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Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) celebrated the second day of the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre.The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada, chair of the Board of Trustees of UDST, and the board members; His Excellency Dr Salem Al-Naemi president of UDST, the University’s staff and faculty, and families of graduates. The ceremony also featured a keynote address by Hamad Mubarak Alhajri, founder and CEO of Snoonu.The number of graduates this year exceeded 1,321 students from various programmes and disciplines, including more than 250 honour graduates, reflecting the University’s continued commitment to academic excellence and applied learning.**media[448135]**The graduating class includes 484 graduates from the College of Business, 285 graduates from the College of Computing and Information Technology, 341 graduates from the College of Engineering and Technology, and 211 graduates from the College of Health Sciences, reflecting the diversity of the university’s academic programs and the breadth of its fields of specialisation.This year also reflected the success of a number of student-led projects and innovations developed throughout the academic journey, demonstrating the University’s emphasis on experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and applied research.Among these initiatives was “Be My Sense,” an AI-powered platform designed to support individuals with hearing impairments through real-time translation and smart wearable technologies.Other projects included “OPAS,” an intelligent system developed to support sports performance analysis and offside detection using artificial intelligence, a sustainable life-cycle assessment project focused on blue ammonia supply chains and clean energy solutions, research exploring women’s representation in Qatar’s technology sector, and innovative engineering solutions such as a cooling system designed for firefighters’ protective clothing. These initiatives reflect the creativity, innovation, and practical problem-solving skills fostered among UDST students across a wide range of disciplines.**media[448137]**This graduating class reflects the dynamic and future-oriented nature of the University’s academic ecosystem, spanning key sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, health sciences, business innovation, and digital technologies. Through advanced laboratories, simulation environments, industry partnerships, and applied research opportunities, students acquired the practical competencies and leadership capabilities required to contribute effectively to the workforce.In his speech, Dr Rachid Benlamri, vice president, Academic at UDST, said: “Through a comprehensive educational experience that combined academic knowledge with practical application, our graduates have been prepared to move forward with confidence and competence toward excellence in various fields, equipped with the skills and expertise that enable them to contribute effectively to society and support Qatar’s continued progress and development.”The guest speaker, Alhajri, addressed the graduates and said: “Do not fear the beginnings. Do not fear failure. Do not fear the roads no one has walked before you.**media[448140]**The greatest things in history began with an idea, a dream, and one person who said: "Why not?" So dream boldly. Take the leap. And strive for a life worthy of your soul”.The Class of 2026 Salutatorian, Walaa Hassan, expressed pride in representing fellow graduates during the ceremony and said: “As graduates, we leave today carrying not only academic knowledge, but also the confidence, resilience, and sense of responsibility that will guide us as we contribute to our communities and pursue our aspirations with determination and purpose.”As the graduates of the Class of 2026 embark on the next chapter of their journey, the University celebrates their accomplishments and looks forward to their continued contributions across various sectors locally and globally. Graduates carry with them the University’s values of excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning, fully prepared to contribute to the advancement of their communities and industries. 

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) is set to enchant audiences with its upcoming concert "Mozart y Mambo," featuring Sarah Willis on the horn on January 9-10 at 7.30pm at the Qatar National Convention Centre.A celebrated member of the Berlin Philharmonic, Willis brings her extraordinary talent and classical finesse to Doha, fusing traditional Mozart compositions with vibrant Cuban rhythms, a unique blend capturing the essence of both genres. This performance is expected to reflect Willis's widely acclaimed project that showcases Cuban music traditions while honouring European classical roots.The event underlines the orchestra's commitment to diverse programming and cultural exchange, inviting patrons into a musical journey from Vienna's grand concert halls to Havana's lively streets. Such collaborations not only enhance the cultural tapestry of Qatar but also reinforce its position as a hub for world-class artistic endeavours, drawing in global talents and fostering an appreciation for varied musical genres among local audiences.The concert, conducted by Grammy-nominated maestro Alastair Willis, embarks on an exhilarating musical journey with the spirited overture to Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio. Known for its vibrant orchestration and dynamic textures, this composition is a quintessential representation of Mozart's mastery in blending Western classical traditions with alluring Turkish influences.The opening piece promises to captivate audiences with its rapid tempi and lively rhythms, setting an invigorating atmosphere for the evening’s performance. Under Willis’s deft direction, each measure resonates with clarity and energy, immersing listeners in an experience that honours Mozart's genius while highlighting nuanced expressions within the score. This artful rendition reaffirms Willis's reputation as a conductor capable of transcending ordinary interpretations and delivering performances of remarkable depth and vitality.The orchestra’s interpretation amplifies the lively Afro-Cuban rhythms and harmonies, creating an exciting dialogue between European classical paradigms and spontaneous Latin vibrancy. This dynamic programme not only showcases exceptional versatility but also celebrates an exhilarating cross-cultural convergence that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences seeking diverse musical experiences. 

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of legislative and administrative measures, including the creation of a National Centre for Artificial Intelligence, new regulations for district cooling systems, and agreements with Switzerland and Macau, while also reviewing progress on national values and education initiatives.HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali al-Thani chaired the meeting held at the Amiri Diwan.Following the meeting, HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi stated the following:The Cabinet considered the topics on its agenda and reviewed a draft law amending some provisions of Law No. 8 of 2012 regarding the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, and decided to refer it for legislative review. The draft aims to enhance the efficiency of institutional work in the Authority and strengthen its powers with regard to its supervisory role in regulating financial markets and protecting investor rights in accordance with the latest international standards that encourage investment.The Cabinet approved a draft Cabinet resolution amending the organisation of some administrative units comprising the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and defining their competencies. This amendment aims to establish and organise the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence within the Ministry.The Cabinet also approved a draft resolution by the Chairman of the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation to organise a registry for registering licences for establishing or operating a district cooling system or providing district cooling services, and to specify its data.The Cabinet further decided to approve a draft letter of intent on co-operation in the field of humanitarian aid and development efforts between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and the Swiss Confederation, and a draft air services agreement between the governments of Qatar and the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.The Cabinet discussed the report submitted by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education on the follow-up of what was accomplished during the first half of 2025 to implement the objectives of the National Framework for Promoting Values and Morals in Qatari Society. It reviewed the results achieved in relation to methods of protection, education, prevention, empowerment and other methods aimed at preserving the values of Qatari society, which various entities are working on according to their respective specialisations.The Cabinet decided that the Ministry of Education and Higher Education would undertake the follow-up of the implementation of the objectives of this framework in coordination with the relevant authorities.Finally, the Cabinet concluded its meeting by examining three reports and taking the appropriate decisions accordingly. These included a report of the working group concerned with evaluating the geographic information system in Qatar, a report of the working group concerned with examining the results of evaluating the experience of reducing working hours for female employees who are mothers during the mid-year leave of the academic year 2023-2024, and a report on the results of the participation of HE Minister of Commerce and Industry in the Third Vision Golfe Forum to strengthen economic and trade partnerships between France and the GCC (Paris-June 2025).