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imec, a global leader in nano-electronics and digital innovation, Tuesday unveiled its plans to launch a regional research and development (R&D) hub in Qatar in early 2026.Supported by Invest Qatar, the country’s investment promotion agency, and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), the centre will leverage Qatar’s state-of-the-art infrastructure to drive innovation and technology-led growth, while serving as a regional hub to expand imec’s footprint across the Gulf.On the sidelines of Mobile World Congress in Doha, imec signed an agreement with Invest Qatar and QRDI to establish a dedicated R&D hub in Qatar, supported by the government of Qatar.The signing was witnessed by His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry; His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Planning Council.Located in Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), imec’s R&D facility will focus on accelerating the digital transformation and bringing IC-Link by imec’s chip design expertise to Qatar and the broader Middle East.The regional hub will support the creation of essential design tools – known as process design kits (PDKs) – for emerging technologies like silicon photonics, 3D integrated circuits, and silicon interposers. Additionally, it will explore innovative design workflows and the use of generative and agent-based AI (artificial intelligence) in the development of custom chips (ASICs).Furthermore, imec will focus on developing advanced AI solutions to optimise infrastructure, and deep-tech innovations targeting applications for a sustainable society.imec will also nurture semiconductor talent through development programmes, internships, and PhD initiatives in collaboration with universities, companies, and startups, across various industries. These efforts, which build on imec’s proven model of open innovation, contribute to establishing a robust semiconductor talent pipeline in the region.imec’s Qatar hub will start hiring immediately and aims to reach 100 employees by 2030. Roles will include site management, R&D, research engineering and support positions.“After growing our footprint across Europe, the USA and Asia, we are proud to add another chapter to our internationalisation strategy with the launch of our Qatar hub. With this regional hub, we aim to contribute to the region’s growing momentum in semiconductor innovation and its broader shift toward a diversified, sustainable economy,” said Luc Van den hove, imec’s president and chief executive officer.As the region invests in advanced compute and energy technologies, and advanced chip design, he said it is committed to supporting this transformation through deep tech expertise, regional talent development, and partnerships built on mutual respect and global collaboration.Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, chief executive officer of Invest Qatar, said this partnership with imec is a testament to the strength of Qatar’s investment ecosystem and world-class infrastructure in attracting global industry leaders.“We look forward to supporting imec in deepening its footprint in Qatar and expanding in the region, while jointly accelerating our national innovation agenda and creating new opportunities for talent development and high-tech investment,” he added.Partnering with imec marks an important milestone in positioning Qatar as a hub for R&D-driven innovation and a trusted node in the global technology ecosystem, according to Omar Ali al-Ansari, Secretary-General, QRDI Council.

Most countries have more overweight than under-nourished people, and the problem appears to be getting worse. What can be done? By Fahad Badar One of the success stories of economic development in recent years has been the reduction in absolute poverty.The proportion of those living on less than $1.90 a day, adjusted for inflation, has fallen from around 20% in 2000 to below 10% today. But there is a problem with increasing living standards: Rising obesity. An estimated 5mn deaths per year are linked with being overweight, 20 times the rate of deaths owing to under-nourishment.In richer countries, obesity is most significant in poorer neighbourhoods, while in emerging economies it is a middle-class phenomenon. Some countries feature the ‘double epidemic’ of underweight people in the poorest households and obesity among many on middle incomes.The global distribution is uneven. Polynesia and the Middle East feature some of the highest rates of obesity, while the leanest include France, China and some central African countries. But it’s growing. The global rate of obesity has doubled since 1990, and the rate among children has quadrupled, according to the medical journal The Lancet.The latest statistics published by the World Health Organisation show that the GCC countries account for the highest prevalence of obesity. Among children aged under five, the proportion of those who are overweight increased from 3.5% in 2000 to 7.6% in 2020. Among those aged 5–19, GCC countries had the highest prevalence of overweight children in 2016.Among adults, obesity rates are more than double the global average: 38% in Kuwait, 35% in Qatar, 35% in Saudi Arabia, and 32% in the United Arab Emirates. Health problems associated with obesity include elevated risks of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, cancers, mental health issues, and muscular and joint problems.In the UK, the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that the annual cost of obesity was around £32bn ($42bn), even after accounting for the shorter life expectancy of overweight people. The direct and indirect costs included health care, social care and inactivity at work.Much attention has been focused on the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which make up more than half of the calorie intake in the US and the UK. UPFs such as crisps, snacks and frozen pizzas are low on nutrients, high in palatability, and often cheap. In one controlled study, people on UPFs consumed more than another group on a diet of foods with minimal processing; they also ate more quickly, and gained weight.There seems to be an additional health risk caused by the processing itself. In one study by University College London, there was more harm from ultra-processed foods compared with non-processed foods that had the same proportion of fat, sugar and salt.In October this year, the United Kingdom introduced strict curbs on advertising foods with high fat, sugar and salt content, and banned promotions to encourage consumption of them such as ‘buy one get one free’. One problem with health warnings, taxes, or advertising curbs on UPFs is the definition.Some processed foods with relatively high fat and sugar content, such as yoghurt, have more positive nutritional value than crisps or soda. Manufacturers may adjust ingredients to just below the threshold defined as ‘high’. There have been major developments in pharmaceutical products that reduce obesity.The science behind these treatments lies in the discovery of how the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, increases the production of insulin, and slows the production of glucagon – which increases blood sugar levels. It also slows the rate of gastric emptying.Synthetic versions of GLP-1 are used in the branded drugs Wegovy and Ozempic which have become blockbusters. They have helped many people lose weight, but there are side effects, such as nausea. Some users have lost lean muscle as well. They are expensive, although in November, President Donald Trump announced a plan that will reduce the cost of Wegovy and Ozempic from around $1,000 a month to $350 for US citizens. They may also hold the potential to treat other conditions.This year the US Food and Drug Administration approved prescribing semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, to prevent heart disease in patients with type-2 diabetes, and to treat scar tissue on the liver. It could be argued that obesity is a good problem to have, as an indication that absolute poverty has fallen.The alternative argument is that a diet high in processed foods is similar to cigarette smoking, and a priority for policy makers. Investing in preventive actions to combat obesity is essential to improve public health and reduce long-term healthcare costs.By implementing targeted interventions across different age groups, from promoting healthy eating and physical activity in schools to workplace wellness programmes and community-based lifestyle initiatives for adults, we can reduce the incidence of obesity and its related chronic diseases. In parallel, establishing and implementing comprehensive national policies on the consumption of healthy oils and fats, reduction of salt levels in foods, effective taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages, clear nutrition labelling, responsible food marketing (especially to children), and support for breastfeeding in line with WHO guidelines and GCC tax regulations, are critical steps to creating a healthier food environment.Moreover, strengthening human, logistic, and institutional capacities for healthy diet surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation, with WHO support, will ensure that these measures are effectively implemented, sustained, and adapted to national needs.Such proactive actions not only enhance the quality of life but also significantly decrease the national burden of healthcare expenditures associated with obesity-related conditions.The author is a Qatari banker, with many years of experience in the banking sector in senior positions.

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.

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 "National Development Forum: Social Development Pillar," organised by the National Planning Council (NPC) under the theme "Sustaining Prosperity in Qatari Society," discussed key priorities in social development, including strengthening family cohesion, safeguarding cultural identity, promoting social integration, enhancing quality of life, and advancing cultural and social tourism as contributors to national progress.The panel featured Her Excellency Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr al-Nuaimi, His Excellency Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, His Excellency Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim al Mahmoud, and His Excellency Chairman of Qatar Tourism Saad bin Ali al-Kharji.The session stressed that progress under the Third National Development Strategy is reflected not only in economic indicators but also in the resilience of Qatar’s social fabric. Speakers highlighted expanding family support, improving health and wellbeing, and strengthening cultural participation. His Excellency Secretary-General of the National Planning Council Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa reaffirmed that Qatar National Vision 2030 places the family at the heart of sustainable development.

His Excellency the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the President of the National Planning Council (NPC), Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, attended Sunday the second "National Development Forum: Social Development Pillar," organised by the NPC under the theme "Sustaining Prosperity in Qatari Society" at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.The forum was attended by a number of ministers and senior officials, along with leaders from the private sector, representatives of civil society, and local and international institutions operating in Qatar.The forum constitutes a national platform for discussing the pillar of social development, and the role of family, society and national identity in supporting the path of national prosperity.

United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has won three awards at the ‘Middle East Enterprise AI & Analytics Summit 2025’, held in Doha with participation from leading national and international technology organisations.The recognition highlights UDC’s role in advancing smart urban services and its use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to support sustainable city ecosystems across its destinations.UDC received the ‘Excellence in Digital & Innovation Award 2025’ for its intelligent facilities management, maintenance, and operations ecosystem at The Pearl Island and Gewan Island.The project introduced an automated operations model powered by a unified Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) platform that supports real-time monitoring, automated dispatching through a 24/7 contact centre, and an omnichannel AI assistant. The ecosystem has transformed maintenance and service operations into a data-driven, paperless model that improves transparency, efficiency, and service quality.The company also won the ‘Best Cloud Transformation Project 2025’ for unifying its enterprise operations within a secure and agile cloud environment. Through its ‘Cloud-First’ strategy, UDC migrated core processes to a modern digital infrastructure that supports advanced analytics, automation, and next-generation technologies. This transformation strengthens UDC’s digital ecosystem and enhances operational efficiency across its business.Azeem Aziz, head of Digital Solutions at UDC, received the ‘Best Customer Experience Leader 2025 Award’ for leading the development of The Pearl Island Super App, which enhances smart living and service experiences. The app centralises resident and visitor services, such as payments, bookings, maintenance requests, and community updates, into a single platform supported by an omnichannel AI assistant.UDC is one of Qatar’s leading public shareholding companies and the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island. It is committed to developing distinguished destinations that embody modern, sustainable living through pioneering real estate, commercial, and hospitality projects that support national economic growth and reinforce Qatar’s position as a premier destination for living, business, and investment.

Qatar Charity celebrated the graduation of 185 male and female university students sponsored under its 'Talib Al-Ilm' scholarship programme for the 2024-2025 academic year.The initiative, generously supported by the people of Qatar, aims to promote higher education, empower youth, and prepare a new generation of qualified leaders capable of driving social and community development.Speaking at the ceremony, Adam Abdul Fattah expressed pride in the partnership between Qatar Charity and SIMAD University, describing the occasion as a "historic milestone" in a journey of co-operation spanning several years.He said: "This moment marks not the end, but the beginning of a new journey one that calls for commitment, perseverance, and a sense of responsibility towards building a better future for your communities." He extended heartfelt thanks to the people of Qatar for their continued generosity, noting that their support has enabled thousands of students to complete their education and pursue professional success.In his remarks, Dr Mohamed Mohamud praised Qatar Charity's long-standing contribution to education and capacity building in Somalia.He highlighted that over the past 27 years Qatar Charity has played a vital role in preparing a new generation of leaders who now occupy influential positions in both government and the private sector.Since its launch in 1997, the "Talib Al-Ilm" programme has supported more than 3,600 university students around the world, providing full and partial scholarships to those in need.As part of its broader "Tamkeen" (empowerment) initiative, Qatar Charity has also supported over 225,000 students across 23 countries, enabling them to pursue their studies and build a brighter future.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad held a virtual meeting Wednesday with members of the Palestinian government operations room, chaired by Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine.The talks reviewed bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Palestine and addressed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.Discussions focused on easing the humanitarian suffering of civilians in Gaza, enhancing partnerships in development and knowledge exchange, and coordinating the entry and distribution of aid, particularly ahead of the winter season.The meeting was part of Qatar's ongoing efforts to ensure the effective and sustainable delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Representatives from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and around 48 humanitarian organizations and officials took part in the discussions.Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said that Palestinians in Gaza continue to face tremendous hardship, including dire living conditions and insufficient aid one month after the fragile ceasefire went into effect, pointing out that Palestinians are still being killed and injured by Israeli forces almost every day in the areas close to the yellow line, behind which Israel maintains control.In a statement issued in Geneva, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza Caroline Seguin said, " Palestinians often risk their lives by going back to look for their houses, as this line is still not always clearly marked. To make matters worse, some main hospitals are in areas controlled by Israeli forces, which means safe access to health care is reduced. The Israeli authorities continue to impose significant restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza. MSF and other organizations are struggling to bring vital aid into Gaza, especially medical equipment, shelters, hygiene items, and spare parts for vital infrastructure," she added.Seguin also noted that thousands of displaced people are living in tents lacking water and electricity, surrounded by accumulated waste and outbreaks of skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases, as winter approaches.The organization called for the immediate and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN in New York hosted a high-level dinner discussion for women leaders participating in the Second World Summit for Social Development, on women’s leadership and digital innovation for sustainable development. The event was held at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha in honour of President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, and Deputy Secretary-General of the UN Amina Mohammed.The dinner was attended by Her Excellency the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi; Executive Director of UN Women Sima Bahous, as well as a number of heads of delegations and women leaders participating in the Summit.In her remarks, Her Excellency al-Misnad affirmed Qatar’s steadfast commitment to strengthening multilateral co-operation aimed at closing the digital divide and ensuring that the benefits of innovation are accessible to all. She stressed the importance of making technology serve humanity and measuring its success by how it benefits the most vulnerable groups, such as children, women, and persons with disabilities, particularly in conflict-affected areas. She also called on women leaders to work toward implementing and designing policies that contribute to building an inclusive digital future for all.For her part, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi said that Qatar’s approach to social development is centred on a human-focused vision that integrates innovation into policy design and data-driven decision-making. She noted that technology, when guided by ethical and inclusive values, can serve as a powerful tool to enhance human well-being.Her Excellency Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, who moderated the discussion during the dinner, emphasised that the event provided an opportunity to celebrate women’s leadership and its role in shaping a more inclusive digital future.It also served as a platform for reflecting on how innovation can support the implementation of the Doha Political Declaration on Social Development and advance the broader goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.Annalena Baerbock highlighted the United Nations’ continued commitment to supporting women’s leadership and ensuring that digital transformation becomes a driving force for inclusion, equality, and sustainable development for all. She added that strengthening women’s leadership in the digital sphere enhances the effectiveness of development solutions in addressing global challenges.Amina Mohammed commended Qatar’s role in advancing sustainable social development and promoting international co-operation toward a more just and inclusive future.She also praised Qatar’s initiatives to empower women and foster innovation as a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.Similarly, Sima Bahous praised the Second World Summit for Social Development for providing a platform to reflect on how to place women at the heart of policies and strategies that leverage digital innovation, particularly artificial intelligence, to promote inclusive and sustainable development and help shape a fairer and more equitable future, in line with the goals set forth in the Doha Political Declaration on Social Development.

Hosted by Qatar from November 4 to 6, the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) concluded Thursday with wide international praise for its outcomes and results in terms of advancing social development globally and linking it to sustainable development.At the closing session, the summit reiterated its welcome of the Doha Political Declaration, which was adopted by the conference. The declaration emphasized the inter-connectedness of eradicating poverty, providing decent work opportunities for all, and achieving social inclusion as essential elements for attaining sustainable development.It also provided significant impetus to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.In her address at the Summit's closing session, President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stated that the Doha Summit marks a new beginning for advancing social development globally and achieving many goals related to improving education, healthcare services, communications, and other vital areas that serve societies.She noted that the Doha Political Declaration and its provisions, adopted by the summit, form the basis for building more just, secure, and resilient societies, 30 years after the first summit.She further said that the Second World Summit in Doha marked a turning point, as it moved from diagnosing problems to taking practical steps to solve them, thanks to multilateral efforts involving governmental and international organisations, civil society organisations, and the private sector.The time has come more than ever to capitalize on the great momentum generated by the Doha Summit after listening to and learning about the views of heads of state, heads of government, and all parties concerned with social development, she stressed, noting that the focus should now be on transforming the ideas and proposals presented into tangible innovations, actions, and initiatives by considering how to invest in the financial commitments related to the Sustainable Development Goals.The President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly commended Qatar for its outstanding organisation of the summit and its significant role in the success of this important global event.She also reiterated that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a just and lasting peace, as conflicts not only claim lives but also set back decades of social progress.Following the closing session of the conference, the UN flag was lowered at the Qatar National Convention Centre, officially marking the conclusion of the Second World Summit for Social Development.The summit saw the participation of approximately 8,000 representatives from member states, including heads of state and government, ministers, representatives from the UN, civil society, academia, the private sector, and youth. They all reaffirmed the importance of social development and the well-being of societies and presented practical solutions and proposals for achieving sustainable development through its social dimension.