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The Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CSGDB) has launched the “Eskan” smart application, the officially approved digital platform for government housing services in Qatar. The move is part of broader efforts to advance digital transformation and upgrade government services in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.Announcing the launch at a press conference at the Bureau’s headquarters, officials said Eskan provides a unified platform through which beneficiaries and housing unit owners can complete transactions, track requests in real time and receive automated updates. The application is designed to enhance transparency, improve efficiency and speed up the delivery of housing-related services.Director of Housing Affairs and Government Buildings, Engineer Jassim Mohammed Telfat, said the Eskan application was developed as “an integrated digital channel reflecting the objectives of the Eskan portal and unifying various housing services into a single platform accessible anytime and anywhere”. He said ease of use, clarity of services and full integration with approved government systems were key design priorities, supporting data accuracy, rapid processing and a reduction in paper-based procedures.Telfat noted that the Bureau launched the Eskan electronic portal in 2023 as “an integrated digital platform aimed at facilitating access for government employees and property owners to housing and government buildings services within a clear regulatory digital framework”.The portal, he added, laid the groundwork for “a modern housing system that unified service channels, simplified procedures, enhanced transparency and improved institutional performance”, with the smart application now extending this framework to mobile devices.Director of Allocation and Follow-up Department, Nasser al-Nuaimi, said the application targets two main categories. “The first includes government employees benefiting from housing and government buildings services, enabling them to apply for housing units, follow up on maintenance requests, and receive government housing in a transparent and efficient manner,” he said.“The second category comprises owners of housing units seeking to benefit from government housing services, as the application allows them to list their properties, manage property data, and follow up on requests electronically without the need for repeated in-person visits.”He stressed that the application offers “a unified digital interface for both categories, ensuring clarity, ease of use, and efficient management of daily requests”.Director of Housing Planning Department, Abdullah Issa al-Hammadi, said the launch of the Eskan smart application, alongside updates to the electronic portal, marks “a qualitative step in the digital transformation of the government housing sector”, particularly in refining user interfaces, improving application and follow-up mechanisms, and strengthening tools for enquiry and transparency.Head of Housing Systems Infrastructure Section, Ghada Ahmed al-Souj, said the app delivers “an advanced digital user experience supported by technical features that enhance service efficiency”. These include automated notifications to property owners on maintenance requests, the ability to print maintenance letters electronically, confirmation of maintenance completion by both owners and beneficiaries, and real-time tracking of request status “from anywhere at any time”. She noted that such features reduce the need for physical visits and accelerate procedures.Senior Systems Expert at the Information Systems Department, Khalid Suhail al-Saeed, said the Eskan application was developed as “a standalone smart application” built to high technical standards, ensuring information security, protection of personal data, full integration with approved government systems, and service continuity. He added that the launch coincides with comprehensive updates to the Eskan portal, which now offers 15 clearly categorised electronic services tailored to different user groups.According to the Bureau, the Eskan smart application represents a strategic milestone in the development of the government housing system and underscores CSGDB’s commitment to delivering more efficient and reliable digital services, reinforcing the concept of digital government and enhancing beneficiary satisfaction. 

Qatar's logistics sector is all set to undergo transformation with WareOne, the country's "first Airbnb for warehouses", introducing 'pay as you use' concept, which could cut storage costs by as much as 30%, especially for small businesses.Within 11 months of commencing its operations, the country's first digital on-demand logistics platform has already expanded its network to 25 plus partners across warehousing, fulfillment and delivery segments and has been serving more than 40 customers across Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain."Most logistics companies of today still operate in a traditional manner. However, on the other hand, businesses are developing way faster, demand is fluctuating and there is a high speed increase in sales channels and logistics. Therefore flexibility became customers' number one priority," WareOne co-founder and chief executive officer Sheikh Khalifa al-Thani told the Web Summit, which concluded Wednesday.The limited digitalisation across warehouse, fleet management, transportation and fulfillment centre led to less control and visibility as well as hidden inefficiency and a poor customer experience, he said.This gap between what the markets expects and what the current logistics system is providing translates as 20% to 30% higher costs in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) compared with the mature market, according to him.Sheikh Khalifa said a logistic ecosystem that is fragmented, disconnected and not digitalised is difficult to scale as long as the ecosystem still works in silos, which is the Gulf's biggest logistics challenge.WearOne, which has 3PL license, is Qatar's first digital on-demand logistics platform and built for how modern businesses operate in the GCC, according to Nakul Gupta, its chief operating officer.Terming "solution is simple in concept but very powerful in execution"; he said imagine an "Airbnb for warehousing", where small businesses can search and discover and book storage spaces on demand. "They pay only for what they use without any long-term commitments," he added."We are integrating warehousing, fulfillment and transportation into one system. We are trying to turn the logistics from a fixed capital-heavy model to a flexible usage-based service that aligns with the growing business needs," he said, adding it allows customers to book, pay, manage and track the movement of their goods on a real-time basis through a single customer dashboard.In the backend, WareOne digitise every step of warehousing, fulfillment and distribution, where one connects with multiple service providers through their APIs, coordinated by a 24-7 control tower, thus ensuring real-time visibility, reliability and seamless execution across the entire network, Gupta said."We are uniquely combining our real operational depth with digital capability to build the backbone of flexible logistics in the GCC," according to him.The global on-demand warehousing market is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating a market valuation of about $360bn by 2033. 

Stories, not speeches, took centre stage as ‘Sada’, a new national dialogue platform, turned inclusion into action, giving people with disabilities visibility, dignity and real economic opportunities. Launched on Monday (January 19) by Best Buddies Qatar under the umbrella of Al-Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disabilities, ‘Sada’ was introduced as a national platform designed to empower people with disabilities through storytelling, dialogue and tangible opportunity. “It is a national platform that cares about the empowerment of people with disabilities,” said Aida al-Sheerawi, media spokesperson for Al-Shafallah Centre, told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event. “But more than that, it is a very humane initiative – one that recognises abilities before limitations.”**media[407001]**Supported by Qatar National Bank and Msheireb Properties, the event brought together speakers and decision-makers from government and the private sector, underlining that inclusion is a shared national responsibility. At the heart of ‘Sada’ was a clear message: empowerment must go beyond awareness. “One of the most important goals of this platform is helping people with disabilities find suitable jobs and integrate fully into society,” al-Sheerawi said. “It is about recognising their skills, their communication abilities and their professional potential.” That message became reality during the event through the launch of the Mobile Wall of Opportunities – a travelling platform showcasing CVs of job-seeking people with disabilities and connecting them directly with employers.**media[407002]**“The wall represents a personal legacy for each participant,” al-Sheerawi explained. “It will move across the country so institutions and companies can see their professional skills and adopt their talents.” One of the most emotional moments of the event centred on Abdulaziz al-Suwaidi, a May 2025 graduate of Al-Shafallah Centre, who spoke openly about the challenges he faced in securing employment. “Despite interviews and promises, he faced many obstacles,” al-Sheerawi said. “Through this platform, he finally found real interest.” At the event, Doha Bank offered al-Suwaidi a job, making him the first individual to receive a ‘Hired’ badge on the Wall of Opportunities. “This moment showed exactly why ‘Sada’ exists,” she added. “It turned hope into action.” The initiative also aligns closely with Law No. 25 of 2025 concerning persons with disabilities, issued by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. “This is not charity, it is a right,” al-Sheerawi stressed. “People with disabilities have the right to live with dignity, independence and equal access to employment - economically, socially and culturally.” By bringing decision-makers into the room, organisers said the platform aims to ensure national legislation translates into lived reality. ‘Sada’ placed people with disabilities at the centre of the experience, not only as speakers, but as creators and contributors. Six individuals shared personal stories alongside family members and friends, while event gifts were designed and produced by Best Buddies members themselves, highlighting the message of productivity and capability. “Participation is empowerment,” al-Sheerawi said. “True inclusion happens when people are part of decision-making, not symbolic representation.” The event concluded with the announcement of a global interactive artwork, created using artificial intelligence and responses from Best Buddies programmes in more than 50 countries. Participants answered a single question: What does inclusion mean to you? Their words were transformed into one collective digital artwork – built not on data, but emotion. “It showed that inclusion is not only a local commitment,” organisers said, “but a global responsibility.” Al-Sheerawi revealed ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health to simplify training and accreditation pathways for people with intellectual disabilities, particularly in the food and beverage sector. “This is only the beginning. We want every person with a disability in Qatar to have the opportunity to live with dignity and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said. 

Starting February 1, Qatar will roll out the MSAR E-system, a new digital platform that allows visitors entering the country through the Abu Samra border crossing to obtain vehicle insurance entirely online.  The move marks a major step in Qatar’s ongoing digital transformation of government services. The Qatar Unified Insurance Office (QUIO), in collaboration with the Standing Committee for the Management of the Abu Samra Border Crossing, announced that the new system will replace manual insurance services for short-term visitors.  Beginning next month, on-site border services for short-term insurance — ranging from one week up to less than one month — will be suspended. However, services for long-term coverage periods of one month or more will continue to be offered at the border.  The MSAR platform will be accessible via a dedicated mobile app and web portal, enabling travelers to complete all procedures electronically before arrival. The system allows users to issue insurance documents digitally, make payments securely online, and receive instant confirmation and continuous 24-hour technical support.  Ali Ibrahim al-Abdalghani, Chairman of the QUIO Board of Directors, said the MSAR E-system was designed according to advanced technology and strict data security standards to protect users’ information and ensure quick processing of applications.  He highlighted that users can purchase insurance directly through the app or website and will retain the ability to cancel and receive refunds should their travel plans change. Al-Abdalghani added that the system accommodates a wide variety of vehicle types — private, commercial, and tourist —and offers flexible coverage options, including weekly, biweekly, and monthly policies valid for multiple trips. Furthermore, insured vehicles using the system will benefit from a dedicated lane at the Abu Samra crossing, significantly reducing wait times during peak travel seasons.  Colonel Khalid Ali al-Misshal al-Buainain, Chairperson of the Permanent Committee for Abu Samra Border Management, emphasised that the initiative will enhance traffic movement and improve the traveler experience at the country’s main land entry point.  He added that visitors without prior electronic insurance can still finalise their coverage through designated counters at the border for longer-term policies. Through this initiative, Qatar seeks to simplify border procedures, bolster security, and raise public service efficiency, while offering travelers a faster and more convenient entry experience. 

Qatar Monday launched Media Library, a national digital platform serving as the official portal for government visual content, as "Newsroom" platform has become a practical model for integration among government and semi-government entities.The library — which supports government entities in accessing approved, high-quality photos, videos, and media materials, helping unify visual identity and enhance the effectiveness of communication campaigns and messages across platforms — was launched at the Third Government Communications Forum.The two-day forum underscores the pivotal role of the government communications system in supporting the national narrative, enhancing institutional coordination, and keeping pace with rapid transformations in the media and digital landscape.The opening day featured the Minister of Environment and Climate Change His Excellency Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, the Minister of Labour His Excellency Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh al-Marri, the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs His Excellency Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa al-Hassan al-Mohannadi; and Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, president of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau and secretary-general of the National Planning Council.Saad bin Ali al-Khulaifi, president of Qatar Tourism; Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Meer, president of the Public Works Authority; and Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, president of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, also figured on the first day.Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabr al-Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office, said the "Newsroom" platform has become a practical model for integration among government and semi-government entities."It has unified media messaging and strengthened coordination in managing national communications, covering achievements, and handling challenges and crises. The participation of over 60 entities in the platform reflects the level of engagement and its direct impact on the government communications system," he said.Highlighting that the forum represents a strategic milestone in developing Qatar's government communications system, he said it serves as a national platform bringing together communications leaders from government and semi-government entities, contributing to institutional integration, unifying the national narrative, and advancing communications practices in line with rapid developments and societal aspirations, in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.The first day saw the forum's award winners, which aim to honour outstanding entities and individuals and highlight practical models and inspiring achievements contributing to the development of Qatar's government communications system throughout the year.The awards included several categories: the Ministry of Interior won the Innovation in media campaigns award among government entities, while Qatar Rail "The Rail" won the same award among semi-government entities.The Ministry of Labour won the Government Visual Identity Compliance award, and the Ministry of Municipality received the Most Engaged Entity award on the Newsroom platform among government entities. The Communications Regulatory Authority won the same award among semi-government entities.In the Most Engaged Employee category on the Newsroom platform, Noor al-Manaei from the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs won among government employees, while Mohammed Awartani from the Public Works Authority won among semi-government employees. The first-of-its-kind Snap Award for the best media campaign went to Hamad International Airport.Sheikh Jassim highlighted the importance of annual awards as a tool to honour distinguished partners and motivate entities to adopt best practices, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in government communications. He noted the creation of a new award sponsored by Snap, presented for the first time for the best media campaign in Qatar.The forum programme includes panel sessions, workshops, and interactive activities aimed at developing communication professionals' skills, strengthening institutional coordination, fostering a culture of innovation, and reviewing leading national and international experiences, thereby preparing government and semi-government entities to address various challenges.It continues to advance Qatar's communications sector, strengthen collaborative institutional work, and establish an advanced government communications model capable of delivering national messages efficiently and professionally, while enhancing the state's regional and international standing. 

The Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre (QMIC) is supporting operational activities for the Arab Cup 2025, in partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, through the deployment of its Smart Parking Management System powered by the Falcon-I platform.The system monitors parking lot occupancy in real time and provides operational teams with accurate live dashboards and predictive analytics, enabling data-driven decisions to reduce congestion, optimise parking utilisation, and to enhance the overall visitor experience.First piloted in 2021 and successfully utilised during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the system demonstrated its effectiveness in managing traffic flow and parking availability across tournament venues. Building on this success, the solution will once again play a key role in supporting parking operations during the Arab Cup 2025. 

The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) launched a national digital platform developed to empower people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and service providers to access information and services tailored to them more reliably and clearly.The launch was attended by Her Excellency Minister of Social Development and Family (MSDF) Buthaina bint Ali al-Jaber al-Nuaimi.The launch ceremony witnessed the active participation of people with disabilities, reflecting their belief in the importance of including them in projects that address their lives and needs.The platform is one of MSDF's projects strategy, a step that reflects its commitment to promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all members of society.**media[389586]**On this occasion, HE Minister of Social Development and Family (MSDF) Buthaina bint Ali al Jaber al-Nuaimi said in her opening remarks said that the launch of the platform was in line with the law for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the State of Qatar, which affirms the right to access technology and information and to participate fully in society without obstacles.Her Excellency added that the ministry ensured that the platform embodies these principles and translates them into tangible, practical solutions that enhance the independence of individuals and enable them to exercise their rights easily and conveniently.HE the Minister added that the platform was not merely a digital project but an embodiment of a national model based on human rights, placing justice, inclusivity, and equal opportunities at the forefront of its priorities. She added that it also constitutes a fundamental pillar in supporting the implementation of the MSDF’s strategy, aiming to build a modern social services system that meets the aspirations of society.”In her address, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Assistive Technology Center (Mada) Maha al-Mansouri emphasised that the platform was not merely an information portal, but a strategic step in building an inclusive digital ecosystem that reflects Qatar's efforts to promote universal accessibility and enhance independence and self-reliance.It is worth noting that the platform was developed by the Assistive Technology Center (Mada) according to the highest international digital accessibility standards, ensuring a user experience compatible with assistive technology.The platform also incorporates solutions based on assistive artificial intelligence technologies to enhance independence and improve the quality of digital services for users.**media[389587]**This project is a comprehensive digital platform that contributes to the implementation of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and reflects the Ministry of Social Development and Family's commitment to implementing its strategy aimed at empowering this segment of society and facilitating their access to various services and opportunities.The project is one of the practical tools adopted by the MSDF to remove obstacles that people with disabilities may face, by providing innovative solutions that support their full inclusion in society and enhance their independence and quality of life.This aligns with the national directions of Qatar in promoting rights, protection, and empowerment, and with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 by supporting the building of a more inclusive and sustainable society and providing a digital system that facilitates understanding and access to services for people with disabilities, enabling them to exercise their rights and to participate in all aspects of life. 

Marking its 30th anniversary year, Qatar Foundation (QF) has unveiled The QF Generation: an immersive storytelling platform that sees 30 people whose lives have been shaped by QF relive their personal journeys, and how they are now making a difference in their fields and their communities. Over the past three decades, QF has nurtured a local, regional, and global community of people who are confident in their identity, open to the world, and equipped to lead and to drive positive social change. Many began their journeys in QF classrooms and research spaces; others connected with QF later in life through opportunities that shifted their path. Together, they represent a generation that embodies why QF was created 30 years ago. The QF Generation includes a limited-edition commemorative coffee table book and a digital platform containing 30 stories of how QF touches and changes lives. It features students, educators, researchers, innovators, and changemakers who grew, discovered, and found their purpose because of QF, and are now creating impact in many different ways across sectors, borders, and disciplines. Visitors can explore personal narratives that span early education, university life, research breakthroughs, entrepreneurial ventures, and unexpected moments of inspiration. Each story offers a different perspective, yet all reflect how QF has influenced their growth and how they, in turn, are shaping the world around them. Among those featured are Fatma al-Khater, the founder of Torba Market; Qatari filmmaker Amal al-Muftah; and Ousman Camara, a QF alumnus inspired by his Education City experience to create his own nonprofit organisation in Sierra Leone to support young people’s education and mental health. "In this very special year for a truly unique organisation, The QF Generation celebrates the people whose journeys have been shaped and guided by Qatar Foundation,” said Yousif al-Naama, chief executive officer, QF. “Their stories remind us that the true legacy of Qatar Foundation is not reflected in buildings or programs, but in the lives it has touched and the difference those it has empowered and inspired continue to make in the world.”

Lesha Bank LLC (Public) announced its investment in an energy platform in partnership with a leading energy and infrastructure manager. Lesha Bank has invested approximately QAR 540 million through an entity managed by the Bank, the bank said in a statement published on the Qatar Exchange website. The Bank achieved a net profit of QAR 82.436 million for the first half of 2025, marking a 52.3% increase compared to a net profit of QAR 54.131 for the same period in the previous year.

The Ministry of Labour announced the launch of the pilot phase of the Moawen Platform—a pioneering digital system designed to redefine domestic worker recruitment, bolster transparency, and safeguard the rights of all stakeholders. This was unveiled during the meeting of Her Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani with licensed recruitment offices. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation with recruitment offices, supporting and developing their operational capacity, and addressing the sector's key challenges—particularly in workforce management and recruitment procedures. The Moawen Platform streamlines every stage of domestic worker recruitment. Recruitment offices can orchestrate applications through a unified digital portal, while employers can select workers and licensed offices with full transparency, based on service quality and pricing. Simultaneously, the Ministry receives comprehensive, real-time data on recruitment office activity, enabling rapid analysis, identification of bottlenecks, and timely, evidence-based interventions—strengthening sector stability. Key features of the platform include: submission and management of recruitment offers; conducting job interviews; worker and office selection; contract finalization; payment of recruitment fees and wage transfers; and management of end-of-service entitlements and processing of refunds in disputes. During the pilot phase, the platform will register recruitment offices and available workers to create verified, comprehensive profiles; enable offices to manage applications, submit feedback, and refine processes; and allow select clients to test end-to-end application submission and tracking. This trial ensures the Ministry can rigorously evaluate Moawen's effectiveness and readiness ahead of its full launch, while providing recruitment offices the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the system and adapt it to practical operational needs.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that progress had been made on many issues, including trade and the approval of a TikTok deal with China.In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump said that he had a "very good" phone call with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. He said: "We appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC."Trump also indicated that he will visit China "early next year" and that the Chinese president will visit the US "at a later date."For his part, the Chinese president said that his country and the US can achieve mutual success, but he stressed that the US side must avoid unilateral trade restrictions. He called on the US to provide an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.He added that the Chinese government respects the will of companies and is pleased to see them conduct trade negotiations in accordance with market rules and reach solutions that comply with Chinese laws and regulations and a balance of interests.

The Hayya platform has recently been recognized for its outstanding achievements in technology and innovation, securing two regional accolades. Hayya was named Winner in the Travel Technology - Business Services category at the Middle East Technology Excellence Awards 2025 and received the Best Use of Digital by Sector - Travel Industry title at the MENA Digital Awards 2025. Commenting on the achievement, Director of Hayya Saeed Al Kuwari said: "We are proud that the Hayya platform has been recognised by two distinguished regional awards for its digital innovation. This achievement reflects Hayya's evolution into a world-class platform that continues to set new standards for travel and tourism services.Our focus on integrating advanced technologies ensures visitors enjoy seamless, secure and efficient experiences, while reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading global destination. With these recent awards, we have not only delivered the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ successfully but also fulfilled our vision of establishing Hayya as a lasting legacy that supports Qatar's tourism sector. We remain committed to its ongoing evolution, ensuring the platform continues to drive innovation and excellence in line with Qatar's tourism vision." Originally designed to manage fan entry during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Hayya has since transformed into a comprehensive e-visa ecosystem, offering five distinct visa categories: the Tourist Visa (A1), GCC Resident Visa (A2), Visa with ETA (A3), Companion of GCC Citizen Visa (A4), and Visa-Free for US Citizens (F1). Hayya's continuous innovation has transformed visitor experiences through advanced B2C technologies, including Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for automated document extraction, the upcoming Arabic OCR implementation to improve accessibility for Arab nationals and NFC-based passport scanning for instant passport data entry. On the B2B front, Hayya provides secure API integration enabling real-time ticket validation and identity-linked QR codes for seamless access across stadiums, hospitality venues, and transport services. The platform has successfully supported some of Qatar's largest international events, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the AFC Asian Cup 2023, the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, and the Web Summit Qatar 2024. Operated by Qatar Tourism, Hayya serves as Qatar's official e-visa digital platform. As Qatar's central digital gateway, Hayya streamlines access to the country through integrated visa processing and event access, all within a single, user-friendly interface. The platform is designed to facilitate e-visa services while integrating events, domestic tourism, transport, lifestyle experiences, and everyday services into one unified solution for living, traveling, and connecting. Beyond enabling smooth entry via airports and land borders, it encourages visitors to explore Qatar's cultural landmarks, natural attractions, and vibrant year-round events. The platform also supports major events by delivering tailored digital solutions for organisers, delegates, and attendees.