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Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN) and Es’hailSat have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening co-operation in satellite communication services, ground station infrastructure, and crisis and disaster management systems, to ensure the continuity of services and the enhancement of operations. AJMN deputy director-general Ibrahim Abdulla al-Obaidli described the MoU as an important stage in the network’s ongoing efforts to remain up to date with new innovations and emerging technologies in the sector. It is, he said, an additional step towards expanding Al Jazeera’s broadcast reach and reinforcing its global presence, with the MoU contributing to strengthening existing co-operation between the AJMN and Es’hailSat in the field of satellite and terrestrial communications, ensuring continuity and reliability of services. “We fully understand Al Jazeera’s need for strategic infrastructure in ground stations, crisis management solutions, and business continuity systems,” said Es’hailSat president and chief executive Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari. “Our aim is to collaborate and support this initiative, not only to improve operational management, but also to enhance efficiency and resilience.” The agreement reflects the desire of both parties to collaborate, exchange expertise, and assess future projects, exploring and opening new horizons in television and radio broadcasting, news gathering, and other supporting services. 

Utopia Capital Management, which aims to support more than 50 pre-seed to Series-A ventures in the next five years with as much as 70% from the Middle East, is eyeing family offices for funds in its efforts to develop unicorns in the region."Overall, we will be supporting 50 ventures across Southeast Asia, Middle East. In the Middle East specifically, it is about 35 that we are investing in," Alina Truhina, co-founding partner of Utopia, told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.Reasoning for the increased focus on the Middle East, she said the region allowed it to consolidate its model, bring the right type of talent and expertise, and allow integration of the geographies."We can also help our portfolio companies from Asia and Africa expand to the Middle East. The region is well positioned as the hub for innovation," she said, adding viable nature, fast changing and favourable nature of the regulatory ecosystem helped it.Highlighting the availability of capital in this region, she said Qatar is the headquarters for Utopia Capital Management platform, under which come The Studio (AI-native Venture builder) as well as A-typical Ventures, which is backed by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).The Studio is working with the first group of entrepreneurs and over the next five years it aims to develop 140 venture concepts and support over 50 Pre-Seed to Series-A ventures.The Studio will help develop the venture concepts and launch new companies, and A-typical Ventures, working closely with The Studio under the Utopia platform, will invest in them, she said.A-typical Ventures is its Middle East fund, covering the Middle East, which includes the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council), the Levant, Turkiye and Pakistan, and it also has a Southeast Asia fund 'The Radical Fund'."We are in conversations with several family offices (in Qatar). They are definitely keen. There is definitely a growing interest," she said in reference to bringing in fund managers and the need for corporates to partner more with startups.On the Studio, which was launched on the sidelines recently concluded Mobile World Congress, she said the venture building engine will co-build with entrepreneurs, new companies, but also work with existing ventures to support them with technology, with AI (artificial intelligence) native technology, as well as go to market, commercialisation, growth, partnerships, product and design, and expansion opportunities."We work with entrepreneurs from idea stage to series A stage," she said.Asked about the areas it was looking at; Truhina said it works along the kind of opportunities that are very relevant to its geographies."So the global south is our remit. We have developed PODs (problem-orientated deep dive). We look for entrepreneurs who are domain experts, and we co-build with them within very specific PODs. Then the funds also invest in these companies," according to her.PODs start with digital infrastructure (maintenance intelligence, neo-clouds, data centre and energy software, along with the core systems behind the energy transition and resource infrastructure); industry experts (deep domain-experts across technical fields such as surgery, chemistry and advanced engineering); and sovereignty (core systems in security, deep technology and government intelligence).The studio is building from idea to Series A in less than 24 months, she said, adding at present, it is now finalising an investment into a data company."We have also invested in a company that is a B2B venture that is a B2B management investment and financial management tool for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) across the global south," Truhina said, adding it is also looking at sectors such as gaming, tokenisation, climate tech and cleantech.On A-typical Ventures, a new driving force for early-stage venture innovation across the Middle East’s startup ecosystem; she said it has already spoken to more than 150 entrepreneurs in Qatar, but being a regional fund, it is also looking at other geographies such as the GCC, Lebanon, Turkiye and Pakistan. Across the region, it has contacted more than 300 entrepreneurs. 

QNB Group has been recognised as Qatar’s Best Cash Management Bank 2025 by Euromoney during the Transaction Banking Awards ceremony held recently in London.The prestigious recognition reflects the group’s continued commitment to providing advanced cash management solutions that empower corporate and institutional clients to manage liquidity efficiently, optimise working capital, and enhance operational performance.Judged by Euromoney’s expert editorial team, the Transaction Banking Awards recognise institutions that demonstrate excellence and innovation across cash management, payments, trade finance, and digital transformation.The award also highlights the bank’s leadership in adopting innovative digital solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in driving the future of transaction banking.As part of its strategy, QNB continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and digital platforms to deliver seamless, secure, and efficient banking experiences for its customers across its international network. 

Mosanada Facility Management Services (MFMS) – specialised in managing complex, high-profile venues and infrastructure, particularly in preparation for large-scale events – will make debut on the Qatar Stock Exchange on December 15, taking the total number of listed companies to 55. Shares of MFMS will be admitted to trading on QSE’s main market after obtaining all required approvals from respective authorities, and after completing all necessary technical, regulatory, and administrative procedures. “This listing marks an important milestone for Mosanada as it transitions into a publicly listed company. Over more than a decade, the company has developed strong capabilities and a proven track record in managing large and complex facilities of national importance,” said Abdulaziz Abdulla al-Mahmoud, its chairman. MFMS, which has capital base of QR70mn, will make its entry into the QSE trading floor through direct listing without offering shares for public subscription. The reference price for the share was set at QR10 (including QR9 issuance premium) based on the documents submitted by the company. On the first day of listing, the company’s price will be floated, while starting from the second day; the price will be allowed to fluctuate by 10%, up or down, as is the case for other companies listed on the market. In order to comply with the minimum requirements to obtain listing approval, the founders (Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar Olympic Committee and Cushman and Wakefield Qatar) had sold 25% of Mosanada’s pre-listing share capital to more than 100 new investors. As of the date of the listing, the founders maintain in total 75% of the total share capital of Mosanada and have committed to a one year lock-up period from the first day of trading, during which none of them is permitted to sell any additional shares. The company had reported net profit of QR54mn for the fiscal year 2024, reflecting its ability to generate strong earnings despite project completions. Leveraging the strengths of its founders, the company has become one of the market leaders in delivering strategic planning, oversight and comprehensive management of facility and venue services in Qatar.MFMS was established in Qatar in 2013 to manage large, complex, and high-profile assets. The company operates in a technical segment of the facilities management industry, focusing on the operation, maintenance and lifecycle management of nationally significant education, sports, healthcare including public-sector facilities. The company primarily operates under long-term contracts ranging from three to five years, generating revenue through performance-based fixed fee arrangements, along with any variations mutually agreed with clients. In addition, Mosanada provides FM advisory and consultancy services on a shorter-term, one-off and ad-hoc basis. Mosanada operates in line with Shariah principles and has obtained a Shariah compliance certificate. 

The Smart City Expo Doha, slated from November 25-26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), will focus on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in fields such as mobility, design, and urban management.During the event, more than 30 international experts will discuss how technological advances will help develop and transform cities in the Middle East to make them more efficient, sustainable, and liveable. Under the slogan ‘Beyond Connectivity: A Digital Solutions Pathway to a Smarter, Thriving Future’, Smart City Expo Doha 2025 will feature five main thematic areas: ‘Intelligent Digital Innovation’, ‘Disruptive Technology’, ‘Digital Economies and Talent of the Future’, ‘Connected Infrastructures’, and ‘Government of the Future’.Among the most prominent speakers is Kent Larson, an MIT professor specialising in urban design, microhousing, and autonomous mobility, who will provide his vision of how technology and human vision can shape the cities of the future. Meanwhile, AI and innovation expert Jesus Serrano will focus on how to use new technologies to achieve real and effective solutions. Reem al-Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Industry Affairs at the MCIT, will discuss the Qatari government’s strategy on urban transformation.Ghanim al-Muftah, a Qatari entrepreneur and FIFA ambassador who suffers from a disease that limits his mobility, will share his powerful testimony of resilience as well as his vision for inclusive design with attendees. The event, organised by Fira de Barcelona and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), will be featured at the inaugural Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha, also happening at the DECC.Organised by the GSMA, in collaboration with MCIT, the first MWC event in the Mena region is expected to bring together more than 200 speakers and more than 200 exhibitors. The Smart City Expo World Congress is the world’s leading event on smart cities, bringing together 1,190 companies, 600 experts, and over 27,000 visitors in its latest edition, held in Barcelona two weeks ago.The Doha edition is part of the programme of local editions of this event that Fira organised outside Spain in 2025, including those in New York (the US), Curitiba (Brazil), Puebla (Mexico), Santiago del Estero (Argentina), Santiago de Chile (Chile), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Cartagena de Indias (Colombia), and Tuesday.City in Shanghai (China).

Aamal Company, one of Qatar’s leading diversified companies, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Germany-headquartered Niedax Group, a global leader in cable management systems, to establish a joint venture for manufacturing cable management products.The MoU was signed by Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal al-Thani, vice-chairman and managing director of Aamal Company, and Adrian Löwiner managing director of Niedax Group. The pact was made in the presence of His Excellency Dr Ahmad al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs of Qatar, and Dr Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economy and Energy of Germany, underscoring the strategic importance of this partnership and its alignment with the economic cooperation between the two countries.Under the terms of the MoU, Aamal Company and Niedax Group will collaborate to establish a state-of the-art facility in Qatar for the production and distribution of cable management products made of GRP (glass reinforced plastic or polyester) and steel.The joint venture aims to become a major player in Qatar and the wider region by delivering high-quality, advanced solutions that support the country’s industrial growth and infrastructure development. "This agreement marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen Qatar’s industrial capabilities and support the nation’s diversification strategy.Aamal is proud to have been one of Qatar’s earliest diversified industrial companies, and this new partnership with Niedax promises to create unique synergies and opportunities to enhance the group’s capabilities in this sector," said Sheikh Mohamed. By collaborating with a global leader in Niedax, Aamal Company is not only expanding its portfolio but also help to advance the development of high-quality manufacturing within Qatar, he said, adding this collaboration reflects its commitment to delivering long-term value and contributing to the sustainable growth of Qatar’s economy.Founded in 1920, the family-owned company generates around 1bn euro in annual revenue and operates at 81 locations in more than 30 countries. "Its solutions support major infrastructure, industrial, automotive, energy, maritime, and data centre projects worldwide. In addition to its core cable management business, Niedax is active in distribution, steel service centres, and infrastructure solutions,” said Lowiner.Nizar Maarouf, Liaison Director of the Mittelstand GCC office (BVMW) in Doha said today’s signing is a testament to the growing strategic partnership between leading German companies such as Niedax Group and Aamal Company, which are collaborating to advance industrial innovation and achieve long-term economic value. This collaboration emphasises the shared commitment of both companies to foster excellence in manufacturing, develop local industry, and support Qatar’s long-term vision for sustainable economic progress.

The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) launched Thursday the 3rd edition of its annual scientific conference, which will last for three days, under the title "Musculoskeletal/Neurological Disorders and Pain Management in Primary Health Care".The opening day of the conference was attended by His Excellency Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud, His Excellency Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs Department at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani, His Excellency QRCS Secretary-General Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, QRCS members of the Board of Directors and Secretary-General Assistants.In his opening remarks, His Excellency QRCS President Yousef bin Ali al-Khater said that the conference brings together a group of experts and specialists from various health institutions in the country, who meet together under one roof for three days to discuss and debate the most important topics and issues in the medical field and exchange experiences and information that contribute to improving the level of medical service provided to the public and responding to the latest developments in medical work and its changing challenges.He added that the conference's status is becoming more established year after year as an annual scientific forum that brings together the best professionals in Qatar who carry the noble message of medicine and dedicate themselves day and night to serving humanity and preserving the health and well-being of society. He noted that in each edition of the conference, success is established, interest expands, and the added value that the conference represents for the medical sector and all those working in it is confirmed.He also highlighted the success of QRCS in obtaining accreditation as an educational organization for continuing professional development for five years, after fulfilling all the standards and conditions applied by the MoPH's Department of Health Specialties - Accreditation and Medical Education Department. He noted that this achievement not only represents another milestone in the long history of QRCS, but also a living embodiment of the strategic partnership with the MoPH, through the QRCS's management and operation of workers' health centers for fifteen years.He expressed his pride in the QRCS having the second largest ambulance fleet in the country, in addition to an integrated center for training, research and development. In turn, Director of Training, Research, and Development Center at QRCS and Chairman of the Conference Ghanem Salman al-Sulaiti said that this year’s conference focuses on the topic of "Musculoskeletal/Neurological Disorders and Pain Management in Primary Health Care" because the increasing burden of musculoskeletal and neurological diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.He indicated that approximately 242mn people worldwide suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, and that around 200mn women worldwide suffer from osteoporosis. He also pointed out that multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease are common neurological diseases affecting millions of people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.He noted that the conference discusses the latest developments in the field of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and pain management, and reviews best practices and the latest research in this field. The conference enjoys a strategic partnership with the MoPH, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), in addition to Servier Medical Company as a representative of the private sector.The conference agenda is divided into four components: pre-conference workshops, the main conference track, a parallel track for pharmacists, and a parallel track for physiotherapy and rehabilitation practitioners. The agenda comprises 61 sessions presented by 58 speakers and moderated by 35 facilitators from various healthcare providers across the country.

The Fourth Forum on Cultural Heritage Management, entitled "Manuscript Heritage in Light of Legal Frameworks, Preservation, and Digital Transformation," opened on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO). Organised by ICESCO in cooperation with the Arab Organisation for Administrative Development, the forum will end today. The forum, which brings together a select group of experts and specialists, aims to highlight institutional and international efforts in the areas of legislation, preservation, and digitisation to protect manuscript intellectual heritage. Director-General of ICESCO Dr Salim bin Mohammed al-Malik noted the organisation's expertise in manuscript preservation and raising awareness of issues related to this heritage. **media[381086]** He emphasised the need to utilise modern technologies in physical preservation, develop intelligent handwriting recognition, and leverage spectral imaging and its analysis, in addition to employing big data to provide detailed information about this heritage. Director General of the Arab Organisation for Administrative Development, Nasser al-Hatlan al-Qahtani, emphasised the importance of institutional partnerships in building capacity and developing legal frameworks for manuscript protection. He called for aligning national legislation with international standards, strengthening cooperation between libraries and archives, investing in digitisation infrastructure, and developing qualified personnel. The forum's programme includes four scientific sessions addressing manuscript protection and mechanisms for implementing legal legislation, analyses of the foundations and content of Arab laws pertaining to manuscripts, a review of experiences in preservation and maintenance by repositories and centres, and the digital transformation, preservation of heritage, and sustainability of manuscripts in the age of artificial intelligence.

Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara is reducing its financial support for flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia, putting in doubt the distressed airline’s ability to refresh its fleet.Garuda will now receive 23.7tn rupiah ($1.4bn) from PT Danantara Asset Management, an arm of the wealth fund, through a private placement, which comprises a cash injection and a loan conversion, according to an exchange filing. The airline was supposed to obtain $1.8bn under a plan drawn up last month.In addition to covering finance expenses and providing working capital, Danantara Asset would have helped with fleet expansion. However, Danantara Asset notified Garuda that “there is also an adjustment to the planned use of funds, which no longer includes fleet expansion,” the airline said in a separate statement.The carrier has struggled financially since the Covid-19 pandemic and has grounded an increasing number of planes because of difficulties making maintenance payments. The number of idled jets operated by the company and subsidiary low-cost carrier PT Citilink Indonesia rose to 51 as of June, nearly 40% of the group’s total fleet, and up from 33 a year ago.Leasing new planes comes with high price tags amid a dearth of available aircraft and a global surge in travel. The carrier earlier this year paid twice as much to lease a Boeing Co 737 Max jet than it does for older 737 jets.Garuda should focus on getting some of its grounded planes flying again, said Gerry Soejatman, a Jakarta-based independent aviation analyst.“Ordering new planes for early delivery is going to be very expensive, and probably less prudent financially,” he said. “It is better to see the grounded jets being put back into service or returned to lessors before Garuda place big aircraft orders.”

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, participated in the 45th Meeting of Undersecretaries Responsible for Environmental Affairs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in Kuwait.The State of Qatar's delegation was headed by His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Abdulaziz bin Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud.During the meeting, a number of environmental topics were discussed, most notably ways to enhance cooperation between GCC countries in the areas of environmental protection, combating climate change, and sustainable management of natural resources.The meeting concluded with a set of recommendations for presentation at the 27th meeting of GCC Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs.The State of Qatar's participation affirmed its commitment to strengthening joint Gulf environmental action and supporting regional efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.

As part of efforts to advance the implementation of the Government Resource Planning and Management System Project, members of the project’s steering committee took part in the Oracle Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 in Las Vegas in USA.The conference is one of the world’s leading platforms showcasing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data analytics, and AI governance.The delegation’s participation aimed to explore the latest international applications and experiences in human and financial resource management systems, artificial intelligence solutions, cloud technologies, and big data analytics, supporting Qatar’s drive to enhance digital transformation and unify national systems across government entities.The visit came within the framework of Qatar’s agreement with global technology giant Oracle, marking a key step in developing the country’s digital infrastructure and leveraging Oracle’s expertise to build integrated smart systems powered by AI, cloud computing, and big data analytics. The partnership seeks to strengthen institutional integration and improve the efficiency of government resource management.Mashaal Ali al-Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Government Affairs at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Chair of the Committee, said: “This visit reflects our commitment to building an integrated digital ecosystem through strategic partnerships with global technology leaders. It supports our efforts to enhance the efficiency of government resource management and improve the quality of public services.”Al-Hammadi added that the collaboration with Oracle represents a pivotal step toward adopting AI and cloud technologies in managing human and financial resources, and in developing intelligent systems that support decision-making and institutional performance, in line with the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030 and the country’s vision for a fully data and knowledge-driven government.On the sidelines of the conference, committee members held several bilateral meetings with Oracle executives and representatives of other global technology firms to review leading international experiences in AI and cloud computing applications. The discussions focused on opportunities for development, knowledge exchange, and aligning best practices with the needs of Qatar’s national project — contributing to faster implementation of digital transformation initiatives and improved efficiency in government operations.The Oracle Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 provided a dynamic platform for these engagements, highlighting the latest global trends in AI and cloud technologies. It showcased how advanced data analytics can drive innovation and enhance institutional performance, with sessions focusing on intelligent cloud applications in human resources, finance, and supply chain management, as well as the future integration of AI and cloud computing as key drivers reshaping business and service models worldwide.The Steering Committee delegation for the Unified Government Resources Planning (UGRP) was established by a Cabinet decision and includes representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau.

Qatar News Agency (QNA) launched today a specialized training course on website content management and analysis. The course is part of a series of training programs offered by the QNA Training Center, with the aim of developing media competencies and enhancing the skills of digital professionals. The three-day course will be presented by media expert at QNA, Siraj Munir, with the participation of a number of QNA staff, in addition to employees from various media institutions and government agencies. The course aims to enhance participants' skills in digital content management and develop electronic publishing mechanisms in line with modern professional standards. It also introduces participants to best practices in writing digital content, improving user experience, and enhancing websites' visibility in search engines. It also aims to introduce participants to best practices in writing digital content, improve user experience, and enhance websites' visibility in search engines. The course covers several key topics, most notably: digital content production strategies, content organization and updates to ensure an effective user experience, content management tools and their uses, search engine optimization standards, and mechanisms for writing and editing content for various online platforms. The course also highlights the importance of engaging with audiences through digital content and measuring content performance using digital analytics tools to ensure the effectiveness of media messages and achieve the organization's communication goals. This course is part of QNA's ongoing efforts to equip its staff with the latest developments in digital media. This is achieved through specialized training programs held in the state-of-the-art QNA Training Halls, which were launched in March 2023 and are equipped with the latest technology. They serve as an integrated platform for building media capabilities in accordance with the highest international standards.