SilTest Semiconductors, a Germany-based deep-tech firm specialising in AI (artificial intelligence)-driven semiconductor testing and automation, is establishing operations in Qatar, where it also plans to establish an academy to nurture local talent.The move marks a major step in the company’s global expansion and its entry into the Middle East. The company, which will be based in Qatar Science and Technology Park, will expand its work on advanced semiconductor test solutions, supporting customers and partners across the wider Middle East and North Africa region, Europe, Asia, and North America.The decision follows a visit to Doha earlier in 2025 and direct engagement with Qatar’s innovation and investment ecosystem."After spending time in Doha and seeing the ecosystem firsthand, it became clear that this is the right place to build something lasting," according to Samir Saran, founder and managing director of SilTest Semiconductors.With the support of Invest Qatar, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), and the German Industry and Commerce Office Qatar, SilTest is making a long-term investment in talent, technology, and knowledge transfer.The company has worked closely with these institutions to navigate market entry, establish its local presence, and connect with the broader business and innovation ecosystem.A key pillar of the company’s regional strategy is SilTest Academy, it’s training and capability-building initiative designed to help develop a workforce ready for the semiconductor industry."Beyond serving customers, our goal is to contribute to ecosystem development,” Saran said, adding "we believe that building local capabilities – engineering talent, operational know-how, and applied expertise – will be essential for attracting further semiconductor investment into the region.”SilTest Academy is its internal training hub, designed to teach engineers the skills the industry actually uses and its courses blend theory, application, and hands-on labs using actual ATE (automated test equipment) systems, not simulations. For university students and recent graduates, its courses provide real lab exposure and industry-aligned knowledge."Qatar stood out for its long-term vision and commitment to building real industrial and technological capabilities,” according to Saran.SilTest develops AI-powered platforms that improve productivity, yield, and quality in semiconductor product development and manufacturing.Its technologies address a critical and often under-served part of the semiconductor value chain: testing, qualification, and production optimisation –areas that are becoming increasingly strategic as global supply chains evolve.SilTest’s expansion into Qatar aligns with the country’s broader ambition to diversify its economy and strengthen its position in advanced, knowledge-based industries.The company plans to work closely with regional partners, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders as it grows its presence.“This is about building critical infrastructure for a more resilient global semiconductor ecosystem and doing it from a region that is actively shaping what comes next,” according to him.SilTest Semiconductors' platforms help semiconductor companies accelerate time-to-yield, reduce manual effort and errors, and scale engineering productivity across product development and manufacturing. SilTest works with customers across Europe and Asia and is expanding globally.The Qatar semiconductor market is forecasted to achieve $8.6bn revenue by 2032, projecting a 17% compound annual growth rate between 2024 and 2032, according to DataCube Research."With a strong focus on Semiconductors, Qatar aims to position itself as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain by fostering international collaborations and investing in advanced manufacturing capabilities," it said.Qatar's efforts to strengthen its semiconductor industry align with its broader economic diversification strategy and Vision 2030 initiative.By investing in Adrian Semiconductor and partnering with Turkiye for semiconductor manufacturing, Qatar is positioning itself to meet growing global demand for semiconductors, which is expected to double over the next decade, it had said.2024 saw the partnership between Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) to establish a chip investment project, where the machinery and equipment needed for the production line will be provided by HBKU.

Doha Design District (DDD) has reinforced its status as the region’s leading creative powerhouse after hosting a landmark week of international art and design activations that positioned Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) at the centre of the global cultural conversation.Bringing together world-renowned institutions, international galleries, leading creatives, collectors, and cultural decision-makers, DDD transformed into a dynamic platform for dialogue, exchange, and innovation — underscoring Doha’s accelerating rise as a global destination for art and design.**media[416004]**From February 1-7, the district presented “Between the Majlis and the Gallery” at SANAD – DOHA, a curated exhibition that explored the intersection of tradition and contemporary artistic practice. Featuring 15 artists represented by three galleries, the exhibition created a powerful dialogue between the cultural intimacy of the Majlis and the formal architecture of the gallery, attracting VIPs, dignitaries, and key figures from across the creative industries.Simultaneously, DDD hosted Art Basel Qatar from February 5-7, a historic milestone marking the fair’s first edition in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. The event showcased 84 presentations from 87 galleries representing 31 countries and territories, connecting regional artistic production with one of the most influential global art networks.**media[416005]**The launch represents a defining moment in Art Basel’s 55-year history and a strategic expansion that reflects Qatar’s sustained cultural investment.Dana Kazic, director of DDD, said: “By hosting globally significant platforms and building strong international partnerships, we are shaping an ecosystem where talent, innovation, and artistic excellence thrive. Our ambition is clear: to elevate Doha as a key destination on the world’s cultural map.”**media[416007]**With an expanding calendar of international collaborations and high-impact programming, DDD continues to redefine the region’s creative landscape, setting new benchmarks for design, art, and cultural innovation.The creative district plays a pivotal role in advancing Qatar National Vision 2030 by empowering talent, supporting creative industries, and contributing to economic diversification through culture and innovation.DDD sits at the centre of MDD, Qatar’s flagship smart and sustainable urban destination developed by Msheireb Properties.

Jassim Al Khalifa is an independent member of the Board of Directors at National Finance House (NFH) and serves as the Industry Leader for Financial Institutions and Professional Services across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for Marsh McLennan. He delves into his vision for Saudi Arabia on a global scale. With 25 years of experience, Jassim has led his career and life with a deep regard for strategy, governance, consultation, and inclusivity. Being a seasoned executive in financial services and governance, he is an ardent believer in the power of Vision 2030. Early Upbringing Born and brought up in Saudi Arabia, Jassim's family has always believed that humanity, humility, and compassion are paramount for leading a life that is not centered on the self but aims care & lead by example to family and to uplift others.They ensured his upbringing was multifaceted, with education a crucial aspect and an emphasis on being a good human being. Because of his parents and elders, he grew up with an innate respect for people of all ages and also became a lifelong learner, guided by the syllabus from the book of life. His parents were also instrumental in making him understand that true leadership is about serving others. Family Environment He mentions how his family had a profound influence on him and shaped his worldview. He says, “Whenever there was a family gathering, the discussions centered on advice and collective decision-making. This led to my lifelong passion for the appreciation of governance, strategy, and inclusivity.” He appreciates his Saudi and Gulf roots, which have enabled him to lead with compassion and dignity. He also feels that leadership was ingrained in him early on, as his childhood reflected the same. Given these aspects, he remains a steadfast advocate for the transformative potential of business to uplift his family members and societies, creating long term impact. Inclination Towards Financial Systems Jassim acknowledges, “When leading or participating in a transformation at any organization, initial resistance taught me that change succeeds only when people feel ownership & trust in leadership. I created cross functional task forces that turned skeptics into advocates. He feels that achieving equilibrium between ambition and ethics is pivotal. Having always been enamoured with the financial systems, he feels that this ambition and passion have led him to his current path. Education and Certification As a Certified Director from GCC BDI and an INSEAD International Directors Programme graduate (IDP-C), he holds an Advanced Diploma in Insurance from the Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance and an Advanced Diploma in Business Management & Marketing from Jubail Industrial College. He has been enrolled in the VCPE & EMBA program at SMU since August 2025, in addition to the GCC BDI Diploma, which ended in October 2025. A lifelong learner, he is a keen believer that a person should never stop learning and adapting. Thoughts on GCC Jassim feels that in the GCC, leadership is shaped by the values of majlis culture, which guide open dialogue, respect and shared wisdom in decision making. Taking this into account, he has moulded his leadership style in a manner that pays homage to the spirit of shura (consultation), meticulously channeling the modern governance framework and amalgamating it with traditional values of integrity. Family Business and Philosophy He gives advice for family businesses and entrepreneurs and remarks, “For family businesses, the shift from founder led to institution led models requires courage. My advice: select people carefully & embed governance early, not as control, but as a framework for growth and succession.” Jassim says, “Leadership is the ability to create clarity, foster trust, and empower people to achieve collective excellence. My philosophy has evolved through navigating crises, restructures, and strategic transformations, always imbuing empathy, inclusion and results rooted in ethics. I believe that true leaders combine data driven reasoning with emotional intelligence and cultural awareness. Leadership and Vision Jassim serves as the Industry Leader for Financial Institutions and Professional Services in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at Marsh McLennan. In this capacity, he heads the strategic initiatives proposition across the market, provides guidance to financial institutions and regulatory bodies, and delivers integrated solutions that blend risk advisory, human capital expertise and strategic consultancy via Industry laser focus value proposition, account planning and stakeholder inclusion, working and capitalizing on Marsh, Mercer, Guy Carpenter, and Oliver Wyman as an exceptional industry approach by Marsh McLennan. He also sits on the Board of Directors at National Finance House, where he plays a pivotal role in strengthening governance frameworks, ensuring strategic alignment, and overseeing the Executive Committee. Balancing his public and private sector mandates, Jassim remains guided by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its goal of building world class institutions rooted in culture, governance, innovation, and sustainability. Through his recent membership on the Virtual Advisory Board (VAB), he extends his reach beyond Saudi Arabia and the GCC, reinforcing his position as a trusted advisor to regional and global boards that drive strategic transformation. Awards and Achievements Jassim has won many leadership awards throughout his career, including the Global Excellence Leadership Award, an initiative of Brand Empower Pvt. Limited. GEA is considered one of the most prestigious corporate awards, honoring the very best veterans across distinct industries worldwide. Shedding light on Vision 2030, he continues, My proudest achievement is piloting AXA Saudi full retail echo system in 2013 and settling one of the largest claim about SAR190m in less than 9month and currently leading the first Financial Industry & Professional Services proposition of Marsh McLennan’s organisational model in the world and our region to align with Vision 2030 sectors, enhancing board effectiveness at NFH, and mentoring the next generation of leaders within the financial ecosystem. A Connected Circle His work has a significant interconnectedness with the Kingdom institutional transformation. He mentions that the SAMA 2024 financial sector development report highlights stronger governance, risk maturity, and institutional resilience, areas that align with his board work at NFH. The creation of the National Center for Family Businesses also reinforces the national focus on succession and continuity. In this landscape, the unified One Marsh McLennan brand and its role as an industry leader for financial institutions and professional services become even more relevant, as they enable support for regulators, financial institutions, and family enterprises through fully integrated advisory capabilities. He further adds that this alignment with Vision 2030 reflects how both his board's responsibilities and his industry leadership complement each other and strengthen the financial ecosystem. A Bright Future His plans for the future highlight his vision for a better future, which he believes in with all his heart and soul. The biggest one is building cross-border partnerships to support sustainable finance and advance boardroom effectiveness through strong governance and strategic foresight. Jassim Al Khalifa's leadership is defined by integrity, vision, and humanity. Guided by deep family values, he places his loved ones and community at the center of every decision. With humility and candor, he continues to lead by example, advancing progress not only in business but in the broader culture of leadership and society.