tag

Mannai Energy and Positive Zero have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects across Qatar. The MoU, which supports Qatar National Vision 2030’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, was signed Abey Rajan, general manager of Mannai Energy, and David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero.The strategic partnership brings together Mannai Energy’s deep expertise in project delivery and local market integration with Positive Zero’s leadership in intelligent, site-integrated energy systems. By leveraging an “as-a-service” model, the collaboration will enable businesses and industries in Qatar to adopt advanced clean energy solutions, such as on-site solar PV (rooftop, carport, and ground-mount), energy efficiency programmes, and clean mobility initiatives, without upfront investment.These solutions are designed to reduce operational costs, lower carbon emissions, and support the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Rajan said, “We are proud to partner with Positive Zero in advancing Qatar’s clean energy agenda.This initiative reflects Mannai Corporation’s dedication to innovation, environmental responsibility, and supporting the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. Together, we aim to deliver impactful projects that foster sustainable growth, energy resilience, and a better quality of life for future generations.” Auriau said, “We are honoured to collaborate with Mannai Energy in support of Qatar’s National Renewable Energy Strategy and National Climate Change Action Plan.Through this partnership, we will expand access to cost-effective clean energy solutions, empowering Qatar’s businesses and communities to contribute to a sustainable future.” The partnership will also focus on knowledge transfer, capacity building, and the development of local talent — key priorities of Qatar National Vision 2030. Mannai Energy will provide engineering, procurement, construction, and operations and maintenance services to international standards, while Positive Zero will lead project development, financing, and asset management throughout the project lifecycle.

Qatari suppliers are stepping up with innovative, environmental and sustainable materials that improve building performance while reducing environmental impact to support Saudi Arabia’s strides in making energy-efficient and sustainable growth in the building industry a top priority, as it accelerates its Vision 2030 plan.Insulation, modular components, high-performance finishing materials, solar-integrated lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, water management solutions, and eco-friendly structural elements are among the wide range of energy-efficient solutions offered by Qatari businesses.These materials help developers create long-lasting, future-ready projects, lower energy costs, and comply with green building standards. Ensuring that these solutions reach the Saudi market effectively, collaboration between institutions is also driving sustainable construction in Saudi Arabia.Supported by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), the Qatar Exports Office in Riyadh serves as a hub connecting Saudi developers, contractors, and procurement teams with approved Qatari vendors. The office provides supplier verification, matchmaking services, and market insights, ensuring Saudi stakeholders can access trusted partners for sustainable building projects.Qatari suppliers have already demonstrated their ability to deliver durable, environmentally friendly solutions at scale, making them ideal partners for projects ranging from commercial complexes to major residential developments and infrastructure. These partnerships not only strengthen Qatar-Saudi economic ties in the construction sector but also advance the Kingdom’s sustainability objectives.Among the Qatari companies at the forefront of the collaboration are HP Industries, Central Ventilation Systems, Beyond Lighting, and Al Ruwais Plastic Factory. Complementing these efforts, other prominent players such as Seashore Group, Suhail Engineering Industries, and Gulf GRC further strengthen Qatar’s commitment to technological innovation and environmental responsibility.Together, these suppliers bring innovative, sustainable products that are well-suited to the Kingdom’s growing demand for green building materials, infrastructure resilience, and smart urban development. Many more Qatari companies stand ready to respond to the Kingdom’s evolving needs. Saudi entities interested in exploring partnerships with Qatari suppliers or identifying energy-efficient building solutions are invited to connect directly with the Qatar Exports Office.

Qatari innovation firm Ibtechar has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Qatar’s innovation ecosystem and empowering individuals and institutions to translate ideas into tangible, sustainable outcomes during its participation in Rowad 2025, which concluded Wednesday.Its commitment was reflected in the company’s thought-leadership panel, engaging youth workshops, and interactive booth, stated Ibtechar co-founder and CEO Nayef al-Ibrahim. He said: “Our participation at Rowad emphasises our commitment to building Qatar’s innovation capacity and ability to deliver practical, tailored solutions.Rowad is a key platform for meaningful collaboration, knowledge exchange, and we’re proud to contribute to its impact.” He added: “Through our panel discussion, youth workshops, and interactive booth, we engaged directly with students, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.Our diverse presence helps us understand real challenges on the ground, share targeted expertise, and support organisations in turning innovative ideas into impactful solutions, contributing directly to Qatar’s sustainable growth.” The panel discussion on ‘Education, Culture, and Innovation in Global Entrepreneurship’ featured al-Ibrahim, alongside speakers from renowned local and regional organisations, including Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Qatar Foundation’s World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), Edraak from the Queen Rania Foundation, and ElGooru, a leading regional edtech startup.The discussion highlighted education, culture, and innovation as core pillars of global entrepreneurship, shaping globally minded founders and fostering resilient, sustainable ecosystems across the Arab world. As part of its youth-focused initiatives, Ibtechar conducted two interactive workshops aimed at nurturing artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking among middle school, high school, and university students.The first workshop, titled ‘From Problem to Prototype: Introduction to Design Thinking’, gathered over 80 high school and university students, introducing them to the core principles of design thinking through a fast-paced, interactive challenge.The second workshop on ‘Smart Startups/AI-Augmented Entrepreneur: Using AI to Launch and Run Your Business’ was conducted by AI Crafters, Ibtechar’s strategic partner, a company dedicated to the advancement, adoption and use of artificial intelligence in professional environments.Throughout Rowad 2025, Ibtechar’s booth served as a dynamic hub for exchange and innovation, attracting visitors from various sectors and industries. Visitors explored the company’s diverse portfolio of programmes that bridge strategy and implementation and demonstrate how Ibtechar empowers institutions with tailored, agile capacity to deliver impactful progress and create lasting national value.

The Ministry of Municipality's Public Parks Department, in co-operation with Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, launched the 11th edition of the "Farm Your Country" programme, with the participation of 47 schools at various educational levels, including one school for persons with disabilities.The programme comes within the framework of national efforts to enhance the partnership between the public and private sectors in raising agricultural awareness and instilling in students a culture of planting from an early age, thus, strengthening this trend towards a green and sustainable environment in the State of Qatar.In a statement, the Public Parks Department said that planting operations have been completed in 25 schools, adding that the coming weeks will see such operations carried out in the remaining schools, followed by checkups and plant care stages taking place until the harvest season, held under the supervision of the department's technical team.The department said that this is one of the most important community programmes that it implements in partnership with Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, with its significance stemming from its contribution to instilling in students a sense of responsibility, respect for the environment, and teamwork, in addition to encouraging home farming and enhancing food security in the country.

Qatar’s Ministry of Social Development and Family has launched an initiative aimed at strengthening ethical values within Qatari families and promoting value-based upbringing.The initiative, coinciding with the celebration of World Children’s Day, was unveiled by Sustainable Development Goals Ambassador Layan al-Hajri. Also attending were Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs, Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassim al-Thani and Director of the Museum of Islamic Art, Shaikha al-Nassr.The endeavour seeks to support families in instilling core values such as honesty, respect, co-operation and diligence through educational activities and community partnerships.During the event, the ministry introduced an Ethical Family Charter as a new educational reference and announced a 30-Day Morality Challenge, which encourages children to practise a daily value through digital tools and games tailored to the Qatari context.A series of interactive workshops for children was also held at the Museum of Islamic Art, including art sessions, values-themed activities and child-rights games, with wide participation from families.Assistant Director of the Family Development Department, Nouf al-Abdullah, said the initiative supports the ministry’s strategy to reinforce moral identity rooted in Islamic principles.Meanwhile, SDG Ambassador al-Hajri and Executive Director of the SDG Ambassadors Center, Iman al-Obaidli, both highlighted the role of youth-led initiatives in strengthening community values and supporting family cohesion.The event concluded with families and children signing the Ethical Family Charter, with the ministry reaffirming its commitment to supporting programmes that promote family and childhood development.

His Excellency the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie inaugurated Monday the student project exhibition held as part of the fourth edition of Sustainable Development Day organised by Lusail University. His Excellency the minister, accompanied by His Excellency the Chairman of Board of Trustees of Lusail University Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri, toured the exhibition, where he viewed a number of student innovations in the fields of renewable energy, resource management, and environmental conservation. This year’s event was held with the participation of more than 200 students from various academic programs, confirming the university’s commitment to supporting national efforts in the field of sustainability, promoting environmental awareness among students, and enabling them to contribute to initiatives that support the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030. **media[383116]** During the event, students presented initiatives that reflected an advanced awareness of sustainability issues. Then they applied their theoretical knowledge in real-world projects that support the implementation of the national strategy for the environment and climate change. Dean of the College of Education and Arts at Lusail University Professor Dr Ramzi Naim Nasser said that the university celebrates Sustainable Development Day annually based on its firm commitment to the values ​​of sustainability in education and in its various academic initiatives and programs. He explained that since its establishment, Lusail University has adopted a specialised university course in sustainability, which is taught to all students, and forms a framework for consolidating their environmental, social and economic awareness. He stressed that sustainability at the university is not just a theoretical concept, but real practice that they are keen to instil in all activities. Dr Nasser noted that the exhibition of student projects saw the participation of 50-60 students who presented innovative projects and practical solutions in various fields. He pointed out that some of the innovations show a remarkable development in creative thinking, including a smart helmet for construction workers equipped with heat sensors and a GPS tracking system, which is a model that reflects the growing skills of students and their ability to create applicable solutions. The Dean of the College of Education and Arts pointed out that the participating projects are subject to academic evaluation within the coursework, and a specialised judging committee evaluates them and selects three winning projects in recognition of outstanding student efforts. He stressed that the issue of sustainability is no longer a luxury as was previously thought, noting that UN reports show that many of the Sustainable Development Goals need more efforts to be achieved, hence the importance of instilling this awareness among students from an early stage. Dr Nasser explained that the Sustainable Development Day event coincides with Qatar Sustainability Week, noting the university’s keenness to participate annually in this national event in line with its role in spreading and promoting a culture of sustainability among young people. Sustainable Development Day also included a number of awareness activities, student presentations and environmental competitions, in addition to awarding the best projects and outstanding presentations, in a step that reflects the university’s keenness to promote the spirit of creativity and encourage initiatives that support awareness and consolidate the values ​​of community participation.

The 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) has concluded with a record-breaking over 700 events, activations, and initiatives, and thousands of participants joining forces to promote sustainable living and environmental awareness across the country.Organised by Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), this year’s milestone edition marked a decade of collective climate action, bringing together organisations, businesses, and individuals to promote sustainability across Qatar.Engineer Ahmed Mohammed al-Sada, Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs at the MoECC, affirmed that QSW 2025 played a significant role in enhancing joint environmental work among various governmental and private entities and civil society institutions through events and initiatives focused on raising awareness and promoting responsible practices toward the environment.He confirmed that the MoECC will invest the outcomes of this week in supporting initiatives that contribute to reducing environmental impacts and enhancing the management of natural resources, noting that the ministry continues its commitment to providing a more sustainable environment for current and future generations.Al-Sada emphasised the ministry’s keenness to continue co-operation with various sectors in the country to ensure the expansion of environmental initiatives and the development of climate action mechanisms in line with the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, contributing to the achievement of the Qatar National Vision 2030 goals.Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, executive director of Earthna, said: “Qatar Sustainability Week 2025 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a nation unites behind a shared goal. As we mark a decade of progress, we are proud of the collective effort that continues to shape Qatar’s sustainable future and inspire positive change at every level of society.”As Earthna looks ahead to 2026, plans are already underway to expand the programme’s reach and deepen its impact across schools, communities, and the private sector.

Qatar Sunday kicked off the 2025/26 cruise season at the Old Doha Port, welcoming MSC Euribia, operated by MSC Cruises, carrying 5,000 passengers and a crew of 1,676 members. One of the newest and largest vessels in the MSC fleet, MSC Euribia spans 331m in length and 43m in width, accommodating up to 6,327 guests and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) for cleaner, more sustainable voyages, Mwani Qatar said in its social medial handle X. Throughout the season, which runs until May 2026, the ship will make 22 scheduled calls at The Terminal, managed by Mwani Qatar — reaffirming Qatar's growing prominence as a premier destination on the global cruise tourism map. Last week, a coordination meeting was held as part of the preparations for 2025/26 cruise season, bringing together stakeholders, agents, and tour operators to discuss operational plans and coordination efforts to ensure a successful season and an exceptional visitor experience. Qatar has proven to be one of the most sought after luxury cruise destinations in the Arabian Gulf’s winter cruise season. To support the tremendous growth of the industry, Mwani Qatar plays a key role in the redevelopment of the port and its facilities. Doha port provides a wide range of passenger facilities, including seamless immigration, customs, foreign exchange, taxi and bus stands, city bus tours as well as Qatar Duty Free, cafe, waiting areas for cruise passengers and staff. It also features various tourist information services offered by Qatar Tourism. Relevant Mwani Qatar marine services within the port are offered to the vessels calling at Doha Port, ensuring safe and efficient arrival and departure. Mwani Qatar works closely with Qatar Tourism and the Ministry of Interior to develop the cruise industry which has seen a remarkable increase in the passenger arrivals over the years. Qatar's 2024/25 cruise season had welcomed more than 396,000 visitors aboard 87 cruise ships, marking a 5% jump in visitors and a 19% rise in vessel calls against the previous season. Doha Port’s cruise terminal is strategically located minutes away from key attractions such as the National Museum of Qatar and Souq Waqif, optimising the visitor experience by allowing cruise passengers to make the most of their time in the city. Qatar Tourism plans to strengthen its collaborations with more international cruise lines, which is vital for driving further growth in Qatar’s tourism sector and contributing to Qatar’s economic diversification efforts. "Doha has become a prominent cruise destination with varied tourism experiences offered to visitors. From its debut in October 2023 to its grand finale in April 2024, this cruise season has exceeded all expectations breaking the records of visitors and cruise ships from previous seasons. The Grand Cruise Terminal symbolising Qatar's commitment to excellence” Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism had said. Qatar is gaining popularity as a world-class cruise destination in the region as it showcased exceptional tourism capabilities, especially after hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In this regard, efforts are currently underway to attract more cruise lines and travelers in the upcoming seasons.

QNB's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team organised a creative programme for children titled ‘QNB Junior Entrepreneur’ in line with its initiatives to prepare a generation of new leaders capable of achieving a knowledge-based economy in implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.It also reflects the bank’s CSR strategy aimed at promoting financial literacy within its Education and Youth pillar.The two-week initiative includes a packed program of activities, allowing young participants to unleash their entrepreneurship skills in a fun and stimulating environment, helping them turn their ideas into reality.Participants presented their project ideas in the form of simplified projects and products, along with a suggested marketing plan. On the conclusion of the activity, the bank’s CSR team awarded a ‘QNB Junior Entrepreneur’ certificate to all participants in recognition of their valuable contribution.The initiative supported younger generations to acquire skills of productivity, recycling, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity and become positive change agents in our communities.QNB Group is one of the leading financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa and one of the most valuable banking brands in the region.It operates in some 28 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa, providing tailored banking products and services, supported by a workforce of over 31,000 professionals leading banking excellence worldwide.

Highlighting that education is the core pillar for development, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, United Nations Advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Founder of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) noted Tuesday that there can be no development amidst discrimination, no stability with marginalisation, no prosperity amid exclusion.She was delivering the keynote address at the high-level session on 'Education as the Foundation of the New Social Contract for Social justice and Development' at the Second World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD2) being held at Qatar National Convention Centre.**media[377721]**Her Highness noted that the world must never accept the reality that there are 272mn out-of-school children, according to 2023 Unesco figures.She explained: “The grim figures and statistics carry with them a distressing message, one that appeals to the conscience of humanity. They call for our immediate mobilisation to transform policies and mandates into actions and achievements. Social development is not a fixed matrix, nor is it a set of hollow rhetoric, or a publicity stunt, or a façade masking veiled truths. Rather, it is the story of an individual who uplifts their community when given a fair chance, and who achieves the extraordinary when granted a genuine opportunity to innovate.**media[377720]**“Education is the core pillar for development; there can be no development without knowledge and no renaissance without an enlightened mind. Education is not a luxury, nor a privilege, nor a favour to be granted. It is a right, a responsibility, and a tool to liberate the mind, build human capacity, safeguard our values and generate ideas to reshape our world. To achieve a real sustainable development as we envision it, education must be recognised as equal in importance to development itself, advancing together on the same track.”The founder of EAA Foundation said that much is said about development, but people often refrain from closely examining its true essence.**media[377717]**“Its most prominent pillar is human beings themselves, who make up the heart of social development and its ultimate purpose. If we consider human beings our most valuable assets, then education remains the most enduring form of capital investment. They are the spring from which the streams of progress flow and the foundation upon which the pillars of sustainable development are erected,” Her Highness highlighted.She said that success in achieving sustainable development is not only reserved for those with more abundant resources, but for those who possess the wisdom to invest and manage it effectively.“This is the vision that drove us in Qatar to establish a path of development that places young people in their rightful role as shapers of the future, as learners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and citizens engaged in decision-making. This inspiring vision has led to remarkable achievements by Qatar: successfully utilising natural resources, empowering human capital, and generating meaningful job opportunities that replace traditional job duplication. With a deep-rooted belief that the Sustainable Development Goals are interconnected, Qatar has exerted every effort to instill the foundations of peace and the pillars of diplomacy as the cornerstones of its social development goals,” stressed the QF Chairperson.**media[377718]**She noted that education is the sum of all sectors saying: “There can be no economy, politics, healthcare, culture or even a sustainable ecosystem without education. And if we fail to advance education with innovative sustainable solutions that align with the accelerating technological advancements of our world, then no development project, be it economic, cultural, or social, will succeed, and we will remain trapped in the cycle of failure, regression, and powerlessness, and we will lose our footing in the landscape of development. To the extent that we invest in education, we can better shape a future for humanity.”“This is an ongoing effort that enables the individual to demand from their nations what is unattainable elsewhere: a sense of contentment in belonging and the legitimacy to dream: To dream of a future with unlimited potential, one that encompasses the breadth of the human condition, everything from the primordial cave to the mysterious frontiers of space, from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Let us dream of a more luminous dream—a shared all-encompassing dream: the dream of development,” Sheikha Moza.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered another keynote address at the session, highlighting that education is the foundation of a renewed social policy, anchored in human rights, social justice, and inclusion.

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

The Cultural Investment Conference 2025 concluded in Riyadh. Held over two days, 29–30 September, the event reinforced culture as an asset and a driver of sustainable growth. Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Conference gathered more than 100 speakers and 1,500 participants, cementing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for cultural investment.Day One began with an opening keynote delivered by His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture, His remarks emphasized the Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a dynamic cultural economy that empowers talent, supports innovation, and strengthens the country’s standing on the global stage.Another major opening day highlight was the ministerial plenary, “From Policy to Prosperity – Culture as a Strategic Investment,” featuring, His Excellency Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, and His Excellency Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment. The session outlined a national framework that integrates cultural priorities into economic forecasts, supports infrastructure and heritage investments, and expands creative skills through education and talent development.Throughout the day, international perspectives and local expertise converged on themes ranging from building sustainable creative economies to embedding culture within global growth strategies. Discussions emphasized finance and investment as essential to transforming cultural ventures into structured, credible markets, while also spotlighting cinema and entertainment as expanding drivers of cultural and economic influence. The Conference also delivered tangible outcomes with the signing of 89 agreements , valued at SAR 4.3 B, including the launch of an investment fund by the Cultural Development Fund and the Cultural Assets Group, an investment fund in the film sector in partnership with BSF Capital, and an investment fund in the fashion sector in partnership with Merak Capital and other significant agreements across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. In addition, new initiatives highlighted the Conference’s role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy. Audi Capital launched the Kingdom and MENA region’s first CMA-regulated art investment fund, creating a new platform for cultural financing. Colnaghi, one of the world’s oldest art galleries, partnered with Sarat Investment Holding to open its first Middle East gallery in Riyadh. A strategic agreement with the Royal Commission for AlUla will also drive cultural and heritage development in AlUla, positioning it as a global destination. Together, these initiatives highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for cultural investment and innovation.Breakout discussions in the Culture Studio explored leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural innovation, alongside dialogues on philanthropy, heritage, and storytelling that highlighted the role of capital, partnerships, and technology in safeguarding authenticity and amplifying voices. The day closed with a focus on investor priorities, demonstrating how culture can attract global capital through ventures spanning immersive experiences, heritage preservation, and next-generation performance spaces.Day Two continued with a keynote address by Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States of America, under the theme “From the Kingdom to the World – Investing in Culture and Identity,” which reflected on how culture can shape national identity, strengthen global partnerships, and advance sustainable growth.A milestone announcement followed with Google Arts & Culture’s partnership with Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The collaboration aims to digitize the district using Street View technology, making its heritage accessible worldwide for the first time. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to harnessing technology to showcase its culture globally while safeguarding its historic treasures.The closing day also focused on culture’s role as a catalyst for growth and competitiveness, as national leaders discussed how policy, talent development, and investment frameworks are embedding creativity within the Kingdom’s diversification plans. Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects and creative industries were presented as global showcases of culture, with developments such as Qiddiya, New Murabba, and NEOM anchored in cultural expression, while music, fashion, design, and hospitality were highlighted as expanding sectors of economic and cultural opportunity.The Cultural Investment Conference 2025 reinforced Saudi Arabia’s leadership in making culture a driver of global growth. It laid the foundation for enduring partnerships and innovative models that will shape the creative economy of the future.