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Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Doha Debates has welcomed a new cohort of 195 young leaders from across the globe into its ambassador programme.Furthering Doha Debates’ goal of empowering young people to bridge differences and build consensus through constructive debate, participants in the Doha Debates Ambassador Programme learn to engage in intercultural dialogue and generate solutions to the world’s most timely and complex issues.At the start of the 12-week programme, ambassadors join an online community of practice guided by facilitation and intercultural communication expert Dr Brandon Ferderer, systems-thinking specialist Jennifer Geist, and several international guest speakers.Participants will build critical communication, systems-thinking, and consensus-building skills to prepare them for the second half of the programme, where they work in small teams to produce a Majlis-style debate that examines a global issue of concern to their generation.As well as acquiring valuable intercultural communication tools and techniques, ambassadors form lifelong connections with their peers and often engage with Doha Debates long after the programme concludes. Programme graduates have participated in live debates and town halls, podcasts and other special events. A group of 20 alumni will mentor the incoming cohort.Alumni have also created their own community projects showcasing the skills they acquired in the programme and reflecting its majlis-style approach. Former ambassador Ahmed Berramdane hosted Majlis-style workshops at the American Cultural Center Algiers, while Murshidul Alam Bhuiyan launched the Human Heroes Project, a space for authentic story-sharing to bridge divides. Meanwhile, Ayomide Emmanuel Akinwale, Rami Mroueh, Fils Jean Pierre Mutsinzi, Hafsa Rasheed, and Azra Shahab co-created a global affairs podcast promoting peaceful dialogue among youth.This cohort represents 68 countries across six continents, including Iraq, Somalia, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Afghanistan, Qatar, the US, and the UK. Many are current students or alumni of QF partner universities.“We warmly welcome our seventh cohort into the Doha Debates Ambassador Programme,” said Amjad Atallah, managing director of Doha Debates.

Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail has welcomed the internationally renowned celebrity chef Daniel Green until September 10.Specialising in healthy cuisine, chef Green is an award-winning author of 13 cookbooks on nutritious eating, selling millions worldwide, a statement said.He has designed menus for global airlines, luxury hotels, and acclaimed restaurants, and is a familiar face on leading networks including BBC, Food Network, and NBC.During his residency, chef Green will unveil the brand-new healthy menu at Wyld Erth on September 4, bringing his signature approach of guilt-free yet flavourful dining. Guests can also enjoy his specially curated dishes at Bywater and PRAIA throughout the week.From September 5-9, chef Green will host interactive cooking classes, sharing his expertise and passion for healthy living with participants in an engaging, hands-on experience.This collaboration marks a new chapter in Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail’s commitment to culinary innovation, wellbeing, and exceptional guest experiences, the statement added.

The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) announced Tuesday the opening of online applications for master's and doctoral programs for the 2026-2027 academic year, with submissions accepted until January 15, 2026.In a press release, DI indicated that this year it offers eight doctoral programs: Development Economics, Public Administration, Political Science and International Relations, Arabic Linguistics and Lexicography, History, Sociology, Media Studies, and Critical Security Studies.The master's programs include 18 offerings: Philosophy, History, Sociology and Anthropology, Political Science and International Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, Arabic Linguistics and Lexicography, Comparative Literature, Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action, Critical Security Studies, Human Rights, Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychology (Social Track), Public Administration, Public Policy, Development Economics, and the Executive Master of Public Administration.The doctoral programs are offered by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, while the master's programs are provided by both the School of Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Economics, Administration, and Public Policy.DI offers a variety of scholarships, including the Tamim Scholarship, which is merit-based and awarded to academically outstanding students, and the Sand Scholarship, which is need-based and available to all students.For the 2025-2026 academic year, DI welcomed 301 new master's students distributed across 18 master's programs and 8 doctoral programs, with 204 students in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, 97 in the School of Economics, Administration, and Public Policy, and 6 doctoral students.This cohort represents the largest in the institute's history and is also the first cohort in its second decade since its inception.According to the academic calendar, classes for the 2025-2026 academic year commenced on Aug. 24, following the celebration of nine graduating cohorts since the institute's founding, totaling 1,630 graduates.

The Ministry of Municipality is cracking down on partitioning of villas and seek to mitigate damages by carrying out checks, an official said. “The primary objective of the field inspections is to combat the phenomenon of partitioning, to limit it and to mitigate the damages,” Doha Municipality's Control Department assistant director Mohamed Sultan al-Shahwani told Qatar TV in a recent interview. “We seek to eliminate the phenomenon of partitioning villas, adhere to municipal requirements and eliminate the phenomenon of workers living among families,” he said. The official explained that before the inspection campaign departs, the selected area for the campaign is surveyed and the violating properties are identified. “The campaign then sets out to take action regarding the violations and issue reports,” he said. Ibrahim Abdullah al-Harmi, director of the Technical Affairs Department at Doha Municipality, during the interview, said that the campaign's primary objective is to preserve the urban fabric of the area, target areas in violation and protect residents from structural damage resulting from the phenomenon of villa subdivisions. Authorities have so far warned against illegally partitioning residential units citing that any such practice would draw certain fines and action. Partitioning the residential units without permission is illegal and causes danger to the occupants. As per the law, partitioning should be carried out legally while following the rules.

The Qatar Event Show (QES) is set to transform the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre as a premier hub for innovation and collaboration within the events and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.The three-day event opening Tuesday, will bring together over 50 cutting-edge exhibitors and more than 2,000 delegates from across the region and the globe.According to the organisers, this world-class exhibition will showcase the latest advancements in event technology, alongside insightful conferences, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. QES is also described as a premier platform for discovering groundbreaking event tech, absorbing knowledge from industry pioneers, and forging connections with key decision-makers within the MICE sector.One of the highlights will be a talk, titled ‘Qatar’s Next Chapter: Unlocking Event Management Opportunities for the Future’. This session will explore how Qatar’s world-class infrastructure, its exceptional talent pool, and its forward-thinking strategic vision are cultivating a fertile ground for significant growth in event management.The ‘Association Events as Knowledge Diplomacy Tools’ panel will investigate how association-led events can transcend mere knowledge sharing to become powerful instruments of soft power and diplomacy. Participants could gain insights into how hosting international associations strengthens professional communities, fosters vital dialogue, and strategically positions destinations as leading thought leaders on the global stage.The programme also includes a presentation on ‘Building Legacy through Fan-Centric Programmes in Sporting Events’, offering a glimpse into strategies that create lasting impact beyond the roar of the crowd.A panel titled ‘Game Changers - Women Shaping the MICE Industry’ will celebrate and highlight the transformative contributions of women in driving progress within the sector.For those seeking to enhance attendee engagement, ‘The PlayTactic Way: Gamifying Events with Play and Impact’ will present practical approaches to gamification, transforming events into captivating, interactive experiences that foster connection and create memorable moments.The event will also host a masterclass titled ‘Project Management in Motion - Lessons from Qatar’s Global Stage’. Led by fischerAppelt, this session will dissect how Qatar’s landmark global events have set new benchmarks in project management excellence, offering practical strategies, tools, and behind-the-scenes insights for successfully delivering complex projects with precision and impact.Sustainability will be a key theme at the show as well, with a presentation on ‘Tourism and the Blue Economy: A Pathway to Climate Resilient Events in the 21st Century’. This session spotlights the symbiotic relationship between tourism and the blue economy in building climate-resilient events, highlighting how coastal and marine sustainability strategies are shaping the future of event planning.A Masterclass workshop, ‘Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Enabling Sustainability in the Events Industry’ will provide actionable insights for professionals aiming to reduce their environmental footprint through innovative tech solutions. From transparent blockchain applications to smart venue management, this workshop is set to equip attendees with practical tools for integrating sustainability into event operations.A fireside chat, ‘Reimagining Events: Modularity as a Path to Sustainability’ will examine how modularity in event design can enhance flexibility, minimise waste, and drive long-term sustainability, exploring innovative approaches to creating adaptable structures that meet the evolving needs of the industry.

As Doha awaits a welcome respite from the summer heat, the Old Doha Port is emerging as one of Qatar’s most dynamic destinations, combining maritime heritage with modern leisure, culture, and recreation.From its colourful districts and expansive parks to world-class dining and marine facilities, the revitalised port offers something for residents, tourists, and seafarers.Mina District, a lively neighbourhood overflowing with restaurants, cafes, cultural retailers, and international shops, features a vibrant architecture and has quickly become a favourite backdrop for photos.According to Old Doha Port, visitors can explore more than 50 dining spots, 100 shops, and 150 serviced apartments, all connected by a scenic promenade overlooking the Terminal building, where cruise ships and yachts dock. The iconic fish market, offering the freshest catch, adds an authentic local touch.Adjacent to Mina, the Containers Yard pays tribute to the port’s commercial past. Once a hub for cargo shipping, the area now brims with colourful containers transformed into shops, eateries, and service centres. It caters to marine adventurers with yacht rentals, watersports, and even a 100-ton yacht lift.The marina accommodates up to 200 boats, including luxury superyachts, while specialised workshops, fuel stations, and an on-site Ministry of Transportation office streamline services for seafarers. The result is a unique space where maritime heritage meets contemporary culture.For those seeking tranquility, Old Doha Port noted that its Mina Parks offers more than 250,000 sqm of greenery. Featuring 5km of dedicated running and cycling tracks and an 8km wooden promenade, the parks connect seamlessly with the Corniche, extending Doha’s most iconic public space. Native Qatari trees and maritime-themed landscaping create a welcoming environment for both families and fitness enthusiasts, making it a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle.Nearby, the Fishermen’s Slipway — the largest in Qatar — offers easy sea access for maritime enthusiasts. With a 60m wide launch, two levels, and a secondary entrance, it provides a convenient and accessible space for fishermen and hobbyists, located just behind Halul Cafe with direct links to the Corniche.Anchoring the development is The Terminal, Doha’s official seaport and a grand national gateway for international visitors. Recognised by Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful cruise terminals, it welcomes more than 300,000 passengers annually.The facility can host two mega cruise ships simultaneously, each carrying up to 6,000 guests. Inside, streamlined passport and customs services ensure quick arrivals, while attractions like the City Gallery and The Aquarium immerse travellers in Qatar’s culture and marine life before they step into the bustling Mina neighbourhood.For those wishing to extend their stay, the Mina Hotel & Residences provides a five-star boutique retreat with 30 luxury rooms and 119 serviced apartments. Overlooking the sea, West Bay, and the cruise terminal, the hotel blends minimalist design with contemporary comfort, complete with fine dining, a serene lobby, and refined amenities.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Doha Chapter has organised a knowledge session on value added tax or VAT, e-invoicing and in-country value (ICV) readiness, engaging participants to deepen their understanding of evolving taxation and regulatory frameworks in the country.The event featured two speakers from MBG Corporate Services. Peeyush Joardar, chief executive officer, Indirect Taxation, delivered an insightful presentation on VAT and e-invoicing compliance, emphasising global best practices and their implications for businesses in Qatar, while Prashan Begwani, partner (Audit and Assurance Services), elaborated on ICV readiness and advisory, explaining how organisations can align their operations with Qatar’s strategic economic objectives.The interactive session saw active engagement from participants, who raised pertinent queries on VAT implementation challenges, digital invoicing systems, and practical approaches to ICV certifications which were addressed by both speakers.The event commenced with a solemn remembrance of TN Manoharan, a distinguished chartered accountant who passed away on July 30 in India.

The Spanish coach Felix Sanchez of Al Sadd emphasized the significant importance of the upcoming match against Al Gharafa, scheduled for Thursday, in the marquee fixture of the third round of the Doha Bank Stars League.Speaking to the media ahead of their 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League Week 3 match against Al Gharafa, Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez said, "We expect a difficult match. Al Gharafa have started the season strongly, but we are confident of putting in a good performance on home turf and in front of our fans towards achieving a positive result."It's important for us to regain our balance after the first match. I think we performed well last week and showed improvement, and we want to continue building on that to compete at our best in front of our fans."It is important for us to win the last match before the FIFA international break. It's important to enter the break feeling positive. We certainly want to achieve another good result for the team."Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins said, "Koeman's return to training will give the team greater options. The match will be exciting and difficult against the defending champions. We must focus defensively without compromising our style and identity. Calm and focus are our path to achieving our goals.""Your support makes the difference. We rely on you in difficult moments, and I trust your strong presence to support the players."

The year 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of our presence in Doha — a milestone made possible by the unwavering support and generosity of Qatar Foundation. It is a moment to honour the journey that has brought us here and to set our sights on what comes next.Today, I am pleased to welcome you all to HEC Paris, Doha.By this fall, we will have enrolled our 1,500th participant in our degree programmes, reflecting the trust that individuals and organisations across the region place in our model of rigorous, practice-oriented learning and its capacity to help people become a “better version of themselves”. We are proud of our EMBA, ranked among the best in the world.We also welcome the second intake of the Emerging Leaders Track within our flagship Executive MBA, designed to accelerate managerial readiness and broaden strategic perspective early in a leader’s journey.In parallel, our newest business case study on Meeza is ready for publication, bringing fresh local insight to classrooms and boardrooms across the globe.At HEC Paris, we enjoy seeing ideas move from discussion to implementation — and this is the time to do so. To our incoming students: you join a worldwide community defined by ambition, integrity, and impact, and united by the desire to create a better world for all, ethically.Use this year to challenge assumptions, expand your network, and turn learning into tangible value for yourself, your organisation, and your community.On behalf of our faculty and staff, I wish each of you a year of meaningful progress, professional growth, and lasting success. As it is said in French: bon voyage!

The Doha Film Institute opened the 2025 Doha Film Festival Thursday at Katara Cultural Village with the screening of The Voice of Hind Rajab – dubbed as a deeply moving and urgent testament to human resilience directed by award-winning filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania.**media[384210]**The event brought together key government officials, filmmakers, and artistes, among other dignitaries. Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani presented acclaimed actors Jamal Soliman and Golshifteh Farahani with the DFF 2025 Creative Excellence Award for their outstanding artistic contribution to storytelling.**media[384213]**Over the course of the festival, audiences can expect a vibrant mix of world premieres, regional firsts, panel discussions, industry events, youth-focused activities, live music, Geekdom, and a range of community programmes taking place across Doha.**media[384214]**The festival will turn Doha’s iconic venues, from Katara Cultural Village and Msheireb Downtown Doha to the Museum of Islamic Art, into lively centres of cultural exchange, uniting filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from around the world and highlighting the enduring power of art.