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Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Innovation" (35 articles)

Mana Mohammed al-Ansari. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam.
Qatar

WISE 12 to take place from Monday with over 4,000 participants

The theme for WISE 12 is Human Values at the Heart of Education, and the title is ‘Humanity.IO’ The 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12), a global education initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF), will take place from Monday with with over 4,000 participants from around the globe at Qatar National Convention Centre. "The two-day summit gathers over a large number of speakers and delegates and more than 4,000 participants.We had to close the registration because we exceeded the 6,000 registrations. So actually, we are fully packed and we expect over 4,000 participants to take part in the summit over the two days of conference,” said Shahïn Ammane, Director, Advocacy and Community Development, WISE.Ammane was speaking to Gulf Times at a special Media Day event organised by WISE to highlight the activities of WISE 12. Officials from WISE, QF and Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, finalists of the WISE Prize for Education as well as the jury members of the WISE Prize for Education were present on the occasion.The official said that the theme for WISE 12 is Human Values at the Heart of Education, and the title is ‘Humanity.IO’. “ In every technology evolution, we have always to think about the human first. What is the place of the human in this evolution as well as what is the place of the human in AI area? We think mainly about what is the future of AI, but we don't think about the future of the human within AI. So it is going to be one of the main themes to be discussed during WISE 12,” he explained.Ammane noted that the summit will examine how bold system-level change, anchored in human values, can ensure education remains adaptable, accessible, and relevant. As for the participants in the summit, Ammane said that the highest number of attendees are from Qatar. “It highlights their interest in what is happening in education in Qatar .Some of the discussions that are going to take place during the summit will actually shape the future of education in Qatar and the world,” he continued. Meanwhile, Mana Mohammed al-Ansari, chief economic empowerment officer at the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, said that EAA is participating in the summit as it is a hugely important global event. “At WISE, ideas, innovation and action all come together to reshape the future of learning. At EAA, our mission is to remove the barriers that prevent children and youth from accessibility,” said al-Ansari. Al-Ansari noted that EAA has six programmes and all of them align with education, environment sustainability and economic empowerment of the youth and the marginlised communities.He stated: “EAA will hold seven sessions during WISE 12 which are highly relevant in the current scenario. Through these sessions, the EAA Foundation will highlight cutting-edge solutions that expand access to education, empower youth, and drive inclusive social and economic development.” “Through its participation at WISE 12, EAA Foundation reaffirms its global mission to ensure equitable, innovative, and human-centred education for all, championing solutions that bridge learning with opportunity, safeguard children's and youth's rights, and build sustainable future for vulnerable and marginalised communities around the world,” he added. According to Dr Hend Zainal, executive director, Strategy Management and Partnerships at the Higher Education Division, Qatar Foundation, WISE 12 is a great platform to interact with higher education as well as K-12 education experts from all over the world. “We are going to hear from these experts and discuss the future of higher education and some of the issues that we are all facing right now.QF Higher education also will sign four MoUs at the summit. It also includes a cultural exchange programme with students from George Mason University who will be visiting Qatar next year.” “We, at QF want our students to not only be part of the future, but be part of actually what the future is going to look like.So, it is really important to bring students with such professionals who are participating in the summit. We are holding a few sessions at the summit that are led by higher education experts, people from QF higher education, as well as our partner universities,” added the official.

Engineer Nayef al-Ibrahim, the co-founder and CEO of Ibtechar, gestures during the panel discussion held on the sidelines of Rowad 2025.
Business

Ibtechar advances Qatar’s innovation, capacity building at ‘Rowad 2025’

Qatari innovation firm Ibtechar has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Qatar’s innovation ecosystem and empowering individuals and institutions to translate ideas into tangible, sustainable outcomes during its participation in Rowad 2025, which concluded Wednesday.Its commitment was reflected in the company’s thought-leadership panel, engaging youth workshops, and interactive booth, stated Ibtechar co-founder and CEO Nayef al-Ibrahim. He said: “Our participation at Rowad emphasises our commitment to building Qatar’s innovation capacity and ability to deliver practical, tailored solutions.Rowad is a key platform for meaningful collaboration, knowledge exchange, and we’re proud to contribute to its impact.” He added: “Through our panel discussion, youth workshops, and interactive booth, we engaged directly with students, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.Our diverse presence helps us understand real challenges on the ground, share targeted expertise, and support organisations in turning innovative ideas into impactful solutions, contributing directly to Qatar’s sustainable growth.” The panel discussion on ‘Education, Culture, and Innovation in Global Entrepreneurship’ featured al-Ibrahim, alongside speakers from renowned local and regional organisations, including Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Qatar Foundation’s World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), Edraak from the Queen Rania Foundation, and ElGooru, a leading regional edtech startup.The discussion highlighted education, culture, and innovation as core pillars of global entrepreneurship, shaping globally minded founders and fostering resilient, sustainable ecosystems across the Arab world. As part of its youth-focused initiatives, Ibtechar conducted two interactive workshops aimed at nurturing artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking among middle school, high school, and university students.The first workshop, titled ‘From Problem to Prototype: Introduction to Design Thinking’, gathered over 80 high school and university students, introducing them to the core principles of design thinking through a fast-paced, interactive challenge.The second workshop on ‘Smart Startups/AI-Augmented Entrepreneur: Using AI to Launch and Run Your Business’ was conducted by AI Crafters, Ibtechar’s strategic partner, a company dedicated to the advancement, adoption and use of artificial intelligence in professional environments.Throughout Rowad 2025, Ibtechar’s booth served as a dynamic hub for exchange and innovation, attracting visitors from various sectors and industries. Visitors explored the company’s diverse portfolio of programmes that bridge strategy and implementation and demonstrate how Ibtechar empowers institutions with tailored, agile capacity to deliver impactful progress and create lasting national value.

Gulf Times
Qatar

UDST honours outstanding academic achievers

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) celebrated its outstanding students in a prestigious annual academic awards ceremony, honouring 50 students across eight majors.These majors included Academic Excellence Awards, Academic Merit, Academic Distinction, Foundation Program, Industrial Trades Dean Award, Achievement Award, Applied Research Award, and Innovation Award.UDST President Dr Salem bin Nasser al-Naemi affirmed that the celebration embodies the boundless potential that education can achieve and reflects UDST's shared belief that excellence is a way of life.Every award UDST presents today tells a story of determination, passion, and purpose-values that define its community. Its role as academics is to nurture these capabilities and guide students to become innovators and change‑makers, contributing to the nation's renaissance and progress on the global stage, Dr al-Naemi underlined.Noteworthy, all recipients of the Academic Excellence and Academic Merit awards received financial rewards, alongside an official certificate from UDST recognising this exceptional achievement in their academic records.Dr al-Naemi further indicated that the annual awards ceremony underlines UDST's commitment to fostering an environment that spurs academic excellence and innovation, making this yearly event a powerful source of inspiration and recognition for the extraordinary accomplishments in the community.He emphasized that the purpose of this annual celebration is to help build an academic, research-driven, and home-like environment that consistently supports students, promoting their excellence and distinction.Academic excellence is not the only criterion for recognition, there are other urgent and impactful standards based on evaluations and engagement in events at the college, university, and national level-standards that bolster UDST's educational ecosystem and prepare students holistically in both academic and research dimensions, he outlined.Dr al-Naemi highlighted that the honoured students have not only excelled at UDST or in Qatar but have also won prestigious international awards in academic and research arenas.He elucidated some of UDST's scientific programs in academics, health, and innovation, stressing that true innovation only arises through research, and that is how students are being trained to maintain the required balance in their lives and sustain their ongoing excellence.Through the UDST-championed innovation and research, students have founded seven commercial companies, aligning with the nation's developmental plans and its National Vision 2030, Dr al-Naemi elaborated.Dr al-Naemi further noted that earlier, UDST launched its innovative business incubator, "UHUB", to support the university community on its journey to transform exceptional ideas into tangible projects.

An expert panel featuring senior government officials, academics, and innovation leaders has agreed that Public Innovation Labs are critical in enhancing service delivery and building agile institutions within government frameworks. PICTURE: Thajudheen
Business

Qatar’s innovation labs reshape government practice, says expert panel

Senior government officials, academics, and innovation leaders have explored how Public Innovation Labs (PILs) can help governments improve service delivery, foster citizen engagement, and build agile institutions.Eman al-Kuwari, director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), underscored how MCIT is reimagining the role of government in the digital age, citing the TASMU Innovation Lab.“Technology is the means, not the end; we created the Innovation Lab to offer a safe environment for experimentation. It’s a space where we can test emerging technologies, validate ideas, and include the wider ecosystem.“That includes startups, academia, and private sector partners. We’re reimagining how government works — and that starts with giving teams the confidence to try,” al-Kuwari pointed out during the inaugural ‘Ibtechar Majlis’, a new dialogue series launched earlier by Qatari innovation firm Ibtechar.She added that innovation must be embedded in the culture of public institutions: “It’s not just about infrastructure or policy — it’s about building a mindset. We want government teams to be able to experiment, to test, and to learn. That’s how we bring real value to public services.”Nejoud M al-Jehani, executive director of Strategy & Programmes at the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, offered a strategic framing of innovation, distinguishing between internal reform and ecosystem-wide transformation.“We differentiate between government innovation and public innovation. Government innovation is about improving internal processes — policies, service delivery, operations. Public innovation is broader. It’s about creating value for society by mobilising the entire ecosystem: government entities, corporates, startups, and universities,” al-Jehani explained.Emphasising the dual role of government in this landscape, she continued: “As an adopter, government defines challenges and becomes the first customer. That builds market confidence. As an enabler, it sets standards, opens partnerships, and creates the conditions for innovation to thrive across sectors.”Hissa al-Tamimi, director of Governmental Innovation at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), spoke about the launch of Qatar’s first government accelerator and its role in bridging national priorities with operational realities.She said, “We’re rethinking how services are designed and how operations are managed. The accelerator helps us connect national projects with the day-to-day work of government entities.”Al-Tamimi also addressed the cultural challenge of embedding innovation in public institutions, saying, “If innovation were just about systems, adaptation would be easy. But when you’re dealing with people, that’s where the challenge lies. Innovation pushes us beyond our comfort zones. It’s not a privilege — it’s a way of living. That’s the only way we can advance.”Dr Georgios Dimitropoulos, professor and associate dean for Research at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Law, highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and government: “Academia brings ideas and evidence. The government brings implementability. The two sides need each other.”Citing historical examples to illustrate the power of this partnership, Dimitropoulos said: “Think of the Manhattan Project, the COVID vaccines, and the Internet. These were all born from collaboration between government and academia. Qatar’s AI strategy is a local example. It was developed with HBKU’s Qatar Computing Research Institute, and it positioned the country as an early adopter.”Ibtechar co-founder and CEO Nayef al-Ibrahim, who moderated the discussion, framed the Majlis as a culturally rooted space for dialogue and co-creation, adding that it is “an integral part of Qatari culture.”“Public Innovation Labs continue that spirit. They offer governments safe spaces to test ideas, co-create with citizens, and deliver agile services. In a small state, a model that combines centralised coordination with decentralised experimentation brings significant value. It allows for flexibility, inclusion, and scale—all while maintaining coherence,” he added.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar pioneers digital cultural innovation with NMoQ Metaverse Project

Qatar Museums (QM) and the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) announced the launch of the NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project, marking a major step in digital cultural innovation.This initiative, developed in collaboration with Cisco, and in turn, with Web3 implementation partner droppGroup, presents a live and intelligent museum experience that integrates immersive 3D environments, augmented and extended reality, and artificial intelligence.The project aims to place Qatar at the forefront of integrating metaverse and AI technologies to enhance museum engagement, while exploring new technologies intended to promote access to culture.By embracing innovation, QM demonstrates its role as a pioneer in cultural transformation and experimentation while supporting the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.The platform also introduces new opportunities for accessibility and remote learning, allowing students, researchers, and educators to engage with Qatar’s cultural heritage in new ways.In a press statement, NMoQ director Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani said: “With the NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project, we are extending this mission into the digital realm, allowing audiences everywhere to walk through our galleries, engage with our collections, and encounter Qatar’s history in immersive and interactive new ways.“This initiative ensures that NMoQ continues to be not only a guardian of heritage, but also a frontrunner in shaping how museums engage with the world.”QM noted that this project is part of Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme in Qatar. Active in Qatar since 2019, CDA is Cisco’s strategic programme designed to accelerate the nation's digitalisation agenda and generate new value for its citizens, businesses, and the country as a whole.Through public and private partnerships, the programme focuses on leveraging innovative digital solutions to address national challenges across key sectors such as national infrastructure, education, and smart communities.Through the pilot, visitors can explore digital twins of three galleries: The Archaeology of Qatar, The People of Qatar, and Life in Al Barr (The Desert). Twenty-two curated objects are presented with interactive augmented reality features, detailed descriptions, and direct links to the museum’s online collection.The experience is enhanced by Murjana, NMoQ’s customised digital mascot, who provides bilingual narration in Arabic and English with intelligent, personalised guidance. Accessible on mobile devices, desktops, tablets, and VR headsets, the platform also introduces new opportunities for remote learning, allowing students and educators to engage with Qatar’s cultural heritage in new ways.“QM has consistently demonstrated strategic vision in leveraging technology to advance cultural preservation and global engagement, in alignment with Qatar's national digital ambitions. This initiative is a direct testament to that forward-thinking approach,” said Cisco Qatar general manager Hasan Khan.

Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohammed bin Towar al-Kuwari, speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative.
Business

Qatar Chamber hosts ‘High-Level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship and Innovation’

The Qatar Chamber hosted the ‘High-Level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation’, which concluded Saturday in Doha.The event featured the ‘Third Session of the Living Independently Initiative for Persons with Disabilities’ and the ‘Arab Exhibition for Productive Families’ held on the sidelines of the recently held ‘Second World Summit for Social Development’.The event was held by the Union of Arab Chambers and the General Secretariat of the Arab League – Social Affairs Sector (Department of Social Development and Policies, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs), in coordination with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) – Bahrain Office, and in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Arab Labour Organisation.The event was attended by Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohammed bin Towar al-Kuwari; Dr Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairperson of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs; Mohammed bin Saleh al-Alawi, Minister of Social Development of Bahrain and chair of the 44th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs; Dr Khaled Hanafy, secretary general of the Union of Arab Chambers; Ambassador Hossam Zaki, assistant secretary general and head of the Office of the secretary general of the League of Arab States;Wafaa Bani Mustafa, Minister of Social Development of Jordan; Mohammed Hassan al-Obaidli, director general of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the Gulf States; and Minister Plenipotentiary Tarek al-Nabulsi, director of the Department of Development and Social Policies at the League of Arab States.Attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased a variety of products made by people with disabilities, including accessories, handicrafts, silverware, wickerwork, traditional clothing, ceramics, and other handmade goods. The exhibition featured the participation of 25 exhibitors representing Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Sudan, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Iraq.Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative, al-Kuwari emphasised that the initiative presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families while contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their enterprises.He added that Qatar pays great attention to persons with disabilities and seeks to enhance their effective participation in various areas of social, economic, and educational life, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasised that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, support their integration into society, and enable them to work and contribute to development.Al-Kuwari also underscored Qatar Chamber’s commitment to empowering productive families, promoting small entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the productive capabilities of families and home-based businesses. He noted that the Chamber strives to provide platforms that allow these families to showcase and market their products both locally and internationally.He further emphasised the chamber’s encouragement of integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs within the private sector, noting that this aligns with the efforts of other national entities working to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in the country.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar Chamber hosts "High-level Arab event on persons with disabilities, entrepreneurship, innovation"

The Qatar Chamber hosted "The high-level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation," from Nov. 6 to 8, 2025.The event featured the "Third Session of the Living Independently Initiative for Persons with Disabilities" and the "Arab Exhibition for Productive Families" held on the sidelines of the "Second World Summit for Social Development."The event was held by the Union of Arab Chambers and the General Secretariat of the Arab League - Social Affairs Sector (Department of Social Development and Policies, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs), in coordination with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Arab Labour Organisation.Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative, First Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, Mohammed bin Twar Al Kuwari, stressed that the initiative represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market, and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families while contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their enterprises.He added that Qatar pays great attention to persons with disabilities and seeks to enhance their effective participation in various areas of social, economic, and educational life, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasized that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, support their integration into society, and enable them to work and contribute to development.Al Kuwari also underscored the Qatar Chamber's commitment to empowering productive families, promoting small entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the productive capabilities of families and home-based businesses. He noted that the Chamber strives to provide platforms that allow these families to showcase and market their products both locally and internationally.He further emphasised the Chamber's encouragement of integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs within the private sector, noting that this aligns with the efforts of other national entities working to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in the country.Attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased various products made by people with disabilities, including accessories, handicrafts, silverware, wickerwork, traditional clothing, ceramics, and other handmade goods. The exhibition featured the participation of 25 exhibitors from several Arab countries.

Gulf Times
Business

QFC partners with Doha Bank to accelerate fintech growth in Qatar

The Qatar Financial Centre and Doha Bank have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate fintech growth and innovation in the country.The QFC Authority (QFCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Doha Bank, marking a major step towards strengthening Qatar’s financial services landscape through strategic collaborations in fintech development and digital innovation.The MoU outlines a collaborative framework in three strategic areas as driving growth in Qatar’s fintech and digital asset ecosystem through joint research, prototype development, and the introduction of innovative financial solutions.It also outlines supporting fintech companies through technical guidance, facilitating secure banking relationships, and streamlining account opening processes; and establishing a programme for regular engagement, including quarterly meetings, joint workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions, to explore new opportunities and ensure the continuous development of the ecosystem."This partnership with Doha Bank is a stride towards positioning Qatar as a leading hub for fintech and digital assets. Together, we will strengthen the foundations for innovation that enable fintech companies to grow with confidence and support the development of technological solutions that will define the future of financial services," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFCA.Highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing innovation, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal al- Thani, Group chief executive officer, Doha Bank, said, globally, the banking and financial industry is undergoing major transformations."This highlights the importance of collaboration at the institutional level to drive the development of innovative financial solutions in Qatar and keep pace with these ongoing changes. Our agreement today reflects our shared commitment to advancing financial technologies and innovation within an enabling, inclusive, and comprehensive ecosystem," he said.This collaboration signals a new chapter in financial innovation. As fintech and digital assets reshape global markets, the QFC and Doha Bank are laying the groundwork for creating solutions that will not only serve businesses today but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s economy.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Doha becomes hub of innovation, culture, and economy in Nov

Qatar is experiencing an unprecedented wave of cultural, economic, and sports activities in November, as Doha prepares to host a series of international conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and championships, highlighting its position as a regional hub for innovation, sustainability, and excellence.From Sustainability Week to the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, Doha Film Festival, and Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism, the events cover sectors such as sports, economy, health, education, and culture, reflecting Qatar's vision of promoting international dialogue and supporting sustainable development.Nov 1-7: Qatar Sustainability Week led by Earthna, 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week will highlight sustainability efforts.Nov 3-27: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Qatar is set to host its third global tournament under the supervision of FIFA, after it has been awarded the hosting rights for the FIFA U-17 World Cup November 4-8: KIDS EXPO 2025 Under the theme "Our Children are the Greatest Treasure," the second edition of the Expo will be held to raise awareness about children's rights.Nov 5-8: Qatar Boat Show 2025 Held at the Old Doha Port, the second edition of Qatar Boat Show 2025 will combine heritage, luxury, and innovation in yachting.Novr 11-13: Qatar Medicare 2025 Qatar Medicare stands as Qatar's first International Healthcare and Medical Trade Exhibition and Conference, convening an extensive network of healthcare stakeholders.Nov 17-19: Rowad 2025 Conference Under the theme "Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding," Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2025 is considered the most influential event in the State of Qatar's entrepreneurship sector. This year's edition will focus on the requirements for international growth and expansion beyond local markets.Nov 20-22: 17th Gulf Heart Association Conference The conference will cover numerous topics of advanced and general cardiology. It aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge and research on all aspects of heart disease prevention, diagnosis, and management.Nov 20-23: 5th Qatar Taekwondo Open Championships The Championship will bring together international athletes.Nov 20-28: Doha Film Festival Doha Film Festival upports talent, promots cultural dialogue, and showcases innovative visions.Nov 24-25: 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) The 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12) centers around the theme "Humanity.io: Human Values at the Heart of Education." WISE 12 aims to deepen discussions on the purpose of education and its pivotal role in serving humanity.Nov 24-26: Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism 2025 (QTM 2025) QTM 2025 is a prominent platform in the field of travel and tourism, bringing together leading global destinations to showcase the latest trends in sports tourism, conferences and exhibitions tourism, business and cultural tourism, and leisure tourism.Nov 25-26: MWC Doha 2025 MWC25 Doha is the first-ever edition of the GSMA's MWC Series to be held in the Middle East and North Africa. The event marks a key milestone in positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation and transformation.The conference will explore three key themes: AI Nexus, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in powering innovation; Intelligent Economies, centered on secure digital infrastructure and next-generation networks; and Connected Industries, highlighting the growing impact of emerging technologies on daily life and economic systems.Nov 27-29: 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC Qatar 2025) The Conference brings together specialists, policymakers, and researchers to exchange knowledge and best practices in the field of primary health care.Nov 28-30: 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship It is one of the season's most anticipated races.This vibrant calendar underscores the State of Qatar's commitment to solidifying its position on the global events map, attracting international expertise, and affirming its leadership in building a future driven by innovation and knowledge.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Final phase of 25-year cultural plan

The final phase of Qatar’s 25-year cultural plan features ambitious global projects designed to strengthen the nation’s position as a hub for art and innovation, according to Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.“Over the next decade, we will be introducing one project after another to continue to build a knowledge-based economy and support the growth of the creative economy,” she said in her keynote address marking the Qatar Creates anniversary season at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ).The keynote was delivered against a backdrop of institutional milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the NMoQ, the 20th anniversary of the QM, and the 15th anniversaries of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art and the Doha Film Institute (DFI).HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said that the plan involves three major institutions, which will further globalise the country’s cultural impact: the Qatar Auto Museum, the Lusail Museum, and the Art Mill Museum.These projects, she said, “hold two of the world’s most extensive and diverse collections”.The QM chairperson said that these museums will be amplified by the upcoming Art Basel Qatar, scheduled for February 2026, which signifies a major push into the international art market.HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said the Lusail Museum, designed by Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron and situated on Al Maha Island, will house the extensive collection of Orientalist art.Beyond a repository, it is envisioned as an institute where international scholars and artists convene to explore East-West connections.On Doha’s waterfront, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said that architect Alejandro Aravena and his firm Elemental are transforming an industrial flour mill into the Art Mill Museum.This project, she pointed out, is planned to be “more than a museum”, serving as a vibrant creative village for art, craft, and design, facilitating connections between local and international creative communities.“Over the past two decades, we have been able to invest in both our hardware and software,” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa continued. “The hardware being the buildings, such as the one hosting us now, and the software being the talented people who bring our dreams to life.”She stressed that the future focus must be on cultivating this “software”, the creatives and innovators within the ecosystem, to build the knowledge economy.The core mission of the new strategy, she added, remains supporting local talent and growing the creative economy, extending the reach of existing platforms like the DFI, the Fire Station, and M7.“Culture is no longer a separate sphere, it is inseparable from our social, economic and environmental development,” said HE Sheikha Al Mayassa, who led the celebration of recent activities highlighting Qatari creatives. “It is the heart of our nation uniting our diverse communities.”These include the Liwan Open Studios and the inauguration of the Fashion Trust Arabia exhibition, “Threads of Impact”, which brought more than 80 designers to Doha.She noted that even the children’s focus is rooted in creativity and community health, pointing to the Dadu Children’s Museum of Qatar and the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sport Museum.According to HE Sheikha Al Mayassa, the Children’s Museum will work with artists from the Fire Station, reinforcing the strategy of “globalising the local and localising the global”.She also underlined the nation’s cultural achievements under the banner of a new 18-month campaign, “Evolution Nation”, marking 50 years since the founding of the NMoQ.

Gulf Times
Community

Miandad VP and 33 Holdings on Forbes Middle East’s ‘Top Healthcare Founders 2025’ list

Mohammed Miandad VP, Chairman and Managing Director of 33 Holdings Global, has been named among Forbes Middle East’s Top Healthcare Leaders 2025 – Founders & Shareholders, making him one of the youngest Founder to feature in this year’s prestigious ranking. The recognition highlights his visionary leadership in transforming Middle Easts’ healthcare landscape through diversified innovation and international expansion.Ranked in the Founders & Shareholders category, Miandad represents a new generation of healthcare entrepreneurs driving regional excellence and global integration. Under his direction, 33 Holdings Global has built a robust healthcare investment footprint encompassing Naseem Healthcare, Medinova Healthcare, ABM4 Scientific, ABM4 Trading, and Dfine Dental Lab, together redefining accessibility, quality, and cross-border medical collaboration.In 2025, 33 Holdings Global continued its dynamic growth through strategic expansions. Its subsidiary ABM4 Scientific signed major agreements with leading pharmaceutical companies in Qatar, strengthening medical supply chains and research partnerships.Through Naseem Healthcare, the group launched its first ever guest mobile application in Qatar’s private healthcare sector, and a Super Specialty Surgical Center with inpatient facilities along with its fourth Super Specialty Centre in Al Khor, marking another leap in advanced healthcare and medical excellence.Miandad’s forward-thinking leadership extends across continents as he also serves as Managing Director of Medinova Healthcare in Africa and Director of Dfine Dental Lab in Qatar, contributing to global healthcare integration and technology-driven global service standards.Forbes Middle East’s Top Healthcare Leaders 2025 showcases the most influential founders and shareholders shaping the future of healthcare in the region. The selection acknowledges leadership impact, diversification, innovation, and sustainability, spotlighting professionals advancing the Middle East’s medical ecosystem into a new era of transformation.Miandad VP’s inclusion for the third consecutive year underscores not only his entrepreneurial achievements but also the growing global recognition of Qatar’s healthcare excellence on the world stage.

Gulf Times
Qatar

M7 Announces Specialized Training in Sustainability and Strategic Innovation November

M7, Qatar's hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion, and technology, has announced the launch of a specialized training programme in sustainability and strategic innovation. The programme, held in collaboration with the Swedish Fashion Council (SFC), will take place from Nov 2 to 5, at M7's headquarters.The initiative aims to empower designers and entrepreneurs in the fashion sector by enhancing their skills in sustainable practices, strategic planning, and brand development. It features hands-on workshops, case studies, and interactive sessions led by international experts.Participants will explore market trends, consumer behavior, and methods for integrating sustainability as a driver of creativity and competitiveness. Each day blends practical skill-building with strategic thinking in an immersive and highly interactive learning experience tailored to the realities of the fashion industry.Key topics include global fashion industry trends, Sweden's sustainability model, strategies for building sustainable brands, and international business frameworks.Applicants are required to have foundational experience in fashion, whether through academic study, internships, or professional work, and basic knowledge of sustainable fashion practices.The program welcomes participants currently leading or working with emerging brands, as well as ambitious individuals planning to launch their own labels, provided they demonstrate a strong interest in developing practical sustainability skills.This training is part of M7's specialised learning series designed to advance the creative community's capabilities in Qatar.It coincides with the "Nation of Evolution" campaign organized by the "Qatar Creates" initiative, celebrating 20 years since the founding of Qatar Museums and 50 years since the launch of the National Museum of Qatar. (QNA)