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The Investment and Trade Court has launched a specialized training program for law firms, aims to familiarize lawyers with the court's functions, as well as commercial and investment litigation procedures. The program also includes training on the electronic "Taqadi' system and a review of the latest technological updates that contribute to facilitating judicial services and enhancing the quality of judicial performance.The training program features a series of practical sessions and visual presentations delivered by court staff, enabling participants to gain hands-on insight into daily procedures within the judicial work environment, while enhancing their understanding of digital systems and procedural rules followed in the course of litigation.The training program comes as part of the Investment and Trade Court's efforts to enhance cooperation with law firms and transfer practical knowledge to legal practitioners. This contributes to developing performance and raising professional efficiency, in line with the Supreme Judicial Council's direction towards building an advanced judicial system based on quality and professionalism.Participants expressed their appreciation for the court's efforts in organizing this high-quality program, stressing that such initiatives contribute to the development of legal practices and reflect the court's leadership in the digital transformation of judicial services.Managing Partner and Lawyer Sultan Al-Abdullah of Sultan Al-Abdullah & Partners praised the efforts of the Investment and Trade Court in organizing this program and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate. He emphasized the importance of considering the proposals put forward for adoption within the development plans, given their direct impact on supporting the digital justice system and improving the quality of services provided through the litigation platform.

His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sunday met with Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of Russia, who is currently visiting Qatar. The two sides discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in the trade, investment and industrial sectors, as well as ways to further develop the ties. Qatar highlighted its economic policies supporting the private sector, in addition to the country’s pro-investment legislation, incentives and expanding opportunities offered to attract investors and business leaders to the Qatari market. 

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with healthcare institutions across Qatar, recently organised a wide range of important activities and events as part of Qatar Infection Prevention and Control Week 2025.This year’s campaign embraced the theme “Stand UPPP for Infection Prevention” as a unifying call for collective action. The UPPP acronym stands for Unite, Protect, Prevent, Prevail — four fundamental principles which underscore what it takes to stop the spread of infection and build safer, healthier environments for all.The Ministry emphasised that these pillars highlight the importance of collaboration and integration between all healthcare professionals to achieve the shared goal of reducing infections and protecting both patients and staff.As part of the celebrations, the MoPH organised a CPD-accredited virtual symposium that explored crucial topics such as outbreak management, the role of artificial intelligence and modern technologies in infection control, environmental protection, and the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork.The event featured an array of international, regional and local speakers, and attracted over 700 participants from diverse healthcare facilities throughout Qatar — demonstrating the sector’s strong commitment to knowledge sharing and advancing expertise in this vital field.The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Section, Healthcare Quality Department, also hosted a creative competition for designing social media messages and materials. This initiative aimed to foster innovation and effective engagement in spreading infection prevention awareness across the country. Nearly 40 entries were received from over a dozen healthcare institutions, reflecting the dedication and creativity of healthcare workers in promoting the culture of infection control.Throughout the week, healthcare organisations conducted internal events — including educational lectures, awareness exhibitions, and competitions — to further enhance staff awareness, encourage ongoing adherence to IPC practices, and raise standards in healthcare settings.The IPC and AMR team at MoPH also conducted site visits to several health facilities, joining staff in their celebrations and reaffirming the core value of unity in advancing sustainable infection control efforts. These visits served to promote cooperation and integration among various institutions, ensuring the development and implementation of effective infection prevention strategies. 

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

Alfardan Automotive, through Alfardan Automobiles, the exclusive importer and official BMW Group distributor in Qatar, participated as the main sponsor in the sixth edition of the Qatar Classic Luxury Car Competition and Exhibition 2025, held at The Pearl Island.Across five days, 65 exceptional classic cars were on display, underscoring Qatar’s status as a regional hub for automotive heritage and luxury.As the main sponsor, Alfardan Automotive helped in transforming the event into an immersive journey through automotive history against the stunning backdrop of The Pearl Island. The event attracted the general public and passionate collections from both Qatar and the wider GCC, offering a rare glimpse of meticulously selected vehicles exemplifying timeless design and engineering excellence.Featuring an expanded lineup of classics, paired with an increase in participation from across the GCC, this year’s edition was the largest to date, further strengthening Qatar’s reputation amongst the region’s enthusiasts and collectors.The exhibition highlighted Qatar’s cultural identity and automotive heritage, demonstrating how classic vehicles have the unique ability to connect generations through craftsmanship and storytelling.A highlight during the event was the exclusive Alfardan Automobiles BMW Classics Club display, featuring rare and historically significant BMWs. The display showcased two iconic models, the BMW E30 M3 (1991) and the BMW 2000cs (1968), and highlighted the rich heritage of the GCC, attracting significant interest from visitors and classic car enthusiasts alike.Showcasing the BMW Classics Club at the event underlined its role in growing a dedicated community of classic BMW owners and enthusiasts in Qatar, while strengthening their connection with Alfardan Automobiles as the Middle East’s first Certified BMW Classic Partner. Through exclusive drives, curated exhibitions and educational sessions, the club aims to keep these iconic models on the road, preserve their heritage for future generations and reinforce Qatar’s position as a key destination for classic car culture.Ayman Berjawi, general manager of Alfardan Automobiles, said: “Supporting the sixth Qatar Classic Luxury Car Competition and Exhibition 2025 underscores our commitment to Qatar’s automotive scene and passion for classics. With 65 outstanding vehicles and the BMW Classics Club’s engagement, Qatar’s growing stature as a destination for collectors and enthusiasts is clear.”Hussain Omar Alfardan, Chief Marketing Officer of Alfardan Automotive, said: “This year’s show aimed to engage families, first-time visitors, and collectors alike. From the BMW Classics Club to the broader exhibition, our goal was to share stories and highlight what makes each vehicle unique. The strong response encourages us to continue nurturing Qatar’s classic car culture.”The Pearl Island also hosted a lively, family-friendly event with interactive zones on restoration and a children’s area. Artistic performances kept visitors energised.Twenty winners were recognised across a variety of categories, with awards in cash and prizes for excellence in restoration, preservation, and presentation. The event set a benchmark for quality and dedication.Organisers aim to enhance future editions by blending authenticity with modernity, expanding experiences, and further establishing Qatar as a key player in classic car culture. Alfardan Automobiles remains dedicated to celebrating automotive heritage, luxury, and community. 

Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the inaugural MWC25 Doha will kick off today.Organized by the GSMA in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the event comes to the Middle East and North Africa for the first time and will take place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center on November 25-26.MWC25 Doha will host a distinguished gathering of global digital leaders, policymakers, experts, innovators, exhibitors, and investors from around the world. It provides an international platform for exchanging insights, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and identifying new opportunities to advance digital infrastructure and knowledge-based economies.It will feature a strong Qatari presence, with national speakers and senior representatives from various government entities presenting strategic perspectives on the future of digital infrastructure, national talent development, and the adoption of advanced technologies across priority sectors. Leading Qatari companies and innovative startups will also showcase digital solutions that reflect the rapid growth of the country's digital economy.In parallel, MWC25 Doha will welcome official delegations and experts from around the world, along with international organizations and regional bodies, reinforcing its role as a platform that brings together leaders and decision-makers to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration. The international participation includes country pavilions from Korea, Turkiye, and Palestine, each presenting their flagship digital initiatives and national technology projects.Qatar Pavilion will bring together 17 government entities presenting 32 innovative digital projects covering a broad range of future-oriented technologies, from smart aerial mobility solutions such as air taxis and surveillance drones, to electric vehicle charging innovations, interactive experiences showcasing the evolution of telecommunications, and accessibility-focused innovations designed to support persons with disabilities, in addition to advanced applications in AI.This edition's programme is built around three core themes: AI Nexus, Intelligent Economies, and Connected Industries. Across these pillars, nearly 300 global and local speakers and experts will present insights on the future of connectivity, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, next-generation networks, fintech innovation, satellite and non-terrestrial networks, and emerging technologies across multiple sectors.The GSMA Ministerial Programme will convene ministers and regulatory authorities from around the world to discuss digital governance, spectrum policy, and investment in advanced mobile networks. At the same time, the GSMA Digital Leaders Programme will be held for the first time in the MENA region, gathering senior executives from ICT sectors to explore the role of AI in building future-ready digital infrastructure and enabling sustainable growth.The fourth edition of Smart City Expo Doha 2025, organized by Fira de Barcelona in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology under the theme "Beyond connectivity: a digital solutions pathway to a smarter, thriving future", will bring together more than 30 speakers and experts.The accompanying exhibition will host over 250 exhibitors and sponsors representing leading global, regional, and local companies showcasing the latest innovations in connectivity, 5G Future, AI, advanced computing, smart cities, data solutions, and digital finance technologies.The event will also feature a diverse set of specialized programmes, including the regional debut of 4YFN, with participation from over 100 local and international startups, including 40 Qatar startups incubated by MCIT.MWC25 Doha marks a pivotal opportunity to accelerate digital transformation across the Middle East and North Africa. MWC25 Doha provides a unique platform to shape the future of connectivity and emerging technologies, enabling governments and industry leaders to exchange expertise, explore next-generation innovations, and build more agile and future-ready digital ecosystems. This inaugural edition stands as a significant step toward advancing a resilient and integrated digital future for the MENA region.

The Gulf Studies Centre at College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University (QU), organised the 10th edition of its annual multidisciplinary conference, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and experts from academic institutions across the Gulf region and beyond.Under the theme ‘Bridging Tradition and Progress’, this year’s conference featured more than 10 speakers from QU and other regional and international universities, including Kuwait University, Abu Dhabi University, Bahrain University, Lebanese University, Colombia University, Oxford University, and the University of Edinburgh, in addition to experts from Unesco.Through seven specialised academic sessions, participants discussed topics related to family, artificial intelligence (AI), cultural diplomacy, law, language, and other issues connected to social transformations in the region.The sessions addressed themes related to national identity amid globalisation, the role of the family in social and economic development, and the relationship between modernisation and cultural continuity.The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries as they work to balance modernisation requirements with the preservation of heritage and social traditions.In her remarks, Dr Fatima Ali al-Kubaisi, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at QU, noted that culture, national identity, and the role of the family form essential pillars of national development, making the integration of cultural discourse into development strategies a necessity across the region. She said the college’s commitment to expanding research efforts focused on national identity in the context of rapid global change. She added that the conference deepens understanding of developmental trajectories in Gulf societies and strengthens the exchange of expertise while drawing on international models in identity and cultural studies.This, she said, reinforces QU’s standing as a leading research destination in the region. Dr Maryam al-Kuwari, director of the Gulf Studies Centre at QU, noted that the conference themes address a wide range of issues, including national identity in the context of globalisation, the role of the family in social and economic development, and the relationship between modernisation and cultural continuity.

Qatar Charity (QC) has completed a new round of food assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Gaza, distributing 26,000 food baskets that benefited around 130,000 people.The initiative was funded by generous donors in Qatar through the campaign "Labbeh Gaza: Commitment and Solidarity".QC said the aid aims to ease the severe humanitarian crisis and improve food security for families affected by the blockade and two years of the war.Gaza continues to face acute shortages of essential supplies, with the UN declaring a widespread famine in August, the first ever in the Middle East. According to UN agencies, over 500,000 people are trapped in famine conditions, while 91% of Gaza's population, around 1.95mn people, suffers from extreme food insecurity, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).Each basket contains basic food supplies sufficient for a family for about a month.Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, calling the assistance "a timely lifeline" and "a message of solidarity from hearts that never forget." Qatar Charity continues to urge donors to support its ongoing "Labbeh Gaza" campaign.Contributions can be made via the organisation's website and mobile app, through its home collection service, by dialling 44290000, or by visiting its branches and representatives in commercial centers.As part of Qatar's land bridge of humanitarian aid, a recent shipment of relief supplies, including shelter tents and essential items, crossed the Rafah border to help ease the suffering of Gazans, especially with winter approaching and temperatures dropping.

The Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Passports, concluded a new training course titled 'Skills in Detecting Document Forgery and Identity Fraud', as part of co-operation among the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries and efforts to enhance the exchange of specialised security expertise. The course was attended by several ministry officers, alongside officers from GCC countries, aiming to enhance participants’ competencies and develop their skills in detecting forgery and verifying identities, thereby supporting joint Gulf efforts to strengthen professional readiness. **media[382176]** At the closing ceremony, Director of Administrative Affairs at the General Directorate of Passports, Brigadier Khalid Jassim al-Zaini, and Assistant Director of the Administrative Affairs Department, Colonel Faisal Duhaim al-Dosari, handed certificates of completion to the graduates.

The Ministry of Culture organised a dialogue session Wednesday evening entitled "Opportunities of the Creative Economy in a Changing World," on the sidelines of the "Art and Design Village" festival at Darb Al Saai.The session aimed to highlight the pivotal role of the creative economy as an engine for sustainable development and to explore its new horizons in light of rapid global transformations, particularly in the fields of technology and digital transformation.The session was presented by media personality Iman al-Kaabi.The speakers discussed the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for the flourishing of creative industries and reviewed successful models in this field.Hamid Ibrahim, head of Creative Operations at Kogali, emphasised that the partnership with Disney+ to produce the series "I wago" represents a pivotal step. He explained that the most significant advantage lies in leveraging the immense global reach of the Disney brand, renowned for its rich heritage and extensive experience in animation.Ibrahim summarised the philosophy of working in the creative economy with the phrase, "Thinking in terms of the entire ecosystem". This perspective goes beyond simply creating a character for a film; it encompasses adapting that character into a series or designing them for products like lunchboxes, confirming that the industry is growing and expanding in this way.Abdulaziz al-Kubaisi, owner and founder of Lusail Art Production Studios, highlighted the importance of integrating creativity with the economy, calling for the transformation of studios and creative activities into "sustainable economic platforms in the face of global competition."Al-Kubaisi explained that the creative economy is the art of transforming creativity, activity, and hobbies into income-generating economic value, noting that this concept represents the turning point from pursuing a hobby to establishing a business.Qatar-based filmmaker Obada Jarbi emphasised that documentaries and feature films represent a long-term investment tool and a form of soft power capable of building a creative economy that reflects local identity and culture. He stressed that this type of content can replace traditional public relations and advertising campaigns.Jarbi discussed the pivotal role of cinema as a "long-term investment" for the country, adding that many major global cities owe their popularity primarily to what has been portrayed in films, thus reducing the need for massive advertising campaigns.Qatari entrepreneur Nada Khamis Mohammed al-Sulaiti, founder of Alama Jewellery, revealed the motivation behind launching her brand in 2011. She explained that growing up in a home deeply rooted in heritage inspired her to be the one to tell Qatar's story, emphasising that Qatar is "the most deserving of telling our identity and stories" to the world.Qatari entrepreneur Abdullah al-Mana called on young people and the community to adopt the concepts of the creative economy as a fundamental pillar for diversifying income sources, stressing that this economy opens "new and numerous horizons in industries" away from total dependence on the traditional economy.

His Excellency the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud inaugurated the second edition of Qatar’s International Healthcare and Medical Exhibition and Conference (Qatar Medicare). Qatar Medicare brings together 100 local and international companies under one roof, 64 local and 36 international exhibitors.Organised by IFP Qatar in collaboration with Qatar Chamber (QC) and held under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health, the event continues until Thursday, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).Chair of the Health Committee at Qatar Chamber Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani said: “The Qatar Chamber is committed to achieving self-sufficiency in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Qatar Medicare reflects the strong public-private collaboration driving Qatar’s healthcare landscape.”According to estimates by Fitch Solutions, a subsidiary of Fitch Ratings, Qatar’s healthcare sector is projected to experience accelerated growth, with total health expenditure expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 14% by 2029, reaching $11.5bn (QR41.86bn).This expansion is set to position Qatar as the third-largest healthcare market in the GCC and the tenth-largest in the Mena region.Commercial and Operations Director at IFP Qatar Hayat Bayan commented: “Qatar Medicare includes daily one-on-one meetings between exhibitors, visitors, and major hospitals from both the public and private sectors, in addition to panel discussions and workshops featuring more than 55 speakers, 25 presentations, five dialogue sessions, four workshops, training sessions, and an Open Stage segment that allows professionals two minutes each to share their work and expertise. The event will conclude with the Qatar Medicare 2025 Healthcare Excellence Awards, honouring 15 categories of outstanding healthcare institutions and individuals.”Dr Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, Scientific Advisor at Qatar Cancer Society and member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the International Cancer Patients Alliance, emphasised: “The QCS is participating as a Silver Sponsor to enhance its awareness efforts on cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of public education.”“It will also explore the latest technologies and potential partnerships to improve and innovate healthcare practices, contributing to raising community awareness and improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families,” he said.

Al Jasra Cultural and Social Club organised a lecture titled “Our Ethics and Life: Values in a Time of Transformations,” presented by Dr Kamal Aslan, a visiting professor at Qatar University who holds a PhD in Ethics with honours and has contributed to numerous research projects for the Al Jazeera Center for Studies.The lecture was moderated by writer Hanan Badie, who welcomed Dr Aslan and the attendees, emphasising the importance of ethics in building a sustainable society and providing individuals with a sense of security and the ability to face challenges.During the lecture, Dr Aslan raised several fundamental questions about the need for values and ethics, the impact of their absence on society, the causes of the current ethical crisis, and the means of instilling values and building sound behaviour.He pointed out that rapid transformations in various fields necessitate ethical awareness and the ability to adapt without compromising core values, warning against succumbing to a utilitarian ethics that justifies any means, regardless of their violation of religion, customs, and traditions.He explained that the absence of ethics has had repercussions on multiple levels, including the economic sphere with its prevalence of fraud, exploitation, and monopolies. As well as the social sphere with its disintegration of families and deviance; the political sphere with its corruption and hypocrisy; the intellectual sphere with its theft of other peoples' efforts and the dissemination of corrupt ideologies; and the media sphere with its misinformation and deception.This is compounded by deficiencies in the educational system, which has failed to instill values in schools and colleges. He added that knowledge alone is insufficient; it must be translated into practical behaviour.