Qatar

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is transforming academic research into commercial success through a comprehensive innovation pipeline that has already produced 85 patents, over 15 startups, and Qatar's first university-born technology to achieve international commercial success valued at over $100mn, Gulf Times has learnt.The university's approach encompasses intellectual property protection, seed funding, mentorship programmes, and a dedicated commercialisation company—all designed to ensure research creates tangible impact both nationally and internationally."We are overseeing all research and development activities including the commercialisation pipeline, their intellectual property rights protection, turning them into spin-out startups and also commercialise the research and create an impact in the market," disclosed Dr Nadir Yildirim, executive director of Innovation and Industrial Relations, HBKU.Interacting with Gulf Times, Dr Yildirim said HBKU supports innovation through structured startup programmes."Our programmes such as Mijhar and Reyada help researchers, faculty, and students turn ideas and research into businesses. The university provides seed funding, early-stage funding, mentoring, and full intellectual property management, including patent filing and follow-up," he explained.Dr Yildirim said HBKU has different startup programmes for researchers, faculty and students. He continued: "Mijhar is a programme where they can come up with their ideas and research outcomes and see how they can commercialise it. The other initiative is where they can come up with an idea and turn them into businesses and spin-outs. In addition, we provide early-stage funding and provide mentoring sessions as well."According to the official, HBKU provides seed grants for faculty researchers and students who have a certain idea to be developed. "We provide them seed funding to see if their ideas can be converted into businesses as well and we provide from cradle-to-grave intellectual property rights management. We also protect their ideas and do patenting and follow-up," he stated.Dr Yildirim revealed that HBKU has established a company for the university named HBKU Research and Development Corporation."This is a 100% private company responsible for commercialising our research outcomes. It is located at Qatar Science and Technology Park and so far we have licensed more than 20 patents. And currently, we have 85 patents and over 15 startups in general," he noted."We have technologies focusing on food waste, food security, food management, energy and environment and the solar maps," highlighted Dr Yildirim. "We have technologies on biomedical sciences as well where we offer our works on longevity of the brain cells. So mostly we are focusing on biomedical sciences, energy, and environment and computing as well as the ethical perspective of these technologies," he said.The official said the HBKU Research and Development Corporation is a revenue-generating and impact-creating company where HBKU-developed technologies are taken to the market."There are two options for commercialisation of product through our company. Commercialisation occurs either directly through HBKU R&D Corp or independently through startup creation," he underlined.Dr Yildirim described a notable success story about a cybersecurity company that licensed an HBKU technology, expanded internationally, secured multiple investments, and is now valued at over $100mn—marking the first HBKU-born technology to achieve major international commercial success."The university collaborates locally with leading companies and applies for tenders to address national challenges. So we are creating an impact and also generating revenue at the same time. But the most important aspect for us is not the revenue, but the impact it creates in the country and beyond," he added.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck received the credentials of HE Mohammed bin Hassan Jaber Al Jaber as Ambassador (non-resident) extraordinary plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Bhutan. HE the Ambassador conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the King of Bhutan, as well as His Highness's wishes of good health and happiness for His Majesty, and for the government and people of the Kingdom of Bhutan continued progress and prosperity. For his part, the King of Bhutan entrusted HE the Ambassador with his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing His Highness good health and happiness, and the State of Qatar continued development and growth.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Friday with Minister-President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia of the Federal Republic of Germany Hendrik Wust, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations and ways to support and develop them, in addition to a number of topics of mutual interest.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb, President, met today with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.The meeting dealt with discussing bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them. The meeting also dealt with the latest regional and international developments, in addition to topics of common interest.

As part of its ongoing efforts to align the national tax system with international best practices, the General Tax Authority announces the commencement of the implementation of Chapter Seven (Repealed and Re-enacted) of the Income Tax Law issued under Law No. (24) of 2018 and its amendments, which sets out the rules for applying the global and domestic minimum tax, thereby enhancing the principles of transparency and fairness in the tax system. This decision comes within the context of implementing Pillar Two of the global initiative led by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Group of Twenty (G20) to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy, known as the Global Minimum Tax Agreement. This initiative aims to impose an effective minimum tax rate of 15% on the profits of multinational enterprises with foreign operations, provided that their revenues exceed EUR 750 million. It also represents the implementation of the latest amendment to the Income Tax Law and introduces two fundamental rules in modern tax policy: the Global Minimum Tax (Qualified Income Inclusion Rule) and the Domestic Minimum Tax (Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax). This step reflects the State of Qatar’s efforts to keep pace with international initiatives to ensure that multinational companies contribute their fair share of taxes worldwide. This decision also underscores the State’s leading role in strengthening the Inclusive Framework of the OECD and the G20 on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), as well as in protecting the national tax base from the unlawful shifting of profits to low-tax jurisdictions or the loss of national tax revenues to other countries. In this regard, the General Tax Authority affirmed that this approach reflects the State of Qatar’s commitment to complying with international best practices in the tax field and enhances its position as a reliable and transparent economic and financial hub on the global stage. The GTA will issue the necessary guidance manuals and executive decisions in the coming phase to clarify the implementation mechanisms, in accordance with the standards set under Pillar Two, including the Global Minimum Tax (GloBE) rules. It is noteworthy that this decision represents a strategic step in supporting the balance between attracting foreign direct investment, safeguarding tax sovereignty, and upholding financial fairness within the country.

The General Directorate of Communications and Information Systems at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) received Thursday a delegation from the Ministry of Interior of Romania, headed by Deputy Director-General of the General Directorate of European Affairs, Schengen and International Relations, Police Quaestor Florin Bajenaru. The visit aimed to strengthen co-operation and exchange expertise in the fields of technical systems and digital transformation.The delegation was received by Director of Systems Development at the Ministry Lt Col Engineer Abdulaziz al-Asmar al-Ruwaili. A briefing tour was organised during which the delegation was introduced to the latest systems and technological solutions adopted by the MoI, particularly in the areas of e-services, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, in addition to the digital infrastructure supporting security and service operations.Several strategic projects related to digital transformation, implemented according to the highest standards of cybersecurity and data governance, were also reviewed.This visit reflects the MoI's commitment to strengthening international partnerships and exchanging expertise, contributing to the development of the security work system and keeping pace with modern technological advancements.

Experts and specialists in combating financial crimes and terrorist financing underscored the vital role of accountants and local regulatory authorities in enhancing compliance, governance, and safeguarding Qatar's economy during the national conference on combating money laundering and terrorist financing.The conference held Thursday also addressed emerging trends in financial crimes and best practices that organisations can adopt to mitigate related risks.The event, organised by the Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants (QACPA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice and the Public Prosecution, was attended by Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA) His Excellency chairman Hamad bin Nasser al-Misnad, His Excellency the Assistant Undersecretary for Shared Services Affairs the Ministry of Justice Khamis Mohammed al-Kuwari, His Excellency the Assistant Undersecretary for Commercial Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Saleh Abdullah al-Mana, and QACPA chairman Dr Sultan bin Hassan al-Dhabet al-Dosari.With more than 230 participants, the conference featured two panel discussions covering key topics, including money laundering and terrorist financing crimes, their patterns and associated offences, their legal foundations and impact on economic stability.The discussions also covered risk assessment using a risk-based approach across various sectors and highlighted customer due diligence measures.Furthermore, the conference addressed the role of effective compliance in combating financial crimes, banking principles in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, banking secrecy, international legislation and efforts in combating these crimes, the role of digital tools in monitoring and detecting financial crimes.Participants reviewed Qatar's efforts in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, key local and international developments in this area, and indicators of suspicious activity in different sectors and their related developments.In his remarks, QACPA chairman Dr al-Dosari said the conference reflects growing institutional awareness of the importance of strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) frameworks.He stressed that addressing these risks requires continuous co-ordination among regulatory, professional, and relevant institutions.Dr al-Dosari said that the accounting and auditing profession is a fundamental pillar in supporting compliance and governance systems, enhancing transparency, and protecting the financial system.He emphasised the association's continued role in unifying professional and institutional efforts, advancing collaborative work, and raising the efficiency of practitioners through specialised training and disseminating awareness of relevant standards and legislation.Dr al-Dosari added that the conference's outcomes and recommendations mark an important step toward developing regulatory frameworks and building qualified national cadres, contributing to a secure and sustainable financial environment and reinforcing Qatar's regional and international standing.In her opening remarks, QACPA vice-chair Mariam Mohammed Almalek said that the conference reflects growing national recognition of the need to address challenges related to money laundering and terrorist financing, particularly given the increasing complexity of the financial and technological tools used in this field.She affirmed that accountants and auditors represent the first line of defence in protecting the financial system by promoting transparency, governance, and compliance, implementing due diligence requirements, and reporting suspicious transactions in line with national legislation and international standards.Almalek added that the association is committed to supporting this system by organising specialised training and professional development programmes, raising awareness of the latest legislation and regulations, and strengthening co-operation with regulatory bodies and financial institutions, and keeping pace with digital transformation.She highlighted the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance compliance systems and enable early risk detection, stressing that technology complements and strengthens professional judgement rather than replacing it.Speakers from the Ministry of Justice, the Financial Information Unit, the MoCI, the Economic Crimes and Money Laundering Prosecution Office, the Qatar Fund for Development, and Qatar Chamber contributed to the conference's discussions.Representatives from these entities also reviewed the most significant legislative and regulatory developments and explained the mechanisms for national and international co-operation in combating financial crimes, focusing on the importance of compliance and governance in protecting the national economy.Their presentations also addressed the role of institutions in promoting transparency, developing internal control tools, and adopting global best practices in AML/CFT efforts.The speakers emphasised that combating these crimes requires more than just oversight; it necessitates the active participation of various economic and professional sectors, including accountants, auditors, and the private sector, to ensure the development of an integrated system capable of early risk detection and effective management.They agreed that the conference serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise, developing regulatory frameworks, and strengthening co-operation between national and international entities, thereby contributing to safeguarding Qatar's reputation and supporting its economic stability.

The activities of Halal Qatar Festival 2026 have continued at the southern area of Katara Cultural Village Foundation, drawing strong public attendance and wide participation from livestock breeders from Qatar and across the region. **media[416513]**The festival unfolded in a traditional atmosphere that reflects the depth of Qatari and Gulf heritage and its close connection to livestock as a fundamental pillar in desert life. Visitors showed significant interest in the accompanying shows and competitions, as well as in the specialized pavilions displaying breeding supplies and products linked to the Bedouin environment, reinforcing the festival’s position as an annual platform that brings together breeders and enthusiasts while documenting an important aspect of Qatari and Gulf identity. **media[416512]**Yesterday’s competitions in the Arab sheep and Awarid categories demonstrated the high quality of local production and strong competition among participants, underscoring the festival’s growing status as a specialized platform for supporting breeders and preserving authentic breeds. These competitions align with the festival’s commitment to supporting local production, encouraging breeders, advancing the livestock sector, and strengthening its sustainability. **media[416511]**In the meantime, visual artists added a cultural and aesthetic dimension to the festival through live paintings inspired by livestock and the Qatari environment, allowing visitors to engage directly with the creative process. Artist Maryam al-Mulla expressed pride in participating, noting that Katara’s events offer artists a meaningful opportunity to create within national heritage contexts, presenting a decorative cubist-style painting of a ewe using symbolic traditional colors. **media[416510]** Artist Lulwa al-Mughisib described her first participation as a rich experience that evokes traditional professions and crafts practiced by ancestors, while artist Asmaa Shukr explained that her work portrayed sheep within a natural environment inspired by Qatar’s landscape, reflecting the relationship between humans and livestock and marking an important milestone in her artistic journey. **media[416509]** Artist Khaled Hijazi highlighted how live painting in the festival setting encourages direct interaction with audiences and strengthens the connection between art and heritage, while artist Amal al-Abdullah presented a work depicting a tender human scene symbolizing protection and closeness between shepherd and flock, reflecting the value of livestock in Qatari society.Halal Qatar Festival 2026 continues to attract visitors and enthusiasts through a comprehensive programme that blends traditional competitions, educational activities, and artistic participation, reflecting Katara’s commitment to preserving heritage while presenting it in a contemporary spirit that balances authenticity and creativity.

Visit Qatar launched its Ramadan 2026 campaign under the slogan "Qatar, Your Home in Ramadan," targeting local and regional audiences, and international visitors. Building on the reach achieved during last year’s campaign, the initiative highlights Ramadan values, including hospitality, generosity and togetherness, showcasing Qatar as a welcoming home for all during the Holy Month. A hallmark of the campaign is the Ramadan lights across the country, transforming streets, landmarks, and public spaces. The vibrant displays create a distinctive atmosphere, positioning Qatar as a destination where the spirit of Ramadan is experienced beyond the home and into the heart of the city.The campaign also includes a new artistic component, featuring the Qatari singer Fahad Al- Hajjaji with English-language segment performed by international artist Maher Zain, conveying messages aligned with the spirit of the Holy Month.

The online auction of assets is set to be organised by the Public Prosecution, in cooperation with the Supreme Judicial Council, through the Courts Auctions application, on February 18, from 4pm to 7pm. The items on display include women and men branded luxury bags.

HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met yesterday with State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation Niels Annen, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.Discussions during the meeting dealt with co-operation, relations and ways to support and develop them, particularly in the field of development and financing joint projects, in addition to a host of topics of mutual interest.

HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met yesterday with United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Vanessa Fraser on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.The meeting discussed bilateral co-operation and ways to support and develop it, particularly in the areas of international and institutional support to enhance the protection of children in areas of armed conflict.They also discussed protecting education from attacks, global initiatives that have contributed to enrolling millions of children in conflict zones in schools, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the provision of care for unaccompanied children and their reunification with their families.During the meeting, HE al-Misnad affirmed Qatar's belief that achieving peace is the only way to provide full protection for children affected by wars.

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) is participating in leading agriculture exhibition AgriteQ 2026, showcasing a range of applied research projects and functional prototypes that support sustainable agriculture, food security, and smart farming practices in Qatar.This participation builds on the work of the UDST’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainability and Food Security, which serves as a key research platform translating technological innovation into practical applications that enhance agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and efficient resource management.During the exhibition, the UDST presented advanced agricultural prototypes developed by faculty members, researchers, and students, demonstrating practical solutions to challenges related to water efficiency, climate resilience, soil health, and agricultural productivity.The showcased innovations reflect the university’s applied approach to education, where research and learning are closely aligned with real-world industry needs.Among the exhibited prototypes were smart irrigation and monitoring systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT (Internet of Things)-enabled agricultural technologies, sustainable soil and biomass solutions, and data-driven tools designed to optimise resource utilisation.These prototypes highlight how applied research can be translated into scalable solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and decision-making across the agricultural sector.The exhibition also provided a platform to announce the launch of new bachelor’s and diploma programmes in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences, introduced to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in animal health and sustainable livestock production.The programmes play an important role in supporting food security by strengthening animal health practices across the agricultural sector.“Agriculture is a strategic priority for Qatar, and applied innovation plays a critical role in strengthening food security and sustainable production,” said UDST president Dr Salem al-Naemi. “Through our participation and the prototypes showcased, we demonstrate how applied education and research at the UDST translate into practical solutions that address real agricultural challenges and support national development objectives.”

Qatari inventors participating in the 16th International Invention Exhibition in the Middle East, held in Kuwait over four days, won six medals (three gold and three silver), amidst competition from more than 200 inventions from around the world.The innovators' participation was supported by the Ministry of Sports and Youth, represented by the Qatar Science Club, showcasing the best Qatari innovations developed recently.The gold medallists were: Shahd Ahmed al-Sulaiti for her invention of a smart helmet, a result of fruitful co-operation between the Qatar Science Club and the Public Works Authority through the Future Engineer programme; Hessa Mansour al-Nuaimi for her invention of an ultrasonic fire extinguishing device; and Al Jawhara Mohammed al-Shammari for her invention of a drone for monitoring fungal diseases inside greenhouses.The silver medals were awarded to: Mohammed Hassan al-Sayed for his invention of an advanced coral reef map; Hessa Ibrahim al-Kuwari for her invention of a medication reminder device; and Mohsen Hussein al-Sheikh, representing the GCC General Secretariat for his invention of a smart e-commerce platform.In this regard, Engineer Abdulrahman Saleh Khamis, head of the delegation participating in the exhibition, commended the outstanding participation of the young innovators who represented the State of Qatar so well, wishing them continued success and excellence in international scientific forums.For her part, Engineer Noor al-Kuwari from the Public Works Authority expressed her pride in the young Qatari inventors as they discussed and defended their inventions in an enthusiastic and confident atmosphere. She noted their distinguished presence at the exhibition, which qualified them for these advanced positions.She also thanked the Qatar Science Club, which has always been at the forefront of supporting innovators and guiding them to the global arena of innovation.The Middle East International Invention Exhibition is a prestigious international scientific platform that brings together innovators from various scientific and technological fields, enabling them to market and manufacture their innovations, while also fostering direct communication with investors, reflecting the exhibition's motto: "Meeting Investors and Inventors."The exhibition enjoys the support of prominent international organisations such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA), and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

Aston University and the Al Jazeera Media Institute have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a distinctive partnership aimed at advancing forward-looking digital media education.The Master’s in Digital Media and Communication is set to be launched in September this year and aims to empower current media professionals and those aspiring to enter communication careers.It also seeks to tackle the challenges and opportunities posed by rapid digital transformation.The programme will prepare students for emerging careers in communication, including data journalism, content creation, and digital leadership, within a rapidly evolving global professional environment, and will offer the opportunity for those with existing industry experience to keep pace with change.The online study model allows professionals from different countries to pursue postgraduate studies without geographical constraints.It ensures a strong practical dimension and offers unique opportunities for in-person additional training in Doha at the world-leading professional Media Institute of the Al Jazeera Network.The director of the MSc in Digital Media and Communications at Aston University, Prof Helen Wood, said: “This exciting new partnership is incredibly important for Aston University as it signals our intent to build a bridge between world-leading research and the outstanding professional practice that can be found at Al Jazeera Media Institute.”“Our partnership aims to generate critical, ethical and forward-thinking media leaders of the future capable of working across a range of global media and communication industries,” she said.“This is an incredibly exciting partnership that will enable the institute to develop advanced digital master’s pathways in partnership with Aston University, combining the strength of internationally recognised academic curricula with our Institute’s extensive professional expertise,” said Al Jazeera Media Institute director Eman al-Amri.This strategic partnership includes the development of additional degree courses to be delivered between Doha and the United Kingdom, as well as potential research exchanges and programmes to set the agenda for the future of critical digital media professional practice.

HE Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari met with President and CEO of Oliver Wyman (OW), Nick Studer.The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to enhance them in the fields of investment, finance, and the economy, in addition to a number of topics of mutual interest

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani met with Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima, at the Permanent Mission's headquarters in New York. The meeting discussed the close partnership between the State of Qatar and the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), focusing on appropriate implementation strategies for the Doha Program of Action (DPoA) for the Least Developed Countries, adopted at the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), which Qatar hosted in March 2025. HE the Permanent Representative affirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to continuing to support international efforts aimed at empowering the least developed countries and enhancing their ability to meet multiple challenges, including eradicating poverty, adapting to climate change, and achieving sustainable development, within the framework of following up on the DPoA, issued by the LDC5, held in Doha in March 2022. For her part, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations praised the fruitful partnership and existing cooperation with the State of Qatar, explaining that the United Nations is committed to intensifying efforts to implement impactful programs for the least developed countries, in line with the priorities of DPoA.

HEآ Minister of Stateآ at the Ministry ofآ Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Alآ Khulaifi held a phone call on Thursday with Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini.During the phone call, they discussed cooperation relations between the State of Qatar and the UNRWA and exchanged views on ways to address the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and support Palestinian refugees, in addition to other topics of mutual interest.HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar's firm position in supporting UNRWA, expressing appreciation - in this regard, for its pivotal role in sustaining humanitarian operations and providing basic services to millions of Palestinians, especially in light of the tragic situation in Gaza.His Excellency also stressed the need for the international community to firmly address any attempts to obstruct the agency's work, warning - in this context, that weakening its capabilities would have disastrous humanitarian consequences.

The State of Qatar believes that investing in human capital through education is the optimal and sustainable investment for present and future generations, as education is a fundamental pillar of the State's Permanent Constitution and building educated individuals capable of achieving academic excellence, contributing to national development, and creating a prosperous future for all is among the foremost objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. There is no doubt that the progress and renaissance of nations depend on the quality of their education and the strength of their educational systems. In embodiment of this vision, the Qatar Education Excellence Award was launched in 2006 to honor academically outstanding Qatari students, foster and reinforce a culture of excellence and innovation within society and the educational field, motivate high achievement, and improve educational outcomes in line with international standards. The award has become the highest academic honor in the country, aiming to build a knowledge-based human capital capable of meeting future challenges, while also promoting positive attitudes toward knowledge and scientific research.The award, whose twentieth anniversary the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, will celebrate next Sunday, is not merely a means of honoring outstanding and distinguished achievers. It also stands as a testament to the efficiency and quality of Qatar’s educational system, and as clear evidence of the capabilities of all its members. During the ceremony, 108 winners will be honored across the award’s nine categories: the Excellence Award for Primary School Students, the Excellence Award for Intermediate School Students, the Excellence Award for Secondary School Students, the Outstanding Teacher Award, the Outstanding School Award, the Distinguished Research Award, the Excellence Award for University Graduates, the Excellence Award for Master's Degree Holders, and the Excellence Award for Doctorate Holders. In this context, the Executive Committee of the Qatar Education Excellence Award announced on Jan. 6 the results of the nineteenth edition, following their approval by the Award’s Board of Trustees, chaired by HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater. The results revealed that 108 candidates were selected from a total of 371 applicants in this cycle, an indicator reflecting the rising level of competitiveness, the high quality of submissions, growing awareness of the award’s criteria and requirements, and a demonstrated commitment to meeting them, in alignment with Qatar’s vision of building a qualified and capable human capital. The results also reflected notable diversity in the educational institutions represented by the winners, including students from public, private, and specialized schools, as well as from civilian and military universities and various colleges, further highlighting the broad base of excellence and the widespread culture of achievement across the country’s educational institutions.The current cycle will witness the introduction of a gold medal in addition to the platinum medal for the doctoral category, which had previously been limited to the platinum medal only. Moreover, for the first time, a platinum medal has been introduced for master’s degree students, in addition to the gold medal that had already been awarded in previous cycles. As for the Research Award designated for secondary school students, a platinum medal has also been approved alongside the gold medal granted in past years. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced last September the adoption of the new title for the award in its nineteenth edition, which will henceforth be known as the Qatar Education Excellence Award The adoption of the new title coincided with the launch of a new visual identity under the slogan “A New Identity and Promising Horizons,” as well as an increase in the financial rewards starting from the current cycle.The award is also preparing to introduce three new categories: Educational Leader, the Diploma Holders, and the Educational Research categories. These will come into effect beginning with the twenty-first cycle in 2028. These additions represent a qualitative expansion in the scope of the award and serve to recognize educational leadership and research and applied contributions in the field of education. This year’s edition witnessed outstanding participation and high-quality contributions, which confirmed the status of the Qatar Education Excellence Award as a national platform that promotes the value of serious quality and innovation, and contributes to preparing distinguished national role models capable of contributing positively to the development process. The overall win rate in this round was close to the average win rates recorded during the past five rounds, which confirms the consistency of the adopted evaluation methodology. The award was limited to candidates who achieved the approved score for winning, following thorough and comprehensive evaluation processes that included carefully reviewing files, conducting interviews with candidates, and giving each candidate their full right to evaluation, thus ensuring the highest levels of fairness, objectivity, and equal opportunities, and enhancing confidence in the award's outcomes and credibility. As in previous editions, the results of this round showed the impact of a supportive family environment on the continued excellence of some winners. In some cases, more than one person from the same family won the award, within the approved evaluation criteria for the award. The Qatar Education Excellence Award highlighted the role of parents in education and upbringing, especially in light of their contributions to their children's education. The award, through the diversity of its categories, affirms the comprehensiveness of the concept of excellence and its extension across different educational stages, thereby promoting equal opportunities and motivating society to invest in education and knowledge as a fundamental pillars of development. For all these reasons, the 19th edition of the Qatar Education Excellence Award represents a milestone in the award’s journey since its establishment in 2006. The launch of a new visual identity for the award reflects both authenticity and modernity, while the adoption of its new official name reinforces its national dimension and enhances its regional and international presence. There is no doubt that what the Board of Trustees has approved by raising the value of the prizes for the winners starting from this edition represents an investment in the Qatari people. All these steps are part of a comprehensive development project launched in 2023, with the aim of making the award more consistent with Qatar National Vision 2030, and expanding its scope to include new segments of the educational community with a well-established arbitration system based on fairness and transparency.Since its inception in 2006, the award has honored more than 1,300 distinguished individuals across various categories. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education affirms that the new identity, the updated name, the increased value of the rewards, and the introduction of new categories all represent a renewed launch for the award’s journey, consolidating its national and regional standing and making it a platform for creativity and inspiration for future generations.

Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation Tariq Darwish Zainal praised the great success witnessed by the 2026 Qatar TotalEnergies Open for Women at all levels, affirming that Doha is always ready to host global tournaments in a distinguished manner and present them in the best possible image. Zainal said in a statement today that the 2026 Qatar TotalEnergies Women’s Tennis Open is featuring an outstanding technical level that matches the excellence in organization and the strong fan attendance, which has further enhanced the tournament’s success. He added that the large turnout of spectators has further distinguished the tournament and contributed to its success, noting that record figures have been achieved in ticket sales, with the highest sales rate compared to previous seasons. This, he said, reflects the growing popularity of tennis tournaments and the strong confidence in Qatari organization. He pointed out that the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex has appeared this year in a new look reflecting its excellence, following a series of upgrades carried out as part of a comprehensive development process in preparation for the Qatar TotalEnergies Women’s Tournament and the Qatar ExxonMobil Men’s Tournament. He added that the aim was to deliver an exceptional experience for both players and fans and further enhance the success of the two global events. The Secretary-General said that all the stands have been renovated, in addition to the construction of a temporary stand on the main court with a capacity of around 1,600 spectators to accommodate the significant increase in attendance due to the high demand for both the women’s and men’s tournaments. He added that a new court with permanent seating for approximately 2,000 spectators will also be built. The Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis Federation confirmed that aesthetic enhancements have also been introduced by displaying images of Qatar’s most prominent landmarks and tourist attractions within the Khalifa International Complex, allowing visitors to experience both a sporting and touristic atmosphere simultaneously. He noted that modern electronic gates have also been installed to facilitate entry and speed up crowd movement, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience from the moment of arrival. He stressed that the Qatar Tennis Federation always strives to achieve the highest standards of organization in a manner befitting Qatar’s name and its leading position on the global sports map.