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Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the inaugural MWC25 Doha will kick off today.Organized by the GSMA in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the event comes to the Middle East and North Africa for the first time and will take place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center on November 25-26.MWC25 Doha will host a distinguished gathering of global digital leaders, policymakers, experts, innovators, exhibitors, and investors from around the world. It provides an international platform for exchanging insights, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and identifying new opportunities to advance digital infrastructure and knowledge-based economies.It will feature a strong Qatari presence, with national speakers and senior representatives from various government entities presenting strategic perspectives on the future of digital infrastructure, national talent development, and the adoption of advanced technologies across priority sectors. Leading Qatari companies and innovative startups will also showcase digital solutions that reflect the rapid growth of the country's digital economy.In parallel, MWC25 Doha will welcome official delegations and experts from around the world, along with international organizations and regional bodies, reinforcing its role as a platform that brings together leaders and decision-makers to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration. The international participation includes country pavilions from Korea, Turkiye, and Palestine, each presenting their flagship digital initiatives and national technology projects.Qatar Pavilion will bring together 17 government entities presenting 32 innovative digital projects covering a broad range of future-oriented technologies, from smart aerial mobility solutions such as air taxis and surveillance drones, to electric vehicle charging innovations, interactive experiences showcasing the evolution of telecommunications, and accessibility-focused innovations designed to support persons with disabilities, in addition to advanced applications in AI.This edition's programme is built around three core themes: AI Nexus, Intelligent Economies, and Connected Industries. Across these pillars, nearly 300 global and local speakers and experts will present insights on the future of connectivity, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, next-generation networks, fintech innovation, satellite and non-terrestrial networks, and emerging technologies across multiple sectors.The GSMA Ministerial Programme will convene ministers and regulatory authorities from around the world to discuss digital governance, spectrum policy, and investment in advanced mobile networks. At the same time, the GSMA Digital Leaders Programme will be held for the first time in the MENA region, gathering senior executives from ICT sectors to explore the role of AI in building future-ready digital infrastructure and enabling sustainable growth.The fourth edition of Smart City Expo Doha 2025, organized by Fira de Barcelona in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology under the theme "Beyond connectivity: a digital solutions pathway to a smarter, thriving future", will bring together more than 30 speakers and experts.The accompanying exhibition will host over 250 exhibitors and sponsors representing leading global, regional, and local companies showcasing the latest innovations in connectivity, 5G Future, AI, advanced computing, smart cities, data solutions, and digital finance technologies.The event will also feature a diverse set of specialized programmes, including the regional debut of 4YFN, with participation from over 100 local and international startups, including 40 Qatar startups incubated by MCIT.MWC25 Doha marks a pivotal opportunity to accelerate digital transformation across the Middle East and North Africa. MWC25 Doha provides a unique platform to shape the future of connectivity and emerging technologies, enabling governments and industry leaders to exchange expertise, explore next-generation innovations, and build more agile and future-ready digital ecosystems. This inaugural edition stands as a significant step toward advancing a resilient and integrated digital future for the MENA region.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) organised a panel discussion as part of its "Press Salon" series to celebrate the launch of the book "Spectrums of a Pen" by journalist and writer Dr Abdullah al-Emadi. The event was attended by a number of media professionals, journalists, and members of the public.The session was moderated by journalist Aisha al-Kuwari, who reviewed the author's career and contributions to Qatari journalism. She noted his writing of 5,000 articles on various political, social, and intellectual issues in different Qatari newspapers. She also highlighted his role in overseeing the establishment of an Arabic language learning website for non-native speakers on the Al Jazeera Media Network and his delivery of numerous training courses in print and online journalism.Dr al-Emadi praised the QPC's role in publishing the book, explaining that it was thanks to the Center's efforts that the book came to fruition. Al-Emadi emphasised that from his beginnings 25 years ago until today, he has gone through several experiences and milestones that have shaped him into the person he is today. He also mentioned that since childhood he had been passionate about reading and writing for comics. This passion developed further in middle school, where his teacher supported his writing talent and guided him in composition classes.In high school, he joined the art education department, where he also found support and encouragement from one of his teachers. After moving to the United States for his university studies, Dr al-Emadi began publishing a weekly newsletter for students for three years.**media[384936]**He continued publishing magazines even after his return, launching "Al-Sadd Magazine," affiliated with Al-Sadd Sports Club. This comprehensive publication covered various sports, political, and social topics and continued for about three years under the club's umbrella.The Doha Youth Center then took over its publication under the name "Maraya," (Arabic for mirrors) transforming it into a weekly newspaper before it was discontinued a year later. Dr Al-Emadi emphasised that he chose the articles included in the book according to specific criteria. The most important of these was that the issue addressed in the article be a recurring one, not one that fades with the passing of time and the end of the event. Additionally, the articles should include proposals, initiatives, or solutions to problems facing society or humanity. These criteria stemmed from his belief in the importance of the article and its impact on public opinion and societal awareness.He stressed that the true influencer is the article writer, who possesses culture, knowledge, and a unified, personal opinion on a particular issue. This contrasts with social media influencers whose impact is short-lived. The article writer has a lasting and significant impact in shaping trends, proposing initiatives, and offering logical solutions to issues.Dr al-Emadi emphasised that his constant advice to the next generation of journalists and writers is to read, as it is the most important key to a writer's success, in addition to avoiding haste. Writing articles is the final stage a journalist reaches on the ladder of journalism, after passing through several stages that begin with news writing, then reports, articles, and investigations, until finally reaching daily columns, after acquiring the knowledge and experience that qualifies them to write them.He also stressed the importance of a writer reading the works of writers who disagree with them, in order to learn patience and open-mindedness, enabling them to accept criticism and different opinions about their work. Dr al-Emadi answered questions from the audience before the book signing, emphasising the importance of an article writer possessing the culture and knowledge that enable them to have a specific opinion and perspective.He noted that most writing today doesn't qualify as newspaper columns as it once did, attributing this to the fact that journalism has become, in his words, "journalism of flattery." Sadiq Mohammed al-Ammari, director general of the QPC, emphasised the importance of the book "Spectrums of a Pen" as a true reflection of the visions of journalist Dr al-Emadi and the insightful analyses he offered on various political, economic, and social issues that resonate with the Qatari public.

Qatar University (QU)’s Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) organised the International Conference on Advanced and Sustainable Materials (ICASM 2025), bringing together global leaders, researchers, industry experts, and students to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of materials science and sustainability. The event was officially opened by QU Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Aiman Erbad, who highlighted the institution’s deep commitment to advancing sustainability and scientific excellence. “At QU, research is at the heart of our mission,” he said. “Through partnerships and innovation, we are translating scientific knowledge into real-world solutions addressing climate change, renewable energy, and resource sustainability.” Prof Erbad also announced the launch of QU’s Research Priorities 2025-2030, a framework guiding national research through five pillars; Health, Energy, Digital Technology, Resource Sustainability, and Society, aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. **media[382711]** In his address, Director of CAM and Conference Chair Prof Mohammad R Irshidat, welcomed participants from over 40 countries and emphasised CAM’s pivotal role in advancing research in energy materials, nanotechnology, polymers, corrosion science, and environmental sustainability. He noted the remarkable response to the conference, which received 691 registrations and 346 abstracts and features 292 posters, 197 student oral presentations, and 197 oral presentation sessions, underscoring the vibrant engagement of the materials research community. **media[382712]** All accepted high-quality papers will be considered for publication in an international journal, Emergent Materials, further extending the conference’s scientific impact. ICASM 2025 will continue over the coming days with keynote lectures, technical sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities designed to inspire innovation and foster global partnerships in sustainable materials research.

The second edition of the Doha Photography Festival, organised by the Qatar Photography Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, concluded Sunday evening. The festival ran for six days, filled with activities and events, opposite Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area.On this occasion, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, Director of the Qatar Photography Center, affirmed the great success of the second edition of the festival, noting that it provided an excellent opportunity for photographers and the public to enjoy the exhibitions, which varied in their themes, topics, and perspectives.He emphasized that the festival was organised by the Ministry of Culture to promote photographic heritage and culture, highlighting the importance of photography as an effective means of expressing Qatari identity and showcasing its beauty and rich heritage. It also aimed to promote local photographic art and highlight photography as a tool for documentation and expression.Al-Buainain noted the significant turnout for the specialized workshops presented by international photographers, as well as the lectures and panel discussions, confirming their popularity and the wide range of participants who benefited from them. He also pointed out that the Doha Photography Award had a significant impact and served as a strong incentive for photographers, in addition to the success of the children's events, which attracted a remarkable number of families.Al-Buainain concluded by expressing his delight at the large audience from outside Doha, including photographers from the Gulf and other Arab countries, who visited the festival to benefit from its rich programme. He considered this evidence of the festival's broad international reach, which helped attract such international participation and strengthened its regional standing.The festival witnessed a large turnout of photographers, both local and international, with the participation of eight leading global camera companies, reaffirming its position as a leading platform for photographic art in the region. The festival also presented a rich and diverse programme that included art exhibitions with different themes and perspectives, specialized workshops led by international photographers, and lectures and panel discussions that were well-received by the public and benefited a large number of photography enthusiasts.The festival also saw the announcement of the inaugural Doha Photography Awards, which served as a significant incentive for photographers. With this conclusion, the Doha Photography Festival reinforces its status as a major artistic and cultural event that contributes to enriching the photographic landscape and provides a platform for exchanging expertise and promoting photographic culture across the region.

The Wijdan Cultural Center, operating under the Ministry of Culture, organised a workshop on Wednesday on how community values contribute to building sustainability.It was convened in collaboration with Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF) and explored core concepts related to community values, the foundations of sustainability, and the components of national identity.Head of the Institutional Communication and Training Department at Wijdan Cultural Center, Omar Shamseddine highlighted that the workshop represented the first milestone of the partnership with Earthna, aiming to activate societal values in environmental and sustainability issues as part of Qatar Sustainability Week.The workshop sought to familiarise participants with the notion of values and their direct corollary to sustainable behaviour, he pointed out, emphasising that sustainable thinking must be gestated as a daily conscious practice, rather than merely commemorated on specific occasions, reflecting an acute awareness of environmental challenges and the outgrowth of national efforts in this domain.Shamseddine further noted that the workshop drew inspiration from Qatar National Vision 2030, a robust model supporting sustainability across all dimensions.He stressed the pivotal role of cultural and societal institutions in contributing to the successful realisation of this vision through the promotion of community awareness and plenty of participatory engagement.

The second edition of the Doha Photography Festival, organised by the Qatar Photography Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, kicked off Tuesday evening. This festival affirms the importance of photography as an effective means of expressing Qatari identity and heritage.The festival continues until November 9th, opposite Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area, with the participation of eight international companies specialising in cameras.On this occasion, Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, stated that the second edition of the Doha Photography Festival is witnessing a significant expansion in local and international participation, along with a diverse range of accompanying events targeting all segments of society.He emphasised that this edition is distinguished by the crowning of the winners of the inaugural Doha Photography Award, with the winners in six main competitive categories to be announced Thursday.He explained that one of the festival’s primary objectives is to support and encourage Qatari photographers, dedicating a special category in the award to local photographers, in addition to another category specifically for children and youth.Dr Ghanem al-Ali added that the festival is not limited to exhibitions but also includes a variety of accompanying events, such as specialised workshops and interactive areas designed specifically for children and families, with the aim of engaging all members of the community in the festival’s activities.He revealed the festival’s intention to expand its scope in future editions to include a greater focus on video photography. This trend was evident in the special exhibition organised as part of the current festival, titled “Space Festival,” a rare event featuring two Qatari photographers who participated in Nasa events. This highlights the international level the festival aspires to achieve.On the sidelines of the exhibition, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, director of the Qatar Photography Center, spoke to Gulf Times and said that: “We found a great turnout of photography enthusiasts and photographers at this opening, and everyone is eager for this big event that we are witnessing today. The Ministry of Culture, through the Doha Photography Festival, seeks to provide an ideal platform for showcasing artistic works, giving local photographers the opportunity to connect effectively and directly with the public and exchange experiences with their counterparts from around the world.He noted the participation of leading international companies such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Insta360, in addition to Qatar 4Cam and iBrand Connect. He explained that this broad participation of international companies and local photography equipment retailers will enrich the experience of participants and visitors, allowing them to explore the latest technologies and products in the world of photography.The programme features a large number of exhibitions, including 24 solo exhibitions and one group exhibition. The festival will also host an exhibition dedicated to the Doha Photography Award, another exhibition focused on astrophotography. There will be exhibitions of antique photographs and cameras, as well as a film exhibition area. The festival features a main stage hosting lectures, seminars and workshops by international photographers.The first day’s events featured a lecture titled “Narrative in Photography” presented by Issa Ibrahim, and a workshop titled “Attachment in Seconds: The Art of Creating Attention-Giving Videos” presented by James Arletta.

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 Al Jazeera Center for Studies has published the 28th issue (Autumn 2025) of its journal, Lubab for Strategic Studies.This issue includes a collection of studies examining the shifts in regional and international balances of power within their historical, economic, and diplomatic contexts, and highlighting the position of small and medium-sized states in the new international order.The journal opens with a study titled “Balancing Strategies in Relations with the Ottomans and the British during the Era of the Founding Fathers of Qatar (1851-1949),” which explores the roots of modern Qatari foreign policy through an analysis of historical balance-of-power relations with the Ottoman and British empires.

More than 700 students took part in Qatar Career Development Center's (QCDC) 'Little Employee' initiative during this week's school mid-term break, joining their parents and relatives at workplaces across the country, Qatar Career Development Centre (QCDC) has announced in a statement.Organised by QCDC, founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), 'Little Employee' enables children aged 7-15 to spend a full working day in real-world environments alongside parental role models.This initiative builds early career awareness and strengthening family engagement in career conversations. It is designed with flexible scheduling, allowing families and institutions to make the most of both school breaks and regular workdays.This week's surge signals national momentum to use school breaks for structured career exploration, building curiosity, transferable skills, and early informed choices in support of Qatar's human-capital agenda. After engaging 500 children in 2024, participation has more than doubled in 2025, reflecting stronger public and institutional recognition of the initiative's value."This week's turnout shows what is possible when families, institutions, and the wider community invest in our children," said Saad Abdulla al-Kharji, Executive Director of QCDC. "By opening their doors during the mid-term break, partners across government, media, finance, education, and civil society provided meaningful, age-appropriate exposure to the world of work. They are helping turn education into competence and build a future-ready workforce aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. We thank all participating entities for championing early career development and community partnership," he added.Now in its fifth edition, 'Little Employee' offers streamlined pathways for families and employers. QCDC provides interactive workshops and step-by-step guides to structure the day and embed the initiative into CSR and youth-engagement plans. QCDC calls on companies, government and semi-government entities, and NGOs to host additional days this period and in upcoming breaks.Organizations and parents/guardians can enroll children by visiting QCDC's official website.

The Center for Indian Community (CIC) Rayyan Zone organised a recreational trip under the theme ‘Harmony’. From morning until 9pm, participants took part in a variety of competitions, divided into five teams — Ghazal, Ababeel, Camel, Leopard, and Tiger. The Ghazal team, named after Palestine’s national bird, emerged as the overall champions. Leopard and Ababeel teams secured the second and third positions, respectively. The event was inaugurated by zonal president T K Sudheer, with leadership and co-ordination provided by Abdul Hameed Edavanna, Ahmad Shafi, and Abdul Wahid. The children’s activities were led by Shibili Sibgatullah and Ashraf A P. Prizes were distributed by zonal vice presidents Suhail Shanthapuram and Subul Abdul Aziz, along with secretary Abdul Jaleel M M. The visual presentation of the skit that won first place in the inter-zone arts competition was inaugurated by Thaneema zonal director Muhammad Rafeeq Thangal. More than 300 participants, including children and families, took part in the recreational trip, managed by volunteer captains Siddiq Vengara, Tahir T K, Muhammad Rafeeq, and Fahad E A K, along with a team.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), in cooperation with Qatar Youth Hostels and the Friends of the Environment Center (FEC) affiliated with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, organised a series of training workshops at the headquarters of the FEC. This initiative comes as part of the preparations for the annual Youth Support Camp programme, aiming to enhance environmental awareness among young people and introduce them to the scientific and technical principles of breeding and conserving the Houbara bustard, one of Qatar’s important environmental symbols. The workshops included three main training sessions, covering various topics such as: the basic scientific and technical principles of breeding Houbara bustard in captivity; the importance of preserving biodiversity in nature reserves; sustainable environmental care methods; and the role of youth in protecting wildlife. Mohamed bin Nahar al-Nuaimi, director of the External Reserves Office at the MoECC, affirmed that organising these workshops comes within the efforts to promote environmental awareness and spread a culture of sustainability among young people. “Introducing the new generation to the fundamental principles of breeding and conserving the Houbara bustard represents an important step in instilling the concept of environmental responsibility and highlighting national efforts to protect wildlife and preserve biodiversity,” he explained. Al-Nuaimi pointed out that through these training programmes, the ministry seeks to enable young men and women to gain knowledge of modern scientific methods for bird breeding and environmental preservation, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places sustainable development at the heart of its goals. He added that the External Reserves Office will continue organising specialised training and awareness programmes and events to enhance community participation in environmental protection and to instill the values of conserving natural resources among all segments of society, especially youth.

Organised by the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA) in partnership with the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS), the conference on knowledge management: enhancing humanitarian action effectiveness kicked off Tuesday. With the participation of a distinguished lineup of experts and specialists from Qatar and beyond, the conference aims to explore ways to develop knowledge management in the humanitarian and development sectors, and to showcase leading regional and international experiences in this field. In his opening remarks, Director of Licensing and Support at RACA Rashid Mohammed al-Nuaimi highlighted that the conference comes as part of RACA's ongoing efforts to enhance response efficiency and the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions, especially during times of crisis. He noted that the application of knowledge management in the humanitarian field still requires deeper understanding and adaptation to local and regional contexts. He also called for greater investment in this area and the establishment of institutional systems and practices to anchor knowledge management as a strategic asset that supports innovation, good governance, and improved performance in humanitarian organisations. Al-Nuaimi added that through this conference, RACA seeks to promote a shared understanding of knowledge management concepts within the humanitarian and development context, to identify and analyse key challenges, and to benefit from local and international experiences in developing effective and sustainable strategies for the sector. The Director of Licensing and Support at RACA said that the conference aligns with the humanitarian and charitable sector strategy 2025-2030, which aims to empower nonprofit organisations in Qatar with tools for institutional excellence, while strengthening innovation and integration across their operations. Director of CHS Dr Ghassan Elkahlout praised the ongoing partnership between CHS and RACA, noting that the conference serves as a scientific and professional platform for exchanging expertise and building a deeper understanding of the role of knowledge management in improving humanitarian response. Dr Elkahlout said knowledge exchange among humanitarian work actors is a key pillar for policy development, enhancing field work efficiency, and improving humanitarian institution governance. The first day of the conference featured panel discussions on global concepts and standards of knowledge management in humanitarian work, where participants underscored the importance of building an institutional culture grounded in knowledge and innovation, and of developing systems that support the quality and sustainability of humanitarian efforts. The conference will continue showcasing Qatari experiences in humanitarian knowledge management and decision-making support, along with practical applications in knowledge management and discussions on localising global best practices to suit the specific needs of Qatar's and the region's humanitarian sectors. RACA aims, through this conference, to consolidate Qatar's position as a key hub in the development of humanitarian practices and the enhancement of their efficiency, by building institutional systems that adopt knowledge management as a strategic tool for innovation and performance improvement. This approach aligns with the humanitarian and charitable sector strategy 2025-2030 and contributes to achieving Qatar's National Vision for Sustainable Development. (QNA)