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The Economic and Cyber Crimes Combating Department at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation has arrested 194 individuals of various nationalities for filming and circulating video clips, as well as publishing misleading information and rumours that incite public opinion and violate instructions issued by the relevant authorities.Authorities said the necessary legal and administrative measures have been taken against those involved.In a statement, the Ministry of Interior warned the public against filming, sharing video clips, or spreading rumours related to ongoing field developments. It stressed the importance of obtaining information exclusively from official sources and refraining from circulating content that may contain misleading information or material that could provoke public opinion.The ministry affirmed that it will not hesitate to take the necessary legal action against violators. 

Technology and innovation have become central pillars of economic growth worldwide, and both Qatar and Ukraine recognise their importance in building knowledge-based economies, an industry expert has said.Daria Revina, co-founder and vice chair of the Qatar-Ukraine Business Forum (QUBF), told Gulf Times that Ukraine has long been strong in Information Technology (IT), ranking among the “top five globally in terms of graduates and expertise.”“In recent years, driven by necessity, Ukraine has also emerged as a leader in defence technology and drone innovation—transforming from a virtually nonexistent domestic drone industry in 2022 to an exporter of advanced solutions abroad.“This expertise aligns naturally with Qatar’s drive to diversify its economy and strengthen its tech and startup ecosystem. That’s why we established the Qatar-Ukraine Tech and Innovation Committee, bringing together government and private sector partners from both countries,” Revina pointed out.According to Revina, the QUBF established the Qatar-Ukraine Tech & Innovation Committee, a platform to connect players, explore collaboration opportunities in areas like AI, automation, and robotics, and develop sector-specific initiatives.“Our key partner in Ukraine is Unit.City, the largest tech and innovation hub in Eastern Europe. It is often described as the region’s Silicon Valley. Through their network, we engage a wide range of innovators in joint projects and challenges. For example, automation and robotics are a global priority, closely tied to the AI revolution.“Ukraine has produced promising robotics companies, and we see strong potential for their solutions in Qatar, particularly in the warehousing and logistics sectors, where automation can reduce reliance on imported labour,” Revina explained.During Web Summit Qatar 2026, QUBF announced a partnership with Snoonu, led by its founder and CEO, Hamad al-Hajri, who is also a QUBF board member.Revina said, “His newly-formed venture capital, X2 Ventures, is investing in Ukrainian robotics, reflecting his belief that talent is the foundation of innovation. Together, this collaboration supports Qatar’s vision for automation and robotics while connecting it to Ukraine’s cutting-edge expertise.”Revina pointed to cybersecurity as a critical sector within tech and innovation, which QUBF views as one of the most important areas the organisation has prioritised.She said, “Ukraine has some of the most advanced expertise globally. We’ve identified promising Ukrainian cybersecurity startups and are currently working to raise funding for them here in Qatar.“While details are still in process and cannot yet be disclosed, the goal is to relocate these companies to Qatar, where they can establish themselves and use the country as a launch pad for global expansion.” 

President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that France was now providing two-thirds of intelligence information to Ukraine, largely replacing ‌the United States, which until last year ‌had delivered the ‍bulk of those services.In March 2025, Washington made the decision to ⁠suspend intelligence sharing with Ukraine ⁠as part of efforts to crank up pressure on ‍Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to cooperate with President Donald Trump's bid to convene peace talks with Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022.The relationship has had its ups and downs since, but there has been no indication that Washington has drastically ‌cut its intelligence provision to Ukraine.In a New Year's speech to the French military, Macron praised Europe's efforts over ‍the last two years ⁠in taking ‌over major strands of weapons support to Ukraine.He said a coalition of some 35 countries was now providing all of the support, including financial, to Kyiv after Washington had decided to no longer fund or directly give weapons to Ukraine."Where Ukraine was extremely dependent on American intelligence capacity, huge majority (of it) a year ago, in (the space of) a year, two-thirds is today provided ​by France," Macron said.The comments ‌are in contrast to Kyrylo Budanov, who was appointed head of Zelenskiy's ⁠office and is ‍the former chief of Ukraine's military intelligence, who said in December that Kyiv was critically dependent on Washington for intelligence ranging from satellite imagery to early warning systems after ballistic missile launches.Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency declined ​to comment.A French defence ministry official declined to comment specifically on the president's assertions, but said much of the intelligence was of technical origin.When Washington suspended intelligence in 2025, France's then Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the U.S. halt to intelligence sharing would have a significant operational impact on Ukraine, but that France's ⁠own intelligence provided to Kyiv was not reliant on Washington. 

Saudi Arabia’s stock market rose Thursday in ‌the first session of ‌the new ‍year, while most other regional bourses remained closed. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index gained 0.6%, supported by ‍broad-based buying led by consumer staples, information technology and utilities. Riyad Bank rose 1.7% and ACWA Power added 1.2%. Saudi Arabia’s National Debt ‌Management Center said on Wednesday it had completed arrangements for a $13bn, seven-year syndicated loan ⁠to ‌help finance power, water and public utilities projects. Among individual stocks, Al Khaleej Training and Education jumped 7.6% after its unit signed a contract with the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority to operate and manage the authority’s ​contact centre ‌and digital channels. In Oman, the stock index edged ‍up 0.5%, with most constituents higher. OQ Exploration and Production gained 1.4% and Oman Telecommunications climbed 1.6%. Separately, Oman, a ‌small Gulf oil producer, ‌approved Thursday its 2026 budget with a deficit of 530mn Omani ‍rials ($1.38bn), which accounts for 1.3% of national output, the state news agency reported. Oman expects ‌total spending of 11.977bn rials in 2026, up 1.5% ‍from 2025, the state ‌news agency said. The Gulf country, which is largely reliant on oil, based this year’s budget on an average oil price of $60 per barrel. It ​expects revenues ‌of 11.447bn rials, up 2.4% ‍from 2025, the state news agency added. Oman said it expects the public debt to ​reach 14.6bn Omani rials ($38.02bn) by the end of 2026, which accounts for 36% of national output. 

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Mohammed Al Bedaiwi stressed the importance of evaluating and developing the digital infrastructure of the General Secretariat and its affiliated organizational units, to keep pace with developments in this field.This came during a workshop held by the General Directorate of Digital Transformation and Information Technology, at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat, with the participation of the assistant secretaries and heads of organizational units at the General Secretariat.The workshop aimed to review the efforts implemented and discuss the strategic guidelines for the future operational model for digital transformation. This workshop comes in support of decision-making and aligning digital initiatives with the institutional work needs of the GCC General Secretariat. 

His Excellency the Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani met with Spain's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gomez, and the accompanying delegation. The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation in security fields and ways to enhance and further develop them, besides touching on issues of mutual concern. The meeting also witnessed the signing of a joint action plan between the interior ministries of the two countries in the areas of information exchange, counter-terrorism, and crime prevention, along with a joint statement between Lekhwiya and the Spanish interior ministry to advance security co-operation mechanisms. HE Sheikh Khalifa and Gomez signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.  

India is poised to seek bids for its $7.1bn majority stake in IDBI Bank Ltd, a key step in its long-running effort to privatise the previously-distressed lender and accelerate a divestment push.Talks with potential suitors are at an advanced stage, according to people familiar with the matter. A government agency is expected to formally open the bidding process as soon as this month, in what could be the biggest state-backed disposal of a bank stake in decades, they said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information.India is aiming to sell 60.72% in the Mumbai-based lender, which amounts to about $7.1bn at IDBI Bank’s current market price. The bank, once burdened by heavy bad loans, has emerged from a major cleanup, and returned to profitability in recent years after capital support and aggressive recoveries helped it cut non-performing assets sharply.The government missed earlier deadlines to complete the sale due to hurdles such as delays in securing regulatory approvals. Government officials have repeatedly indicated the divestment process will be completed in the fiscal year ending March 2026. Shortlisted bidders are currently doing due diligence, the minister of state for finance said in a written reply to parliament questions this week.Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, Emirates NBD PJSC and Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd had shown so-called expression of interest in IDBI Bank and received a fit-and-proper criteria by the country’s central bank, the people said. An expression of interest is the first step in the bidding process, though may not result in a financial bid.The federal government and state-owned Life Insurance Corp of India together own about 95% in the lender. The government will sell 30.48% of its stake in the bank, while LIC will offload 30.24%, along with transfer of management control.Spokespeople for India’s finance ministry, LIC, IDBI Bank, Kotak and Fairfax didn’t respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Emirates NBD declined to comment.SuitorsKotak, backed by Asia’s richest banker Uday Kotak, is seen as the frontrunner to bid for IDBI Bank, the people said. Even so, the lender has signalled in talks that it won’t chase the deal at an inflated price, they said.An M&A can “leapfrog” Kotak’s scale, Jefferies said in a note late last month. Still, if the government seeks cash for the deal, this could drag on Kotak’s capitalisation and the merged bank’s profits, it said.Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa’s Fairfax, an active investor in India including in firms such as CSB Bank Ltd, remains in the fray, the people said. Emirates NBD, one of the Middle East’s largest lenders that recently announced a jumbo deal to buy a majority stake in RBL Bank Ltd, has also considered participating, they said.Shares of IDBI Bank have risen nearly 30% so far this year, resulting in a market value of more than 1tn rupees ($11.6bn). The government was pushing for a valuation of around 640bn rupees for the bank, Bloomberg News reported in 2022, a figure that’s long been surpassed as its shares rise in anticipation of a takeover.While the expectation is to have the winning bidder announced by end-March next year, the deal is still expected to stretch beyond that date as approvals and other clearances come into play, the people said. 

His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai, held several high-level bilateral meetings with ministers, industry leaders, and accompanying delegations participating in the inaugural edition of MWC25 Doha which is being held for the first time in the Mena region, organised by GSMA in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.The meetings and discussions focused on enhancing co-operation in various fields, including developing technological innovation, fostering digital skills, and accelerating national digital transformation efforts. The meetings also explored potential joint initiatives to drive the digital economy forward and equip talent with the capabilities needed for the future.In this regard, HE the Minister of Communications met with Lebanese Minister of the Displaced Kamal Shehadeh. They discussed areas of co-operation.He also met with the senior leadership of VEON Group, including CEO Kaan Terzioglu. They explored opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation and future technologies.HE al-Mannai met with Director General of the Arab ICT Organisation (AICTO), Eng. Mohammed Ben Amor, and several AICTO officials. They discuss joint efforts to support regional digital progress. 

QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has been honoured with the Innovation Award at the Red Hat Summit 2025, in recognition of the bank’s leadership in digital transformation, hybrid-cloud adoption, and its strategic advancements in AI-driven financial services.The award was accepted by IT experts from QNB, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to modernising its technology landscape and pioneering new solutions that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and information security.During the panel discussion, QNB showcased its forward-looking roadmap in digital transformation and governance of artificial intelligence, as well as its role in fostering innovation across the financial sector.Red Hat Summit Connect, being its first time in Qatar, brings together technology leaders, decision-makers, and open-source experts to explore the next frontier of IT innovation.The event serves as a platform for accelerating digital transformation through collaboration, education, and real-world application.QNB’s participation in the event, which is considered one of Red Hat leading strategic showcases, strengthened with the award reinforces its significant contribution and its continuous efforts to strengthen its digital capabilities, support Qatar’s innovation ecosystem, and set new benchmarks for sustainable and secure technology adoption.

Scale Now, which enables Qatari founded technology companies to become global competitors, has secured deals valued at $12.9mn, positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation, according to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).Of the $12.9mn in deals secured, as much as $7.2mn was in B2B (business-to-business) and $5.7mn in direct investments, said a MCIT presentation made recently after roping in four more partners – Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Invest Qatar, QDB (Qatar Development Bank) and Qatar Research Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council - for the programme."Scale Now is more than a programme; it is a coordinated national platform turning digital innovation into tangible economic impact," MCIT said.About $7.2mn in B2B (business to business) transactions; the presentation said it demonstrated strong market validation and confidence in Qatar’s scale-up ecosystem.The Cycle 1 had secured $5.7mn in direct investments through a mix of private funding, grants, and investor partnerships.The participating entities from Cycle 1 reported sustained growth, validating the effectiveness of the programme’s capability-building and market access model, it said, highlighting more than 50% average revenue growth and one successful international market expansion in Cycle 1.The Cycle 1 brought together six market-ready companies delivering solutions from digital payments and marketplaces to airport operations and immersive media.It saw Mzad Qatar, providing a multi-category marketplace with a digital auction platform that connects buyers and sellers; SkipCash, enabling businesses to implement secure online payment solutions through a streamlined digital platform; and EMMA Systems, delivering airport software that improves operational efficiency and data management.The Cycle 1 also saw ADGS, offering behavioural biometrics and predictive maintenance powered by proprietary AI models; SPONIX, providing immersive video solutions and virtual advertising that enable engaging real-time content during live events; and ClassTap, offering flexible access to more than 3,000 fitness studios and classes through a subscription platform.Scale Now contributes directly to Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030's national employment target by equipping founders and creating high-value digital roles across tech sectors, aiming more than 26,000 ICT (information, communication and technology) jobs by 2030."Through its collaborative model, Scale Now is enabling Qatari-founded technology companies to become global competitors, strengthening the nation’s economic resilience, export potential, and job creation capacity," it said.By providing tailored mentorship, strategic partnerships, investment readiness and facilitating access to pilot opportunities, the programme helps high-potential companies transform proven traction into sustainable growth. It strengthens Qatar’s digital economy, aligns with the Digital Agenda 2030 and positions the country as a global hub for innovation and expansion."We will refer high-potential companies from Startup Qatar to future Scale Now cohorts, support access to funding and grants, and help shape a connected, resilient ecosystem where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive," Invest Qatar had said.Invest Qatar serves as the gateway for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, guiding them through each stage of their business journey — from exploration to expansion — by providing comprehensive insights, market knowledge and facilitating connections with key government and private sector stakeholders.

The second cycle of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's (MCIT) Scale Now – a growth programme designed to equip Qatar’s digital entrepreneurs achieve success on local, regional, and global levels and featuring as many as 13 high-potential firms from Qatar and beyond – is scheduled to conclude on November 15, 2025.The Cycle 2 – currently in the capacity building phase, with pilot and expansion plans in progress – has entities driving innovation across AI (artificial intelligence), Healthtech, EdTech, Gaming, Cybersecurity, ERP (enterprise resource planning), Retail, and Sustainability; said MCIT in a presentation made recently.The Cycle 2 has two AI companies Bilby, which provides AI-driven data analytics that evaluate public statements to predict future behaviour; and Khadoom, an on-demand AI-powered personal assistant platform that helps users outsource daily errands through messaging apps.It saw SEK Games, a Turkish game development studio specialising in free-to-play mobile games in the idle, arcade, and simulation genres; Adeer, offering a business management app that simplifies sales, inventory, finance, and tax operations for small and micro businesses; and ENABLE, providing an AI-driven retail platform that boosts revenue through customer loyalty and operational optimisation.On Cybersecurity, Cytomate delivers automated threat assessment and cyber defence solutions that reduce human error and enhance protection.The Cycle 2 has two Edtech firms as Ynmo, which offers a bilingual AI-powered platform that helps educators create personalised learning plans for children with disabilities; and Kamkalima, which develops Arabic literacy through interactive learning tools, AI features, and a comprehensive digital content library.The Cycle 2 has four Healthtech firms as Rhazes, providing a generative AI clinical assistant that supports doctors with real-time patient care guidance; and Dieture, offering a personalised meal subscription service that delivers customised, health-focused meals.It also had PhysioHome, connecting patients with licensed rehabilitation professionals for home-based therapy and care; and Shezlong, operating a secure mental health and psychotherapy platform for Arabic-speaking users in the Middle East and North Africa.On environment and sustainability, the Cycle 2 has Nafas, which offers AI-driven air quality management through hardware-as-a-service, helping buildings maintain healthy indoor environments efficiently.The Cycle 2 companies are currently participating in an intensive capability-building phase, combining specialised mentorship with targeted business acceleration.This phase focuses on four core areas such as Strategy, which encompasses growth mapping, market positioning, and competitive differentiation; Product (product-market fit, feature refinement, and scalability engineering); Operations (key performance indicators alignment, process efficiency, and resource optimisation), and Finance (forecasting, capital structure, and investor readiness).The programme’s capability modules turn ambition into execution, equipping founders not just to grow, but to lead sustainably."Following the capability-building stage, Cycle 2 will progress into pilot development and regional expansion planning, partnering with local enterprises and government entities to co-develop solutions, validate business models, and prepare companies for global scale," MCIT said.The Cycle 1 brought together six market-ready companies delivering solutions from digital payments and marketplaces to airport operations and immersive media.It saw Mzad Qatar, providing a multi-category marketplace with a digital auction platform that connects buyers and sellers; SkipCash, enabling businesses to implement secure online payment solutions through a streamlined digital platform; and EMMA Systems, delivering airport software that improves operational efficiency and data management.The Cycle 1 also saw ADGS, offering behavioural biometrics and predictive maintenance powered by proprietary AI models; SPONIX, providing immersive video solutions and virtual advertising that enable engaging real-time content during live events; and ClassTap, offering flexible access to more than 3,000 fitness studios and classes through a subscription platform.

As part of joint national efforts to attract Qatari talent to the government sector, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in co-operation with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), concluded the first round of the 'Rapid Recruitment Campaign'.This campaign targeted candidates through the 'Kawader' platform and lasted two days. It witnessed a strong turnout from national candidates. During the campaign, a number of in-person interviews were conducted with Qatari candidates over two days, resulting in the selection of several candidates to join various departments across the ministry. The campaign also provided candidates with the opportunity to learn more about MCIT’s work environment and gain insights into the major national digital projects it oversees.The initiative aimed to facilitate the integration of qualified national professionals into MCIT by enabling direct interviews, assessing their skills and capabilities, and expediting their recruitment into a digital work environment. It further sought to expand their participation in major national projects and contribute to advancing Qatar’s digital transformation.The campaign is fully aligned with the objectives of Digital Agenda 2030, which aspires to create over 26,000 new job opportunities in the ICT sector by 2030, in addition to enhancing the skills of professionals working in the ICT field. These efforts will further strengthen the readiness of Qatar’s national workforce to support the country’s digital transformation and solidify its position as a leading nation in digital innovation and progress.