tag

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

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

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

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

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

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), country's leading digital bank, has achieved a new milestone by winning 17 prestigious accolades at Global Finance’s 2025 Digital Bank, AI & Innovation Awards “reinforcing its leadership” in innovation and digitisation.The recognition spanned across corporate, consumer, AI, and innovation global, regional and local categories, highlighting QIB’s leadership and prominent position within the banking sector globally.At the ceremony held recently in London, QIB was honoured as the Best Personalised Financial Advice Consumer Banking in the World in the Global AI in Finance Awards category, recognising the bank’s position at the forefront of AI-driven banking innovation in the region and beyond.Additionally, QIB won four accolades; Best Consumer Bank in AI and Best Personalised Financial Advice, both in Qatar and in the Middle East, in acknowledgement of QIB’s advanced AI-driven capabilities that deliver secure, intelligent, and customer-focused financial services.With a clear focus on delivering smarter, more intuitive digital experience, QIB has been systematically embedding artificial intelligence across its operations to anticipate customer needs, elevate service quality, and drive sustainable growth. QIB’s AI strategy goes beyond personalisation.By integrating AI into areas such as fraud detection, process automation, and digital onboarding, the bank has significantly improved operational efficiency, enhanced security, and reduced its reliance on traditional, paper-based workflows.These advancements reflect QIB’s commitment to responsible AI innovation that aligns with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.In the Consumer Banking category, QIB was celebrated as Most Innovative Digital Bank in Qatar and the Middle East, Best in lending and Best Online Product Offerings in Qatar, affirming the bank’s consistent efforts to boost customer engagement and satisfaction through exceptional service and pioneering digital solutions.In the Corporate Banking category, QIB was recognised with multiple prestigious accolades at both the regional and local levels, being named the Best Mobile Banking App, Most Innovative Digital Bank, and Best Online/User Experience (UX) Portal in Qatar and the Middle East.The bank was also honoured with the Best SME Banking Platform in Qatar, reaffirming its commitment to empowering businesses through innovative, user-centric digital solutions. These recognitions highlight QIB’s continuous efforts to enhance customer experiences and set new benchmarks in digital banking.Moreover, QIB was named among the Top Innovators in Qatar, which is telling about its continuous drive to push the boundaries of digital transformation in the financial sector.QIB’s Group CEO Bassel Gamal commented: “We are happy to be recognised by Global Finance. These accolades mirror our efforts and commitment to investing in technology and innovation to provide secure, convenient, and customer-centric digital solutions. They also underscore QIB’s leading role in shaping the future of digital banking in Qatar and beyond.“On this occasion, I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their continuous support, Qatar Central Bank for its ongoing encouragement of innovation and digital transformation, and each one of our team members for their exceptional performance and dedication.”Global Finance World’s Best Digital Awards are widely regarded as on the most prestigious in the global banking industry and are seen as an endorsement of excellence and best practices.They recognise institutions that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership across different consumer sub-categories including Best User Experience (UX) Design, Best Mobile Banking App and Best Innovation and Transformation.

Behind Japan’s futuristic Expo showcase lies a deeper goal: turning its domestic pavilions into real-world incubators that would spark breakthroughs in healthcare, digital technology, and green solutions for the future.This strategy is anchored by two distinct pillars – resource circulation and regenerative medicine – each presented in highly interactive and functional exhibition spaces at the Expo 2025 Osaka.According to organisers, the Japan pavilion, themed “Between Lives,” serves as the epicentre of this national strategy. Its architecture, divided into unique Plant, Farm, and Factory zones, symbolises the concept of “circulation,” a principle deeply embedded in Japanese culture and craftsmanship.Masafumi Sugano, deputy commissioner general for Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and director of the Expo’s International Office, told reporters that the pavilion operationalises cyclical resource management by tackling the issue of waste generated on-site.“Within the pavilion, we actually take rubbish, garbage, trash from the Expo site, we decompose it and turn it into clean water, and methane,” Sugano said. “Then we take the algae (developed from methane) and turn it into valuable products.”This functional system, he noted, shows how Japan interprets the circular economy, focusing not just on recycling, but on creating business-viable, productive systems that remain responsible to the global climate.“It shows how we interpret the circular economy in Japan, which is something that I’m sure would be interesting for Qatar,” he added.Sugano said the commitment to circularity extends to the structure itself, pointing out that the wooden panels used in the pavilion’s architecture are designed to be repurposed across Japan once the event concludes.Adding a playful touch to this environmental pledge, the pavilion also features an array of algae – 32 unique types – some represented as popular, adorable Hello Kitty characters, flourishing in a warmly lit “forest of the future”.Complementing the focus on green innovation, the Pasona Natureverse pavilion explores the future of healthcare, highlighting revolutionary regenerative medicine based on Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPS).iPS technology allows adult cells to be “reprogrammed” back to a pluripotent state, enabling scientists to differentiate them into any required cell type. This breakthrough, discovered by Nobel Laureate Dr Shinya Yamanaka in 2009, forms the basis of two groundbreaking exhibits.Carla Alonso from the Pasona Group presented the iPS Heart, an artificial heart model created by transforming some 200 million skin adult stem cells into beating heart muscle tissue.“What you see here is essentially an artificial model of a heart... beating completely by itself without any electrical impulse,” she said.While the exhibit currently displays only the heart muscle tissue, she said the goal is to use this technology within the next 50 years to completely reproduce whole hearts from a patient’s own cells, significantly reducing the high rate of rejection associated with traditional heart transplants.However, a more immediate application is the iPS Heart Muscle Sheet, which Alonso described as functioning ‘a little bit like a band aid’. She said this sheet is applied to cardiac tissue damaged by heart failure, where it re-integrates into the surrounding tissue and promotes regeneration.“In around two weeks, new capillary networks can be created and the heart can start to function normally again,” Alonso said. She noted that the technology is already further along; the company behind the specific exhibit, CUORIPS, has completed a successful human trial and has applied for government permission to begin making this a real treatment, positioning it for potential use far sooner than the full iPS Heart.The theme of transforming society continues at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, themed “Reborn,” which offers visitors a tangible glimpse into urban life in 2050.The interactive ‘Reborn experience’ route captures visitors’ individual health data via a body analysis pod, subsequently generating an avatar showing them their personalised health and lifestyle 25 years in the future. The exhibit pools Osaka’s collective wisdom, technology, and ideas on future cities, food, and culture, creating a powerful, personalized experience.From personalised healthcare stations like the Cell Design Station and Eye Care station to interactive projections of future cities, the Osaka pavilion highlights that Japan’s Expo presence is not merely about showcasing technology, but about defining, developing, and deploying the systems needed to support a thriving, sustainable, and healthy future society.

The Ministry of Municipality and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) today signed a strategic partnership agreement to enhance the role of the 'LifeHub' project, the pioneering project in Msheireb Downtown Doha. The project represents a unique interactive educational center that embodies Qatar's national vision of building a more sustainable future based on innovation and human progress. The partnership agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Municipality by Assistant Undersecretary for Public Services Affairs Eng. Abdullah Ahmed Al Karani, and on behalf of Weill Cornell Medicine—Qatar by Dean of the College Dr. Javaid Sheikh, in the presence of a number of senior officials from both sides. On this occasion, Al Karani affirmed that the Ministry of Municipality is adopting the latest technologies and innovations to develop smart solutions to contemporary challenges, and is continuing to develop its infrastructure and services to provide a sustainable environment that supports human health in the country. He pointed out that the 'LifeHub' project will contribute to enhancing community participation in sustainability efforts and moving forward towards a safe, healthy, and sustainable country, for the benefit of current and future generations. He added that the Ministry seeks to expand its partnerships with national institutions on issues related to its mandate, such as recycling, public hygiene, agriculture and greening, and food safety and security, contributing to raising community awareness, particularly among students and youth. For his part, Dr. Javaid Sheikh said that the strategic partnership with the Ministry of Municipality will help expand the project and highlight opportunities to harness technology and artificial intelligence to serve sustainability, human health, and environmental protection. He emphasized that 'LifeHub' will serve as an inspiring educational and dialogue platform for Msheireb visitors. The project builds on WCM-Q's success during Expo 2023 Doha, where the LifeHub pavilion attracted more than 70,000 visitors and provided an interactive experience on the role of innovation and technology in addressing global challenges. LifeHub Msheireb is located in The Z-07, a 1,634-square-meter building, and includes an educational area for the Ministry of Municipality, designed according to the latest interactive standards. The project is scheduled to open to the public in the fourth quarter of 2025, serving as an educational beacon that highlights the convergence of health, technology, and sustainability in Msheireb.

Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in collaboration with Qatar Airways, completed the 9th edition of the Corporate Innovation Leaders (CIL) training, the first-ever edition hosted exclusively for Qatar Airways employees.This four-day event took place at the Education City Golf Club, bringing together executives, strategists, and innovators under one roof to explore new frontiers in corporate innovation.As a key platform for thought leadership and collaboration, the CIL training is designed to create a dynamic network where corporate leaders can share insights, exchange best practices, and address the challenges of innovation within Qatar’s rapidly evolving business landscape.Now in its ninth iteration, the training plays an important role in promoting a culture of creativity and adaptability across local organisations, ensuring long-term competitiveness and resilience in the national economy.This year’s training marks a significant milestone as QRDI Council partners with Qatar Airways for a dedicated, employee-focused edition, a strategic move that underscores the growing importance of innovation at all levels of the organisation.The event concluded with a keynote address by guest speaker Stephanie Melodia, CEO of Bloom Ltd, from the United Kingdom, who shared her insights on innovation, leadership, and transformation in global markets.By empowering corporate leaders and employees with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to drive innovation, the CIL training directly supports the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in fostering a knowledge-based economy.Through strategic collaboration, capacity-building, and the promotion of a culture of innovation, the training continues to contribute to the human, economic, and social development pillars of the national vision, helping to position Qatar as a hub for creativity, technological advancement, and sustainable growth on the global stage.

Snoonu, Qatar’s homegrown super-app and technology leader, has announced an expanded research and development (R&D) growth programme anchored by sustained in-country investment and the highlight of its Innovation District.This initiative reinforces the company’s mission to develop world-class technology in Qatar, for Qatar and the wider region, while contributing directly to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.Over the years, Snoonu has established a strong record in R&D through pioneering projects in artificial intelligence (AI), logistics, and customer experience.These investments have delivered award-winning outcomes and strengthened Snoonu’s role as a national innovation leader.Over the years, Snoonu has built a strong R&D track record across artificial intelligence, logistics, and customer experience. These investments have delivered award-winning results and reinforced Snoonu’s role as a national innovation leader. With an ambitious ongoing investment program, Snoonu continues to deploy technologies that streamline operations, reduce delivery times, and ultimately save customers valuable time in their daily routines.The new R&D programme is centred on a major milestone in Snoonu’s growth: the Snoonu Innovation District.As a dedicated hub for cutting-edge technologies and talent development, the centre embodies Snoonu’s champion vision to push the boundaries of innovation while creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration across industries.“Snoonu was built on the belief that Qatar can create technology at global standards while reflecting our local values,” said Snoonu founder and chief executive Hamad al-Hajri. “By deepening our R&D investment and launching the Snoonu Innovation District, we’re putting that belief to work, cultivating talent, accelerating innovation, and delivering impact for our customers, partners, and community.”Looking ahead, Snoonu’s R&D efforts will concentrate on scalable solutions that reinforce Qatar’s position as a global leader in technology.Central to this strategy is the company’s plan to have 1,000 engineers by 2030, creating pathways for local talent to become future technology leaders while enriching the ecosystem with expertise from more than 90 nationalities.This commitment is reflected in Snoonu’s collaboration with Qatar Foundation universities, where graduates are empowered and integrated into the team.“Our five-year R&D strategy focuses on advancing AI, automation, and sustainable green logistics,” said Jose Juan, director of R&D – Logistics Product/Engineering at Snoonu. “We are also strengthening our super-app ecosystem for GCC markets to deliver smarter, more personalised customer experiences while keeping human connection at the core.”Snoonu’s R&D agenda is designed to align with Qatar’s priorities for economic diversification, human capital development, and sustainability.By investing in talent and technology, the company is reinforcing the nation’s innovation ecosystem and contributing to its long-term strategy of becoming a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship.Beyond business growth, Snoonu’s R&D innovations are shaping Qatar’s wider innovation ecosystem.The company has supported global events such as Formula 1, MotoGP, and the Doha Book Fair with advanced technology, while also advancing education through research collaborations and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and home businesses with digital platforms and reliable infrastructure.These achievements are reinforced by QR800mn in strategic investment from Jahez Group, valuing the company at over QR1bn and making it the first Qatari tech startup to cross this milestone.This landmark positions Snoonu on the path to becoming Qatar’s first “unicorn” and one of the most dynamic technology powerhouses in the GCC.

The second edition of the Innovation by Design Summit and expanded Msheireb Awards for Innovation in Design concluded successfully on Wednesday at Msheireb Downtown Doha, showcasing Qatar as a growing centre for world-class design. The events, presented by Msheireb Properties in collaboration with Fast Company Middle East and powered by Doha Design District with Media City Qatar as strategic partner, brought together over 400 design experts, creative professionals, and industry enthusiasts from around the world, to advance critical dialogue on the future of design. The comprehensive one-day programme served as an interactive forum for examining how design shapes business, technology, and culture. Sessions spanned artificial intelligence, sustainable architecture, immersive media, and cultural exchange, featuring discussions on "Building the Nervous System of the AI Age," "Designing for an Uncertain World," and "When Art Meets Algorithm." The summit attracted leading regional industry figures including Samar Maakaroun, Partner at Pentagram; Tarek Miknas, CEO of FP7McCann Middle East, North Africa & Turkey; Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of Marketing at Saudia Airlines; Melanie Fessel, Principal of TerreformX Europe; Homara Choudhary, CEO and Founder of Homara Media; Mohamed Kabbani, Director of Campaigns & Creative Studio, Ooredoo; and Rashid Al-Derham, Co-Founder & CEO of Madad Fintech. Notable presentations included "Spaces That Speak: Designer Spotlight" discussing the intersection of craft, culture, and environment, and "The New Language of Creativity: Insights from Cannes," examining how creativity evolves to meet contemporary challenges. Panel discussions delved into "Multidimensional Journeys: Designing for Real Human Experience" and "Connecting Worlds: Design as Cultural Exchange." CEO of Msheireb Properties Eng. Ali Al Kuwari said: "This Summit demonstrates how design thinking is fundamental to building progressive societies and creating meaningful solutions. It aligns perfectly with our vision to establish Doha as a global meeting point for forward-thinking ideas." CEO of Media City Qatar Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al-Khori, , added: "The Innovation by Design Summit 2025 was a remarkable gathering of creative and business leaders that underscored how design, technology, and sustainability can drive real progress. As a strategic partner, Media City Qatar is committed to supporting platforms that spark innovation, contribute to economic diversification, and strengthen Qatar's position as a hub for next-generation ideas." Publisher of Fast Company Middle East, Ravi Raman, said: "What we witnessed represents a paradigm shift. The discussions prove that tomorrow's most successful enterprises will be those guided by design principles. This is where that transformation begins." The evening's Msheireb Awards for Innovation in Design marked a notable evolution in the programme's scope, expanding beyond corporate recognition to celebrate individual visionaries shaping the contemporary design landscape. The Corporate Excellence Categories saw "R/GA" honoured in Technology-Driven Design for AI-powered platforms and immersive AR/VR experiences. "Landor" claimed Retail and Experiential recognition for the Imperia branding project, whilst "Masdar City" received the Sustainable Design award for renewable energy initiatives and zero-carbon neighbourhoods. "Joe Doucet" was acknowledged in Travel and Hospitality for innovative hotel concepts, and "Across Renovation" earned Architecture and Urban Planning recognition for revitalising historic buildings. Emerging Designer Categories celebrated regional innovation across three distinct areas. Yasamin Shaikhi from VCUarts Qatar won Product Design & Innovation for "Food Waste Renaissance: From the Table, For the Table," transforming food by-products into functional lighting that advances circular design principles. Sheikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al-Thani received Art & Design Expression recognition for his multimedia exhibition "Intaj" and creative platform "Intajat," bridging heritage, art, and cultural storytelling whilst supporting local creative ecosystems. Bachir Mohammed was honoured in Design for Social Impact for "Echo of Lost Innocence", a large-scale installation of 15,000 concrete-bound teddy bears symbolising children lost in Gaza, using art to raise awareness and support humanitarian relief. The awards were presented by Eng. Al Kuwari and Eng. Al Khori, highlighting the partnership shaping Qatar as a regional design destination where global expertise meets local creativity.

Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference has announced that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has joined the upcoming edition 'Driving GCC Entrepreneurial Growth' as strategic partner. This high-level forum, organised by The Business Year and Msheireb Properties aims to foster dialogue between policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the Gulf region.The partnership underscores MCIT's commitment to advancing Qatar's digital transformation, fostering innovation, and building a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in line with the Third National Development Strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, and Digital Agenda 2030. By focusing on emerging technologies, digital inclusion, and innovation-led growth, MCIT's participation emphasises the vital role of public-private collaboration in shaping the region's future as a knowledge-based economy.Faraj Jassim Abdulla, director of the Digital Economy Department at MCIT, stated: "Through the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference, MCIT aims to empower entrepreneurs and innovators across the GCC by providing a platform to connect, share ideas, and explore growth opportunities. This conference is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can strengthen the digital economy, accelerate innovation, and position Qatar as a leader in innovation and sustainable economic transformation."The conference, scheduled for November 3 at Barahat Msheireb, will convene senior leaders from government, investment, and the private sector to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation across the GCC. Msheireb Downtown Doha will provide a fitting venue for these regional stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, strategies for scaling start-ups, the evolving investment landscape, and the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening global competitiveness.New to this year's edition is the “AI for Good Innovation Challenge”, hosted in collaboration with the AI for Good initiative YAILs and its Doha chapter. This dynamic segment will provide a global platform for showcasing emerging AI-driven solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), featuring emerging companies from across the GCC alongside main panel discussions with industry leaders and policymakers.As a Strategic Partner, MCIT will play a central role in shaping the programme, ensuring alignment with Qatar's national priorities and reinforcing the country's position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.