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Sunday, February 08, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Digital" (111 articles)

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar hosts first Arab cyber exercise

Qatar hosted Saturday the first Arab Cyber Exercise, held as part of the National Cyber Drill organized by the National Cyber Security Agency in its 12th edition under the theme "Cross-Border Attacks." The exercise, which brings together 21 Arab countries and the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, aims to enhance joint co-operation among Arab states in the field of cybersecurity, strengthen collective action, and promote the exchange of expertise in a way that supports cyber readiness and digital security and stability in the region.On this occasion, General Director of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Ahmed Mohammed al-Hammadi stated that the nature of cross-border threats targeting the region's digital infrastructure has created a new security reality that requires specialised preparedness and proactive awareness.**media[384645]**Al-Hammadi emphasised that the scenario designed by the National Cyber Security Agency this year was crafted with great precision to account for the specific operational environments of official cybersecurity institutions and centers in each country.**media[384646]**He explained that National Cyber Drills in Qatar have been conducted since 2013 and serve as a benchmark for assessing the readiness of institutions and entities in responding to cyber risks. These exercises enhance institutional and economic development and have become an annual national practice and an important management tool aimed at identifying and addressing gaps, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of response and recovery strategies to minimize impacts on the society, the economy, and the sustainability of national stability.For its part, the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers affirmed the importance of the exercise in strengthening co-operation among Arab countries and exchanging expertise in cybersecurity as a strategic step toward advancing the region's cybersecurity ecosystem. The First Arab Cyber Exercise 2025 comes as part of a strategic approach to strengthening the joint Arab cybersecurity framework and confronting cross-border digital threats.

Gulf Times
Qatar

NCSA President: Arab Cyber Exercise reflects Qatar's commitment to regional cybersecurity

His Excellency President of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) Eng Abdulrahman Ali Muhammad al-Farahid al-Malki affirmed that the First Arab Cyber Exercise embodies Qatar's steadfast commitment to strengthening the cybersecurity framework in the region. In his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency al-Malki stated that the first Arab Cyber Drill, hosted in Doha under the umbrella of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, serves as a joint operational platform aimed at enhancing digital readiness, boosting cyber incident response capabilities, and developing coordination mechanisms among Arab states.He added that organizing this exercise reflects a strategic Arab vision to confront growing cyber threats, especially those that transcend borders, which require an advanced regional co-operation infrastructure, effective information sharing, and the use of cutting-edge tools and technologies in threat detection, digital forensics, and offensive and defensive testing.He emphasized that NCSA believes Qatar's cyberspace security is an integral part of the broader Arab cybersecurity system. He noted that the agency is committed to fostering strong partnerships with sister Arab nations to elevate the level of Arab cyber integration and to build national and regional capabilities capable of countering any digital threats or attacks targeting critical infrastructure or information domains.He explained that this exercise represents a pivotal step in enhancing joint Arab cybersecurity and contributes to solidifying Qatar's position as a leading regional hub in supporting digital protection initiatives and promoting cyber stability in the region.The Arab Cyber Exercise is being held for the first time with Qatar as host, as part of its initiatives within the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers, in line with a strategic approach to bolster joint Arab cybersecurity.The exercise was held on the sidelines of the 12th edition of the National Cyber Drill, which began on November 16 under the theme "Cross-Border Attacks," with the participation of numerous national entities and institutions in a simulation exercise reflecting real-world challenges facing critical digital infrastructure.Through its annual cyber drills, NCSA aims to enhance the efficiency of national entities and institutions and raise their cyber readiness by identifying vulnerabilities, addressing them, and fortifying systems, thus contributing to the establishment of an advanced national cybersecurity framework.

A traveller uses an identity verification machine at a security checkpoint at Baltimore-Washington Airport. Airports around the world are exploring new ways to improve security, ease congestion, and enhance the travel experience. One of the most promising innovations under consideration is the use of biometric digital ID technology to manage the segregation of international and domestic departing passengers.
Business

Goodbye queues: Biometrics may soon manage travellers at airports!

Beyond the TarmacAirports around the world are exploring new ways to improve security, ease congestion, and enhance the travel experience. One of the most promising innovations under consideration is the use of biometric digital ID technology to manage the segregation of international and domestic departing passengers. As airports become busier and travel rebounds globally, this technology could offer a more efficient and secure alternative to traditional methods. Recently, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a study showing substantial cost savings, operational efficiencies, passenger experience and sustainability gains can be made by using biometric digital ID technology to manage the segregation of international and domestic departing passengers at airports where they are currently separated by physical barriers. The Domestic and International Passenger Integration Programme (DIPIP) report was a joint effort with AtkinsRéalis, an engineering services and project management company. IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security Nick Careen said: “Regulatory requirements and technology limitations have meant that domestic and international departure passenger flows need to be physically separated at many airports. That’s no longer the case. Digital ID powered by biometrics can achieve the needed segregation without creating a physically separated flow with duplicated facilities which is inefficient and costly. “The study shows that segregating passengers with digital ID will lead to a better travel experience for travellers, reduce costs for airports and airlines, and maintain security and border control requirements. It’s a compelling case for a much-needed modernisation.” “The publication of this report is key in understanding how the concepts of digital identity and use of biometrics can play a significant role in improving passenger experience and creating substantial cost savings which will have benefits across the aviation sector. We have a strong working relationship with IATA and were delighted to work on this study, drawing on our own broad experience of integrating biometrics into the passenger journey,” said Gareth Vest, UK&I Aviation Market Director at AtkinsRéalis. The study quantified the following benefits from segregating departing passengers with biometric enabled digital ID. Improved passenger experience: Removing physical barriers between domestic and international departure flows will improve passenger satisfaction with simplified journeys and shorter processing times. Minimum connection times, for example, could be reduced by nearly 20% with the efficiencies gained. Cost savings: Shared facilities eliminate duplication in infrastructure, utilities, and staffing, reducing maintenance, operating, and construction costs for airports, airlines, and ground handlers. Case studies at major international airport identified up to a 11% reduction in airport staff costs, while a ground handing company estimated a $5.3mn annual saving at another leading airport. More efficient use of airport infrastructure: Enabling departing passenger flows to use the same physical space allows airports to serve more passengers within existing terminal footprints, optimising use of space and the services within it. Sustainability benefits: Consolidation reduces energy use and construction-related emissions. Operational flexibility: Shared facilities allow airports, airlines, and ground handlers to better manage fluctuating passenger volumes and deploy resources where needed. This is particularly important given that international and domestic departures often concentrate at different times during the day. “The savings quickly add up. A medium-sized airport serving 10mn passengers annually could save up to $80mn of future capital expenditure and considerable annual operational savings through the removal of duplicate facilities and improved operational flexibility, while reducing its annual carbon footprint by 18,000 tonnes — the equivalent of removing 4,000 cars from the road for a year. The case for change is clear. Managing departing passengers with digital ID instead of physical barriers delivers efficiency, emission reductions, and a smoother experience for travellers,” Careen noted. Biometric digital ID technology is certainly not a distant concept - it is becoming a central feature in the future of aviation. While privacy protections and regulatory frameworks remain crucial, the potential benefits for security, passenger flow, and operational efficiency are compelling. Analysts say that if adopted widely, the segregation of international and domestic passengers may one day happen not through barriers and manual checks, but through a smart, seamless, and highly secure digital system — quietly operating in the background from the moment the passenger enters the terminal!

Gulf Times
Business

Ooredoo Qatar expands IoT connect ecosystem to accelerate business digital transformation

Ooredoo Qatar has unveiled an enhanced IoT Connect ecosystem, a unified suite of intelligent, end-to-end solutions designed to help businesses streamline operations, gain real-time visibility, and scale their Internet of Things (IoT) deployments with confidence.As more organisations across Qatar embrace digital transformation, the IoT Connect ecosystem equips businesses with the tools to manage connectivity, monitor usage, and maintain full control over connected devices through one single intelligent platform.The cornerstone of this ecosystem is Ooredoo IoT Connect, a next-generation connectivity solution built on Ooredoo’s nationwide 4G, 5G, LTE-M and NB-IoT within its IoT-LPWA network infrastructure.Built to meet the growing demands of modern enterprises, the solution is complemented by the IoT Connect Manager, an advanced connectivity platform that allows businesses to manage large IoT SIM inventories, track usage data, set cost-optimisation alerts, and prevent SIM misuse. In addition, IoT Connect comes with enhanced security, delivering end-to-end protection for critical IoT communications, while giving businesses the confidence to deploy IoT solutions securely.To further enhance operational efficiency, Ooredoo also introduced a dedicated IoT Connect Manager mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. This app enables businesses to oversee their IoT ecosystem anytime, anywhere, empowered by key features, such as instant device insights to understand behaviour instantly, simplified SIM management for easy control and administration, and monitoring with remote troubleshooting to stay proactive and resolve issues swiftly and efficiently.Thani Ali I A al-Malki, chief business officer at Ooredoo Qatar, said, “At Ooredoo, we are committed to providing businesses with comprehensive IoT solutions that drive operational efficiency and sustainable growth.”

Gulf Times
Business

QIB wins 3 digital innovation awards from The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has been recognised with three prestigious awards at The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2025.The bank was awarded ‘Best Islamic Bank for Digital Innovation’, ‘Best Islamic Digital Banking Solution for Car Financing’, and ‘Best Islamic Digital Banking Solution for Financial Inclusion’, reaffirming its continued leadership in digital banking.With over 83% of QIB’s retail customers now actively using the bank’s digital channels, and 99% of financial transactions completed digitally, the Bank continues to lead the industry in digital adoption.Recognised as the ‘Best Islamic Bank for Digital Innovation’, QIB has set a benchmark in digital banking through its mobile-first strategy and continuous enhancements to the award-winning QIB Mobile App.Now offering more than 320 integrated features, the QIB Mobile App enables customers to access a wide range of retail banking services, including real-time onboarding, instant personal finance, credit card issuance, and more.Additionally, this recognition highlights QIB’s customer-centric approach and commitment to enabling the bank’s corporate customers. Through a suite of tailored, Shariah-compliant digital solutions, including digital onboarding, Corporate Internet Banking, the QIB Corporate App, and co-branded credit cards with Ooredoo, QIB has simplified business banking.The bank also offers a comprehensive range of payment services, such as POS terminals, Payment Gateway, and QIB SoftPOS App, empowering SMEs to manage finances, improve liquidity, and scale sustainably.The ‘Best Islamic Digital Banking Solution for Car Financing’ award recognises the QIB Auto Marketplace, the first fully integrated, in-app car purchase and financing platform in Qatar. Accessible exclusively through the QIB Mobile App, the Marketplace features a diverse and growing selection of renowned automotive brands through an expanding network of dealer partners, enabling customers to browse vehicles, compare options, book test drives and complete financing applications digitally, delivering a fast, transparent and truly branchless journey from selection to ownership.The award for ‘Best Islamic Digital Banking Solution – Financial Inclusion’ acknowledges the QIB Lite App, Qatar’s first simplified, multilingual mobile banking experience tailored to underserved communities. Available in eight languages, QIB Lite offers a seamless, branch-free journey and enables quick self-registration, instant payments, affordable transfers, bill settlement, and intuitive account and card management. With an instant Salary Advance available for eligible customers, QIB Lite reflects the bank’s commitment to inclusive innovation and empowering every customer to manage their finances with ease and confidence.Constantinos Constantinides, QIB Chief Strategy & Digital officer, said: “We are pleased to receive these awards from the Asset, which reaffirm our leadership in digital innovation and our commitment to inclusive, customer-centric banking.“Building on the trust of our customers and the dedication of our team, we continue to expand access and deliver secure, smarter ways to bank through the QIB Mobile App, Corporate App and QIB Lite App, inviting our customers to expect more from QIB as we continually elevate their digital banking experience.”Marking its 25th anniversary, the Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards is highly regarded within the financial sector as one of the most prestigious recognition programmes, celebrating institutions that exemplify outstanding performance in Islamic banking.For further information, visit www.qib.com.qa

An expert panel featuring senior government officials, academics, and innovation leaders has agreed that Public Innovation Labs are critical in enhancing service delivery and building agile institutions within government frameworks. PICTURE: Thajudheen
Business

Qatar’s innovation labs reshape government practice, says expert panel

Senior government officials, academics, and innovation leaders have explored how Public Innovation Labs (PILs) can help governments improve service delivery, foster citizen engagement, and build agile institutions.Eman al-Kuwari, director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), underscored how MCIT is reimagining the role of government in the digital age, citing the TASMU Innovation Lab.“Technology is the means, not the end; we created the Innovation Lab to offer a safe environment for experimentation. It’s a space where we can test emerging technologies, validate ideas, and include the wider ecosystem.“That includes startups, academia, and private sector partners. We’re reimagining how government works — and that starts with giving teams the confidence to try,” al-Kuwari pointed out during the inaugural ‘Ibtechar Majlis’, a new dialogue series launched earlier by Qatari innovation firm Ibtechar.She added that innovation must be embedded in the culture of public institutions: “It’s not just about infrastructure or policy — it’s about building a mindset. We want government teams to be able to experiment, to test, and to learn. That’s how we bring real value to public services.”Nejoud M al-Jehani, executive director of Strategy & Programmes at the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, offered a strategic framing of innovation, distinguishing between internal reform and ecosystem-wide transformation.“We differentiate between government innovation and public innovation. Government innovation is about improving internal processes — policies, service delivery, operations. Public innovation is broader. It’s about creating value for society by mobilising the entire ecosystem: government entities, corporates, startups, and universities,” al-Jehani explained.Emphasising the dual role of government in this landscape, she continued: “As an adopter, government defines challenges and becomes the first customer. That builds market confidence. As an enabler, it sets standards, opens partnerships, and creates the conditions for innovation to thrive across sectors.”Hissa al-Tamimi, director of Governmental Innovation at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), spoke about the launch of Qatar’s first government accelerator and its role in bridging national priorities with operational realities.She said, “We’re rethinking how services are designed and how operations are managed. The accelerator helps us connect national projects with the day-to-day work of government entities.”Al-Tamimi also addressed the cultural challenge of embedding innovation in public institutions, saying, “If innovation were just about systems, adaptation would be easy. But when you’re dealing with people, that’s where the challenge lies. Innovation pushes us beyond our comfort zones. It’s not a privilege — it’s a way of living. That’s the only way we can advance.”Dr Georgios Dimitropoulos, professor and associate dean for Research at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Law, highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and government: “Academia brings ideas and evidence. The government brings implementability. The two sides need each other.”Citing historical examples to illustrate the power of this partnership, Dimitropoulos said: “Think of the Manhattan Project, the COVID vaccines, and the Internet. These were all born from collaboration between government and academia. Qatar’s AI strategy is a local example. It was developed with HBKU’s Qatar Computing Research Institute, and it positioned the country as an early adopter.”Ibtechar co-founder and CEO Nayef al-Ibrahim, who moderated the discussion, framed the Majlis as a culturally rooted space for dialogue and co-creation, adding that it is “an integral part of Qatari culture.”“Public Innovation Labs continue that spirit. They offer governments safe spaces to test ideas, co-create with citizens, and deliver agile services. In a small state, a model that combines centralised coordination with decentralised experimentation brings significant value. It allows for flexibility, inclusion, and scale—all while maintaining coherence,” he added.

Gulf Times
Qatar

MCIT convenes second meeting of digital skills working group

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen Qatar's digital ecosystem and enhance national digital readiness in line with the Digital Agenda 2030, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) convened the second meeting of the Digital Skills Working Group (DSWG).The Working Group serves as a national platform that brings together government entities to unify efforts and coordinate initiatives to strengthen national digital capabilities systematically and strategically.The meeting brought together representatives from several key entities, including the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), the Ministry of Labour (MoL), the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), and the Ministry of Sports and Youth (MSY), participating in the Working Group for the first time following its recent inclusion.Building on the outcomes of the previous meeting, participants reviewed the progress achieved within the sub-working groups focused on Digital Skills for Children and Youth, Digital Training and Development, and the Digital Skills Frameworks. The meeting also addressed approaches to strengthening integration among national initiatives to ensure greater coherence and effective coordination in advancing the national digital skills ecosystem, thereby setting the foundation for the practical implementation of priority initiatives.The meeting also examined Qatar's performance indicators in international reports related to digital competitiveness and future skills, with the aim of gaining insight into the current situation and discuss the future areas for improvement. Participants also discussed opportunities to strengthen collaboration and unify national efforts to sustain Qatar's progress and reinforce its leading position in digital skills development indices.The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the valuable contributions of all participating entities. The discussions emphasised that advancing digital skills across all segments of society, from children and youth to the workforce and senior citizens, is a key enabler for building an inclusive digital society and strengthening Qatar's position as a leading model in digital development.Participants highlighted the importance of continued coordination, knowledge exchange, and unified planning among entities to ensure the effective implementation of national digital-skills initiatives, while emphasizing the need to present future proposals and initiatives that support inclusive and sustainable digital growth in the State of Qatar.

Gulf Times
Business

QFMA participates in AMERC meeting of IOSCO

The Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) participated in the annual meeting of the Africa/Middle East Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), which was held in the UAE. QFMA chief executive officer Dr Tamy bin Ahmad al-Binali attended the meeting, which discussed several issues and topics, including online harms in digital securities markets, the regional capital markets integration, the members’ experiences and initiatives in this regard, lessons learned and challenges ahead. During the workshop accompanying the meeting, the shift towards the use of tokenised digital assets (tokenisation) in financial markets was highlighted and discussed whether this technology represents a natural progression in market development or poses a challenge to traditional regulatory systems. The meeting also explored modern trends in the future of sustainable finance, how environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations have become part of the global financial system, and how financial markets can be reshaped to keep pace with these new standards. On the sidelines of the meeting, al-Binali met with Emmanuel Givanakis, chief executive officer of the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on several issues and topics of mutual interest, and they discussed bilateral co-operation, particularly in the areas of capital markets and financial services. They also reviewed the key global developments and trends in this field and explored future avenues for collaboration between both parties.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar pioneers digital cultural innovation with NMoQ Metaverse Project

Qatar Museums (QM) and the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) announced the launch of the NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project, marking a major step in digital cultural innovation.This initiative, developed in collaboration with Cisco, and in turn, with Web3 implementation partner droppGroup, presents a live and intelligent museum experience that integrates immersive 3D environments, augmented and extended reality, and artificial intelligence.The project aims to place Qatar at the forefront of integrating metaverse and AI technologies to enhance museum engagement, while exploring new technologies intended to promote access to culture.By embracing innovation, QM demonstrates its role as a pioneer in cultural transformation and experimentation while supporting the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.The platform also introduces new opportunities for accessibility and remote learning, allowing students, researchers, and educators to engage with Qatar’s cultural heritage in new ways.In a press statement, NMoQ director Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani said: “With the NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project, we are extending this mission into the digital realm, allowing audiences everywhere to walk through our galleries, engage with our collections, and encounter Qatar’s history in immersive and interactive new ways.“This initiative ensures that NMoQ continues to be not only a guardian of heritage, but also a frontrunner in shaping how museums engage with the world.”QM noted that this project is part of Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme in Qatar. Active in Qatar since 2019, CDA is Cisco’s strategic programme designed to accelerate the nation's digitalisation agenda and generate new value for its citizens, businesses, and the country as a whole.Through public and private partnerships, the programme focuses on leveraging innovative digital solutions to address national challenges across key sectors such as national infrastructure, education, and smart communities.Through the pilot, visitors can explore digital twins of three galleries: The Archaeology of Qatar, The People of Qatar, and Life in Al Barr (The Desert). Twenty-two curated objects are presented with interactive augmented reality features, detailed descriptions, and direct links to the museum’s online collection.The experience is enhanced by Murjana, NMoQ’s customised digital mascot, who provides bilingual narration in Arabic and English with intelligent, personalised guidance. Accessible on mobile devices, desktops, tablets, and VR headsets, the platform also introduces new opportunities for remote learning, allowing students and educators to engage with Qatar’s cultural heritage in new ways.“QM has consistently demonstrated strategic vision in leveraging technology to advance cultural preservation and global engagement, in alignment with Qatar's national digital ambitions. This initiative is a direct testament to that forward-thinking approach,” said Cisco Qatar general manager Hasan Khan.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Visit Qatar wins six prestigious awards at SMARTIES Saudi Arabia for excellence in AI-Driven digital marketing

Visit Qatar has won six awards, including two Gold, at the 2025 SMARTIES Saudi Arabia Awards, organised by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The organisation received Gold Awards in the categories of Innovative Use of AI in Advertising and Personalisation, alongside three Silver Awards for AI-Powered Audience Engagement, AI-Driven Creative Excellence, and Customer Experience and UX Design. Reinforcing its position as an industry pioneer, Visit Qatar also received the Best Use of AI in Marketing Award. This achievement follows the success of Visit Qatar's recent digital campaigns, including "Qatar Goes WILD! 5M Visitors, No Brakes!" aimed at adventure-driven audiences, and "5M Visitors Qatar Just CHANGED THE GAME!" which celebrated record visitor numbers. Supported by an advanced digital ecosystem featuring a hyper-personalisation messaging engine, real-time dynamic creative optimisation, and extensive big data analytics, these campaigns delivered relevant and engaging travel experiences tailored to audience interests and behaviours The award-winning campaigns were delivered in collaboration with strategic partners Mindshare Qatar and Smartifai, who contributed to the development of AI-powered marketing solutions based on big data insights and real-time audience engagement, enhancing campaign performance and impact across global markets.

Gulf Times
Qatar

HBKU awarded Unesco chair on digital tech and human behaviour

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has been awarded a Unesco Chair on Digital Technologies and Human Behaviour, with the College of Science and Engineering’s (CSE) Dr Raian Ali appointed as Chairholder from June 2025 to June 2029.Unesco’s Chairs Programme represents the organisation’s most significant intersectoral activity in higher education. The designation is in recognition of HBKU’s excellence, building on the existing Unesco Chairs on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, a statement said Wednesday.The new Chair will explore the intersection between digital technologies and human behaviour, promoting digital well-being, ethical use of technology, and positive societal transformation. It will also encourage healthy human interaction both online and offline, tackling challenges such as Internet addiction, cyberbullying, and misinformation, while fostering active engagement in addressing these issues.Commenting on the announcement and the significance of the Chair, Dr Mounir Hamdi, Dean, CSE, stated: “Technology is transforming every aspect of how we live, work, and connect. Through this Unesco Chair, HBKU will lead a global effort to ensure that digital transformation empowers people, strengthens communities, amplifies underrepresented voices, and contributes to a healthier relationship between humanity and evolving technologies.”As part of its activities, the Chair will address the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) while embracing its potential benefits, stressing the importance of aligning technology with cultural values and societal norms. By merging a cross-disciplinary approach within Qatar, the region and globally, the programme will promote collaboration among stakeholders, including ministries, policymakers, health professionals, and educators, to maximise social and economic impact.The Chair will also host events that encourage dialogue, knowledge exchange, and innovation across academia, industry, and public policy. These platforms help co-create solutions that are more likely to be adopted and sustained.Dr Ali said: “I am proud to lead this exceptional opportunity to advance research that ensures technology serves human values responsibly. At HBKU, we aim to generate evidence-based insights that promote digital well-being, impact-driven innovation, and a digital future shaped by ethics.”By collaborating with more than 15 partner institutions from over 10 countries and engaging around 40 professionals, the Chair reflects HBKU’s commitment to shaping a holistic and forward-thinking ecosystem that aligns with Qatar’s national priorities and the university’s core research strengths, the statement added.

Gulf Times
Business

QFC partners with Doha Bank to accelerate fintech growth in Qatar

The Qatar Financial Centre and Doha Bank have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate fintech growth and innovation in the country.The QFC Authority (QFCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Doha Bank, marking a major step towards strengthening Qatar’s financial services landscape through strategic collaborations in fintech development and digital innovation.The MoU outlines a collaborative framework in three strategic areas as driving growth in Qatar’s fintech and digital asset ecosystem through joint research, prototype development, and the introduction of innovative financial solutions.It also outlines supporting fintech companies through technical guidance, facilitating secure banking relationships, and streamlining account opening processes; and establishing a programme for regular engagement, including quarterly meetings, joint workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions, to explore new opportunities and ensure the continuous development of the ecosystem."This partnership with Doha Bank is a stride towards positioning Qatar as a leading hub for fintech and digital assets. Together, we will strengthen the foundations for innovation that enable fintech companies to grow with confidence and support the development of technological solutions that will define the future of financial services," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFCA.Highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing innovation, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal al- Thani, Group chief executive officer, Doha Bank, said, globally, the banking and financial industry is undergoing major transformations."This highlights the importance of collaboration at the institutional level to drive the development of innovative financial solutions in Qatar and keep pace with these ongoing changes. Our agreement today reflects our shared commitment to advancing financial technologies and innovation within an enabling, inclusive, and comprehensive ecosystem," he said.This collaboration signals a new chapter in financial innovation. As fintech and digital assets reshape global markets, the QFC and Doha Bank are laying the groundwork for creating solutions that will not only serve businesses today but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s economy.