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The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has highlighted the key objectives and future ambitions of its GovAI Programme during the opening of the second World Summit AI Qatar.The programme, a major national initiative aimed at advancing Qatar's digital transformation, seeks to empower government entities to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that address real challenges while improving service quality and operational efficiency.Eman al-Kuwari, the director of Digital Innovation at the ministry, said the programme provides a practical framework for government agencies to identify use cases, assess feasibility, and move through development and implementation phases.She emphasised that the framework balances innovation with governance and accountability.What distinguishes the GovAI Programme, al-Kuwari said, is not just the solutions it produces, but the way it brings together government entities, technology partners, and the national innovation ecosystem around a single table.She noted that Qatar's digital infrastructure, policy development, and skilled national workforce present a real opportunity to develop a new generation of AI-powered public services.These services are intended to enhance quality of life and strengthen Qatar's competitiveness both regionally and globally.The official stressed that future phases of the programme will see the expansion and integration of multiple projects across government entities, ensuring that every AI solution delivers clear value, addresses genuine challenges, and leaves a tangible impact on citizens, residents, and visitors alike.The GovAI Programme aligns with Qatar's National Digital Agenda 2030, which places AI at the heart of the country's economic and social development strategy.  

Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has announced the graduation of 24 high school students from its first Future Doctor Programme, an immersive educational initiative to introduce young learners to the world of modern medicine.The Future Doctor Programme is hosted at Sidra Medicine’s state-of-the-art Simulation Centre and offers students a structured, five-day experience that mirrors real clinical environments. Led by a team of Simulation instructors and cross-departmental clinical educators, the programme includes interactive workshops, multi-station simulation training using advanced manikins, and guided clinical exposure.Prof Ibrahim Janahi, chief medical officer and chair, Medical Education at Sidra Medicine, said: “Nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals is a core pillar of our mission at Sidra Medicine. The Future Doctor Programme provides students with real, hands-on exposure to the world of medicine and research.We are incredibly proud of the 24 graduates who have demonstrated passion, curiosity, and commitment to learning, playing a role in redefining the future of healthcare in Qatar.” As part of the curriculum, students completed Basic Life Support and CPR accredited by the American Heart Association, alongside introductory skills in first aid, emergency response, and patient communication.The programme is delivered by Sidra Medicine’s clinical and technical experts, ensuring that participants learn in a safe, supportive, and highly specialized environment. Dr Murtada Hammad, director, Medical Education Operations at Sidra Medicine, added: “This programme reflects our belief that early engagement is key to inspiring young people to pursue careers in healthcare. Through simulation, clinical observation, and skill-building activities, students can connect theory with practice in a meaningful way.”

The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), successfully concluded a high-level panel discussion titled “Empowering Youth: Bridging Skills, Employment, and Sustainable Pathways” at the Qatar Pavilion during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP30). The session brought together international experts, private-sector leaders, and youth voices to explore how integrated skills development, apprenticeships, digital learning, and cross-sector partnerships can unlock meaningful employment opportunities, especially for marginalised young people, in the context of climate change.The panelists underscored that the twin challenges of youth unemployment and climate vulnerability demand holistic and collaborative solutions. The session opened with remarks from Mr Mahmoud Abdulaziz Al Marwani, Assistant Director of the Climate Change Department in Qatar's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, set the tone for a discussion focused on resilience, opportunity, and youth empowerment and Mr. Fahad Malik, Head of Engagement at the EAA Foundation’s Silatech Programme, highlighted the strategic importance of integrating youth economic empowerment into climate-resilient development.Contributions followed from Mr. Richard Choularton, Director of the Climate and Resilience Service at the World Food Programme (WFP); Ms. Olga Petryniak, Senior Director for Africa Resilience Programs at Mercy Corps; Ms. Mariana M. Rocha, Chief of Field Office at UNICEF Belém; and Mr. Kevin Chalhoub, CEO of EV Lab and Head of Brand at Chalhoub Group; Together, the speakers emphasised that bridging policy with practice requires aligning education systems, labour markets, and climate adaptation strategies to create real, sustainable opportunities for marginalised youth.Participants also showcased practical models that connect vulnerable youth to economic opportunities in climate-affected environments, illustrating how climate-smart livelihoods, private-sector innovation, and community-based interventions can accelerate inclusive growth. Personal reflections from Ms. Solange Sampaio dos Santos, a 1MiO Programme beneficiary further demonstrated the transformative impact of skills development and tailored employment pathways in enabling young people to transition successfully into the workforce.Across both thematic rounds, From Policy to Pathways and Future-Ready Youth, experts called for strengthened collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to scale proven models and ensure that young people, particularly those in fragile and rural settings, are not left behind. Panelists highlighted that equipping youth with market-relevant skills is essential not only for economic empowerment but also for advancing climate resilience and delivering on national and global commitments to sustainable development.Mr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer at the Education Above All Foundation, said: “Today’s discussion reaffirmed that young people are central to building more resilient, prosperous, and climate-smart societies. When we invest in their skills, creativity, and opportunities, we unlock the potential of entire communities. Guided by EAA’s mission to transform learning into real economic opportunity, from learning to earning, we remain committed, together with our partners, to ensuring that all young people, especially the most marginalised, are equipped to thrive in the green and digital economies of the future.EAA Foundation’s participation at COP30 contributes to global efforts to position youth economic empowerment at the heart of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. By sharing best practices, amplifying youth voices, and fostering new partnerships, the Foundation continues to champion inclusive, sustainable pathways that enable young people to shape their own futures and contribute meaningfully to climate-resilient development.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.orgFor media inquiries, please contact:Mohamed Al-AmriSenior Media Relations [email protected]+974-5000-9960Patience RusareSenior Media [email protected]+974-5993-1560

The number of patients benefiting from Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Post-Discharge Follow-Up Programme has increased from 658 in 2023 to 1,200 in 2025 representing a growth of more than 80%.HMC has announced a major expansion of its for older acute care patients for enhancing their safety and ensuring continuity of healthcare services. This programme aims to ensure a safe and smooth transition from hospital to home.It is a patient support service that provides guidance and rapid access to clinical support after hospital discharge to ensure a safe recovery. This programme uses virtual communication and other methods to maintain continuity of care.Its goal is to reduce readmission rates and ensure patients understand their care plans, including medication and follow-up instructions. Follow-up calls are made within 48 hours of hospital discharge by case managers and geriatric specialists to assess patients’ health, ensure access to medication, confirm adherence to the treatment plan, reassure patients and caregivers, and respond early to any medical concerns.The programme was launched at Rumailah Hospital in April 2020. More than 3,250 older patients with acute conditions benefited from the programme’s follow-up calls at Rumailah Hospital between April 2020 and December 2024. In 2025, the service expanded to include all acute older patients from Al Wakra Hospital, Medical Care and Research Centre, and the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research.In the first ten months of this service expansion, over 1,200 additional patients were supported.The initiative reflects strong collaboration between the various care teams at HMC. By maintaining contact after discharge, the programme helps ensure older patients continue to receive guidance and rapid access to clinical support when required.The Post-Discharge Follow-Up Programme is one of HMC’s key initiatives to strengthen continuity of care for older people and enhance patient experience throughout recovery at home. As demand for geriatric services continues to grow, follow-up support remains an important part of helping patients stay safe and informed after being discharged from hospital.

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.

Qatar University (QU) celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of students from the Honours Programme for the 2024-2025 academic year.The ceremony honoured 63 male and female graduates from various colleges of the university and was attended by faculty members, programme administrators, the members of the Honours Council, and students' families.The Honours Programme is one of QU's distinguished initiatives designed to support talented and high-achieving students. It provides a stimulating and unique experiential learning environment that emphasises research, innovation, and leadership development, contributing to the preparation of national talents capable of advancing the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.In her speech, Dean of General Studies at QU Dr Saba Qadhi stated that this day represents "a harvest of years of dedication and perseverance.”She added, "This event is not merely a certificate-awarding ceremony, but a celebration of all the achievements our students have accomplished.”Dr Qadhi added, "Today, we celebrate an outstanding generation of QU students who represent the future of our nation and the cornerstone of its development.” She also announced the establishment of the Honours Programme Alumni Association, scheduled to launch in Spring 2026. The association will serve as a platform connecting programme graduates with new students, strengthening community engagement and fostering a sense of belonging among programme members.In his address, Director of the Honours Programme at QU Dr Yousri Marzouki expressed his pride in graduating this cohort under the programme's enhanced framework. He emphasised that this day marks the culmination of the combined efforts of students, faculty, and administrative staff in reinforcing standards of academic excellence and innovation.Dr Marzouki also announced a pioneering initiative being launched for the first time at QU: the introduction of the Digital Badge. Graduates of this year's class will be the first to receive this electronically certified academic distinction, which enables them to document and showcase their achievements across various digital platforms.He explained that the Digital Badge represents a strategic step toward strengthening ongoing engagement between QU and programme graduates, empowering them to leverage their academic experiences in future professional environments. He affirmed that this initiative aligns with QU's commitment to honouring academic excellence and expanding opportunities for innovation, lifelong learning, and development in education.The ceremony concluded with the recognition of graduates, who received certificates of appreciation in a celebratory atmosphere reflecting the university's pride in its outstanding students.

The Primary Health Care Corp (PHCC), through its "Asnani" School Oral Health Programme, successfully conducted medical screening for over 31,000 students across 152 schools, including 55 kindergartens and 97 primary schools, during the 2024-2025 academic year as part of a campaign for dental screening, education, and preventive treatment.Manager of the Oral Health Promotion and Prevention Department at PHCC, Dr Najat Alyafei, said the results revealed very important figures, showing that tooth decay remains one of the most common health problems among children.The data showed that 68% of kindergarten children had caries in their baby teeth, while the rate rose to 79% among primary school students. The percentage of decay in permanent teeth among primary students reached 35%.The results also showed that 62% of kindergarten children had untreated caries, in addition to 29% of primary students having untreated decay in their permanent teeth.The screening further indicated that the average number of affected baby teeth among kindergarten children was about four teeth-three untreated, one filled, and very few missing.As for permanent teeth among primary students, the average was less than one affected tooth per child, which the World Health Organisation classifies as a low level of decay, indicating gradual improvement in oral health as children grow older.Dr Alyafei noted that caries rates increase significantly with grade level - from 8% in first grade to 59% in sixth grade - reflecting the accumulation of unhealthy dietary habits and delayed follow-ups at home or between annual school screenings.She called on parents and students to engage positively with the "Asnani School Programme", emphasising that it is more than an annual check-up; it is an investment in protecting children's teeth and therefore their overall health.

As part of Qatar Shell’s Tafawoq programme, a group of energetic students from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Education City campuses came together to experience the transformative journey of the Shell NXplorers Pro programme.NXplorers Pro is Shell’s advanced educational programme to equip future leaders with practical tools for solving complex global challenges. It blends systems thinking, scenario planning and theory of change, collectively known as NXthinking, to help participants explore problems, envision sustainable futures and develop actionable solutions.Hosted at HBKU, the NXplorers Pro programme challenged students to tackle global issues, imagine bold futures and develop actionable solutions for sustainable impact. Their energy and creativity highlighted the power of experiential learning to shape future changemakers.Dr Ala al-Fuqaha, associate provost, Teaching and Learning from HBKU, said: “At HBKU, we are proud to continue our well-established collaboration with Qatar Shell and its Tafawoq programme, of which we are a founding partner. NXplorers Pro aligns with our commitment to empowering the next generation of problem-solvers as they prepare to address critical challenges of our times. The enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by our students reaffirm the importance of such experiential learning opportunities.”Bader al-Jaidah, director of Tafawoq, said: “By engaging with universities, we are building a bridge that helps students gain a clearer understanding of how industry operates before they begin their professional journeys. Our enduring partnership with HBKU in Qatar highlights the transformative power of collaboration in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.”Pia Ceasar, a graduate student at HBKU, who participated in the programme shared: “What I found most impressive about the programme was how seamlessly it combined deep insight with practical application. The experience sharpened my critical thinking and equipped me with powerful frameworks and tools to structure ideas and navigate complex challenges in both professional and personal contexts.”Tafawoq is a centre of excellence in project management, dedicated to developing professionals in Qatar and the wider region for major investment projects that support the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Qatar University’s (QU) College of Business and Economics continues the Business Mastery Programme—Fall 2025, organised by the Learning Support Section in collaboration with the Centre for Entrepreneurship. The program is designed to equip third- and fourth-year students with the practical skills in entrepreneurship and management necessary for a seamless transition from academic study to the professional environment, while enhancing their preparedness to meet the demands of the labour market through an integrated approach combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. For this academic year, the programme consists of four comprehensive workshops, three of which have been conducted so far. This year, the emphasis is on the development of skills in entrepreneurial thinking, entrepreneurial marketing, psychological resilience and adaptation in entrepreneurship, and innovation management. The interactive workshops are led by members of the Centre for Entrepreneurship: Maisoun Sewailem, Faten Ramadan, and Hamza al-Sioufy. Fatema Khalil Hasan, head of the Learning Support Section at the College of Business and Economics, emphasised the holistic educational value of the programme, currently in its third edition and enabling students to acquire core personal and professional skills.

Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Ability Friendly programme, under Pre-University Education, organised a two-day swimming competition aimed at promoting inclusion through sport and empowering people with disabilities.The competition brought together around 70 participants and their families as part of an initiative that reflects Ability Friendly programme and its commitment to providing sports and recreational activities that offer participants equal opportunities to showcase their skills and build self-confidence.The event was sponsored by Sasol, reaffirming its commitment to empowering people with disabilities.The partnership with the QF aims to promote sports as a platform for rehabilitation, empowerment, and community inclusion.“At Sasol, we believe that true progress is measured not only by innovation and growth, but by how inclusive and equitable our communities become,” said Sasol vice-president (Qatar Country Management) Lourens Jacobs.“Through our long-standing collaboration with Qatar Foundation and our Accessible Qatar initiative, we continue to champion opportunities that empower every individual to participate fully and equally in society,” he said. “This Ability Friendly Swimming Competition reflects a shared belief that when barriers are removed, talent, courage, and determination shine through.”Jacobs emphasised that sport serves as a universal language, one that celebrates ability, strengthens communities, and inspires change.He highlighted that the athletes competing in the event demonstrate that inclusion is not about accommodation, but about creating environments where everyone can excel.Aisha Jassim al-Ali, the mother of Jassim al-Sulaiti, one of the participants with autism, said: “For Jassim, swimming has become a source of confidence and independence. He joined the Ability Friendly programme eight years ago, and since then, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in his personality, one that has had a positive impact on his daily life, behaviour, and self-confidence.”“The Ability Friendly programme is a true outlet for our children,” she said. “It’s no longer just about playing sports for recreation, but about preparing champions who can compete in local tournaments.”“Today, I see Jassim competing alongside his peers with confidence and pride,” al-Ali added.

WFP says just two aid crossings are open and none to northIsrael says aid is entering in accordance with ceasefire planGazans store supplies for fear they will halt againThe UN World Food Programme said on Tuesday that supplies into Gaza were ramping up after the US-brokered ceasefire but were still far short of its daily target of 2,000 tons because only two crossings are open, and none to the famine-hit north of the enclave.Around 750 metric tons of food are now entering the Gaza Strip daily, according to the WFP, but this was still well below the scale of needs after two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas that has reduced much of Gaza to ruins."To be able to get to this scale-up, we have to use every border crossing point right now," WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa told a Geneva press briefing.She said only two of the Israeli-controlled crossings into Gaza were operational - Kerem Shalom in the south and Kissufim in the centre.The ceasefire plan brokered by US President Donald Trump envisages "full aid" being sent into Gaza. An Israeli security official said that humanitarian aid continues to enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing and additional crossings in accordance with the plan, without naming them.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice, with its reopening dependent on Hamas handing over bodies of deceased hostages.The UN children's agency spokesperson Ricardo Pires said on Tuesday the humanitarian response was still far below the required scale and called for all entry points to reopen.Some nutrition supplies for children and pregnant women have reached the north via the south, Etefa said, but far short of the level required. "We haven't had large-scale convoys into Gaza City or to the north of Gaza," she said, adding that WFP had not been granted permission to use the main north-south Salah al-Din road.Food supplies delivered so far are enough to feed around half a million people for two weeks, she said.Many Gazans were storing the food they are receiving because they are afraid that supplies might again dry up."They eat part of it, and they ration and keep some of the supplies for an emergency, because they are not very confident how long the ceasefire will last and what will happen next," she said.

Convoys face challenges reaching north Gaza due to war damage, border road closuresFamine conditions persist in Gaza City area, massive aid influx needed, says UN'To turn the tide on this famine..., it is very important to get these openings,' WFP spokesperson saysThe UN said on Friday aid convoys were struggling to reach famine-hit areas of north Gaza due to war-damaged roads and the continued closure of key routes into the enclave's north despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.Around 560 metric tons of food had entered the Gaza Strip per day on average since the US-brokered halt to two years of devastating war but this was still well below the scale of need, according to the UN World Food Programme.With famine conditions in the Gaza City region, UN humanitarian affairs chief Tom Fletcher said this week thousands of aid vehicles would have to enter weekly to tackle widespread malnutrition, homelessness and a collapse of infrastructure."We're still below what we need, but we're getting there... The ceasefire has opened a narrow window of opportunity, and WFP is moving very quickly and swiftly to scale up food assistance," WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa told a news briefing in Geneva.But the WFP said it had not begun distributions in Gaza City, pointing to the continued closure of two border crossings, Zikim and Erez, with Israel in the north of the enclave where the humanitarian debacle is most acute."Access to Gaza City and northern Gaza is extremely challenging," Etefa said, saying the movement of convoys of wheat flour and ready-to-eat food parcels from the south of the territory was being hampered by broken or blocked roads."It is very important to have these openings in the north, this is where the famine took hold. To turn the tide on this famine..., it is very important to get these openings."Global medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) said many relief agencies had not fully returned to the north, where hospitals are barely functioning, leaving many Gaza civilians still unable to access regular care.Jacob Granger, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza, described the case of a Gaza City woman with a shrapnel wound suffered during the war who was unable to get to a medical facility to change her dressings for five days earlier this month. When she managed to see an MSF nurse and her dressing was unfolded, the wound was infected with worms and maggots, Granger said.Though small amounts of nutrition products have reached the north - the area of heaviest and most devastating fighting between Israel and Hamas - relief convoys were still unable to move significant quantities of food there.Around 950 trucks entered south and central Gaza on Thursday via the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings with Israel, the UN's humanitarian coordination agency said, citing figures from Israel's military aid agency COGAT presented to mediators.That followed around 715 trucks that rolled into Gaza on Wednesday, including 16 bearing fuel and gas, OCHA said.