tag

The inaugural Qiyada conference by Qatar Foundation (QF) has seen athletes from Qatar reveal how faith has guided their journeys in sport – teaching them discipline, resilience and purpose, and helping to make it about more than just winning.The conference took place from September 19-20 at Multaqa, bringing together Muslim youth from schools and universities across Qatar to engage, share challenges, and explore faith-driven solutions.Athletic Edge founder Rabaah al-Musleh spoke about her journey as a runner – from struggling to run more than a minute when she started in 2018, to completing marathons.“Faith has shaped me a lot as an athlete – faith has added a deeper purpose to my running,” she said.“For every runner, the purpose of running and participating in marathons is to achieve personal bests,” al-Musleh said. “But because of faith, my purpose is to show gratitude for the things Allah has given me – health, physical strength, and mental strength.”“Truly believing in Allah, and the support that Allah will give you during this journey, will make the journey easier, more enjoyable, and more spiritual,” she added. “It gives running a deeper purpose, beyond just achieving personal goals.”Ahmed al-Shahrani, an adaptive athlete and Guinness World Record holder as the first and fastest para-athlete to cross Qatar by wheelchair, encouraged attendees to embrace their identity.“A part of being human is to be an ambassador for your culture: who you are, what you are,” he said.“You also have to know that you're going to play multiple roles in your life,” al-Shahrani continued. “You have to know that your identity has to be more than just what you do and what you enjoy – it has to be rooted in something deeper. And I find nothing deeper than faith.”He also spoke about the role of discipline, particularly during Ramadan.“It's just amazing how much you can achieve when you put your mind to it, and when you're disciplined,” al-Shahrani added. “And discipline is a big part of Ramadan."Amal Mohammed Saleh, captain of Qatar’s women’s national basketball team and an internationally licensed basketball referee, shared her experience of advocating for Muslim women athletes.In 2014, her team attended a tournament, but could not compete because players were not allowed to wear the hijab on court.“But we had faith,” Saleh said. “In 2017, basketball’s rules were changed, allowing Muslim women to fully participate while wearing the hijab.”

The Statistical and Data Training Centre at the National Planning Council (NPC), in co-operation with Qatar Foundation (QF), has concluded a specialised training programme entitled ‘Economic Statistics for Managers: From Data to Decisions’.The initiative, held at QF headquarters, was part of national efforts to enhance government efficiency and advance knowledge-based sustainable development, a statement said.The aim is to qualify government leaders in economic fields, empowering them to effectively utilise data and statistics to impact public policies.The programme focused on developing skills for using data efficiently as a fundamental element in improving institutional performance and enhancing decision-making effectiveness.It is also a significant step towards qualifying national cadres and developing their capabilities in statistical leadership, as well as building integrated, collaborative systems for data exchange among various entities. The programme emphasised the importance of building trust in government data as a cornerstone for ensuring effective governance.It highlighted the pivotal role of integration and data exchange between institutions, and encouraged the adoption of modern tools and techniques in future planning.This reinforces the concept of leadership empowerment in the field of data, which enables leaders to support national decisions with accurate and reliable information. The intensive six-day programme covered several key themes, including: fundamentals of data and statistics, national statistical system, statistical literacy for executive leaders, data integration and ethics, statistical data management, strategic leadership, and roadmap design.Hessa Ali al-Malki, director of the Statistical and Data Training Centre at NPC, said: “Organising the programme with Qatar Foundation strengthens our partnerships with the country’s leading academic institutions.”QF’s talent management director Sheikha Ghalia al-Thani, said: “This initiative is part of our strategic co-operation with national institutions, reflecting QF’s steadfast commitment to enhancing national capabilities through knowledge exchange and leadership development across various sectors.”

Doha Design District (DDD), in collaboration with Chaumet, M7, Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, and The Cutting Studio, has launched a purpose-driven upcycling initiative that reinforces its commitment to sustainability, design innovation and meaningful community engagement.Inspired by the poetic narrative of the Chaumet & Nature exhibition, a sensory journey celebrating the beauty of the natural world, this project transforms the exhibition’s flags into a limited collection of bespoke tote bags.Proceeds from the sale of these pieces will directly support EAA programmes to expand access to quality education for children and youth in the most marginalised communities worldwide.Msheireb Properties chief executive Ali al-Kuwari said that this upcycling initiative by the DDD is a clear reflection of our commitment to sustainability, innovation and community empowerment.“By transforming elements from the Chaumet & Nature exhibition into limited-edition pieces that support global education, we are demonstrating how design can serve a dual purpose: honouring the natural world while addressing critical social challenges,” he said. “Through the DDD, we aim to lead projects that inspire innovation and align with Qatar’s sustainable development goals.”“This collaboration between Chaumet and the DDD for Education Above All Foundation represents another commitment of the Maison for responsible innovation and sustainability,” said Chaumet chief executive Charles Leung. “It also extends the local social impact of the Chaumet & Nature exhibition, resulting in a concrete contribution to the work done by the Foundation for education.”Mohammed al-Kubaisi, the acting chief executive of the EAA Foundation, said that the foundation is pleased to collaborate on this initiative, which reflects the intersection of creativity and social responsibility.“Our partnership with the DDD and Chaumet underscores a shared commitment to empowering children and youth through education, opening new pathways to create lasting, positive impact in their lives and communities,” he noted.Curated by the DDD, the creative process was made possible through the support of M7, Qatar’s hub for design and fashion entrepreneurship, and brought to life by The Cutting Studio, a local workshop known for its artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable ethos.This collaboration reflects a shared dedication to thoughtful design, responsible craftsmanship, and social impact.The limited-edition tote bags will be available to purchase at the TEC Café at Doha Design District, The Cutting Studio at M7, and Msheireb Museums.

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to President Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, President of the State Affairs and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on the occasion of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic.

Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge and Al Faisal Publishing House have launched a new book titled "Hunting Memories: From a Necessity of Life to a Hobby's Delight" by HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani.The book will be released on the margins of the 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S'hail 2025), organized by the Cultural Village Foundation -Katara from Sept. 10 to 14.The 446-page volume is divided into eight substantive chapters brimming with real-life stories and vivid recollections. It includes a rich archive of photographs that capture adventures, risks, rare moments, and amusing episodes, making it both a visual and literary chronicle of hunting life.The work distills the essence of Sheikh Faisal's human and heritage-driven experience in hunting and falconry expeditions that spanned Qatar's wilderness and extended across the globe.It documents the historical transformation of hunting from a survival necessity in the past to a present-day sport and recreational pursuit embraced by falconers and enthusiasts throughout Qatar and the Gulf.HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani stated that he sought to document in this book what he saw, heard, and lived across more than 100 hunting and falconry journeys at home and abroad, in order to preserve this enduring legacy for future generations and for all those interested in the Qatari communities, as well as the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula.His Excellency highlighted the nation's sustained efforts to preserve heritage through numerous institutions, initiatives, and exhibitions. He stressed that launching the book at this renowned exhibition reflects Qatar's mission and stature as a prominent regional and international destination for hunting and falconry enthusiasts.He applauded the organizers for maintaining the exhibition's standing until it evolved into a global platform bringing together falconers, hobbyists, and experts from around the world under one roof.The record turnout at this event across all age groups, particularly among young people and children, was a driving force behind the book's conception. He underlined that hunting has always been, and remains, a school of patience, responsibility, and self-reliance, and a cornerstone of Qatari and Gulf identity.His Excellency expressed hope that the book would serve as a reference for future generations and contribute to human knowledge, encapsulating the balance Qatar has achieved, with both leadership and people, between embracing modernity and opening the aperture of engagement with the world, while safeguarding its heritage through the timeless practice of hunting, passed down faithfully from one generation to the next.

Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge, in collaboration with Al Faisal Publishing, will launch a new book by H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani entitled “Memories of Falconry: From Survival Necessity to Hobbyist Pleasure.” The launch will take place during the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2025), held at Katara Cultural Village from September 10 to 14. The book presents Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim’s rich personal and cultural journey across more than 100 falconry expeditions in Qatar and abroad. It documents the historic transformation of falconry—from a vital means of survival in the past, when people relied on trained falcons and Saluki dogs to hunt houbara, rabbits, and gazelles, to today’s pursuit of sport, leisure, and tradition cherished by falconers and enthusiasts across Qatar and the wider Gulf region. “I sought in this book to record what I have witnessed, heard, and lived through in over a hundred falconry journeys within and beyond Qatar, with the aim of preserving this authentic heritage for future generations, as well as for all those interested in the culture of Qatar, the Gulf, and the Arabian Peninsula,” said Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim. He praised the efforts of the State, under the guidance of its wise leadership, in safeguarding national heritage through numerous institutions, initiatives, and exhibitions. “Launching the book during S’hail aligns perfectly with the exhibition’s mission and its status as a leading regional and international destination for falconry and hunting enthusiasts,” he added, commending the organizers for elevating S’hail into a “global platform that brings together falconers, hobbyists, and experts from around the world under one roof.” Sheikh Faisal further emphasized that the strong turnout and enthusiasm S’hail receives from all generations, especially young people, inspired the creation of this book. “Falconry has always been, and continues to be, a school of patience, responsibility, and self-reliance—an enduring pillar of Qatari and Gulf identity,” he noted. The 446-page volume is structured into eight main chapters, each rich with real-life stories and vivid recollections. These include “A Day in the recent Falconry Expedition,” “Men and Falcons – Sons of Nature,” “Falconry of the Old Days,” “The Sport of Kings and Princes,” “Falconry: A School of Manhood,” “Perilous Expeditions,” and “Hunting to the Rhythm of Shellfire.” Alongside its storytelling, the book is illustrated with a rare archival collection of photographs capturing adventures, challenges, humorous encounters, and unique moments, making it both a visual and written chronicle of falconry life. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim expressed his hope that the book will serve as a lasting reference for future generations. He added that he aspires for it to contribute, even in a modest way, to enriching human knowledge of the balance that Qatar—through its leadership and people—has achieved between embracing modernity and global openness while preserving its cultural heritage, particularly through the living tradition of falconry handed down across generations.

Stars of Science, Qatar Foundation’s (QF) flagship edutainment programme will launch its Season 17 on September 12, introducing a lineup of innovators and digital creators, joining long-time presenter, Khalid Aljumaily. Joining the jury this season is Dr Bothaina al-Mulla, a Qatari Ob-Gyn physician at Sidra Medicine and Hamad Medical Corporation, as well as a motivational speaker. “Being invited to join the jury of a show I’ve long admired was an honour,” said Dr al-Mulla. “What struck me most this season is the calibre of the contestants. As a medical professional, it is exciting to see so many bright minds tackling real-world challenges with purpose and precision.” The participants’ journey unfolds at Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of QF a place designed not just for invention, but for scale and substance — where science meets entrepreneurship to tackle real-world challenges and turn ideas into lasting impact. Seven innovators from across the Arab world will develop and refine their ideas in the Stars of Science studios at QSTP. Over the course of 12 weeks, they will receive expert mentorship and access to resources as they set their sights on the title of Top Arab Innovator. Each innovator will play a role in contributing to QSTP’s vision of creating a future where technology and science positively impact humanity and the natural world.

The Centre for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), affiliated with the Qatar Social Work Foundation, has resumed the activities of its day clubs with the start of the new academic year. The aim is to continue the mission of providing distinctive programmes and services to empower and care for seniors, enhancing their quality of life, and strengthening their active presence in society. The clubs include three women’s branches in Izghawa, Al Wakra, and Al Shamal, in addition to a men’s club. Ehsan is also preparing to open the Men’s Seniors’ Majlis in Katara to enrich the community activity system. These clubs have transformed into vibrant environments that combine recreation, empowerment, and social interaction, providing members with opportunities to engage in diverse activities that foster independence and strengthen their connections with their surroundings. During the previous season, Ehsan organised 477 activities, including 104 handicraft and skill-based workshops that highlighted the talents of seniors in arts and crafts, 197 awareness lectures covering social, health, family, and psychological issues, and 163 empowerment courses across various fields such as Holy Qur’an memorisation and recitation, e-learning, physical fitness, and others. These activities effectively contributed to enhancing members’ knowledge and refining their experiences. In addition, 13 trips and external visits were conducted, which offered enriching social and cultural experiences and strengthened community ties among the seniors. Ehsan’s partnerships with governmental and community institutions, including the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Municipality, Qatar Museums, the Primary Health Care Corporation, Mada Centre, and Doha University of Science and Technology, have played a key role in the success, continuity, and diversity of these activities. Sheikha Ahmed al-Hareeb, acting director of Ehsan’s Awareness and Community Department, stressed that restarting the clubs with the new school year marks a fresh milestone to build on past achievements. She noted that the upcoming phase will feature more innovative initiatives tailored to the needs of seniors, supporting their sustainable integration into society. “Ehsan clubs have become platforms for empowerment and development,” she said. “Through them, we focus on several goals, most notably enabling seniors to carry out their daily activities independently, maintaining their physical and psychological well-being, activating their developmental role and benefiting from their experiences, as well as strengthening their integration with different segments of society and expanding partnerships with governmental and civil institutions to ensure sustainable services.” Ehsan offers membership in its clubs under certain conditions, including being 60 years old or above, whether citizens or expatriates with a valid residency permit. Applicants must provide a medical report confirming their health stability, in addition to completing the membership form and submitting the required documents via the centre’s website or by visiting its headquarters.

The Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has wrapped up Creative Labs, a two-week, studio-based training programme where more than 30 students turned their ideas into working prototypes. Hosted at the QSTP and Qatar Scientific Club (QSC), the programme attracted more than 160 applications. By the end of the programme, participants had developed 17 prototypes after an intensive journey through hands-on innovation, design thinking, and technology integration. Teams developed inclusive health wearables, designed playful furniture for the elderly, reimagined single-use event items with biodegradable alternatives such as mycelium and potato starch, and built games that spark conversations about social issues. Each project combined social purpose with emerging technology, encouraging participants to explore problems from fresh angles and to design solutions with impact. Developed with NuVuX, a global leader in creative education, impacting more than 13,000 students and 1,850 teachers through their design-based practices, and delivered in partnership with the QSC and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), Creative Labs brought high school and university students, educators, mentors, and industry partners together under one roof. “Creative Labs proves what is possible when curiosity and purpose come together,” QSTP Innovation and Entrepreneurship director Hayfa al-Abdulla said. “In our studios, educators and students are not just learning – they are inventing, prototyping, and building solutions the world needs, backed by Qatar’s leading innovation partners.” “The QSTP, through programmes like these, is shaping a generation of impact-driven innovators who will redefine industries, drive new ventures, and disrupt markets,” she said. “We take pride in our collaboration with the QSTP through the Creative Labs programme, empowering students and innovative educators,” said QSC deputy executive director Abdulrahman Saleh Khamis. “By opening our fully equipped and advanced laboratories and workshops to participants, we aim to support the development of promising prototypes and innovations.” “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fostering research, innovation, and advancing Qatar’s knowledge-based economy,” he said. Participants left with practical solutions and the skills to apply them. The ideas developed hold promise to impact community, meet human purpose, and reinforce the QSTP’s role as a global tech hub, a statement added.

Qatar Charity (QC) and Misr El Kheir Foundation (MEK) have renewed their framework agreement originally signed in 2024. This partnership aims to continue and expand joint humanitarian and development projects in the Arab Republic of Egypt.The renewed agreement was signed by Chief Global Operations Officer at QC Nawaf Abdulla Al Hammadi and CEO of Misr El Kheir Foundation Dr. Mohamed Refay.During the signing ceremony, Al Hammadi expressed his happiness about renewing the partnership with Misr El Kheir Foundation, one of Egypt's largest charitable organizations.He stated, "Our partnership has been strategic and fruitful, covering multiple sectors both within Egypt and beyond." For his part, Dr. Refay highlighted the importance of the agreement, saying, "We are delighted to renew this framework agreement with Qatar Charity, continuing our joint efforts in relief and development." The renewal comes after the previous agreement yielded tangible results during its first year of implementation, significantly improving the living conditions of thousands of beneficiaries in Egypt.This agreement aims to fund joint humanitarian and development projects over the next two years, building on the effective collaboration between the two organizations and reaffirming their shared commitment to serving the most vulnerable communities and achieving sustainable development.

Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Doha Debates has welcomed a new cohort of 195 young leaders from across the globe into its ambassador programme.Furthering Doha Debates’ goal of empowering young people to bridge differences and build consensus through constructive debate, participants in the Doha Debates Ambassador Programme learn to engage in intercultural dialogue and generate solutions to the world’s most timely and complex issues.At the start of the 12-week programme, ambassadors join an online community of practice guided by facilitation and intercultural communication expert Dr Brandon Ferderer, systems-thinking specialist Jennifer Geist, and several international guest speakers.Participants will build critical communication, systems-thinking, and consensus-building skills to prepare them for the second half of the programme, where they work in small teams to produce a Majlis-style debate that examines a global issue of concern to their generation.As well as acquiring valuable intercultural communication tools and techniques, ambassadors form lifelong connections with their peers and often engage with Doha Debates long after the programme concludes. Programme graduates have participated in live debates and town halls, podcasts and other special events. A group of 20 alumni will mentor the incoming cohort.Alumni have also created their own community projects showcasing the skills they acquired in the programme and reflecting its majlis-style approach. Former ambassador Ahmed Berramdane hosted Majlis-style workshops at the American Cultural Center Algiers, while Murshidul Alam Bhuiyan launched the Human Heroes Project, a space for authentic story-sharing to bridge divides. Meanwhile, Ayomide Emmanuel Akinwale, Rami Mroueh, Fils Jean Pierre Mutsinzi, Hafsa Rasheed, and Azra Shahab co-created a global affairs podcast promoting peaceful dialogue among youth.This cohort represents 68 countries across six continents, including Iraq, Somalia, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Afghanistan, Qatar, the US, and the UK. Many are current students or alumni of QF partner universities.“We warmly welcome our seventh cohort into the Doha Debates Ambassador Programme,” said Amjad Atallah, managing director of Doha Debates.

Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with QIIB to explore collaborative pathways that will broaden access to services and create business development opportunities.The MoU was signed between Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer of Sidra Medicine and Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei, Chief Executive Officer of QIIB. Tinubu-Karch said: “The MoU with QIIB is a testament to Sidra Medicine’s commitment to improving our service delivery model and securing new and innovative ways of providing access to care as well as expanding our brand presence in Qatar.This also highlights our mutual goal to establish partnerships that extends the reach of the banking sector to patient communities.” QIIB is a privately owned Islamic bank in Qatar that offers personal and corporate Islamic banking solutions.The MoU with Sidra Medicine will also seek to establish new access points for patients including healthcare financing options. Dr al-Shaibei stated: “We are pleased at QIIB to sign this memorandum of understanding with Sidra Medicine, which we consider an important milestone in strengthening co-operation with a leading medical institution of distinguished reputation. “We hope that this partnership will contribute to providing innovative solutions that offer patients broader options and support the sustainability of medical services.This collaboration also reflects our commitment to our social role and our drive to build strategic partnerships that align with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and promote comprehensive development.” He added: “At QIIB, we place our commitment to society at the core of our strategy, ensuring that our initiatives are aligned with the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan launched by the Qatar Central Bank, which places strong emphasis on sustainability and financial inclusion. Through such partnerships, we reaffirm our role in supporting the national economy and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, with positive impact on both individuals and the wider community.”