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QatarEnergy has signed a long-term sales and purchase agreement (SPA) for up to 15 years with Buzwair Industrial Gases Factories WLL (Buzwair) for the supply of 20mn cubic feet per year of helium from Qatar’s world-class facilities in Ras Laffan, starting in September 2025.The SPA marks QatarEnergy’s first direct relationship with a local Qatari industrial gas company, reflecting the growing expertise and networks of regional suppliers in the global helium market. Welcoming the agreement, His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, who is also the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “Buzwair has built a strong reputation in the helium industry. We are pleased to work with them and to expand our network of partners to include capable and trusted industrial gas companies from the State of Qatar.”Al-Kaabi added: “As one of the world’s leading suppliers of helium, QatarEnergy remains committed to supporting the exciting advancements of critical industries that depend on our high-purity and reliable helium supplies.”Helium plays a pivotal role in a wide range of advanced technologies and essential industrial applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, semiconductors, fiber optics, space exploration, deep sea diving, specialised welding, and other specialised applications.

Qatar National Vision 2030 serves as a blueprint for tech growth in the country that will further propel the success of its startup ecosystem, the chief executive of a Doha-based technology company has said.Michael Jordan, the CEO of Gem Soft, emphasised to Gulf Times that companies must align with Qatar’s national plan “rather than chase quick returns.”He emphasised that Qatar National Vision 2030 “is not just a slogan” but a framework. “If you look closely at that blueprint, in three to five years, Qatar is going to be one of the most booming ecosystems in the region,” Jordan pointed out.Asked to identify promising sectors that align with Qatar’s diversification strategy, Jordan cited medical research opportunities, citing the country’s health and medical institutions, as well as private institutions like Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar (WCM-Q), among others.“That is an unbelievable opportunity,” noted Jordan, who also highlighted defence research and the broader research and development (R&D) space. “I don’t mean defence spending, but defence research. Every country is starting from the same place now. Everybody’s got to rethink how they’re going to approach these specific areas,” he said.Jordan stressed that Qatar’s focus on youth and education “is equally critical.” “Qatar’s focus on its youth and educational institutions is highly commendable and very important to me. As for its schools, we’re talking about some of the top universities both here and abroad,” he said.According to Jordan, companies are encouraged to engage with universities and interns here: "When a company is looking to expand, it's essential to connect with universities in Qatar and take on interns. By providing these young talents with opportunities, companies can foster growth and innovation," Jordan emphasised.Asked about unicorns and their impact on Qatar’s startup ecosystem, Jordan insisted that value creation must come first. “What is more important, the nomenclature of a unicorn or the fact that you have added value to the technological infrastructure of the country? If you add value, the money will come. But if all you’re shooting for is the money, then you’re ignoring the opportunity,” Jordan pointed out.Jordan also stressed that “trust is the foundation of business in Qatar.” He explained: “This is not a transactional society like North America or Western Europe. What’s important for people here is that they want to know who you are. People need to feel it, so one of the most important elements about business in Qatar is trust.”A Qatar Financial Authority-registered company, Jordan said Gem Soft is among the companies here that participated in the inaugural Web Summit Qatar. It also participated in the two-day World AI Summit Qatar, which concludes today.Jordan said the company chose Doha as its hub "precisely because Qatar’s long-term digital strategy aligns with its vision for sovereign and secure communication technologies."He explained that Gem Soft developed its fully sovereign, AI-assisted communication platform Gem Team “to directly support the ambitions of Qatar National Vision 2030 and help position the country as a regional leader in next-generation digital infrastructure.”Jordan stressed that Qatar’s commitment to innovation, security, and technological independence “is not just policy but a real catalyst for companies like ours to build, scale, and contribute to the nation’s future.” 

Qatar University (QU) has signed a strategic co-operation agreement with the Qatar Satellite Company, Es’hailSat, during the events of the recent MWC25 conference and in a separate ceremony on its sidelines, it was announced Monday. The agreement aims to support the development and deployment of nano-satellite technology within the QU through a partnership that brings together the university’s research and academic capabilities with Es’hailSat’s leading expertise in operating and managing satellites. This collaboration, it was explained, represents a significant step toward strengthening Qatar’s presence in the space sector and supporting the development of national capabilities in this vital field. QU vice-president for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Aiman Erbad described the collaboration with Es’hailSat as a strategic step that reinforces university’s efforts in advancing nano-satellite technology and expanding the horizons of scientific research and innovation in the field of space. “We take pride in the fact that this partnership contributes to building exceptional national capabilities and strengthens Qatar’s presence in the space sector through pioneering projects that combine industrial expertise with academic excellence,” he said. Es’hailSat vice-president (Commercial) Hamad Omar al-Mannai said that the partnership aims to broaden the scope of scientific research and innovation within the space sector. “We take pride in contributing to the development of exceptional national capabilities and enhancing Qatar’s stature in the space industry through high-quality projects that merge industrial expertise with academic excellence,” he said. “Together, we are poised to make significant strides in this vital area of research and technological advancement.” The agreement outlined the launch of joint projects in the design, deployment, and operation of nano-satellite missions, with a focus on scientific research, technological development, and outreach in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The agreement also included the exchange of expertise, technical knowledge, and resources between both parties to ensure the success of future initiatives. The nano-satellite development initiative at the QU began in 2018, encompassing multidisciplinary student projects as well as research projects funded by the Qatar Research, Development & Innovation Programme. The QU hosts the country’s only academic satellite ground station, a key outcome of this initiative. 

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has announced that the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks are fully prepared to welcome and transport fans attending the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 Finals, taking place from Dec 1 to 18. Service hours for both the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram during Dec 1 to 18 will be extended on days with late matches to ensure spectators are able to use the Metro for their journey back home after the match. This also includes metrolink and metroexpress services. Additionally, Park and Ride facilities are available at selected stations, allowing fans to park their vehicles and continue their journeys via the metro. The Park and Ride facilities at Education City will not be available on days with matches in the adjacent stadium. The "Park and Ride” facility at Lusail QNB stations will not be available throughout the tournament, with the facility at Qatar University available instead. To meet the increased demand during the tournaments, Qatar Rail said that 6-car trains will operate on the Red Line, 110 total trains of the Doha Metro fleet will be in service during peak hours to ensure smooth passenger flow. Qatar Rail also said that it has deployed dedicated maintenance teams on its various facilities. All stations have undergone a thorough process to ensure they are ready to receive a much higher number of passengers than usual. Additional maintenance teams will be stationed throughout the network to provide rapid response capabilities and address any emergencies. Qatar Rail has also installed additional wayfinding signage across key metro stations directly linked to the tournament venues. Trained staff will be deployed to guide passengers and fans inside stations and on trains, and to offer additional support for passengers with disabilities. Trained event teams will also be deployed at stadium stations and other key stations, where the highest footfall is expected during match days, including dedicated ticketing desks to fulfil the high demand during the tournament days. On this occasion, Chief of Strategy and Business Development at Qatar Rail Ajlan Eid al-Enazi said: "We look forward to welcoming fans of the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 Finals aboard the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, ensuring an exceptional travel experience. In coordination with our partners in relevant entities, we are working to guarantee smooth and convenient journeys for fans throughout the match days. The Metro has become a key part of the fan experience during major sporting events, and we remain fully committed to ensuring seamless crowd movement, prioritising passenger safety, and elevating every aspect of the fan journey across our networks." The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup will take place across six stadiums: Lusail, Ahmad bin Ali, Al Bayt, Education City, Khalifa International, and Stadium 974. Five stadiums are conveniently located within walking distance from the nearest metro station, including Stadium 974 via Ras Bu Abboud Station, Education City Stadium via Education City Station, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium via Al Riffa — Mall of Qatar Station, Khalifa International Stadium via Sport City Station, Lusail Stadium via Lusail QNB Station. Meanwhile, Al Bayt Stadium will be connected through a dedicated shuttle bus service from Lusail QNB Station. The FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 will feature its final three matches, the FIFA Derby of the Americas, the FIFA Challenger Cup, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final, at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Dec. 10, 13, and 17. Regarding Lusail Tram services, The Orange Line will operate only between Legtaifiya and Al Wessil stations. The Pink Line service will operate as usual, and the Turquoise Line will not be in service due safety requirements around Lusail Stadium and Lusail Boulevard. To facilitate the T100 Triathlon event being held in Lusail from Dec 10 to 14, Pink Line services will operate only between Legtaifiya and Tarfat South station during the times when the races are on. To ensure a smooth experience for fans, residents, and tourists during the Arab Cup, A 24/7 customer contact centre will ensure continuous support to visitors and residents looking for information and/or assistance. Our Customer Service Centre 105 will implement a robust preparedness plan focused on scalability, multilingual support, and rapid response. Customers can also connect with us on WhatsApp 44433105. To also ensure fan safety, Qatar Rail advises customers to plan their trips in advance, arrive early at stations to avoid congestion, and follow instructions from customer service staff at stations and aboard trains. Service updates guiding fans to stadiums will be displayed on digital screens inside stations and trains throughout the event. Qatar Rail’s customer service team, representing diverse nationalities and languages, has undergone specialized training to support fans during the tournaments across the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks. Fans will also enjoy a variety of retail experiences at metro stations, including F&B outlets, mini-marts, pharmacies, sportswear shops, and other local and international brands. For the latest service updates, fans are encouraged to follow Qatar Rail’s official social media channels, use the Qatar Rail mobile app, or contact the Customer Service Centre by calling 105. The Doha Metro has become an integral part of the fan experience during major sporting events, and Qatar Rail remains is committed to ensuring seamless crowd movement and prioritizing passenger safety across its networks.

Hong Kong police arrested the bosses of a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter Thursday over the city’s worst fire in nearly 80 years, which killed at least 83 people with scores more listed as missing. By the early hours of Friday, firefighters had mostly contained the blaze raging for more than 24 hours, ripping through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the northern district of Tai Po. The estate had been undergoing renovations and was wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh. Most of the victims were found in two high-rise blocks in the eight-tower complex, Deputy Director of Fire Services Derek Armstrong Chan said. He said firefighters found residents who were alive in several of the buildings, but gave no further details. The South China Morning Post reported one survivor was found on the stairwell of one of the buildings.Rescuers battled intense heat, thick smoke and collapsing scaffolding and debris as they fought to reach residents feared trapped on the upper floors of the complex. “We expect the fire to be fully put out tonight,” Chan said. “We’ll continue to douse water to lower the temperatures,” he added. A distraught woman carrying her daughter’s graduation photograph searched for her child outside a shelter, one of eight that authorities said are housing 900 residents. “She and her father are still not out yet,” said the 52-year-old, who gave only her surname, Ng, as she sobbed. “They didn’t have water to save our building.” Police arrested two directors and an engineering consultant of Prestige Construction, a firm contracted to perform maintenance on the buildings. Police said those arrested were under suspicion of manslaughter for using unsafe materials. “We have reason to believe that the company’s responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties,” Police Superintendent Eileen Chung said. Prestige did not answer repeated calls for comment. Police seized bidding documents, a list of employees, 14 computers and three mobile phones in a raid of the company’s office, the government added. WORST FIRE SINCE 1948 The confirmed death toll rose to 83 as of midnight in Hong Kong Thursday, Hong Kong’s emergency responders said. That made it Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when 176 people were killed in a warehouse blaze. The government said in the very early hours of Thursday that 279 people were listed as missing, but that figure has not been updated for 24 hours. In a telegram to Hong Kong’s bishop, Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Pope Leo sent “spiritual solidarity to all those suffering from the effects of this calamity, especially the injured and the families who grieve”. Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, said the government would set up a HK$300mn ($39mn) fund to help residents while companies including automakers Xiaomi, Xpeng and Geely as well as the charity foundation of Alibaba’s founder Jack Ma and Tencent announced donations.On the second night after the blaze, dozens of evacuees set up mattresses in a nearby mall, with many saying official evacuation centres should be saved for those with greater need. People – from elderly residents to schoolchildren – wrapped themselves in duvets and huddled in tents outside a McDonald’s restaurant and convenience shops as a steady stream of volunteers handed out snacks and toiletries. The eight blocks of the tightly-packed complex of 2,000 apartments were home to more than 4,600 people in the financial hub, which is struggling to overcome chronic shortages of affordable housing. Police also said they found foam material sealing windows on one unaffected building, installed in the year-long maintenance work. The city’s development bureau has discussed gradually replacing bamboo scaffolding with metal scaffolding as a safety measure. China’s President Xi Jinping urged an “all-out effort” to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties and losses, state broadcaster CCTV said. The leadership of both the Hong Kong government and China’s Communist Party moved quickly to show they attached utmost importance to a tragedy seen as a potential test of Beijing’s grip on the semi-autonomous region. Hong Kong’s sky-high property prices have long been a trigger for discontent and the tragedy could stoke resentment towards authorities despite efforts to tighten political and national security control. “27TH FLOOR, ROOM 1: HE IS DEAD” An online app showed reports of missing persons submitted through a linked Google document that detailed residents of individual towers and rooms. It includes descriptions such as “Mother-in-law in her 70s, missing” or “one boy and one girl” or “Rooftop: 33-year-old male.” One simply read: “27th floor, room 1: He is dead.” Reuters could not independently verify the information on the app. The fire has prompted comparisons to London’s Grenfell Tower inferno, which killed 72 people in 2017. That fire was blamed on firms fitting the exterior with flammable cladding, as well as failings by the government and the construction industry. Hong Kong, one of the world’s most densely populated cities, is scattered with high-rise housing complexes. Tai Po, near the border with mainland China, is an established suburban district and home to about 300,000. Occupied since 1983, the complex is under a government-subsidised home ownership scheme, according to property agency websites, a lifeline for the city’s middle-income families. 

The Film Committee at Media City Qatar has signed a landmark agreement with Company 3, the award-winning global post-production and visual effects powerhouse, to establish a dedicated post-production and VFX studio in Doha.This agreement - signed during the Doha Film Festival 2025, marks a pivotal milestone in Qatar's creative industries development and underscores Qatar's growing reputation as the Middle East's emerging media capital, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class talent, and a progressive creative ecosystem.HE Managing Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) and Chairman of Qatar Film Committee, Hassan Al Thawadi, said that "this partnership embodies Qatar's vision to support the very best creators in Qatar, the region and the Global South.""With Company 3's world-renowned expertise in visual storytelling and our commitment to building advanced creative infrastructure, Doha is poised to become a destination for world-class post-production and visual effects," His Excellency added.As part of the agreement, the Film Committee and Company 3 will jointly research, explore, and evaluate the development of a post-production and visual effects studio operated by Company 3 in Qatar. This will be the first phase of a long-term partnership.Company 3 will provide technical, creative, and operational guidance to shape the foundation for a high-end post-production environment in the region. The Film Committee will support the collaboration through a structured funding and facilitation framework, reflecting Qatar's ambition to become the production and post-production hub for the Middle East and Africa.For his part, CEO of Company 3, Stefan Sonnenfeld, expressed his anticipation for cooperation, saying, "The Film Committee's forward-thinking approach to developing a sustainable creative ecosystem aligns perfectly with our mission to empower storytellers through technology and artistry.""This partnership represents the foundation for a new era of post-production excellence in the Middle East," Sonnenfeld added.Through this collaboration, the company will bring its global expertise and technical excellence to the region, helping to design creative workflows, develop local and regional talent, and provide access to world-leading infrastructure and tools.The Film Committee will coordinate with local stakeholders and government partners to ensure the project contributes to the nation's broader creative economy goals. Responsibilities include logistical coordination, operational support, and a funding framework for the exploration phase - ensuring that the partnership between QFC and Company 3 delivers meaningful outcomes across creative, technological, and training dimensions.The collaboration also includes consultation on the creation of a local production and post-production rebate scheme, part of Qatar's broader ambition to attract leading studios, streamers, and filmmakers to the country.

His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, visited Japan to explore advanced automation and the lights-out manufacturing model. The visit is in line with the Third National Development Strategy’s objectives to enhance Qatar's industrial process efficiency, build high-tech domestic productive capacities, and reduce reliance on traditional labour in priority industrial sectors.The accompanying delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). During the visit, His Excellency Sheikh Faisal held technical meetings with SoftBank Company where he was briefed on the company’s operations in robotics system integration, digital control systems, and factory management solutions within the semiconductor sector.Discussions also addressed Japan’s high-quality standards, advanced operational models, and the potential to leverage the South Asian country's industrial expertise to support the development of Qatar’s manufacturing sector.The programme also included field visits across Tokyo and several industrial zones, where the minister toured advanced production facilities and reviewed cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including lights-out manufacturing systems.This visit reflects the ministry’s efforts to foster industrial innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of Qatar’s manufacturing sector by adopting the latest global technologies and practices across the production ecosystem.These efforts align with the ministry’s strategic objectives and Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy, contributing to the establishment of a sustainable, high-tech industrial base and advancing the nation’s transition towards a knowledge- and technology-driven economy.

A Gaza company that operates water desalination plants serving nearly half of the enclave's population said Wednesday it had resumed operations after Hamas-led security freed a staff member whom they detained on Monday. A statement issued by the Abdul Salam Yassin Company, whose services reach more than 1mn people, said the decision to resume operations came after the issue was resolved, adding that the staff member was "fine and in good health".The company apologised for what it said was a "misunderstanding" that led to the detention of its employee and affirmed its respect for the Hamas-led government in Gaza. Hamas government officials declined comment on the arrest, but a source Wednesday confirmed the employee had been freed, without elaborating on the reasons for his detention.The Palestinian fighter group has been gradually reasserting control in areas of Gaza from which Israeli forces have withdrawn under an October 10 ceasefire deal as talks over the war-devastated Palestinian territory's future grind on. Israel halted all water and electricity supply to Gaza early in the war triggered by Hamas' cross-border storming in October 2023, but partially eased the utilities blockade later.Most of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed and pumps from its aquifers often rely on electricity from small generators. But fuel for generators is rarely available given Israel's curbs on deliveries into the enclave, citing the risk of diversion into Hamas' hands.The company's work is vital to the population in Gaza, where clean water is scarce. It owns three major desalination plants, and 80 smaller ones across the territory. It also runs over 70 trucks that carry water containers across Gaza. US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for post-war Gaza, whose first stage was the ceasefire, stipulates that Hamas disarm and renounce any future role in governance of the enclave, but who would replace them has yet to be agreed. Hamas has refused to yield its weaponry before a Palestinian state is established. Israeli forces continue to control around half of the coastal Gaza Strip.

Aamal Company, one of Qatar’s leading diversified companies, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Germany-headquartered Niedax Group, a global leader in cable management systems, to establish a joint venture for manufacturing cable management products.The MoU was signed by Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal al-Thani, vice-chairman and managing director of Aamal Company, and Adrian Löwiner managing director of Niedax Group. The pact was made in the presence of His Excellency Dr Ahmad al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs of Qatar, and Dr Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economy and Energy of Germany, underscoring the strategic importance of this partnership and its alignment with the economic cooperation between the two countries.Under the terms of the MoU, Aamal Company and Niedax Group will collaborate to establish a state-of the-art facility in Qatar for the production and distribution of cable management products made of GRP (glass reinforced plastic or polyester) and steel.The joint venture aims to become a major player in Qatar and the wider region by delivering high-quality, advanced solutions that support the country’s industrial growth and infrastructure development. "This agreement marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen Qatar’s industrial capabilities and support the nation’s diversification strategy.Aamal is proud to have been one of Qatar’s earliest diversified industrial companies, and this new partnership with Niedax promises to create unique synergies and opportunities to enhance the group’s capabilities in this sector," said Sheikh Mohamed. By collaborating with a global leader in Niedax, Aamal Company is not only expanding its portfolio but also help to advance the development of high-quality manufacturing within Qatar, he said, adding this collaboration reflects its commitment to delivering long-term value and contributing to the sustainable growth of Qatar’s economy.Founded in 1920, the family-owned company generates around 1bn euro in annual revenue and operates at 81 locations in more than 30 countries. "Its solutions support major infrastructure, industrial, automotive, energy, maritime, and data centre projects worldwide. In addition to its core cable management business, Niedax is active in distribution, steel service centres, and infrastructure solutions,” said Lowiner.Nizar Maarouf, Liaison Director of the Mittelstand GCC office (BVMW) in Doha said today’s signing is a testament to the growing strategic partnership between leading German companies such as Niedax Group and Aamal Company, which are collaborating to advance industrial innovation and achieve long-term economic value. This collaboration emphasises the shared commitment of both companies to foster excellence in manufacturing, develop local industry, and support Qatar’s long-term vision for sustainable economic progress.

Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) celebrated World Quality Week 2025 on November 10-14, through a series of educational, and strategic activities highlighting the company’s achievements, with the participation of heads of Quality and Safety departments and employees across the organisation.Matthew Kearns, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of GWC, stated: “Our celebration of this occasion reflects our commitment to applying the highest international quality standards across all our facilities, operations, and business units, a commitment that has earned GWC a wide range of ISO certifications across multiple sectors. “This ongoing pursuit of excellence enables us to enhance product and service quality, increase customer satisfaction, optimise operational costs, boost profitability, and strengthen a culture of continuous improvement, while minimising errors and risks. Quality management remains a fundamental pillar for sustainable growth in today’s evolving business environment.”The World Quality Week 2025 is a global celebration of quality organised by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) under the theme “Quality: Think Differently”. The event focuses on encouraging new ways of thinking about quality management to drive success and innovation.Kearns emphasised that GWC has successfully integrated quality management into its business model across all stages of its operations and activities, with the aim of achieving operational excellence and reinforcing its position as one of Qatar and the Middle East’s leading logistics companies.**media[382395]**This approach ensures the enhancement of competitive capabilities, expansion of market share, and full compliance with international and global standards. He further noted that GWC continues to make dedicated efforts to strengthen a culture of quality management among its employees, while simultaneously expanding the adoption of the latest technological innovations in the logistics and supply chain sectors.GWC stands today as one of the leading logistics providers in the Middle East and North Africa, offering end-to-end logistics and supply chain solutions. The company is also the largest privately owned entity specialising in the development of logistics hubs in the region, having built world-class infrastructure spanning over 4mn square meters to serve both domestic and international clients.GWC continues to expand its footprint and enter into management agreements for major logistics infrastructure projects. Its service portfolio covers a wide range of solutions, from supply chain management and third- and fourth-party logistics (3PL and 4PL) services, to dedicated logistics zones serving specialised industries such as oil and gas, particularly in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed Industrial City.

United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has won three awards at the ‘Middle East Enterprise AI & Analytics Summit 2025’, held in Doha with participation from leading national and international technology organisations.The recognition highlights UDC’s role in advancing smart urban services and its use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to support sustainable city ecosystems across its destinations.UDC received the ‘Excellence in Digital & Innovation Award 2025’ for its intelligent facilities management, maintenance, and operations ecosystem at The Pearl Island and Gewan Island.The project introduced an automated operations model powered by a unified Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) platform that supports real-time monitoring, automated dispatching through a 24/7 contact centre, and an omnichannel AI assistant. The ecosystem has transformed maintenance and service operations into a data-driven, paperless model that improves transparency, efficiency, and service quality.The company also won the ‘Best Cloud Transformation Project 2025’ for unifying its enterprise operations within a secure and agile cloud environment. Through its ‘Cloud-First’ strategy, UDC migrated core processes to a modern digital infrastructure that supports advanced analytics, automation, and next-generation technologies. This transformation strengthens UDC’s digital ecosystem and enhances operational efficiency across its business.Azeem Aziz, head of Digital Solutions at UDC, received the ‘Best Customer Experience Leader 2025 Award’ for leading the development of The Pearl Island Super App, which enhances smart living and service experiences. The app centralises resident and visitor services, such as payments, bookings, maintenance requests, and community updates, into a single platform supported by an omnichannel AI assistant.UDC is one of Qatar’s leading public shareholding companies and the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island. It is committed to developing distinguished destinations that embody modern, sustainable living through pioneering real estate, commercial, and hospitality projects that support national economic growth and reinforce Qatar’s position as a premier destination for living, business, and investment.

Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC), Qatar's leading logistics and supply chain provider, and QC+, the Qatari strategy group that develops new pathways for value across hospitality, retail, tourism, and the wider cultural economy, have announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art hub in the Gulf Region for fine art storage and handling.Located in a designated free zone in Doha, the facility will meet rising regional demand for art storage and logistics while contributing to Qatar's 2030 National Vision by expanding high-value economic activity in the creative and cultural industries.Acting Group CEO of GWC Matthew Kearns, said: "With over 15 years of experience in fine art logistics and as the first Middle East-based company accredited by ICEFAT, GWC brings proven expertise to this partnership. Combined with Qatar's vision for cultural and economic diversification, this project represents a new benchmark for integrated art infrastructure and creative economy growth in the region."CEO of QC+ Kirstin Mearns, said: "The Gulf is no longer an emerging market for art. It is a global player, as demonstrated by the announcement of Art Basel Qatar. QC+ and GWC will use our combined expertise to provide innovative and industry-leading fine art logistics solutions. This collaboration reinforces Qatar's position as a global centre for culture and creativity, and for the commercial infrastructure that supports both."The Doha facility will provide museum-grade preservation, secure storage, and professional care for artworks and cultural assets, supported by a conservation laboratory, private and shared storage spaces, viewing rooms, and custom-bonded areas for art logistics and handling.It will also include learning and collaboration zones designed to advance local expertise in art preservation and management. The facility will also benefit from its proximity to Hamad International Airport, a major international transit hub and one of the largest airports in the region, designed to handle a high volume of passenger traffic and cargo from around the world.The project aligns with Qatar's growing role as host to major cultural events, including Art Basel Qatar in February 2026, and will further connect Qatar's creative economy with the world.