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Young innovators and Qatar’s youth have benefitted from the hands-on learning experience they gained at the recently held Rowad 2025, organised by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) under the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding’. During the three-day event, Innovation firm Ibtechar reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young innovators and cultivating a mindset of AI-driven entrepreneurship through various activities.As part of its youth-focused initiatives, Ibtechar organised the interactive workshop ‘Smart Startups: Using AI to Launch and Run Your Business’, in collaboration with its strategic partner, AI Crafters, which has a strong focus on the advancement, adoption and use of AI in professional environments.Delivered by Karima Rahali-Sebti, AI Crafters’ leading AI expert in the GCC, the one-hour session introduced university students to the potential of AI as a startup co-founder, demonstrating how technologies, such as Generative AI, are reshaping how startups are conceived, validated, and scaled.Emphasising Ibtechar’s dedication to building the capabilities of young people and equipping them to become tomorrow’s innovators, co-founder and CEO, Engineer Nayef al-Ibrahim, said: “AI is not just a tool, it is a transformative force that is redefining innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling young minds to create, scale, and lead in ways that were never possible before.” “Through our strategic partnership with AI Crafters and participation in platforms like Rowad, we are proud to empower youth to harness AI’s full potential and shape the future of Qatar’s innovation landscape,” he told Gulf Times in a statement. Through real-world demonstrations, participants explored how AI can accelerate business planning, market analysis, and customer engagement.They worked with leading AI tools to create visuals, draft business plans, and design AI-powered systems for outreach, lead generation, and nurturing. A highlight of the session was the ‘30-Day AI Startup Action Plan’, a structured roadmap that guides students in transforming ideas into viable prototypes within four weeks.The plan encouraged participants to apply what they learnt in real-world entrepreneurial contexts, promoting creativity, discipline, and accountability. Beyond technical skills, the workshop emphasised ethical and responsible AI adoption, encouraging participants to approach innovation with awareness and purpose.The initiative also highlighted Ibtechar’s role in building national innovation capacity and supporting the objectives of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. Morad el-Mazyani, co-founder and CEO of AI Crafters, said: “Qatar’s commitment to innovation and AI makes it an inspiring place for us to contribute. Our collaboration with Ibtechar brings global expertise to a thriving innovation ecosystem and empowers young entrepreneurs to apply AI in meaningful, responsible ways.”

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has successfully participated in the ‘BIG Quantum Hackathon Qatar 2025’, a national event organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). The event was hosted by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), sponsored by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and supported by knowledge partners QuantX and Boston Consulting Group (BCG).Bringing together major entities and leading organisations across key sectors, the hackathon represents an important milestone in advancing Qatar’s capabilities in quantum technologies and accelerating the country’s digital transformation journey.As part of the challenge structure, each participating organisation developed a real-world use case relevant to its industry. QIB’s Data Science & AI team mentored a group of students participating in a hackathon on a pioneering AI use case titled ‘Enhanced Retail Credit Risk Scoring using Quantum Machine Learning (QML)’.The team demonstrated the potential of quantum-based algorithms to enhance credit evaluation models, improve risk segmentation accuracy, and unlock more efficient and data-driven decision-making. Over the coming years, emerging quantum capabilities are expected to complement traditional modelling techniques.By integrating QML into their risk assessment pipelines, financial institutions will gain a competitive edge through more accurate, fair, and explainable credit decisions. Constantinos Constantinides, QIB Chief Strategy and Digital officer, said: “Exploring the potential of quantum technologies is a natural extension of QIB’s strategy to strengthen our digital and Artificial Intelligence capabilities.The BIG Quantum Hackathon enabled our teams to work closely with emerging quantum tools and evaluate their long-term relevance to financial services.” Held for the first time in Qatar, the BIG Quantum Hackathon introduced practical applications of quantum computing across finance, energy, telecom, aviation, and defence.The event enabled cross-sector collaboration, knowledge exchange, and hands-on experimentation with next-generation quantum platforms. It also supports Qatar’s vision to build a strong and sustainable technological ecosystem aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030.

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.

The Gulf-Qatari Classic Car Association launched the sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition 2025 at The Pearl Island yesterday, featuring some of the world’s rarest vintage vehicles.The expanded showcase, held under the honorary patronage of Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, was inaugurated by prominent Qatari businessman and philanthropist HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani. He is also the chairman of Al Faisal Holding, and the founder of the Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge. He was joined by Ahmed al-Hammadi, director general of the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority and Chairman of United Development Company (UDC).Running until November 23 at Medina Centrale, the event is held under the direct supervision of the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) and displays an array of classic vehicles from Qatar and across the GCC.HE Sheikh Faisal lauded the exhibition as a major milestone, driven by record-breaking regional participation for the second year running. He stressed that the extensive national support highlights Qatar’s resolve to protect its engineering history.“We are proud of the distinguished status this event has achieved regionally and globally. It has become a platform that brings together classic car enthusiasts, supporting institutions, and audiences passionate about industrial and engineering heritage. These events are not just about displaying cars — they tell stories of innovation, design, and history, enriching Qatar’s cultural identity,” he said in a press statement.Organisers noted that a competition will select the top cars across five categories, covering models from pre-1947 to 1995, with three winners in each category. Additional awards will recognise standout vehicles for authenticity, heritage preservation, and overall excellence. For the first time, winners will receive both financial and in-kind prizes.Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser bin Khalid al-Thani, Board Member of the association, stated that every edition aims to deliver added value by selecting the finest classic cars for display.Engineer Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei, secretary-general and Board Member, added: “The sixth edition of the event has witnessed broad participation from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, representing 40% of the total participating vehicles.”Qatar Museums CEO Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi noted that this marks the first official presence of the Qatar Auto Museum in the exhibition, highlighting the institution’s role in showcasing cultural history and the artistic value of automobiles. This includes a remarkable display of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, linking the exhibition to the origins of the modern automotive era.UDC CEO Yasser al-Jaidah stated that hosting the event at The Pearl Island adds a prestigious dimension to the island’s lineup of high-profile cultural and luxury experiences. He stressed that the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to view some of the world’s rarest classic vehicles in an environment that blends heritage with elegance.Hussain Omar Alfardan, CMO of Alfardan Automotive, stressed that sponsoring the event aligns with the group’s strategy to support Qatar’s growing passion for classic cars. He noted that this interest represents an appreciation of artistic and historical value. He also highlighted the aim of building a community around this passion and contributing to the economic and tourism sectors through sustainable events.Meanwhile, organisers added that Daam’s sponsorship of the exhibition underlines its dedication to preserving national heritage and cultivating cultural awareness. By supporting such initiatives, the fund seeks to deepen community engagement and foster intergenerational connections that honour Qatar’s enduring legacy.

Qatari businessman and philanthropist His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani led the inauguration of the sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition 2025 at The Pearl Island Wednesday.He was joined by officials of the Gulf-Qatari Classic Car Association. Running until November 23 at Medina Centrale, the event displays an array of classic vehicles from Qatar and across the GCC.

Qatar won two bronze medals in fencing and wrestling at the Islamic Solidarity Games, currently being held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, until Nov. 21.More than 3,000 athletes representing 57 countries are participating in the Games.The Qatari delegation's two medals were won by Khalid Al Yafei, who took bronze in the men's foil fencing competition, and Shaheen Mohammad, who won bronze in the 77 kg wrestling category.Qatar's medal tally now stands at seven, including three gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.In handball, the Qatari national team defeated the Maldives 44-6, finishing the first stage at the top of Group A with a perfect record. They will face Bahrain, the runner-up in Group B, in the semifinals. The other semifinal match will see Saudi Arabia, the top team in Group B, take on the UAE, the runner-up in Group A.The Qatari national team had won its previous two matches against Iran (39-23) and the UAE (41-24), and aims to retain the gold medal it won in the previous edition of the Games, held in Konya, Turkiye in 2022.In camel racing, Hazem Abdullah Al Nudailah qualified for the men's 2000-meter final after finishing second in the second heat held at the Al-Janadriyah Racecourse. The final will take place on Wednesday.In athletics, Qatari runner Abubaker Haidar qualified for the 800-meter final after finishing first in the first heat with a time of 1:50.09. Meanwhile, Qatari shot putter Ahmed Jibril finished fourth in the men's shot put with a throw of 18.51 meters.

The Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar promises another thrilling day, headlined by tournament heavyweights Brazil and France clashing at the Aspire Zone in Doha. Their meeting is one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the competition, with Brazil arriving in confident mood after showing remarkable resilience — playing over 80 minutes with ten men against Paraguay before ultimately prevailing on penalties. Last edition’s runners-up France also had to work hard to overcome Colombia, and now hope to claim what would be their third victory over South American opposition at these finals. Italy enter the next stage with growing confidence following a controlled win over Czech Republc, having conceded only once so far. They now face Uzbekistan, who recovered impressively after conceding a late equaliser to Croatia, ultimately booking their place through penalties. Uganda’s remarkable debut World Cup run also continues, as they prepare for a tough all-African contest against Burkina Faso. The Burkinabe arrive with high momentum after eliminating reigning champions Germany. Coach Oscar Barro said: “Uganda have made it to the Round of 16, which shows what a quality side they are, so we need to prepare accordingly. We played them in a friendly match, but every team has changed its style and appearance since then.” **media[383124]** Mexico remain one of the most dramatic stories of the tournament, with goalkeeper Santiago Lopez scoring the decisive penalty against Argentina. They next face Portugal, whose attacking threat is led by the tournament’s top scorer, Anisio Cabral. Switzerland continue their impressive unbeaten streak at U-17 World Cups and face a confident Republic of Ireland side embracing their first-ever appearance. Switzerland coach Luigi Pisino said: “They’re a team we know well. They have an impressive system and outstanding individual talents. This is the kind of match that makes a World Cup special.” North Korea meet Japan in an all-Asian showdown featuring the creativity of Kim Yu-jin against Japan’s strong defensive unit and standout goalkeeper Shuji Muramatsu. Austria, one of the tournament’s most efficient teams, challenge an England side growing stronger with each match. After England’s win over South Korea, captain Seth Ridgeon said: “We’re building momentum and improving with each round.” Morocco complete the lineup after a dramatic late comeback against the USA, setting up an all-African battle with Mali, who advanced by defeating Zambia.

Qatar University (QU)’s Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) organised the International Conference on Advanced and Sustainable Materials (ICASM 2025), bringing together global leaders, researchers, industry experts, and students to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of materials science and sustainability. The event was officially opened by QU Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Aiman Erbad, who highlighted the institution’s deep commitment to advancing sustainability and scientific excellence. “At QU, research is at the heart of our mission,” he said. “Through partnerships and innovation, we are translating scientific knowledge into real-world solutions addressing climate change, renewable energy, and resource sustainability.” Prof Erbad also announced the launch of QU’s Research Priorities 2025-2030, a framework guiding national research through five pillars; Health, Energy, Digital Technology, Resource Sustainability, and Society, aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. **media[382711]** In his address, Director of CAM and Conference Chair Prof Mohammad R Irshidat, welcomed participants from over 40 countries and emphasised CAM’s pivotal role in advancing research in energy materials, nanotechnology, polymers, corrosion science, and environmental sustainability. He noted the remarkable response to the conference, which received 691 registrations and 346 abstracts and features 292 posters, 197 student oral presentations, and 197 oral presentation sessions, underscoring the vibrant engagement of the materials research community. **media[382712]** All accepted high-quality papers will be considered for publication in an international journal, Emergent Materials, further extending the conference’s scientific impact. ICASM 2025 will continue over the coming days with keynote lectures, technical sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities designed to inspire innovation and foster global partnerships in sustainable materials research.

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.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 enters a decisive phase as the knockout rounds get underway today, with 16 teams ready to battle for a place in the round of 32 across two action-packed days.The drama begins with an all-African clash between Zambia and Mali. Tournament debutants Zambia have turned heads with their fearless performances, remaining unbeaten in the group stage and even holding Brazil to a draw. Mali, meanwhile, collected six points from their group and posted two clean sheets, showing their trademark defensive solidity.European heavyweights Portugal and Belgium promise goals in what could be one of the most explosive encounters of the round. Both sides averaged more than three goals per match in the groups, setting the stage for a thrilling, high-scoring showdown.Switzerland, unbeaten at the U-17 World Cup for 16 years, take on a resilient Egypt side that proved difficult to break down in the group stage. The Swiss will need to extend that proud record to reach the last eight.France meet Colombia in another standout tie. After conceding just once en route to topping Group K, Lionel Rouxel’s French side face a disciplined Colombian team that has not conceded since the opening seconds of their first match against Germany.Argentina, led by Diego Placente, who guided their U-20s to the World Cup final earlier this year, look poised for another deep run as they face Mexico. The Mexicans scraped through as the final third-placed qualifier and will be desperate to make their mark.The Ireland continue their dream debut campaign against Canada in a fixture brimming with history. The Irish topped Group J without defeat, while Canada earned their first-ever U-17 World Cup win and advanced to the knockout stage for the first time after drawing with 2023 finalists France.“We’ve only gone and made history again [just as we did with the first win]. This is a real boost for our development program. Just look at that smile. We’re going to keep working hard to make history,” Vitulano said shortly after the final whistle had been blown," said Canada head coach Mike Vitulano."We ran a training camp at U-15 level, another when they made the step up to the U-16 side, and then the final sessions were all geared towards World Cup preparation. We’ve steadily improved over time,” he said,USA, flawless so far, go up against a resurgent Morocco side. The Americans have dazzled with Cavan Sullivan leading the charge, while Morocco staged one of the tournament’s most astonishing comebacks — going from zero points and goals to a record-breaking 16-0 victory over New Caledonia that catapulted them into the last 16.Closing out the round, Brazil lock horns with Paraguay in a South American showdown. Brazil’s attacking duo, Dell and Felipe Morais, lit up the group stage with 11 unanswered goals in their first two games. But Paraguay’s disciplined defence will provide their toughest test yet as the knockout stage begins in earnest.

Qatar participated in the 2025 Arab Document Day celebration, held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo under the theme 'The League of Arab States: Eighty Years of Joint Arab Action.' The event was organized in coordination with the Arab Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ARBICA).Qatar was represented by a delegation led by Secretary-General of the National Archive of Qatar and Chair of Unesco's Memory of the World Committee for the Arab Region Dr Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Buainain. In his address, Dr al-Buainain emphasized that the Arab document, in all its forms, is not merely a static record but a testament to the Arab people's journey, intellect, creativity, and struggle for dignity, unity, and progress. He described the celebration as a tribute to identity, memory, and collective awareness across the Arab world.He highlighted Unesco's Memory of the Arab World program as a vital initiative to safeguard documentary heritage at risk of loss and neglect. He expressed pride in the region's dedicated committee working to register documents, manuscripts, and audiovisual materials of unique historical and cultural value.**media[381446]**However, he noted that Arab participation in the program remains low, just 4% of globally registered documents, despite the region's rich contributions to history and human knowledge. He called for stronger Arab co-operation and co-ordination among national heritage institutions to close this gap. Dr al-Buainain urged support for digital documentation, preventive preservation, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building in restoration and archiving.He advocated for joint Arab nominations that reflect shared historical and cultural ties, stressing that documents not only preserve the past but also guide the present and inspire the future.He said that they can unify their efforts in this field as they have in politics, culture, history, and education, they will help preserve the Arab nation's memory within the global human heritage, calling on Arab states, archives, and national libraries to work together to ensure the Arab document remains vibrant and enduring.Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit congratulated Dr al-Buainain on his appointment as Chair of the Memory of the World Committee for the Arab Region. He underscored the committee's role in enriching the global memory register with distinctive Arab contributions and in preserving manuscripts, archives, images, and maps using modern technologies.Aboul Gheit noted that Arab Document Day stems from a key initiative launched by Alecso in the early 2000s to highlight the importance of Arab documents as pillars of national identity and historical testimony, and as essential components of Arab cultural heritage. The celebration featured a historical exhibition on the Arab League through the eyes of Arab archival institutions, showcasing notable documents related to the League, alongside honoring distinguished Arab figures for their contributions to preserving documentary heritage.

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 underway, fans were treated to a robust Fan Zone that featured a number of local businesses, artists and community groups. Located in Aspire Zone Competition Complex, where 104 matches are taking place in the biggest edition of the youth tournament to date, the Fan Zone brought together tens of thousands of fans to enjoy the football festival-like atmosphere at the venue. **media[381182]** As part of a community-focused initiative, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) brought on board more than 20 home-grown brands to participate at the Fan Zone, offering them free space at the venue. **media[381179]** “The U-17 World Cup is more than just a football competition. The tournament provides us with a platform to celebrate the wonderful talents in our community. From home-grown restaurants to student artists, the Fan Zone celebrated the diversity and richness of Qatari culture and the different communities that call this country home,” Hassan Al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial. **media[381181]** Mama Rozie, a popular restaurant specialising in authentic Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine, is among the many food outlets who are taking part in the Fan Zone. Owner Febrariska Armen sources ingredients and partnerships locally whenever possible, collaborating with Qatari startups and local suppliers to keep the operation deeply rooted in the community. **media[381183]** "We're here because the Indonesian community is passionate about football, and the organisers recognised that. Our aim is to introduce fans to Indonesian and Malaysian culture through food, and we feel honoured to be a part of this tournament, where different cultures come together,” said Armen. **media[381180]** At the Fan Zone, Qatar Foundation (QF) is showcasing its students' diverse talents through interactive workshops and cultural performances. In addition, QF Pre-University Education has also provided a mobile sensory room, a quiet, controlled space equipped with assistive technology and specialised staff. This dedicated space ensures that fans with sensory needs, including children with autism, can fully enjoy the tournament experience. **media[381186]** "We wanted to demonstrate that community engagement means everyone," said Haia Alnaimi, Community Outreach Initiatives and Programs Manager, Special Schools and SEN Services at QF. "Our student community represents children with different abilities, and each of them are on a different path to success. This Fan Zone is the perfect platform to celebrate that diversity while building confidence amongst families that there are equal opportunities for everyone." **media[381185]** As a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Fan Zone also featured a number of local gyms that provided fans with the opportunity to take part in fitness activities. Huriya Dance, part of the Qatar-based Honor Wholeness Institute, has been engaging with spectators through dance sessions, fitness challenges and stage performances. Nada Karhani, Manager of Huriya Dance, said: "Football ignites passion in everyone, and it is through dance, that we celebrate that passion. Whether fans are cheering for their teams, waving flags, or walking through the streets, there’s a form of dance in everything - it is a universal language. That's why we are here, to channel that collective energy and create moments of pure joy that fans will remember long after the final whistle." **media[381187]** The Fan Zone also features a mini football pitch where community-based academies are competing in a U-12 tournament that mirrors the participating teams from the U-17 competition. Dozens of children have taken up the opportunity to show off their football skills as they look up to older players on their way to stardom. At the heart of the Fan Zone is a robust lineup of community-based artists and performers. A total number of 880 artists are taking part in the program, showcasing cultural and folkloric performances. The Fan Zone will continue to operate on match days only from 1:30 PM until the final whistle, as the tournament advances to the next rounds. Entertainment will take place from 4PM-8PM. Upcoming highlights include film screenings in partnership with the Doha Film Festival, running between the 14-15 November. The Round of 32 will take place on 14-15 November at the Aspire Zone. Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa.