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An emerging field of research, known as epigenetics, has become a focal point at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, which is making significant strides in advancing this cutting-edge discipline. In alignment with its mission to drive transformative scientific research, HBKU is exploring how a combination of environmental, lifestyle, behavioural, and genetic factors interact to influence gene expression. Dr Nady El Hajj, an associate professor at the College of Health and Life Sciences at HBKU, said, “Epigenetics is the study of how external factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and environment, affect the way our genes function. “These changes help determine how our genotype – our genetic makeup – is expressed in our phenotype – our physical traits characteristics – impacting everything from disease development to the way we age,” he explained. Dr El Hajj and his team are studying the role of epigenetics in aging and longevity, focusing on how DNA methylation – the process by which a methyl group is added to DNA – influences the aging process. “We are using a tool called epigenetic clocks that measure DNA methylation at specific sites to predict both chronological and biological age,” said Dr El Hajj. “This allows us to assess not only someone’s biological age, but also how lifestyle factors, like diet and exercise, can impact their true biological age.” According to Dr El Hajj, the significance of studying biological age cannot be overstated. “Two individuals of the same chronological age may have very different biological ages,” he says. “For example, someone with a healthy lifestyle will have a younger biological age than someone with a poor diet and unhealthy habits.” Dr El Hajj’s work extends to the detection of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease through epigenetic biomarkers. As he explains: “Epigenetic changes can occur early in disease progression, sometimes even before symptoms manifest, allowing for timely intervention.” In addition to these advancements, Dr El Hajj and his team are investigating the impact of epigenetics on mental health, particularly how traumatic experiences can leave an imprint on the epigenome. “Epigenetic modifications have been shown to affect genes linked to mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder,” he said. “People who experience trauma, whether from war or other life events, can pass on epigenetic changes that influence their mental health. This raises important questions about the potential intergenerational impact of trauma.” HBKU is also exploring how these epigenetic changes may be inherited across generations. “There is evidence that certain epigenetic modifications, especially those caused by environmental stressors, can be passed down from parents to their children,” says Dr El Hajj. “However, it is important to understand that not all epigenetic changes are inherited. During fertilisation, most epigenetic patterns are reprogrammed, but some can escape this reprogramming and be transmitted to offspring."

At Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Marhaba event – the traditional welcome to its new students at the start of the academic year – the latest arrivals to Education City learned about the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones and seizing service-learning opportunities – from local outreach initiatives to international projects – to help tackle real-world challenges and drive meaningful, positive change.Juyoung Kim, a senior at Northwestern University in Qatar, spoke to more than 800 new students who attended the event at Multaqa, telling the story of her service trips to Laos and Nepal.In Laos, she helped build an eco-dorm for students who once had to walk long distances just to attend school.The new facility allowed them to live nearby and focus on their education.In Nepal, Kim contributed to a sustainable project that provided clean energy for a family living in the mountains.“It’s about being part of something – something bigger than yourself,” she told the students.“It’s about connection, empathy, and understanding,” Kim added. “These trips taught me to approach every community with humility, respect, I learned how to work with people – not just for them. And the value of every small act of kindness and collaboration.”Her advice for students is “step outside your comfort zone, be willing to learn, to contribute, and to grow”.“These opportunities may feel intimidating at first, but trust me, they will be the most meaningful experiences that you will have – not just as a student but as the global citizens you will all very proudly grow into,” she said.Amani Benamor, from QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), also spoke at Marhaba.She recounted that when she first began her journey at Education City last year, she believed – like many new students – that university, and especially medicine, was only about achieving good grades, sitting exams, and ultimately earning a degree.“However, the further I’ve gone into my journey, the more I ask the question: ‘Shouldn’t we, as active global citizens, be more than just a number on a transcript?’” Benamor recounted. “And shouldn’t life – the centre of all disciplines taught at the QF – be more than just memorising facts and checking off boxes?”“In Education City, learning goes far beyond the classroom,” she continued. “From volunteering, research, or even extracurriculars, real growth happens when we apply what we’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges.”“The QF is not just a place to study,” Benamor told the students, adding: “It is a place to learn how to grow, and how to help.”At QF universities, community service begins the moment they arrive.Their orientation week is more than just introductions and icebreakers; it is a chance to make a difference.At the WCM-Q, for example, new students took part in a hands-on initiative by packing donation boxes for Qatar Charity and serving a luncheon to recognise the contributions of support workers, learning from day one that service is a cornerstone of their journey at Education City.

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered the Club Championship Trophy for Prince Mohammed bin Salman to present to Team FalconsThe Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced the conclusion of the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC 2025) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Team Falcons claimed the Club Championship Trophy and the $7 million grand prize. The award was presented to Musaad AlDossar, CEO of Team Falcons, by Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, with international icon Cristiano Ronaldo delivering the trophy to the stage in a memorable Closing Ceremony.After seven weeks of fierce competition that came down to the final weekend of play, Team Falcons amassed 5,200 points across 22 tournaments, including victories in Overwatch 2 and top finishes in Dota 2, Chess, PUBG BATTLEGROUNDS, Rocket League and Counter-Strike 2. Team Liquid (4,200 points), Team Vitality (4,050 points), Twisted Minds (3,200 points) and Virtus.pro (3,200 points) rounded out the top five of the final Club Championship ranking.Heading into the final two weeks of competition, seven Clubs were still in contention, as only 1500 points separated 1st and 7th place. The race narrowed to five contenders after Week 6, and Team Falcons sealed the Club Championship in Week 7 when Team Liquid’s Street Fighter 6 player Alan "Nephew" Sun was eliminated, ending Team Liquid’s hopes of overtaking them.Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation said: “With the unwavering support of our leadership and the continuous guidance from Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Esports World Cup has once again showcased the transformative impact of esports and the pivotal role this industry now plays in cultures and societies across the globe. The organizational success of the tournament’s second edition reflects the Kingdom’s ability to host and manage the world’s largest events at the highest standards, while embodying the progress of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. I extend my congratulations to Team Falcons on their outstanding achievement.”The EWC 2025 set new viewership records in its second year, recording 750 million viewers – with a peak of 7.98 million viewers during Gen.G Esports’ dominant victory in Week 2’s League of Legends tournament – and 350 million hours watched, outperforming 2024’s inaugural event across the board. The competition and festival also drew 3 million visitors to Riyadh’s Boulevard City, topping last summer’s 2.6 million. During the event period (July 4 – August 24), Riyadh also welcomed an estimated 300,000 international tourists, a 7.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024, further underscoring the city’s growing appeal as a global destination for esports, entertainment, and culture.Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The Esports World Cup has once again raised the bar, showing that it stands among the largest sports properties in the world. 2025 wasn’t just about more games, more Clubs, or even a record $70+ million prize pool: it was about purpose. From players chasing their dreams to Clubs building sustainable futures, from publishers reaching new audiences to fans rallying on a global stage, the EWC is delivering real impact. Team Falcons embodied that spirit with consistency and fire across so many titles. After just two years, the Esports World Cup is no longer a bold idea; it’s the foundation of a global sport. And in 2026, we’ll take it even further, together.”Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation said:“The Esports World Cup 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the Club Championship finale this past weekend provided a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable event. Congratulations to Team Falcons, whose back-to-back victories have set a new benchmark for excellence in competitive esports. Bringing together the world’s top teams in state-of-the-art arenas, the Esports World Cup continues to showcase the very best of global esports talent and innovation. Beyond the competition, we are committed to strengthening our strategic partnerships, collaborating with leading publishers, brands and creators – building groundbreaking opportunities that will shape the future of the industry. This is just the beginning. As esports continues to grow, we remain dedicated to elevating the experience for players, fans, and the wider community.”EWC 2025 featured over 2,000 players from 100 countries and 200 Clubs, competing across 25 tournaments. A total prize pool of more than $70 million — the largest prize pool in esports history – was awarded, including $27 million for the Club Championship, which was allocated across the top 24 finishers.From start to finish, the event showcased elite play and the very best of esports, as legends rose and new stars were born. Magnus Carlsen brought the intensity of world championship chess to the EWC stage, winning the inaugural event. Rasyah “Rasyah” Rasyid, just 15 years old, became the youngest MVP in EWC history, proving that greatness knows no age. Joona “serral” Sotala delivered a masterclass in dominance, cementing his status as the greatest to ever touch StarCraft II. And Manuel “ManuBachoore” Bachoore made history once again, becoming the first-ever two-time EA FC world champion, leading Team Liquid to a record-breaking three-title run.The stage came alive at EWFC 2025, where Post Malone and DINO of SEVENTEEN headlined an Opening Ceremony that marked the start of nine concerts produced with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and MDLBEAST.EWC 2025 blurred the lines between sport, culture, and entertainment, featuring Ronaldo, Carlsen, Tony Hawk, Lando Norris, Gerard Piqué, Ronaldo Nazário, Kaká, Alisha Lehmann, Nick Kyrgios, David Harbour, Gabe Basso, Daniel Sturridge, creators like the Sidemen, and even a rare appearance by game creator Hideo Kojima.EWC Spotlight, a new global broadcast production, turned the EWC into a weekly spectacle, showcasing these global celebrities on one stage, while bringing the passion of the live crowd to audiences everywhere. In total, 7,000 hours of live content were produced, second only to the 2024 Paris Olympics, across more than 800 channels and 97 broadcast partners, reaching fans around the world in 35 languages.The Esports World Cup will return to Riyadh from July 6 - August 23, 2026 for its third edition.