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The Gulf Studies Centre at College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University (QU), organised the 10th edition of its annual multidisciplinary conference, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and experts from academic institutions across the Gulf region and beyond.Under the theme ‘Bridging Tradition and Progress’, this year’s conference featured more than 10 speakers from QU and other regional and international universities, including Kuwait University, Abu Dhabi University, Bahrain University, Lebanese University, Colombia University, Oxford University, and the University of Edinburgh, in addition to experts from Unesco.Through seven specialised academic sessions, participants discussed topics related to family, artificial intelligence (AI), cultural diplomacy, law, language, and other issues connected to social transformations in the region.The sessions addressed themes related to national identity amid globalisation, the role of the family in social and economic development, and the relationship between modernisation and cultural continuity.The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries as they work to balance modernisation requirements with the preservation of heritage and social traditions.In her remarks, Dr Fatima Ali al-Kubaisi, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at QU, noted that culture, national identity, and the role of the family form essential pillars of national development, making the integration of cultural discourse into development strategies a necessity across the region. She said the college’s commitment to expanding research efforts focused on national identity in the context of rapid global change. She added that the conference deepens understanding of developmental trajectories in Gulf societies and strengthens the exchange of expertise while drawing on international models in identity and cultural studies.This, she said, reinforces QU’s standing as a leading research destination in the region. Dr Maryam al-Kuwari, director of the Gulf Studies Centre at QU, noted that the conference themes address a wide range of issues, including national identity in the context of globalisation, the role of the family in social and economic development, and the relationship between modernisation and cultural continuity.

Qatar Charity (QC) has completed a new round of food assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Gaza, distributing 26,000 food baskets that benefited around 130,000 people.The initiative was funded by generous donors in Qatar through the campaign "Labbeh Gaza: Commitment and Solidarity".QC said the aid aims to ease the severe humanitarian crisis and improve food security for families affected by the blockade and two years of the war.Gaza continues to face acute shortages of essential supplies, with the UN declaring a widespread famine in August, the first ever in the Middle East. According to UN agencies, over 500,000 people are trapped in famine conditions, while 91% of Gaza's population, around 1.95mn people, suffers from extreme food insecurity, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).Each basket contains basic food supplies sufficient for a family for about a month.Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, calling the assistance "a timely lifeline" and "a message of solidarity from hearts that never forget." Qatar Charity continues to urge donors to support its ongoing "Labbeh Gaza" campaign.Contributions can be made via the organisation's website and mobile app, through its home collection service, by dialling 44290000, or by visiting its branches and representatives in commercial centers.As part of Qatar's land bridge of humanitarian aid, a recent shipment of relief supplies, including shelter tents and essential items, crossed the Rafah border to help ease the suffering of Gazans, especially with winter approaching and temperatures dropping.

The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Passports, concluded a new training course titled 'Skills in Detecting Document Forgery and Identity Fraud', as part of co-operation among the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries and efforts to enhance the exchange of specialised security expertise. The course was attended by several ministry officers, alongside officers from GCC countries, aiming to enhance participants’ competencies and develop their skills in detecting forgery and verifying identities, thereby supporting joint Gulf efforts to strengthen professional readiness. **media[382176]** At the closing ceremony, Director of Administrative Affairs at the General Directorate of Passports, Brigadier Khalid Jassim al-Zaini, and Assistant Director of the Administrative Affairs Department, Colonel Faisal Duhaim al-Dosari, handed certificates of completion to the graduates.

The Ministry of Culture organised a dialogue session Wednesday evening entitled "Opportunities of the Creative Economy in a Changing World," on the sidelines of the "Art and Design Village" festival at Darb Al Saai.The session aimed to highlight the pivotal role of the creative economy as an engine for sustainable development and to explore its new horizons in light of rapid global transformations, particularly in the fields of technology and digital transformation.The session was presented by media personality Iman al-Kaabi.The speakers discussed the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for the flourishing of creative industries and reviewed successful models in this field.Hamid Ibrahim, head of Creative Operations at Kogali, emphasised that the partnership with Disney+ to produce the series "I wago" represents a pivotal step. He explained that the most significant advantage lies in leveraging the immense global reach of the Disney brand, renowned for its rich heritage and extensive experience in animation.Ibrahim summarised the philosophy of working in the creative economy with the phrase, "Thinking in terms of the entire ecosystem". This perspective goes beyond simply creating a character for a film; it encompasses adapting that character into a series or designing them for products like lunchboxes, confirming that the industry is growing and expanding in this way.Abdulaziz al-Kubaisi, owner and founder of Lusail Art Production Studios, highlighted the importance of integrating creativity with the economy, calling for the transformation of studios and creative activities into "sustainable economic platforms in the face of global competition."Al-Kubaisi explained that the creative economy is the art of transforming creativity, activity, and hobbies into income-generating economic value, noting that this concept represents the turning point from pursuing a hobby to establishing a business.Qatar-based filmmaker Obada Jarbi emphasised that documentaries and feature films represent a long-term investment tool and a form of soft power capable of building a creative economy that reflects local identity and culture. He stressed that this type of content can replace traditional public relations and advertising campaigns.Jarbi discussed the pivotal role of cinema as a "long-term investment" for the country, adding that many major global cities owe their popularity primarily to what has been portrayed in films, thus reducing the need for massive advertising campaigns.Qatari entrepreneur Nada Khamis Mohammed al-Sulaiti, founder of Alama Jewellery, revealed the motivation behind launching her brand in 2011. She explained that growing up in a home deeply rooted in heritage inspired her to be the one to tell Qatar's story, emphasising that Qatar is "the most deserving of telling our identity and stories" to the world.Qatari entrepreneur Abdullah al-Mana called on young people and the community to adopt the concepts of the creative economy as a fundamental pillar for diversifying income sources, stressing that this economy opens "new and numerous horizons in industries" away from total dependence on the traditional economy.

His Excellency the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud inaugurated the second edition of Qatar’s International Healthcare and Medical Exhibition and Conference (Qatar Medicare). Qatar Medicare brings together 100 local and international companies under one roof, 64 local and 36 international exhibitors.Organised by IFP Qatar in collaboration with Qatar Chamber (QC) and held under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health, the event continues until Thursday, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).Chair of the Health Committee at Qatar Chamber Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani said: “The Qatar Chamber is committed to achieving self-sufficiency in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Qatar Medicare reflects the strong public-private collaboration driving Qatar’s healthcare landscape.”According to estimates by Fitch Solutions, a subsidiary of Fitch Ratings, Qatar’s healthcare sector is projected to experience accelerated growth, with total health expenditure expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 14% by 2029, reaching $11.5bn (QR41.86bn).This expansion is set to position Qatar as the third-largest healthcare market in the GCC and the tenth-largest in the Mena region.Commercial and Operations Director at IFP Qatar Hayat Bayan commented: “Qatar Medicare includes daily one-on-one meetings between exhibitors, visitors, and major hospitals from both the public and private sectors, in addition to panel discussions and workshops featuring more than 55 speakers, 25 presentations, five dialogue sessions, four workshops, training sessions, and an Open Stage segment that allows professionals two minutes each to share their work and expertise. The event will conclude with the Qatar Medicare 2025 Healthcare Excellence Awards, honouring 15 categories of outstanding healthcare institutions and individuals.”Dr Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, Scientific Advisor at Qatar Cancer Society and member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the International Cancer Patients Alliance, emphasised: “The QCS is participating as a Silver Sponsor to enhance its awareness efforts on cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of public education.”“It will also explore the latest technologies and potential partnerships to improve and innovate healthcare practices, contributing to raising community awareness and improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families,” he said.

Al Jasra Cultural and Social Club organised a lecture titled “Our Ethics and Life: Values in a Time of Transformations,” presented by Dr Kamal Aslan, a visiting professor at Qatar University who holds a PhD in Ethics with honours and has contributed to numerous research projects for the Al Jazeera Center for Studies.The lecture was moderated by writer Hanan Badie, who welcomed Dr Aslan and the attendees, emphasising the importance of ethics in building a sustainable society and providing individuals with a sense of security and the ability to face challenges.During the lecture, Dr Aslan raised several fundamental questions about the need for values and ethics, the impact of their absence on society, the causes of the current ethical crisis, and the means of instilling values and building sound behaviour.He pointed out that rapid transformations in various fields necessitate ethical awareness and the ability to adapt without compromising core values, warning against succumbing to a utilitarian ethics that justifies any means, regardless of their violation of religion, customs, and traditions.He explained that the absence of ethics has had repercussions on multiple levels, including the economic sphere with its prevalence of fraud, exploitation, and monopolies. As well as the social sphere with its disintegration of families and deviance; the political sphere with its corruption and hypocrisy; the intellectual sphere with its theft of other peoples' efforts and the dissemination of corrupt ideologies; and the media sphere with its misinformation and deception.This is compounded by deficiencies in the educational system, which has failed to instill values in schools and colleges. He added that knowledge alone is insufficient; it must be translated into practical behaviour.

Under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar University (QU) launched the 8th International Conference on Entrepreneurship for Sustainability and Impact (ESI 2025), organised by the College of Business and Economics under the theme "Frontier Technologies for Resilient Economies." The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, and His Excellency President of QU, Dr.- Omar Mohammed al-Ansari, along with a distinguished group of senior officials and international experts.Recognised as one of the region’s leading academic gatherings, ESI 2025 convenes over 600 scholars, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders from more than 50 countries to explore how emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, quantum computing, robotics, and advanced data analytics are shaping the future of business, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.In her keynote remarks, Prof Rana Sobh, Dean of the College of Business and Economics and Conference Chair, emphasised the urgency of fostering innovation and adaptability in a world defined by rapid technological disruption and global uncertainty."Resilience is not the absence of crisis-it is the ability to evolve through it. The technologies we discuss here - AI, quantum computing, blockchain, and others-are not just tools of efficiency; they are catalysts for imagination and progress. Yet, their success depends on people-their creativity, wisdom, and courage to act responsibly. ESI 2025 is a forum for shaping that collective vision: to build economies that are strong, inclusive, and forward-looking," she stated.The Business Consortium, a distinguished feature of ESI 2025, brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and executives from across sectors to discuss Fintech and Financial Transformation, Government Institutional Excellence in the Era of Innovative Technology, Technology for Climate and Sustainability, and AI in Education and Humanitarian Affairs.In his remarks, Dr Mohammed El Gammal, Chair of the ESI 2025 Organising Committee from QU, highlighted the continued success and growing global participation of the conference. "The International Conference on Entrepreneurship for Sustainability and Impact is now in its eighth consecutive year, and this edition has attracted over 650 research papers from around the world." Dr Jim Adams, a former deputy chief technologist at Nasa, gave the opening keynote address. He shared insights from his extensive global experience in space technology and innovation, emphasising that the true impact of technology lies in our ability to empower people to use it effectively.The conference also featured Dr. Sui Sui (Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada), Dr. Khaled Hussainey (Bangor Business School, UK), Dr. Adel Ben Youssef (Université Côte d’Azur, France), and Dr. Arman Eshraghi (Cardiff Business School, UK), among other leading academics who addressed digital entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, circular economy strategies, and global supply-chain resilience.Dr. Amna Al Ansari, Director of the Strategic Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development Office at QU, highlighted the university’s growing role in cultivating innovation among students and researchers. "Through its innovation and entrepreneurship framework, QU ensures that creative ideas are not confined to classrooms-they are transformed into startups, social enterprises, and technologies with real impact. Student-led innovations, such as assistive technologies for the deaf and visually impaired, are prime examples of how research at QU is making a tangible contribution to national development and global knowledge." In parallel sessions, participants presented over 90 peer-reviewed research papers across 17 thematic tracks, addressing subjects ranging from digital transformation and smart cities to circular economy and climate adaptation. The Meet the Editors forum allowed early-career researchers to engage with editors from leading international journals, while the PhD Symposium offered doctoral candidates mentorship and feedback from senior scholars.The conference concluded with a Women Entrepreneurs Forum, celebrating female innovators and researchers who are advancing inclusive economic development in the region.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has been awarded a Unesco Chair on Digital Technologies and Human Behaviour, with the College of Science and Engineering’s (CSE) Dr Raian Ali appointed as Chairholder from June 2025 to June 2029.Unesco’s Chairs Programme represents the organisation’s most significant intersectoral activity in higher education. The designation is in recognition of HBKU’s excellence, building on the existing Unesco Chairs on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, a statement said Wednesday.The new Chair will explore the intersection between digital technologies and human behaviour, promoting digital well-being, ethical use of technology, and positive societal transformation. It will also encourage healthy human interaction both online and offline, tackling challenges such as Internet addiction, cyberbullying, and misinformation, while fostering active engagement in addressing these issues.Commenting on the announcement and the significance of the Chair, Dr Mounir Hamdi, Dean, CSE, stated: “Technology is transforming every aspect of how we live, work, and connect. Through this Unesco Chair, HBKU will lead a global effort to ensure that digital transformation empowers people, strengthens communities, amplifies underrepresented voices, and contributes to a healthier relationship between humanity and evolving technologies.”As part of its activities, the Chair will address the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) while embracing its potential benefits, stressing the importance of aligning technology with cultural values and societal norms. By merging a cross-disciplinary approach within Qatar, the region and globally, the programme will promote collaboration among stakeholders, including ministries, policymakers, health professionals, and educators, to maximise social and economic impact.The Chair will also host events that encourage dialogue, knowledge exchange, and innovation across academia, industry, and public policy. These platforms help co-create solutions that are more likely to be adopted and sustained.Dr Ali said: “I am proud to lead this exceptional opportunity to advance research that ensures technology serves human values responsibly. At HBKU, we aim to generate evidence-based insights that promote digital well-being, impact-driven innovation, and a digital future shaped by ethics.”By collaborating with more than 15 partner institutions from over 10 countries and engaging around 40 professionals, the Chair reflects HBKU’s commitment to shaping a holistic and forward-thinking ecosystem that aligns with Qatar’s national priorities and the university’s core research strengths, the statement added.

R.Tulsian and Co proudly announces its approval as an official In-Country Value (ICV) Certifier in Qatar. This milestone further strengthens the firm’s commitment to supporting Qatar’s economic diversification goals while reinforcing its position as one of the most trusted audit and advisory firms in the region.The ICV program is a cornerstone of Qatar’s efforts to enhance local economic participation, encourage private-sector growth, and increase the use of local services, suppliers, and workforce. As a recognized ICV Certifier, R.Tulsian and Co. will now be authorized to assess, verify, and issue ICV certificates for companies across industries, enabling them to participate more effectively in Qatar’s procurement ecosystem.A Landmark for the FirmWith more than six decades of professional heritage and a growing international footprint across India,US,UK,Saudi Arabia,Oman,UAE, Bahrain and now Qatar, R. Tulsian & Co. has consistently been at the forefront of innovation and client service. The Qatar Branch has quickly emerged as a trusted partner for corporates, SMEs, and associates in the region, particularly in the areas of audit, assurance, and compliance.“Becoming an ICV Certifier in Qatar is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Shashwat Tulsian, Partner. “This approval recognizes our technical strength, global best practices, and local expertise. More importantly, it allows us to play a direct role in advancing Qatar’s vision for sustainable economic development.”Supporting Businesses, Driving ImpactThe firm’s role as a certifier is to deliver fair, transparent, and independent assessments in line with ICV requirements. Through this role, R. Tulsian & Co. helps ensure consistency in certification and contributes to the smooth functioning of the ICV framework in Qatar.About R. Tulsian & Co. LLPEstablished over 60 years ago, R. Tulsian & Co. LLP is a leading audit, assurance, and advisory firm with offices across the US, UK, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. Thefirm’s Qatar Branch focuses on audit, compliance, and advisory services for corporates and SMEs, bringing global expertise combined with deep local understanding. Its approval as an ICV Certifier marks another step in its journey to support regional growth and economic transformation.For media inquiries, please contact:Shashwat TulsianPartnerR. Tulsian & Co- Qatar Branch+974-33063032

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has inaugurated the Career Fair 2025, welcoming participation from over 95 local and international companies representing key industries across Qatar and beyond. The two-day event, organised by the Student Central Services Department, provided over 2,450 opportunities for full-time and part-time employment, sponsorships, internships, and co-operative training. The event has been inaugurated by President of UDST, Dr Salem Al-Naemi, in the presence of HE Chairman of UDST’s Board of Trustees, Dr Mohammed Saleh al-Sada; and Vice-Chair of UDST’s Board of Trustees and Managing Director and CEO of Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco), Dr Mohammed Yousef al-Mulla; and attended by UDST students, alumni, and high school students exploring their future career paths. The fair serves as one of UDST’s flagship annual events, offering students and graduates a direct gateway to industry leaders, while helping employers connect with highly skilled and job-ready talent. Throughout the event, attendees engaged in live interviews, networking sessions, and career development activities, reflecting UDST’s applied learning approach that bridges education with real-world experience. In line with its commitment to sustainability, UDST ensured the event remained entirely paperless, with students submitting their CVs and applications through the university’s digital application system. This initiative highlights UDST’s ongoing dedication to adopting eco-friendly and innovative event practices that align with Qatar National Vision 2030’s sustainability goals. Dr Al-Naemi said: “Career Fair represents a pivotal milestone in the university’s ongoing efforts to empower its students and alumni, preparing them for active participation in the job market. Guided by our mission of applied education, we are committed to building strong partnerships with public and private sector institutions, ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to contribute to a national economy driven by knowledge and innovation”. With participation from sectors such as energy, construction, banking, finance, healthcare, IT, and public services, the event demonstrated UDST’s growing influence in linking education to real-world careers.

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), in collaboration with Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), held an awareness workshop to empower consumers to protect their personal data and promote safe use of mobile phones, as part of the National Initiative to Celebrate 160 Years of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).The workshop comes as a part of CRA’s ongoing series of initiatives launched to raise awareness about the safe and responsible use of digital technologies to reinforce confidence in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector in Qatar, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 that aspires to create an informed and secure digital community.CRA experts conducted interactive sessions that demonstrated how users can manage privacy settings on their mobile phones, identify potentially unsafe applications, and control data access permissions effectively.The workshop also featured practical discussions on enhancing privacy on messaging and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, with participants learning how to adopt safe digital habits that reduce exposure to online risks.On this occasion, Director of the Consumer Affairs Department at CRA Amel Salem al-Hanawi stated: “Enhancing awareness is the cornerstone of digital protection. Through this workshop, we aimed to empower elderly people to take control of their digital privacy and make informed decisions about their data. We remain committed to engaging directly with the community and translating our consumer protection mandate into tangible action that builds trust and strengthens digital resilience.”Acting Director of Social Awareness and Community Outreach Department at Ehsan Center Shaikha Ahmed al-Horaib stated: “The collaboration between the Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care, Ehsan, and the Communications Regulatory Authority comes as part of our ongoing efforts to promote safe digital literacy among the elderly and to empower them to use modern technologies with confidence and security”.She added: “This partnership reflects the Center’s commitment to supporting the elderly in keeping pace with digital transformation, enhancing their ability to protect their personal data and private information, and enabling them to interact with technology in a conscious way that contributes to their digital safety and quality of life.”

The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) participated in a high-level international event held on Tuesday under the theme "Digital Pathways Towards Regulating the Social and Solidarity Economy," as part of the activities of the Second World Summit for Social Development. Representatives from several Arab and international organizations were also in attendance.In his address, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs, Fahad bin Mohammed Al Khayarin, emphasized that an economy combining family solidarity, social development, and digital transformation embodies the core vision of Qatar.He noted that global experience has proven that the government sector alone cannot meet all developmental needs.He added that the social and solidarity economy, as a strategic approach, promotes social development and equal opportunities. He explained that the State of Qatar places great importance on empowering vulnerable groups by creating decent job opportunities for youth, women, and people with disabilities, and by supporting productive family projects and transforming them into organized economic entities.This contributes to strengthening family and community cohesion and providing a sustainable social and economic safety net.The two options highlighted the importance of utilizing digital tools to organize productive families by building digital platforms that enable registration, market access, and efficient and transparent management of financial operations.This includes facilitating smart financing and equitable access to accessible financial solutions that support the growth of small businesses and open up opportunities for cross-border trade.He emphasized the necessity of building the digital capacities of those working in the social sector, particularly young people, and empowering them with the skills needed to use modern technologies and transform their ideas into innovative projects that support the national economy.He pointed out that the family represents the nurturing and driving environment for the social economy, and that small businesses often originate within homes and rely on family solidarity.He affirmed that the success of these projects means empowering the entire family and strengthening its vital role in achieving sustainable development.Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Fahad bin Mohammed Al Khayarin, affirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to continuing regional and international efforts to accelerate the transition towards a social and solidarity economy and enhance the integration of social and economic policies. This will make the family a central pillar in building a cohesive and prosperous society capable of keeping pace with transformations and achieving social justice and comprehensive development in the region.