third round of political consultations between their foreign ministries in Mexico City, with talks focusing on bilateral co-operation, trade and investment.Qatar’s delegation was led by HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, while Mexico’s delegation was headed by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco Alvarez. **media[498875]** The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment, as well as programmes linked to the Qatar-Mexico 2026 Year of Culture.They also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and discussed ongoing Qatar-Mexico dialogue on mediation. The talks included co-operation with Switzerland and Norway to promote preventative diplomacy, mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes. At the conclusion of the consultations, Qatar and Mexico signed an agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports.The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding on co-operation in diplomatic training and education.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani has offered the State of Qatar's condolences to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Abbas Araghchi following the passing of his sister. The condolences were conveyed during a telephone conversation between the two officials. HE Sheikh Mohammed expressed sympathy to the Iranian foreign minister and his family and offered prayers for the deceased.

Qatar participated in a meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria), in Rome. Qatar was represented at the meeting by Qatar’s ambassador to Rome Khalid bin Youssef al-Sada, who is also the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations agencies in Rome.Representatives of 32 countries, the European Union and a number of relevant international organisations also participated in the meeting. Participants discussed ways to identify the financial and logistical support needed to ensure the safe detention of individuals affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group who are in Iraq and Syria or have been displaced to them, as well as their repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration into society, and prosecution where appropriate. The meeting also discussed priority issues, including securing support from members of the Global Coalition to meet Iraq and Syria’s counterterrorism needs.These include strengthening detention capacity, sustaining health services and healthcare facilities, and finding solutions for displaced persons currently or previously in northeast Syria.

Katara has opened a new kind of classroom. The Cultural Village Foundation Thursday launched the Katara International Academy, a training and education platform built around Qatar's heritage. Its courses run from falconry and Arabian horse training for children to leadership programmes for women and tailored staff development for organisations.The academy was unveiled at a ceremony in Building 15 at Katara, attended by officials, academics and experts. It will run two tracks, vocational training and academic education, and has already signed agreements with the National University of Malaysia and the al-Adasa Media Network to help shape its curricula.General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation and Chairman of the academy's Board of Directors Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti described the launch as a new milestone for the foundation and a significant addition to its cultural and knowledge ecosystem.He said the academy rests on the belief that culture and education are complementary pillars of human development. In his view, cultural institutions, with their deep experience and knowledge resources, are well placed to build human capacity and professional skills.Al-Sulaiti said the academy aims to go beyond one-off training courses. It will build integrated learning and development pathways that respond to the real needs of individuals and institutions and close the gap between theory and practice.He said the academy hopes to become a leading platform in Qatar and the region for cultural and professional education and training, linking knowledge with identity, heritage with innovation, and learning with lasting impact.Director General of the academy Dr Hassan Abdullah al-Mannai told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the institution was founded on culture, and on Katara in particular, with a focus on bringing culture together with science and knowledge.He said the agreements with the Malaysian university and the media network would advance the academy's mission and support the development of curricula and courses grounded in both academic and vocational principles. More partnerships are planned in the near future.Al-Mannai stressed that culture is a fundamental part of education, and that the academy places particular emphasis on the link between the two. Instructors will be chosen for their experience and expertise in their fields, and their knowledge will be integrated with the academy's digital platform.Courses for children include Al-Ardah, the traditional dance, as well as "Young Falconer", Arabian horse training and majlis etiquette. For girls, the academy offers courses in women's empowerment and female leadership, alongside "Sana' Banatina" (Our Daughters' Etiquette). All of these reflect cultural values and the role of women in society and the workforce.Deputy Director General Dr Mohammed Khalid al-Hajri outlined the academy's areas of work and the services it provides. He said every programme is designed backwards from its goal. The first step is to identify the outcomes and skills participants should have by the end of the training. Content, trainers, activities and assessment tools are then chosen to match, so that each programme meets a clear need and delivers measurable results.For organisations, al-Hajri said, the academy offers several forms of co-operation. These include running specific employee training programmes, building full career development pathways for different job categories, preparing joint annual training plans, and designing tailored programmes around each organisation's particular needs and challenges.

Building a comprehensive picture of autism diagnostic and intervention facilities across Qatar requires a clear understanding of the services available across the country. Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), convened stakeholders to help shape and inform the various phases of the National Survey on Diagnostic and Intervention Services for Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities in Qatar. Through its partnership with MoPH and stakeholder engagement, HBKU contributes evidence-based research to support the National Autism Action Plan (NAP). Led by MoPH, this initiative aims to strengthen services, bridge system gaps, and support individuals with ASD and their families through improved healthcare accessibility. In support of these efforts, the session explained the context and objectives of the mapping exercise and outlined requirements for participating organisations. Their involvement will help inform the best approach as the survey moves to broad implementation, expected to cover more than 70 healthcare facilities nationwide over six months.**media[498566]**Dr Salma Alkaabi, Adviser to the Minister of Public Health and the lead of the autism action plan, delivered the opening presentation, setting the stage for understanding critical national efforts towards the autism community through the NAP. She stated: “Every individual with ASD deserves to be seen early, supported fully, and given every chance to reach their potential. This is the very essence of this plan — to drive efforts toward building a more inclusive and supportive system for individuals with ASD and their families, in collaboration with all stakeholders across Qatar.” The event also included researchers from across HBKU. Dr Hira Amin from the College of Public Policy (CPP), Sabika Shaban from the College of Islamic Studies (CIS), and Dr Ghanimeh El-Taweel from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). Their combined knowledge supports an approach that considers autism and developmental disabilities not only from a health perspective, but also through the lenses of policy, society, inclusion, and national development. Dr Amin, Lead Project Investigator, added: “HBKU is bringing together its multidisciplinary research expertise to deepen understanding of autism, strengthen early diagnosis, and support the development of effective interventions. Through this, we are working to establish a comprehensive national database of diagnostic and intervention services, creating a key evidence base to inform policymaking, strengthen planning, and support more coordinated approaches to autism support across Qatar.” The collaboration forms part of HBKU’s growing autism research landscape, with work spanning Qatar, the region and international research networks. The University’s portfolio includes research on autism prevalence, diagnosis and intervention, alongside technology-focused work through the A-Sense Centre of Excellence.

The presentation of “Your Ghosts Are Mine: Expanded Cinemas, Amplified Voices” in Chile is creating new opportunities for artistic dialogue between the Arab world and Latin America, according to Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art director Zeina Arida. The exhibition, on view at Centro Cultural La Moneda in Santiago, marks its first showing in Latin America and builds on relationships developed during the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture. Arida told Gulf Times that bringing the exhibition to Chile allows the works to encounter audiences with their own histories and perspectives, creating new readings of themes explored by the more than 40 participating artists and filmmakers. “Bringing ‘Your Ghosts Are Mine’ to Latin America for the first time extends the exhibition’s scope and gives the works an opportunity to enter into new conversations,” she said. Arida described the project as a collaborative effort involving Mathaf, the future Art Mill Museum and Doha Film Institute (DFI), with the Chile presentation providing an opportunity to extend those institutional ties beyond the Year of Culture. She cited Chile’s special significance, where the 2025 cultural partnership laid the foundation for lasting relationships. “Presenting the exhibition at Centro Cultural La Moneda allows us to continue that exchange through contemporary art and cinema, and to deepen the institutional relationships that began during the year,” the official said. The exhibition examines subjects including displacement, exile, memory, borders and belonging – themes Arida believes can create points of connection with audiences across Latin America. Chile and the wider region, she noted, have their own histories of migration, displacement and profound social and political transformation, while stressing that the exhibition does not seek to equate different historical experiences. “What is interesting for us is not to suggest that these histories are the same, but to create space for them to speak to one another,” Arida said. She added that the combination of visual art and cinema effectively creates that space, allowing audiences to encounter different lived experiences while identifying connections across cultures. The exhibition brings together artists and filmmakers from the Arab world, Africa and Southeast Asia. Some video works are drawn from Mathaf’s collection, while the DFI has supported several filmmakers featured in the exhibition. Across the works, recurring questions around memory, displacement, borders, identity, loss and belonging provide points of connection without reducing the artists’ experiences to a single narrative, Arida noted. She said that the diversity of the works is an important part of the exhibition’s approach. “I hope audiences see both the connections and the differences,” Arida said, adding that the collaboration allows different artistic disciplines and perspectives to come together. She also sees the Chile presentation as part of a longer process initiated through the Year of Culture. “One of the most valuable outcomes of Years of Culture is the opportunity it creates for institutions to build relationships that can continue afterwards,” Arida said. The longer-term ambition, she added, is to encourage further exchanges involving museums, curators, artists, filmmakers and researchers in Qatar, Chile and beyond. “The Year of Culture can open the door, but what matters is how institutions on both sides continue to build on those relationships over the longer term,” she said.

CHANEL, the French brand synonymous with luxury, is showcasing some of its latest collections at the ongoing Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2026. Situated at the Fifty One East pavilion, CHANEL has expanded its luxury setting, designed to highlight a dialogue between high Jewellery and watchmaking. The booth features the fashion house’s signature aesthetic palette of gold, beige, white, and black, complete with textured walls and polished brass frames. A dedicated try-on salon, mirrored surfaces evoking the iconic staircase at 31 rue Cambon that leads to Gabrielle CHANEL’s apartment, and a curated library reveal the House’s enduring design codes. CHANEL brings a unique perspective to the DJWE, enabling visitors to retrace the history of its most cherished icons, renowned fine jewellery collections, and latest high-end watches. The iconic brand is presenting some of its exquisite jewellery and watch collections, enchanting visitors. CHANEL brings a unique perspective to the DJWE, allowing visitors to retrace the history of its most cherished icons, renowned fine jewellery collections, and latest high-end watches.**media[498573]**CHANEL, a French word synonymous with elegance and luxury, is showcasing several of its classic collections. The presentation features Les Signatures De Chanel, where six emblems inherited from Gabrielle Chanel are reinterpreted by the CHANEL Fine Jewellery Creation Studio, alongside selected High Jewellery pieces from Haute Joaillerie Sport and Tweed De CHANEL, Fine Jewellery creations from the Coco Crush collection and watches from the J12 and Première Galon collections. The CHANEL booth is a major stopover for visitors eager to see its latest exotic collections—the elegant booth showcases some of the finest jewellery from the world-class brand. In addition to its jewellery collection, CHANEL is also showcasing its latest watch and perfume collections, which are unique and in high demand.

Boucheron, the renowned French luxury jewellery maker, is enchanting visitors with its exquisite and stunning jewellery collections at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2026. At the exhibition, Boucheron invites visitors to experience a seamless blend of savoir-faire and heritage through its exquisite creations. Housed at the pavilion of Fifty One East, one of Qatar’s premier luxury houses and a major department store, the French luxury jewellery maker is showcasing some of its latest collections, offering visitors a mesmerising collection of fine jewellery and craftsmanship. Maison Boucheron recreates the welcoming spirit of its historic home at 26 Place Vendôme through a setting that combines the intimacy of a private residence with French architectural elegance. Round tables, vintage-inspired furnishings and nature-led details are complemented by three Art Deco-inspired VIP salons with graphic lines, rich textures and bold colour contrasts. At the heart of the presentation are the latest Lierre de Paris creations, inspired by ivy, Frédéric Boucheron’s favourite plant and a recurring motif in the Maison’s archives since 1870.**media[498576]**Free-growing, resilient and unconstrained, ivy embodies the Maison’s audacious spirit. The collection captures its natural movement and lifelike vitality in white gold and diamonds, while classics and novelties from Quatre, Serpent Bohème and Plume de Paon complete the showcase. The timeless Plume de Paon collection and standout pieces from previous Histoire de Style collections, including “Signature” and “New Maharajahs,” are also taking the centre stage. The Maharaja of Patiala came to Place Vendôme in 1929, where Boucheron had its main flagship boutique. He met Boucheron in the boutique, and he commissioned the brand to produce a beautiful collection. In 2022, Boucheron’s creative director decided to recognise and re-celebrate this collection by creating one she called the New Maharajas. Another attraction is the Peacock Feather collection. They are coloured blue to green. They are made of titanium to reduce the weight, as titanium is known for being lightweight.

Evolution Nation’s Voices podcast will return to M7 on October 3-4 with three live conversations featuring leading figures from Qatar’s design, architecture and museum sectors. The sessions will look at the development of design culture in the region, architecture as a record of national memory, and the relationship between museums and sporting culture. As part of Qatar Museums (QM)’s Evolution Nation campaign, Voices provides a platform for conversations with cultural leaders, artists, and practitioners whose work has contributed to Qatar’s creative and cultural landscape. The upcoming programme will take place at the M7 Learning Studio and is open to audiences through advance registration. The programme begins on October 3 from 10am to 11.30am with The Evolution of Design Culture in the Region, featuring Design Doha director Fahad al-Obaidly. The conversation will trace the development of a design culture rooted in the region’s own histories, materials, craft traditions and contemporary practices. Al-Obaidly will speak about the growth of Design Doha and initiatives including “Arab Design Now”, as well as the increasing visibility of designers from Qatar and across the wider region on international platforms. Later that day, from 4pm to 5.30pm, architect Ibrahim al-Jaidah, Group chief executive and chief architect of Arab Engineering Bureau and IJAE, will join the Architecture as National Memory talk. Drawing on decades of architectural practice in Qatar, al-Jaidah will discuss the relationship between architecture, memory, and identity, and how buildings can respond to a changing city while retaining connections to its history. The session comes as Fire Station marks its 10th anniversary. Al-Jaidah will revisit the conversion of the former Civil Defence building into Fire Station, now one of Doha’s key spaces for artists and creative practice. His wider body of work, including Al Thumama Stadium for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, will also provide a starting point for a discussion on the relationship between Qatari heritage and contemporary architecture. The programme concludes on October 4 from 5pm to 6.30pm with The Role of Museums in Sports Culture, featuring 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) director Abdulla al-Mulla and Daniel Brown, the museum’s deputy director of operations.**media[498584]**Their conversation will consider how sports museums can preserve sporting history while connecting it with new generations and communities. Drawing on their experience across museums, international sport and major sporting events, al-Mulla and Brown will discuss how 3-2-1 QOSM records Qatar’s sporting milestones and places them within wider histories of sport. The session will also look at the legacy of major sporting moments in Qatar and how museums can keep those histories accessible long after competitions have ended.The QM noted that admission is by registration via qacreates.com

Manithaneya Kalachara Peravai (MKP), an Indian Tamil community organisation in Qatar and an associate organisation of the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) under the aegis of the embassy of India, conducted a beach-cleaning initiative on September 18 at Al Wakra Public Beach.The event, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality, forms part of MKP’s commitment to environmental protection, community participation and social responsibility.The initiative brought together MKP members and volunteers who actively participated in the beach-cleaning activity, contributing to efforts to maintain Qatar’s coastal environment and promote awareness of the importance of keeping public spaces clean and sustainable.The initiative marked a significant milestone for the Tamil community in Qatar, with MKP becoming the first Tamil community to initiate such an environmental initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality.Deepak Shetty, general secretary at the ICBF, attended the programme as the chief guest. **media[498686]**He expressed appreciation for MKP’s initiative and highlighted the significance of the organisation’s collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality.The activity focused on collecting, separating, and disposing of waste from the beach and surrounding areas, while encouraging participants to recognise their role in protecting the environment.The initiative also aimed to promote responsible waste management and greater community awareness of environmental sustainability.MKP's participation reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to contributing positively to Qatar's wider society. **media[498684]**Through community-driven initiatives, MKP seeks to encourage members to participate actively in social and environmental activities and support Qatar’s efforts toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government authorities and community organisations in building environmental awareness and encouraging collective responsibility.MKP expressed its appreciation to the Ministry of Municipality for the opportunity to participate in the initiative, and to all members and volunteers who contributed to its success.The initiative stands as a proud milestone for MKP and the Tamil community in Qatar, reaffirming the community’s commitment to environmental responsibility, social service and active participation in society.

The Second Qatar Uveitis Conference, organized by the Qatar Ophthalmology Society in collaboration with the Middle East Africa Uveitis Society (MEUS) and the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO), emphasized the importance of promoting the World Uveitis Day initiative. The first global celebration of World Uveitis Day was held on April 10 through Qatari-Saudi collaboration and with international support and cooperation, with the aim of raising global awareness of uveitis and promoting early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and patient care. The conference, which brought together leading ophthalmologists, experts and specialists from Qatar, the region and around the world, discussed the latest developments in the diagnosis, treatment and surgical management of uveitis, as well as a range of important clinical topics, including infectious uveitis, systemic associations of different forms of uveitis and modern therapeutic strategies, including biologic therapies and targeted ocular treatments, in addition to surgical challenges and ocular surface diseases. The conference also provided an important scientific platform for exchanging expertise and strengthening communication among specialists, particularly as uveitis is an inflammatory eye disease that can affect vision in both children and adults and may lead to visual complications if diagnosis or treatment is delayed. Chair of the Conference and a member of the Founding Committee of World Uveitis Day Dr. Zamzam Al Baker emphasized the importance of hosting this specialized conference in Qatar, noting that conferences dedicated specifically to uveitis remain limited in the Arab world compared with Europe and North America.She also highlighted the development of uveitis awareness efforts in Qatar, culminating in participation in the establishment of the World Uveitis Day initiative.For his part, President of the Qatar Ophthalmology Society Dr. Faisal Naqdan emphasized the importance of bringing together experts and specialists in the field to exchange expertise and advance approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of uveitis, thereby contributing to improved comprehensive care for patients. He also reaffirmed the Society's support for scientific activities and conferences that contribute to the development of ophthalmology and the advancement of eye health in Qatar.