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The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), has organised a two-day training workshop for members of the National Network of Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISC) at the ministry’s headquarters in Lusail City.The workshop aimed to strengthen participants’ skills in patent research and to stress the importance of intellectual property intelligence in supporting innovation and development. It comprised specialised training sessions that were delivered by experts from the WIPO, covering topics including research strategy, access to international databases, among other areas of speciality.The workshop is part of the ministry’s efforts to reinforce the national innovation ecosystem and to build the capacity of national professionals in the fields of intellectual property.

United Development Company (UDC), one of Qatar’s leading real estate development firms and the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has been awarded two accolades at the 2025–2026 Arabian Property Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious honours in the real estate sector.The awards include Best Mixed-Use Development in Qatar for Gewan Island, along with Best Retail Architecture in Qatar, further underscoring the island’s excellence as a world-class urban development that blends innovation, quality, comfort, and sustainability.The achievement adds to a series of successes for Gewan Island, reaffirming its status as one of Qatar’s and the region’s most forward-thinking lifestyle destinations. The island introduces a new paradigm in luxury urban living through its modern master plan, which seamlessly integrates upscale residential communities with commercial, leisure, and hospitality offerings.Among its standout features are the upcoming Corinthia Hotel; Crystal Walk, a climatised outdoor pedestrian retail walkway; and a state-of-the-art nine-hole golf course, all designed to deliver a unique sports and leisure and hospitality experience amid lush green surroundings.Together, these elements establish Gewan Island as a vibrant destination that enhances well-being, strengthens connectivity, and inspires community engagement for residents and visitors alike.Yasser al-Jaidah, President and CEO of UDC, stated: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Arabian Property Awards, which reflects our unwavering commitment to developing integrated projects that uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability.“Gewan Island’s success is not only a testament to its architectural and urban excellence but also to our broader vision of building vibrant communities that enrich lives and align with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. This achievement inspires us to continue pursuing innovation and excellence in all our future developments.”The Arabian Property Awards are part of the globally acclaimed International Property Awards programme, which celebrates excellence in real estate development and architecture. Winners are selected through a comprehensive judging process conducted by an independent panel of industry experts in urban planning, architecture, and design.The recognition further solidifies UDC’s role as a key contributor to shaping Qatar’s urban landscape and its ongoing efforts to deliver smart, sustainable, and future-ready developments that elevate the country's position as a regional hub for real estate excellence.

The Investment and Trade Court has signed a cooperation agreement with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), aimed at strengthening partnership and exchanging expertise in the field of intellectual property rights protection.The agreement was signed by President of the Investment and Trade Court Judge Khalid bin Ali al-Obaidli and Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center Ignacio De Castro Llamas, in the presence of Director of the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Abdulbasit al-Ajji, along with a number of judges and court officials.The agreement focuses on supporting the development of an advanced judicial environment capable of keeping pace with best international practices, thereby enhancing the court’s role in protecting intellectual property rights and improving the investment climate in the State of Qatar.Al-Obaidli stated that the agreement reflects the Investment and Trade Court’s commitment to engaging with leading international institutions and benefiting from their expertise, which strengthens Qatar’s position as a developed centre for intellectual property protection and the resolution of commercial and investment disputes.Following the signing, the WIPO delegation toured the court’s facilities, where they were briefed on its various departments and the mechanisms it employs to adjudicate commercial and investment cases.They praised the advanced capabilities and infrastructure they observed, which reflect the court’s status as a pioneering judicial institution both locally and internationally.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has organised a specialised workshop on advanced arbitration and mediation in intellectual property (IP) and technology disputes.The workshop, held in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center and the International Law Association GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) branch, concluded a two-day international conference on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and intellectual property protection.The conference co-organised by WIPO, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) brought together leading experts to discuss IP challenges, including disputes, legislative frameworks, and development strategies.The QICDRC also participated in two sessions during the conference, underlining its statutory role under Arbitration Law No. 2 of 2017 and its commitment to advancing ADR as a preferred alternative to litigation.The workshop provided participants with practical guidance on WIPO rules for mediation and arbitration, best practices in court-referred mediation, and the drafting of ADR clauses. Attendees explored the full mediation process from negotiation to final settlement while developing essential skills for mediators.Sessions further addressed the role of parties and neutrals, distinctions between mediation and other dispute resolution methods, and integration of WIPO procedures into both domestic and cross-border strategies.The event attracted a diverse audience from across the GCC, including participants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE, reflecting the regional importance of the topics discussed.Discussions also examined the relationship between intellectual property and sports-related legislation, including e-sports, and highlighted how ADR mechanisms can resolve such disputes efficiently. Senior experts from WIPO, international law firms, and regional courts led the sessions, and participants received certificates of attendance at the conclusion of the workshop."The workshop offered a valuable opportunity for participants to gain practical insights into the use of alternative dispute resolution in intellectual property and technology disputes. By exploring best practices in mediation and arbitration, we aim to contribute to the development of legal frameworks that safeguard the rights of investors and business owners while supporting innovation and sustainable growth,” said Faisal Rashid al-Sahouti, chief executive officer of QICDRC.Ignacio de Castro Llamas, Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, said mediation and arbitration have proven to be effective in resolving complex disputes related to technology and intellectual property."This is evident from the experience of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. By working with our partners in Qatar, we shared our experience and WIPO’s tools that complement court procedures and help foster innovation in this field,” he added.