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Forbes Middle East has ranked Doha Bank Group CEO Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal al-Thani as “the second most powerful banking executive in Qatar” in its annual Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East 2025 list.The ranking celebrates executives who demonstrate exceptional leadership, drive innovation, and shape the region's business landscape. The recognition reflects Sheikh Abdulrahman’s visionary approach to banking and his leadership in positioning Doha Bank at the forefront of digital innovation in Qatar's financial sector.Under his guidance, the bank has pioneered industry-first initiatives, including Qatar’s first mobile app for Letter of Guarantee services, reinforcing its commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that serve evolving customer needs.Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs list profiles the region’s most influential business leaders at the helm of major corporations, acknowledging those who set new standards for excellence, navigate complex markets, and drive sustainable growth across diverse industries.Sheikh Abdulrahman said: “This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams and the trust of our clients. At Doha Bank, we are committed to advancing digital banking, operational excellence, and delivering solutions that support Qatar's economic vision. Being acknowledged by Forbes Middle East reinforces our commitment to setting new benchmarks in the banking sector and serving as a forward-thinking financial institution.”The ranking adds to Doha Bank’s growing list of prestigious industry awards, reaffirming its position as one of Qatar’s leading financial institutions and a trusted partner in driving innovation and excellence in the region's banking sector.

The Doha Film Festival, taking place from Nov. 20-28, announced that this year's edition will offer families an immersive cinematic experience featuring engaging film screenings for audiences of all ages.The festival will present family-friendly outdoor screenings and cine-concerts for children aged three and above, providing audiences with an exceptional blend of enjoyment and inspiration. From time-travel adventures to family stories and environmental tales, the program reflects the Doha Film Institute's commitment to expanding the creativity and knowledge of young generations and fostering global cultural understanding.Festival Director and CEO of DFI, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: "Community and the special moments we hope to inspire is at the heart of Doha Film Festival. Family-friendly programming has always been a priority in our mission at DFI because we believe in the important influence of cinema from a young age. These unique screenings create opportunities for families to discover powerful stories that will spark curiosity and creativity, and strengthen connection across generations".The festival's family-oriented events include Cinema Under the Stars, featuring outdoor screenings at the Museum of Islamic Art Park, and Cinema by the Sea, offering seaside screenings at West Bay Beach. The Bariq Shorts Program and the Cine-Concert: Wonderful Explorations, held at Katara Building 16, combine animation with live music to deliver a rich, multisensory experience.The outdoor screenings program includes Time Hoppers: The Silk Road (Canada), directed by Flordeliza Dayrit, a 3D animated time-travel adventure about four gifted children who journey along the historic Silk Road to save great scientists from an evil alchemist; Home (USA), directed by Tim Johnson, which tells the story of "Oh", a lovable alien who escapes to Earth and befriends a young girl searching for her displaced mother; and Monkey King: Hero Is Back (China/United Kingdom), directed by Xiaopeng Tian, following the legendary Monkey King-imprisoned for 500 years-who must save an innocent village from the evil Mountain Lord after being freed by a child.The Bariq Shorts Programme features A Small Garden by the Window (South Korea), directed by Lee Jonghoon; Mojappi - It's Mine (Japan), directed by Nijitaro; Lena's Farm: Full Nest (Germany/Croatia), directed by Elena Walf; De-Sastre (Spain), directed by Tommaso Mangiacotti, Marolyn Ávila, Constanza Melio, Maria Antonieta Fernandez and Kuang Yi Lee; and MU (Germany), directed by Malin Neumann.The cine-concert event includes performances by Lisa Portelli, bringing to life four short films: Luce and the Rock (2022), Koong Flap Flap (2013), Moshi Moshi (2021), and Snowflakes and Carrots (2010).The festival is supported by key partners including Katara, Media City Qatar / Film Committee, and Visit Qatar, and will transform major Doha landmarks-including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art-into vibrant spaces of cultural exchange, uniting filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from around the world.

In a significant step forward for the peace process, the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) was signed Saturday during a special ceremony at the Sheraton Doha.The signing took place in the presence of His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His Excellency Dr al-Khulaifi affirmed that the framework agreement represents an important milestone in efforts to consolidate peace and stability in eastern DRC.**media[381877]**He reiterated Qatar’s commitment to supporting the peace process until a comprehensive and lasting settlement is achieved for the Congolese people. Speaking at a press conference alongside Massad Boulos, US Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, His Excellency the Minister highlighted the genuine political will and responsible engagement demonstrated by both parties, noting that these qualities made the agreement possible.**media[381882]**He also expressed appreciation for their confidence in Qatar’s role in facilitating and advancing the peace efforts. His Excellency Dr al-Khulaifi recalled that Qatar’s mediation efforts began when His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani hosted President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Doha, and when President Tshisekedi subsequently opened the door for dialogue with the AFC/M23 movement.This latest agreement marks a new and important milestone in the ongoing peace process led by Qatar, building on the progress made with the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on 19 July. The Framework reaffirms the parties’ shared commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict through structured dialogue, confidence-building measures, and a phased approach to de-escalation and stabilisation.**media[381878]**It emphasises the protection of civilians, respect for human rights, the safe and dignified return of displaced persons, and the promotion of national reconciliation and unity.Serving as the foundational reference document for the broader peace process, the Doha Framework sets the stage for a series of forthcoming protocols, annexes, and technical arrangements that the parties have agreed to develop.**media[381880]**These instruments will address operational details such as ceasefire consolidation and verification, troop disengagement modalities, humanitarian access, reintegration mechanisms, and support for national dialogue.Once adopted, these protocols and annexes will form an integrated and harmonised part of the Doha Framework for Peace, ensuring coherence, clarity, and phased implementation. Qatar commended the constructive engagement of both parties and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of regional and international partners supporting the process.**media[381881]**In particular, Qatar acknowledged the contributions of the US, Togo, and the African Union Commission, whose sustained support has played a key role in advancing the peace efforts.

Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates brings together global thinkers and students for a thought-provoking conversation on whether hard work and talent still determine who rises, or whether “earned success” conceals deeper inequities.Daniel Markovits, Guido Calabresi, professor of law at Yale Law School, argues that the system meant to promote fairness has instead entrenched inequality.“Meritocracy has become the principal obstacle to equality of opportunity, at least in the rich countries of the world,” he says, warning that competition built on elite education and inherited advantage has replaced real mobility.Bryan Caplan, professor of economics at George Mason University, offers a contrasting view. “Meritocracy is pretty real if we actually had open borders where anyone could work anywhere,” he says. For Caplan, prosperity depends on personal responsibility and freedom of movement, not structural intervention.From a human-centred perspective, Dr Poornima Luthra, associate professor at Copenhagen Business School, challenges the idea that opportunity is equally accessible.“Meritocracy is a belief, a system where people are assumed to have opportunity solely on merit,” she says.“In reality, people experience bias and discrimination across many aspects of their identity.”Offering a global outlook, Parag Khanna, founder and CEO of AlphaGeo, sees potential in redefining meritocracy. “Meritocracy can work if the most qualified people are making decisions about the shape and direction of society,” he says, citing governance models that reward expertise and mobility.Adding their voices, students from universities across Qatar reflect on how these ideas resonate with their generation. Sundus Saeed, 26, a social sciences student at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, says, “The system often ensures that people stay out, and if someone rises, hurdles are placed in their way to maintain the status quo.” Carl Jambo, 22, studying international economics at Georgetown University in Qatar, takes an opposing view, saying: “Meritocracy gives you the platform to prove yourself, an individual against the world.”

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) – Doha Chapter recently organised a CPE session titled ‘Investing Right: From Regulations to Real Estate’, bringing together 140 participants comprising finance and investment professionals.The session was inaugurated by Doha Chapter chairperson Kishore Alex, who emphasised the chapter’s commitment to equipping members with current knowledge on global financial and regulatory trends. The event featured two speakers who offered complementary perspectives on regulatory reforms and investment avenues.BNW Developments chairman and founder Ankur Aggarwal shared expert insights on ‘Real Estate Investment Opportunities in the GCC and India – Scope and Growth’. Drawing on his extensive real-estate experience, Aggarwal discussed key growth sectors, sustainable development trends, and regulatory enablers driving property markets across India and the Gulf. He also highlighted practical strategies for investors to evaluate projects, manage risk, and capitalise on the robust investment outlook in both regions.Jomon K George, founder and managing partner, JVR & Associates and former chairman of SIRC of ICAI, delivered an in-depth presentation on ‘India Update – FEMA, Taxation and ICAI Regulatory Developments’.He elaborated on India’s macroeconomic strength, the new Income Tax Act 2025, non-resident taxation updates, the changing regulatory landscape under NFRA and BRSR, and the evolving expectations from the chartered accountant profession in the digital era. His session provided members with practical clarity on the cross-border compliance framework and its implications for Indian professionals abroad.The event also featured a felicitation ceremony for the recently qualified chartered accountants from the September 2025 examination at the Doha examination centre. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by vice-chairperson Arun Somanath, who acknowledged the speakers, sponsors, and volunteers.

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) signed $1 million grant agreement with the ITF Enhancing Human Security (ITF) to support the Palestine Hospital in Harmalah - Bethlehem, with the aim of strengthening the healthcare system in the sisterly State of Palestine.The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Chairperson of QFFD Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani, and signed by Director General of QFFD Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti, and HE Director of ITF Ambassador Tomaz Lovrencic.This contribution will enable ITF to strengthen the hospital's capacity to respond to emergency medical needs by covering the procurement of raw materials and improving access to essential healthcare and rehabilitation services for populations affected by conflict, including those from Gaza.**media[380259]**On this occasion, Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti, stated "Access to quality medical care is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Through this partnership with ITF, we aim to strengthen hospitals as pillars of resilience, capable of responding to crises, safeguarding lives, and restoring the well-being of communities affected by conflict.This agreement embodies the State of Qatar's steadfast solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people and reaffirms our shared commitment to addressing their urgent needs amid humanitarian circumstances."From his side, Ambassador Tomaz Lovrencic, Director of ITF, stated: "The needs of Palestinian victims of explosive remnants of war require an urgent action. Vulnerable groups, especially women and children, need appropriate medical attention, including prosthetic care and psychosocial support."The partnership between QFFD and ITF underscores a joint commitment to advancing equitable healthcare, enhancing resilience, and promoting human security in conflict zones. It also comes as part of the State of Qatar's steadfast support for the brotherly Palestinian people, aimed at securing essential services and building a foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and stable future.

Qatar Sunday kicked off the 2025/26 cruise season at the Old Doha Port, welcoming MSC Euribia, operated by MSC Cruises, carrying 5,000 passengers and a crew of 1,676 members. One of the newest and largest vessels in the MSC fleet, MSC Euribia spans 331m in length and 43m in width, accommodating up to 6,327 guests and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) for cleaner, more sustainable voyages, Mwani Qatar said in its social medial handle X. Throughout the season, which runs until May 2026, the ship will make 22 scheduled calls at The Terminal, managed by Mwani Qatar — reaffirming Qatar's growing prominence as a premier destination on the global cruise tourism map. Last week, a coordination meeting was held as part of the preparations for 2025/26 cruise season, bringing together stakeholders, agents, and tour operators to discuss operational plans and coordination efforts to ensure a successful season and an exceptional visitor experience. Qatar has proven to be one of the most sought after luxury cruise destinations in the Arabian Gulf’s winter cruise season. To support the tremendous growth of the industry, Mwani Qatar plays a key role in the redevelopment of the port and its facilities. Doha port provides a wide range of passenger facilities, including seamless immigration, customs, foreign exchange, taxi and bus stands, city bus tours as well as Qatar Duty Free, cafe, waiting areas for cruise passengers and staff. It also features various tourist information services offered by Qatar Tourism. Relevant Mwani Qatar marine services within the port are offered to the vessels calling at Doha Port, ensuring safe and efficient arrival and departure. Mwani Qatar works closely with Qatar Tourism and the Ministry of Interior to develop the cruise industry which has seen a remarkable increase in the passenger arrivals over the years. Qatar's 2024/25 cruise season had welcomed more than 396,000 visitors aboard 87 cruise ships, marking a 5% jump in visitors and a 19% rise in vessel calls against the previous season. Doha Port’s cruise terminal is strategically located minutes away from key attractions such as the National Museum of Qatar and Souq Waqif, optimising the visitor experience by allowing cruise passengers to make the most of their time in the city. Qatar Tourism plans to strengthen its collaborations with more international cruise lines, which is vital for driving further growth in Qatar’s tourism sector and contributing to Qatar’s economic diversification efforts. "Doha has become a prominent cruise destination with varied tourism experiences offered to visitors. From its debut in October 2023 to its grand finale in April 2024, this cruise season has exceeded all expectations breaking the records of visitors and cruise ships from previous seasons. The Grand Cruise Terminal symbolising Qatar's commitment to excellence” Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism had said. Qatar is gaining popularity as a world-class cruise destination in the region as it showcased exceptional tourism capabilities, especially after hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In this regard, efforts are currently underway to attract more cruise lines and travelers in the upcoming seasons.

The second edition of the Doha Photography Festival, organised by the Qatar Photography Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, concluded Sunday evening. The festival ran for six days, filled with activities and events, opposite Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area.On this occasion, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, Director of the Qatar Photography Center, affirmed the great success of the second edition of the festival, noting that it provided an excellent opportunity for photographers and the public to enjoy the exhibitions, which varied in their themes, topics, and perspectives.He emphasized that the festival was organised by the Ministry of Culture to promote photographic heritage and culture, highlighting the importance of photography as an effective means of expressing Qatari identity and showcasing its beauty and rich heritage. It also aimed to promote local photographic art and highlight photography as a tool for documentation and expression.Al-Buainain noted the significant turnout for the specialized workshops presented by international photographers, as well as the lectures and panel discussions, confirming their popularity and the wide range of participants who benefited from them. He also pointed out that the Doha Photography Award had a significant impact and served as a strong incentive for photographers, in addition to the success of the children's events, which attracted a remarkable number of families.Al-Buainain concluded by expressing his delight at the large audience from outside Doha, including photographers from the Gulf and other Arab countries, who visited the festival to benefit from its rich programme. He considered this evidence of the festival's broad international reach, which helped attract such international participation and strengthened its regional standing.The festival witnessed a large turnout of photographers, both local and international, with the participation of eight leading global camera companies, reaffirming its position as a leading platform for photographic art in the region. The festival also presented a rich and diverse programme that included art exhibitions with different themes and perspectives, specialized workshops led by international photographers, and lectures and panel discussions that were well-received by the public and benefited a large number of photography enthusiasts.The festival also saw the announcement of the inaugural Doha Photography Awards, which served as a significant incentive for photographers. With this conclusion, the Doha Photography Festival reinforces its status as a major artistic and cultural event that contributes to enriching the photographic landscape and provides a platform for exchanging expertise and promoting photographic culture across the region.

Doha Film Festival unveiled the anticipated 'Made in Qatar' programme, which features homegrown creativity and storytelling excellence from the nation's emerging filmmakers.Presented by Doha Film Institute (DFI), this showcase reaffirms its unwavering commitment to nurturing Qatar's vibrant creative community and amplifying authentic voices that capture the essence of the nation's evolving cultural identity.A diverse selection of 10 short films from Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers, 'Made in Qatar' highlights the depth, diversity, and bold imagination that define the country's cinematic landscape today. The programme is a launchpad for homegrown storytellers whose work gains international recognition and offer a fresh perspective on contemporary life in Qatar-that is imaginative, emotionally resonant, and deeply human.Festival Director and CEO of DFI, Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi said: "Supporting local filmmakers is not only a duty-it is a privilege and a source of great pride for the Institute. Our storytellers open windows to our world, share our unique culture, and connect others to our own narratives. Through the 'Made in Qatar' programme, we celebrate the courage and creativity of filmmakers who are defining our cinematic identity and shaping a cultural legacy that extends far beyond our borders."Underlining the evolution of Qatar's film ecosystem, 'Made in Qatar' includes films supported by the Institute's training programmes, Grants and the Qatari Film Fund.This year's 'Made in Qatar' Jury led by actress, director and producer Afef Ben Mahmoud, who alongside Head of Development at Katara Studios Fahad Al Kuwari and producer and distributor Alaa Alasad, will recognise this exciting new generation of home-grown talent.Films in DFF 2025 Made in Qatar are "Al-Aqiq: Darkness of Virtuality" (Qatar) by Mohammed Al Suwaidi and Kummam Al Maadeed; "Baba is Melting" (Qatar) by Karim Emara; "Fahad the Furious" (Qatar) by Justin Kramer; "Is This A Sign" (Qatar) by Maria Joseph; "Project Aisha" (Qatar) by FahadAl Nahdi; "Qadha' w Qadar" (Qatar) by Maryam Al Mohammed; "A Palm Branch" (Qatar) by Mahdi Al Ali; "Theatre of Dreams" (Qatar) by Fatma Al Ghanim; "Yom El Juma'" (Qatar) by Haya Al Kuwari; and "Villa 187" (Sudan/Qatar) by Eiman Mirghani.Taking place from 20-28 November 2025, Doha Film Festival (DFF) represents the bold next chapter in Doha Film Institute's mission to nurture regional talent and champion urgent and authentic stories in cinema.Key Partners of Doha Film Festival include Katara, Media City Qatar I Film Committee and Visit Qatar. The festival will transform iconic locations across Doha, including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art, into vibrant hubs of cultural exchange, bringing together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from every corner of the globe, to reaffirm art's power to inspire, to unite, and to spotlight voices that deepen our shared understanding.Designed to reflect the diversity and ambition of the region through a wide selection of films, inspiring conversations and engaging events, DFF will provide a truly meaningful shared cultural experience in Doha.

President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stressed that the State of Qatar's support for the the United Nations is a leading example, praising the country's role as an international mediator in conflict resolution and its active contribution to social development.In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the president explained that the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha underscores the need to move from promises to implementation through concrete action in areas such as education, employment, and social justice, thus contributing to achieving social benefits and healthcare for all people.She highlighted the importance of promoting social development and achieving global justice, noting significant progress in certain economic and social indicators despite ongoing challenges in other parts of the world.President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly said that the unemployment rate in Qatar stands at around 1 percent, while in some other countries it reaches 30 percent, reflecting the persistent gap among nations in benefiting from the fruits of social development.She stressed that failure to address crises such as hunger exacerbates displacement and migration, emphasizing the need to break this vicious cycle by working on the three main pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, social development, and human rights.She added that the Summit aims to accelerate progress toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that all goals are interconnected and cannot be achieved in isolation, especially amid global climate challenges that affect food security.She also pointed to the importance of linking the Doha Summit with the Climate Change Conference to be held in the Amazonian city of Belem, Brazil, and the role of nationally determined commitments in reducing carbon emissions. She affirmed that investment in renewable energy benefits strong economies and enhances their competitiveness.The President of the UN General Assembly emphasized the importance of international cooperation to achieve social justice, explaining that global challenges know no borders, and that the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the necessity of international collaboration in providing vaccines and addressing health crises.In conclusion, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock told QNA that supporting UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, is vital to preventing hunger and human suffering in countries such as Sudan, stressing that immediate funding and support are essential to ensuring a dignified life for people around the world.

Doha Film Institute (DFI) unveiled the full programme of Doha Film Festival (DFF) 2025, featuring 97 films from 62 countries and a wide range of creative community events from November 20-28.Key partners of DFF include Katara, Media City Qatar I Film Committee and Visit Qatar. The festival will be hosted across several venues, including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Lusail Boulevard and the Museum of Islamic Art.With prizes totalling more than $300,000, DFF features four main competition sections, special screenings, music performances, Geekdom and other community initiatives.The festival’s original theme song is composed by Qatar’s celebrated contemporary composer and songwriter Dana Alfardan, in collaboration with Katara Studios and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.In a press statement, festival director and DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: “This year’s Doha Film Festival reflects Qatar’s growing creative ambitions and our deep belief in the power of cinema to unite and inspire.The festival will open with The Voice of Hind Rajab by Kaouther Ben Hania. A recipient of DFI’s grants programme, the film highlights the power of storytelling to illuminate truth and resist oppression.DFF’s International Feature Film Competition has 13 films, with 12 having their Middle East and North African premieres in Doha including festival favourites, The Presidents Cake; Once Upon a Time in Gaza; Khartoum and Divine Comedy among others.The festival will welcome several special guests this year including filmmakers, artists and activists- whose work has inspired audiences all over the world. They include: Steven Soderbergh, Ramy Youssef, Michaela Coel, Engin Altan Duzyatan, Hazal Kaya, Jassim Al Nabhan; Dorra Zarrouk, Saleh Bakri, Hiam Abbas among others.The festival’s dynamic music programme of live performances and discussions feature today’s most exciting regional and global artists, including Saint Levant; Yasiin Bey; Elyanna; Gustavo Santaolalla; Zeyne; Nooriyah; Nemahsis; Aisha al-Zaiani; Dana al-Meer and many more.

The second edition of the Doha Photography Festival, organised by the Qatar Photography Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, kicked off Tuesday evening. This festival affirms the importance of photography as an effective means of expressing Qatari identity and heritage.The festival continues until November 9th, opposite Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area, with the participation of eight international companies specialising in cameras.On this occasion, Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, stated that the second edition of the Doha Photography Festival is witnessing a significant expansion in local and international participation, along with a diverse range of accompanying events targeting all segments of society.He emphasised that this edition is distinguished by the crowning of the winners of the inaugural Doha Photography Award, with the winners in six main competitive categories to be announced Thursday.He explained that one of the festival’s primary objectives is to support and encourage Qatari photographers, dedicating a special category in the award to local photographers, in addition to another category specifically for children and youth.Dr Ghanem al-Ali added that the festival is not limited to exhibitions but also includes a variety of accompanying events, such as specialised workshops and interactive areas designed specifically for children and families, with the aim of engaging all members of the community in the festival’s activities.He revealed the festival’s intention to expand its scope in future editions to include a greater focus on video photography. This trend was evident in the special exhibition organised as part of the current festival, titled “Space Festival,” a rare event featuring two Qatari photographers who participated in Nasa events. This highlights the international level the festival aspires to achieve.On the sidelines of the exhibition, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, director of the Qatar Photography Center, spoke to Gulf Times and said that: “We found a great turnout of photography enthusiasts and photographers at this opening, and everyone is eager for this big event that we are witnessing today. The Ministry of Culture, through the Doha Photography Festival, seeks to provide an ideal platform for showcasing artistic works, giving local photographers the opportunity to connect effectively and directly with the public and exchange experiences with their counterparts from around the world.He noted the participation of leading international companies such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Insta360, in addition to Qatar 4Cam and iBrand Connect. He explained that this broad participation of international companies and local photography equipment retailers will enrich the experience of participants and visitors, allowing them to explore the latest technologies and products in the world of photography.The programme features a large number of exhibitions, including 24 solo exhibitions and one group exhibition. The festival will also host an exhibition dedicated to the Doha Photography Award, another exhibition focused on astrophotography. There will be exhibitions of antique photographs and cameras, as well as a film exhibition area. The festival features a main stage hosting lectures, seminars and workshops by international photographers.The first day’s events featured a lecture titled “Narrative in Photography” presented by Issa Ibrahim, and a workshop titled “Attachment in Seconds: The Art of Creating Attention-Giving Videos” presented by James Arletta.