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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. 

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), in collaboration with the Qatar Cancer Society, successfully hosted the Technological Innovations for Cancer Risk Reduction and Detection conference, bringing together leading national and international experts to explore the integration of cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing cancer prevention, early detection, and community well-being.With keynote presentations from experts at the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO-IARC) and the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO-EMRO), the conference served as a platform to advance applied research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and support national and global health priorities.The conference highlighted innovations in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for cancer risk reduction and detection, while strengthening collaboration among key institutions, including WHO-IARC, WHO-EMRO, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), and leading healthcare and academic entities. The event also promoted community awareness and wellness were further promoted through the dissemination of the latest scientific evidence, national priorities, and practical strategies for cancer prevention and early detection, showcased through a dedicated poster exhibit.Students actively participated through research presentations, innovation showcases, and interactive sessions designed to cultivate future leaders in healthcare technology.President of UDST Dr. Salem Al Naemi said: "It was inspiring to see so many experts, students, and community partners come together for this conference. Events like these allow us to turn innovative research into real-world solutions that can make a difference in people’s lives. At UDST, we are committed to supporting the next generation of leaders in healthcare technology and contributing to Qatar National Vision 2030 for a healthier future."Commenting on the occasion, Founder and Chairman of the Qatar Cancer Society Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al-Thani said: "This conference represents an important model of institutional collaboration aimed at strengthening cancer prevention and supporting early detection efforts. The Qatar Cancer Society commends the national and international partnerships that contribute to the exchange of expertise and the development of evidence-based strategies. We reaffirm our commitment to continuing our work with our partners to advance community health and enhance awareness, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. This commitment stems from the Society’s vision of fostering a cancer-aware community and ensuring a better quality of life for those affected.”International keynote speakers included Head of the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention Program Dr. Beatrice Lauby-Secretan, who presented global research efforts and evidence-based strategies for reducing cancer risk. Dr. Lamia Mahmoud, Regional Advisor for Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention at the WHO- EMRO, discussed regional approaches to integrating technology and public health initiatives to enhance early detection and prevention of noncommunicable diseases, including cancer.

His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani inaugurated Tuesday the MWC25 Doha conference, which is being organised by the GSMA Association in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.The opening ceremony was attended by several Sheikhs and Ministers, along with GSMA officials, and leaders in communications and information technology in the region and the world.Following the opening, His Excellency the Prime Minister toured the accompanying exhibition, which included leading global, regional, and local companies, and discussed the latest innovations in the fields of communication, 5G and beyond networks, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, smart cities, data solutions, and financial technologies.His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai affirmed that holding MWC25 Doha in Qatar highlights the prominent position of the Middle East and North Africa region in shaping the next generation of communication technologies.In his remarks during the official opening ceremony of the conference at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, he said that hosting this event reflects the region’s growing ability to adapt to global developments and demonstrates its readiness to transition toward smarter and more efficient digital infrastructures that support development and drive innovation at regional and international levels.His Excellency said that digital transformation in the Middle East and North Africa is currently undergoing a precise maturation phase, evidenced by the region’s 427mn mobile service subscribers, a digital base that reflects broad growth potential.His Excellency al-Mannai noted, however, that part of the population in the Middle East and North Africa still remains outside full connectivity, which makes the enhancement of digital inclusion not only a shared objective for the coming years but also an opportunity to achieve something beyond that.HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology said that the telecommunications industry in the region is advancing toward building knowledge-based infrastructure, or cognitive infrastructure. His Excellency noted that connectivity alone is no longer sufficient, as intelligence has become an essential component of modern network systems.He pointed out that as user needs evolve, the industry is adopting artificial intelligence-based solutions to enhance network efficiency and improve adaptability. His Excellency added that the region is moving toward developing networks capable of automatically optimizing their performance, while also transforming the role of operators into providers of insight and expertise, rather than merely suppliers of services and bandwidth.HE the Minister also highlighted the rapid advancement of telecommunications networks toward more intelligent systems that rely on data analytics and artificial intelligence to adapt swiftly to changing usage patterns.His Excellency said indicators show that GCC states possess some of the highest levels of digital readiness globally, with mobile internet speeds averaging 500 Mbps and internet usage rates ranging between 97% and 100% of the population.His Excellency emphasized that the convening of MWC Doha serves as a platform bringing together minds and expertise to exchange perspectives on artificial intelligence as a driver of change, smart economies, and connected industries, domains that align with the region’s aspirations and reinforce its role as an active partner in shaping the contours of the global digital future.

CEO of GSMA Ltd John Hoffman emphasised that the MWC25 Doha Conference constitutes an exceptional platform to highlight the technological development taking place in the region and to enhance its position as a key driver of regional and international digital transformation.In his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Hoffman said that Qatar is currently an ideal location to showcase progress in the ICT sector and advanced technology in general. Government support, strategic vision, and a commitment to innovation are key factors in the success of the technology ecosystem, which contributes to the success of the conference. He pointed out that organising this global event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center reflects a high level of readiness and professionalism, especially with the showcasing of the latest technologies, along with active government participation and an intensive presence of global thought leaders and decision-makers, as well as the ministerial programme that brings together ministers and officials from various countries around the world to discuss policies that support the flourishing of technology.He indicated that the GSMA committed to organising the event in Doha for five years, believing that the region will continue to grow as a major communications and technology hub, especially since more than 50% of 5G communications are concentrated in this region, in addition to the expansion in the fields of artificial intelligence, big data and advanced digital infrastructure.He also stressed that Doha forms a complementary link to the global events route of MWC, which began in Barcelona, ​​then Shanghai and Kigali, before concluding in Qatar. This reflects a strategic integration that enhances the global presence and highlights the region as a rising power in the field of technology. He considered the accompanying exhibition a global platform for showcasing innovation and promoting co-operation between startups and major institutions, as more than 100 startup projects are participating this year to present ideas and technical solutions, which contributes to supporting the entrepreneurship ecosystem and establishing an environment that stimulates creativity.He highlighted the role of the GSMA in uniting international efforts to bridge the digital usage gap, noting that around three billion people around the world are still outside the mobile Internet system despite the availability of coverage, as the association works with various partners to facilitate access to technology and reduce digital inequality.Concluding his remarks, John Hoffman noted the importance of local partnerships in the success of MWC, praising the co-operation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center and all partners from operators and infrastructure providers to achieve sustainable success. 

Reem Mohammed al-Mansoori, who serves as Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Community Development at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, affirmed that the digital economy represents the future of growth, and that the State of Qatar is working to diversify its economy and enhance the contribution of the ICT sector to GDP, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.Speaking during a session on designing the experiences economy at the MWC25 Conference in Doha, al-Mansoori said that the national digital transformation strategy for the next five years has set a clear target of having the ICT sector contribute 4 percent to GDP growth. She noted that the national digital agenda has laid the foundation for achieving an experience economy and creating a new generation of services based on data and artificial intelligence.She highlighted that Qatar has given high priority to AI technologies, launching a national strategy to build an infrastructure for sovereign AI, in addition to developing smart services across key sectors. She pointed to the completion of digital transformation roadmaps in infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, transportation, and logistics.Al-Mansoori added that the State of Qatar has successfully developed a highly advanced national digital platform based on cloud infrastructure, after attracting global cloud providers such as Google and Microsoft to establish data centres capable of supporting various sectors and enabling them to deliver digital solutions more quickly and efficiently.Regarding the sports sector, the Assistant Undersecretary explained that it was among the priority sectors for digital transformation in recent years. The ministry worked with partners to develop an integrated digital ecosystem that contributed to the success of the fan experience during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, through visitor-tracking systems, smart guidance applications, and fan engagement platforms.She said that the digital legacy of the World Cup has been capitalised on and developed within the tourism strategy, which aims to attract 6mn visitors annually and achieve QR34bn in tourism spending by 2030.She noted that the State of Qatar is redesigning its tourism-service ecosystem to deliver a comprehensive and innovative experience for visitors and residents, within the framework of the experience economy.On the development of digital skills, she underlined that the biggest global challenge lies in attracting talent. She noted that the Digital Agenda 2030 aims to create 26,000 new jobs in the digital economy, which requires collaboration with the education ecosystem, talent reskilling, and the launch of new programmes to attract specialists, including the recently announced digital-talent visa.In concluding her remarks al-Mansoori stressed that economic prosperity is the true measure of digital transformation success. She emphasised that every technological project or investment in the country must contribute to improving quality of life, supporting economic growth, and achieving Qatar’s long-term vision.

Doha's hosting of the MWC25 conference marks a major milestone for the mobile communications sector and reflects Qatar's advanced position on the global technology landscape, said Jawad Abbasi, head of Middle East and North Africa at the GSMA.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) ahead of MWC Doha 2025, scheduled to take place on November 25-26, Abbasi noted that the MWC is the world's leading platform for interaction among all stakeholders in the communications ecosystem, including the private sector, governments, and international institutions. He emphasised that the event plays a critical role in strengthening the sustainability of the communications sector, which he described as the cornerstone of the digital economy and modern economic development.Abbasi added that the GSMA, which organises the event, serves as the global umbrella for mobile network operators as well as technology providers and companies operating in this vital sector. He explained that mobile communications have become the primary channel of digital connectivity for billions of people worldwide, with mobile phones now serving as the main gateway to the internet for a significant portion of the global population. This reality, he noted, places on the Association a substantial responsibility to help bridge gaps in coverage and usage, ensuring comprehensive and equitable access to digital services for all communities.Abbasi stressed that Doha was chosen to host MWC25 — after being held in several major global cities — based on a number of strategic considerations. Foremost among these is Qatar's leadership in adopting advanced technologies, including 5G, fibre-optic networks, and next-generation digital solutions, as well as the country's exceptionally high access rates to these technologies. He added that Qatari telecommunications operators rely on cutting-edge digital systems that position Qatar at the forefront of innovation in the region.He highlighted that Qatar's advanced infrastructure — particularly its transport sector, including Hamad International Airport, an integrated metro network, and world-class conference facilities — combined with global connectivity through Qatar Airways, makes Doha an ideal destination for hosting major international conferences. Abbasi also revealed that MWC25 is expected to continue being held in Doha for years to come.He further emphasised the strategic importance of hosting MWC25 in the region, noting that global economic shifts increasingly point to the economic centre of gravity moving eastward. This gives the Gulf region — and Doha in particular — a unique advantage, making it an ideal global hub for major international events.He added that this dynamic reinforces Qatar's position as a regional centre of gravity for the digital economy and global technology conferences, which explains the GSMA's growing number of events in the region, including the M360 Mena conference, culminating in the establishment of MWC Doha as a permanent annual event.Abbasi said that MWC25 Doha will feature a diverse program, including a high-level ministerial agenda with the participation of governments, policymakers, and international organisations. This agenda will discuss optimal regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable investment in telecommunications networks and support the sector’s long-term growth.He noted that the conference will focus on several key themes, including artificial intelligence and its applications across economic sectors, the deployment of 5G in industry, transportation, ports, and aviation, maximising the economic and social returns of digital investments, and exploring the future of 6G technologies.The conference will bring together around 300 exhibiting companies from around the world, offering an ideal platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing the latest technological innovations. Abbasi said the strong participation of global companies and institutions reflects rising international confidence in Doha's capabilities and its growing influence in the global technology landscape.He revealed that several agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed during the conference, including a strategic agreement between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the GSMA to establish a training centre for modern technologies in cooperation with GSMA Advanced. The centre aims to enhance knowledge transfer and capacity building in the Arab world and the Gulf region — an initiative described as a significant step toward supporting sustainable digital development.Regarding the expected timeline for 6G services, Abbasi said the technology remains in the research and development phase and is anticipated to be available to the general public between 2031 and 2032. He stressed that the current priority is to maximise the benefits of existing 5G technologies to ensure meaningful economic and social development outcomes. 

Pakistan's rooftop solar generation will for the first time exceed power demand on the country's electrical grid during daytime hours in some major industrial regions next year, a senior government official told Reuters.The outlook reflects a record boom in the country's solar panel installations in recent years that has delivered lower emissions and reduced power bills for some, but also disrupted the finances of debt-laden utilities due to a protracted decline in demand for grid-based electricity. "Pakistan will experience negative grid-linked demand during certain daytime hours because behind-the-meter solar is offsetting grid consumption completely," Aisha Moriani, secretary of Pakistan's climate change ministry told Reuters on the sidelines of the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.While regions in Europe and Australia sometimes experience negative electricity prices due to solar oversupply and low demand, Pakistan would be among the first major emerging markets where rooftop generation could exceed grid-linked demand in major areas entirely for lengthy periods. "Negative demand" is likely in the northwestern city of Lahore, which has some of the country's highest solar penetration, followed by Faisalabad and Sialkot, where industrial areas are driving solar adoption, she said. Power cuts and tariff hikes have pushed Pakistan's 250mn people to accelerate solar adoption and made it the world's third-largest panel importer, with solar's share in generation exceeding its neighbour China.The south Asian nation will see more frequent negative-demand events, especially during bright summer afternoons, industrial holidays and moderate temperature days with high solar output, said Moriani, Pakistan's lead negotiator at COP30. "Pakistan's challenge is not whether renewable energy will grow, it is how fast the grid, regulation, and market design can evolve to keep pace," she said.The south Asian nation is planning to introduce new tariffs for large solar users, as well as changes to fee structures to ensure businesses with panels share equally in the costs of grid upkeep, she said. Pakistan's grid-linked power demand is expected to grow 3-4% this year, slower than historical averages.Next year, consumption is expected to rise more steeply but could be impacted more by higher solar use, Moriani said. The surge in solar use has also pushed Pakistan to renegotiate its LNG contracts with top supplier Qatar and cancel cargoes supplied by Italy's Eni, Moriani said.Pakistan is looking for lower prices, flexible delivery schedules and potentially fewer cargoes, she said. While there were no formal negotiations with Qatar at COP30, the event provided "diplomatic space for engagement with energy ministers and commercial representatives," she said. "The key aim is to align Pakistan's gas import strategy with fiscal space, demand outlook, and seasonal patterns.Pakistan seeks stability and affordability, not expansion of LNG dependency."

The 36th Annual Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) will begin Sunday, at the Qatar National Library.The three-day conference, themed "Digital Justice and Arab Information Institutions: Strengthening Partnership, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation," will see wide participation from academic institutions, national and public libraries, and information professionals from across the Arab world.This year's conference aims to enhance the role of libraries in supporting equitable access to information, expand Arab cooperation, and bolster initiatives that unify efforts in digitization and sustainability. It also seeks to encourage Arab researchers to present rigorous and insightful studies that examine the region's experiences in achieving digital justice.The conference will address the digital divide related to language and culture through a comprehensive analysis of its challenges and opportunities. These studies will contribute to evaluating current efforts in the Arab world, offering practical recommendations to enhance Arabic digital content, solidify the principles of digital justice, and support the development of artificial intelligence applications that meet the growing needs of Arab societies.The conference is the largest annual Arab gathering of library and information professionals, bringing together experts, academics, and leaders of knowledge institutions to discuss the future of information and scientific research in the Arab world. More than 20 scientific sessions and workshops will showcase leading Arab experiences in artificial intelligence, open science, heritage digitization, and data governance.The first day of the conference includes an official opening ceremony followed by keynote sessions discussing the prospects for Arab publishing, achieving digital justice, and the transformation of information institutions toward the digital future. The accompanying exhibition, featuring organizations and institutions from various Arab countries, will also open.The event will feature 22 scientific sessions covering key themes in digital justice and the development of knowledge environments. Among these sessions are "Digital Justice and Universal Access to Knowledge in Information Institutions" and "Arab Efforts in Collecting and Making Intellectual Output Available and Developing Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks."It will feature presentations on digital justice experiences and practices through initiatives presented by the Qatar office, as well as a dedicated scientific session entitled "Sustainable Practices for Achieving Digital Justice," which will highlight mechanisms for ensuring sustainability in digital transformation projects and information equity practices.The conference will also include the presentation of the annual report of the AFLI, followed by the Federation's elections, as part of its concluding agenda aimed at strengthening professional governance and developing the framework for joint Arab action in the library and information sector.  

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has concluded the 11th edition of the ‘Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2025’, which was held under the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding’. The event attracted more than 5,200 visitors who attended a wide range of specialised activities designed to support startups and strengthen innovation across Qatar’s national entrepreneurship ecosystem.This year’s edition was organised in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneurs Club, which hosted within the conference the second edition of the Young Entrepreneurs Media Forum. The forum witnessed strong engagement and notable participation from leading entities, entrepreneurs, and media-focused companies. QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi said, “Rowad exceeded expectations this year, delivering one of the most impactful entrepreneurship support platforms both locally and regionally.The event fulfilled its purpose of opening new horizons filled with opportunities that empower entrepreneurs in Qatar to scale their businesses and compete in new markets. “This year’s conference provided a strong platform to reinforce the role of the private sector in driving national economic diversification in line with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy.” He added: “By bringing together all components of the entrepreneurship ecosystem under one dynamic umbrella, Rowad enabled deeper collaboration and knowledge exchange.The success of this year’s edition is owed to the support of our partners and sponsors, and to the active participation of investors and companies who chose to showcase their innovative products and services at Rowad.” With the conclusion of this year’s edition, QDB reaffirms its commitment to advancing innovation, driving sustainable growth, and strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar.QDB stated that it will continue enabling local founders to expand into new markets through innovative partnerships and programs that support the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) announced a major expansion of its support for entrepreneurs at the 11th edition of the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference, unveiling new investment packages designed to attract global startups to Doha.Speaking at the conference’s opening ceremony, QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi said: “I am pleased to announce the doubling of investment packages: up to QR4mn for seed stage companies and up to QR20mn for growth stage companies. This programme serves as a bridge for outstanding startups worldwide to establish in Qatar and expand globally.”Al-Sowaidi emphasised that entrepreneurship in Qatar has evolved into a national endeavour, supported by the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3). He noted that the private sector’s role in venture capital “is expanding rapidly.”“Last year, private sector participation reached 57% of total venture capital investments. We continue our journey towards achieving the national target of 70% by 2030,” he explained.QDB’s investment arm now ranks fourth among the most active investors in the Middle East and North Africa, with direct and indirect investments exceeding “QR350mn.” The bank has also tripled the value of single co-investment deals to “QR11mn,” strengthening partnerships with local and international funds.Al-Sowaidi highlighted QDB’s partnerships with the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) Fund of Funds programme, including the launch of the HealthTech Accelerator with Deerfield’s Cure programme, which connects Doha and New York. He also pointed to the creation of Qatar’s first venture building studio, The studio, in collaboration with Utopia Capital Management.Capacity building initiatives have also been central to QDB’s strategy. More than 220 angel investors have been accredited through a programme with the Qatar Finance and Business Academy, paving the way for deeper engagement in venture capital across the region.“Aligned with Qatar’s ambition to be a launchpad rather than just a destination, we introduced the Startup Qatar Investment Programme. In just two years, it has supported more than 35 companies with investments exceeding QR130mn,” al-Sowaidi said.Al-Sowaidi stressed that digitalisation is now essential for competitiveness. QDB has rolled out a Digital Transformation programme, introduced the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) for self-assessment, and provided grants and financing to support companies in adopting advanced technologies.He cited figures from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) showing that 81% of early-stage entrepreneurs in Qatar rely on modern technology, evidence of the ecosystem’s ability to keep pace with global trends. QDB has also launched the Talent Community Programme, benefitting more than 50 entrepreneurs across 30 local and international companies, al-Sowaidi pointed out.He said this year’s Rowad conference gathered more than 120 local and international companies, 15 panel discussions, 45 workshops, and 28 startups competing to showcase their projects.“We stand at a moment where entrepreneurship moves from the margins to the centre of the economic system. The private sector is playing an increasingly vital role in driving development,” emphasised al-Sowaidi, who urged entrepreneurs and investors to seize the opportunity for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and deep partnerships.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) kicked off Monday the 11th edition of the ‘Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference’, which will run until November 19 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).Organised in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneurs Club, the three-day event will also host the second ‘Young Entrepreneurs Media Forum’, featuring participation from government and private organisations, media professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs.His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani led the opening ceremony of the conference, which carries the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding’.The event is held under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi said, “Today’s opening clearly demonstrates Rowad’s pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurship and fostering innovation and creative thinking at the national and regional levels.“The direct connections we've seen between companies and investors, and the knowledge sharing among experts and entrepreneurs, showcase this platform’s unique ability to forge new pathways for collaboration across Qatar's business ecosystem.”He added: “Rowad’s core mission is to create an environment where companies can access the knowledge, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive. We want every innovator to gain valuable insights into market dynamics, enabling them to plan strategically and grow with confidence.”According to QDB, this year’s theme charts a strategic course for entrepreneurship, emphasising excellence in business model development, market expansion, and leveraging sustainability and innovation as competitive differentiators that attract investment.The 2025 edition offers a rich and diverse programme, including a startup exhibition that features innovative solutions from 120 local and international companies. The conference hosts over 100 speakers and experts, more than 30 specialised workshops, and 15 panel discussions organised across four thematic tracks.The sessions tackle critical topics for Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: strategies for scaling operations and entering new markets, leveraging global demand to refine products and services, prioritising sustainability, and embracing innovative solutions.An interactive pitch platform allows entrepreneurs to present their ventures to investors and explore funding opportunities, while dedicated meetings between startups and investors facilitate partnership building and investment discussions.The conference enjoys strong institutional support, with strategic partners including the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside strategic sponsor QNB Group.The 11th edition of Rowad builds on the conference’s established track record, strengthening Doha’s position as a dynamic innovation hub and premier entrepreneurship destination. Rowad is held as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW).

The 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC)-Qatar 2025 is set to be organised from November 27 to 29, 2025, under the theme: “Inspiring Tomorrow: The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care”.Assistant Managing Director of Quality & Workforce Development, Dr Zelaikha Mohsin al-Wahedi, said the conference embodies Qatar’s prestigious standing in advancing the health sector and its sustainability and competence.This convention is part of a chain reaction of initiatives stemming from the national vision that places human health at the core of development priorities and underscores the importance of building a health system based on knowledge, prevention, and innovation, al-Wahedi highlighted.She further noted that over 1,000 experts including academics, and medical practitioners hailing from various countries around the world, representing elite global research and medical institutions, will attend this year’s conference – a testament to the enhanced confidence in PHCC as a leading scientific hub, and the incredible success of previously convened conferences in deepening its standing as a platform for scientific dialogue and sharing trailblazing global experiences in the field of primary healthcare.This year’s themes have addressed the rapid global evolution in the health sector and will primarily focus on AI applications, innovation in medical education, and emerging technologies, as well as their role in raising the efficiency of health services and optimising the experience of patients and visitors, al-Wahedi noted.She further indicated that this orientation aligns with the nation’s efforts in moving toward digital transformation in this sector, in PHCC’s pursuit to merge technology with daily practices to ensure high-quality and integrated care.She pointed out that the conference is not merely designed for scientific sessions, but also positions itself as a platform to boost collaboration and partnerships among domestic and international organisations, whether in terms of training, research, or capacity-building.The scientific programme of this event is poised to be structured into professional sessions convening domestic and international speakers, covering a wide spectrum of contemporary health issues that will address strategic subjects, she highlighted.These subjects, al-Wahedi said, include scientific research and its applications in clinical practice, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in healthcare, quality and patient safety, ethics and law in healthcare, inter-professional practice and collaboration, preventive care, priority populations such as older adults, children, and women, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).This is alongside key lectures to be delivered by international speakers to address the future of primary healthcare and collaboration in enhancing preventive services, along with parallel sessions that will cover state-of-the-art clinical updates in family medicine, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory medicine, radiology, nutrition, physiotherapy, and dentistry, al-Wahedi pointed out.