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Podar Pearl School celebrated its 12th Annual Day with remarkable pride and grandeur under the inspiring theme 'One World, Many Dreams'. The event, held across all campuses, reflected the school’s commitment to nurturing creativity, confidence, and global-mindedness among its students, a statement said.**media[392429]**Indian ambassador Vipul was the chief guest. School president C Muhamed Nizar, vice-presidents Pranav Pradeep and Dr Steffy Rachel Sam along with Dr Mohamed Althaf, and other board of directors, principal Dr Maneesh Mangal, and the senior leadership team also graced the ceremony.**media[392430]**At Al Meshaf Campus, students of Grades I and II captivated the audience with performances themed 'Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Future,' showcasing the evolution from traditional ways of life to the modern digital era. A creative highlight was the contemporary retelling of classic fairy tales through the innovative production 'Cyberella -A Cyber Smart Fairy Tale'.**media[392432]**The Primary Section further inspired audiences with its uplifting theme 'Horizons of Hope.' The event at Al Dafna Campus had the theme 'Shades of Celebration,' emphasising academic excellence, creativity, and holistic development. Indian embassy second-secretary Bindu N Nair was the chief guest.**media[392433]**At Al Thumama Campus, students delivered an impressive showcase titled 'Aeternum - A Voyage Through Time,' taking the audience on an artistic journey across eras. The guest of honour was Hisham Aljundi, translation specialist at the Office of the Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education. 

As excitement builds across Qatar ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, The Pearl Island and Gewan Island are gearing up to welcome football fans, families and visitors from across the region.With world-class facilities, waterfront settings, and vibrant community atmosphere, both destinations are preparing to transform into dynamic hubs of celebration throughout the tournament.In celebration of the highly anticipated event, United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of both islands, is launching a rich and festive season of cultural, family, and sports activities designed to bring together entertainment, community spirit, and the cultural vibrancy of the Arab world. The lineup aims to enhance the visitor experience and create memorable moments that reflect Qatar’s role as a leading destination for major international events.During the tournament, both islands will transform into vibrant hubs of celebration, offering two dedicated fan zones equipped with large outdoor screens for live match broadcasts. The first fan zone will be located at the amphitheatre in Porto Arabia, while the second will be set up in Medina Centrale, providing spectators with an immersive and family-friendly viewing experience in safe and lively settings.The viewing areas will be complemented by a rich lineup of family activities, cultural programmes, and entertainment experiences across Gewan Island and Qanat Quartier, creating a dynamic atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the tournament. Meanwhile, the festive ambience of the Medina Centrale Carnival will continue throughout the championship period, extending its colourful celebrations and interactive attractions to welcome fans and visitors from all around the region.The initiative reflects UDC’s ongoing commitment to supporting major national events and enriching Qatar’s tourism and cultural landscape. By transforming its destinations into dynamic, inclusive environments, UDC continues to elevate the standard of community experiences while contributing to the realisation of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a sustainable and socially connected nation.With their world-class infrastructure, scenic waterfronts, and welcoming public spaces, The Pearl and Gewan islands promise unforgettable moments that blend sports, culture, and celebration, reaffirming their position as two of Qatar’s most iconic destinations for modern island living. 

The sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition concluded on Sunday at The Pearl Island, awarding 20 winners across the competition’s various categories. The five-day event, organised by the Qatari Gulf Classic Cars Association, featured wide participation from across the GCC for the second consecutive year.In a press statement, His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of the Association’s Board, said: “This year’s edition was defined by competitive energy among participants, giving it a truly exceptional character. It succeeded in attracting visitors from all GCC countries, creating a celebration that combines luxury with the heritage of automotive history.”He noted that the exhibition witnessed significant expansion in both area and number of participating cars, reaching 65 vehicles, the largest display since the exhibition’s inception. Omar Hussain Alfardan, vice-chairman of the Qatari Gulf Classic Cars Association, said: “The remarkable turnout at this year’s edition affirms the strong stature of this event and its growing role in enriching classic car culture in Qatar and the region.“The extraordinary audience engagement reflected a genuine passion for this historic world, reinforcing the exhibition’s position as an elegant platform that brings together car enthusiasts, experts, and designers. At the association, we remain committed to organising this event to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading cultural and tourism destination, and to inspire the next generation with a spirit of authenticity and creativity,” Alfardan added.Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, Board Member, lauded the prestigious status the exhibition has earned among classic car lovers in Qatar and the GCC. This, he pointed out, was evident in the diverse participation from all GCC countries and in the unprecedented audience turnout, the largest ever recorded for a classic car event in the region.Hassan al-Bairami, winner of the Best Classic Car Restoration Project award for his 1968 Mercedes 230S and a participant from Kuwait, said: “This is our first participation in the Qatar Classic Luxury Cars Contest, and winning this prestigious award is the culmination of a full year of preparation and dedicated work.“We shipped 10 cars from Kuwait specifically to take part in this edition. It was a major challenge in terms of logistics and preparations, but the outcome was exceptional, we received three awards, which truly reflects the level of effort made by the entire team.”

United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, in partnership with Aura Group, has announced the start of the ‘Medina Centrale Carnival’. The large-scale entertainment programme brings a full season of shows, singers, and family activities, and themed parades to Medina Centrale every weekend from November through February. The Medina Centrale Carnival is a destination experience created through the joint sponsorship and collaboration of UDC and Aura Group. Together, the two organisations aim to elevate Medina Centrale into one of Qatar’s most vibrant leisure spots, offering residents and visitors new reasons to spend their weekends at The Pearl Island. The carnival will kick off with a special performance by Lebanese singer Christina Haddad, setting a high-energy tone for the months ahead. Her appearance marks the start of a diverse entertainment line-up featuring artists, performers, comedians, and creative acts scheduled across the coming weekends. One of the signature features of Medina Centrale Carnival is its rotating programme of themed weekends, each offering a fresh atmosphere, new shows, and unique visuals. With a new theme introduced every weekend, visitors can look forward to a varied program that keeps the experience exciting throughout the season. Themes will be brought to life through street performances, costumes, installations, and lively parades that move through the main walkways of Medina Centrale. Families with kids will find dedicated zones filled with hands-on workshops, arts and crafts, balloon twisting, clay modelling, face painting, and rotating children’s activities. The area facing Debs W Remman will serve as a central hub for kids’ experiences, designed to offer engaging and enjoyable activities for children. In the evenings, Medina Centrale will host live performances by regional artists, monthly stand-up comedy shows, and special stage programs that add variety to the weekend offerings. Whether guests stop by for a daytime outing or an evening show, the carnival provides something for every age and interest. Hussain al-Baker, UDC executive director of Commercial and Properties, said: “Our collaboration with Aura Group reflects UDC’s commitment to delivering integrated entertainment experiences that strengthen the sense of community. At UDC, we strive to create a vibrant environment where residents and visitors can come together in moments of interaction and shared enjoyment. “Events such as the Medina Centrale Carnival provide a unique opportunity to celebrate creativity, culture, and fun within a destination that brings together entertainment, hospitality, and contemporary lifestyle.” Aura Group CEO Yasser Zein said: “Our partnership with UDC reflects Aura Group’s vision to curate exceptional experiences that bring people together through entertainment and creativity. “By collaborating on events like the Medina Centrale Carnival, we aim to contribute to The Pearl Island’s atmosphere and provide memorable moments that showcase the best of hospitality and community spirit. We would like to inspire connection, joy and vibrancy across Medina Centrale.”

United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has won three awards at the ‘Middle East Enterprise AI & Analytics Summit 2025’, held in Doha with participation from leading national and international technology organisations.The recognition highlights UDC’s role in advancing smart urban services and its use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to support sustainable city ecosystems across its destinations.UDC received the ‘Excellence in Digital & Innovation Award 2025’ for its intelligent facilities management, maintenance, and operations ecosystem at The Pearl Island and Gewan Island.The project introduced an automated operations model powered by a unified Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) platform that supports real-time monitoring, automated dispatching through a 24/7 contact centre, and an omnichannel AI assistant. The ecosystem has transformed maintenance and service operations into a data-driven, paperless model that improves transparency, efficiency, and service quality.The company also won the ‘Best Cloud Transformation Project 2025’ for unifying its enterprise operations within a secure and agile cloud environment. Through its ‘Cloud-First’ strategy, UDC migrated core processes to a modern digital infrastructure that supports advanced analytics, automation, and next-generation technologies. This transformation strengthens UDC’s digital ecosystem and enhances operational efficiency across its business.Azeem Aziz, head of Digital Solutions at UDC, received the ‘Best Customer Experience Leader 2025 Award’ for leading the development of The Pearl Island Super App, which enhances smart living and service experiences. The app centralises resident and visitor services, such as payments, bookings, maintenance requests, and community updates, into a single platform supported by an omnichannel AI assistant.UDC is one of Qatar’s leading public shareholding companies and the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island. It is committed to developing distinguished destinations that embody modern, sustainable living through pioneering real estate, commercial, and hospitality projects that support national economic growth and reinforce Qatar’s position as a premier destination for living, business, and investment.

From the depths of the sea to the vibrant neighbourhoods of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, United Development Company’s Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) 2025 embodied a journey of collective action and environmental awareness, uniting residents, partners, and volunteers through impactful initiatives.This year’s edition witnessed record participation from divers, volunteers, and the wider community, surpassing last year’s engagement both in attendance and impact. The week further reinforced UDC’s position as one of Qatar’s leading advocates for sustainability, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030, a statement said Sunday.As part of the week’s activities, UDC organised the largest seabed cleanup campaign in the region, bringing together over 250 volunteer divers from the local community, with the support of professional diving centres and environmental organisations.The initiative resulted in the recovery of 843kg of recyclable marine waste. The impact of this campaign has been evident since its launch in 2019, as the significant decline in collected waste volumes compared to previous years reflects its lasting effectiveness and positive contribution to marine conservation.**media[379719]**In parallel, UDC’s Plastic Recycling Initiative achieved notable progress by collecting 1,500kg of recyclable plastic materials, reinforcing the principles of a circular economy within UDC’s communities and supporting Qatar’s national efforts to reduce plastic pollution.The blood donation campaign organised in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation was one of the week’s standout initiatives, attracting a large turnout of residents and visitors and doubling the number of donors compared to last year.In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, awareness campaigns held at Gewan Island encouraged positive environmental behaviours and promoted sustainable practices in daily life.Concluding this year’s QSW, UDC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to leading sustainable urban development in Qatar and continuing to expand its environmental and community initiatives, the statement added.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha, facilitated by the British embassy in Qatar, welcomed senior representatives from the UK’s Department for Transport, led by deputy director (International Relations) Simon Argyle, during an official visit to the showroom at The Pearl Island. The engagement served to further strengthen the longstanding relationship between the UK and Qatar, two nations united by a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and the advancement of ultra-luxury mobility. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha general manager Ayman Berjawi and his team provided the delegation an exclusive tour of the showroom, offering them a first-hand look at the marque’s latest portfolio, including the Rolls-Royce Spectre, the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupé. Spectre embodies the marque’s bold transition to electrification, combining effortless power, silent performance, and bespoke artistry. “We were delighted to welcome Mr Argyle and the delegation from the UK Department for Transport to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha,” Berjawi said. “This visit represents more than a meeting of minds; it is a reflection of our shared dedication to innovation, sustainability, and the enduring values of British craftsmanship.” “As we continue our journey towards an all-electric future, Spectre stands as a true expression of the marque’s vision for the future of ultra-luxury mobility,” he said. Argyle expressed his appreciation for the valuable insights and perspectives provided by the Rolls-Royce Doha team, particularly around electrification and the luxury automotive market. He commended the marque’s unwavering attention to detail, unique levels of personalisation, and leadership in sustainable innovation of both the vehicles and manufacturing operations, highlighting the development of the all-electric motor car, Spectre, and the environmental efforts at the home of Rolls-Royce. These qualities continue to define Rolls-Royce as the pinnacle of luxury, Argyle said, adding that the visit reaffirmed the enduring connection between the UK and Qatar, celebrating a mutual vision for progress, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of perfection.

Pearl GTL, the world’s largest gas-to-liquids facility, has been officially recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a member of its prestigious Global Lighthouse Network. This milestone marks the first time a Qatari facility has received this honour, placing Pearl GTL among a select group of industrial sites globally that are leading the way in deploying Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies at scale.Pearl GTL is operated by Shell on behalf of the State of Qatar, represented by QatarEnergy., and this recognition reflects the strength of their long-standing partnership.The facility has delivered measurable improvements in reliability, emissions reduction, and operational efficiency through the deployment of over 45 advanced digital solutions, including AI-driven predictive analytics, digital twin platforms and real-time integrity monitoring.The site exemplifies how digital transformation can drive significant progress in operational excellence, cost efficiency, safety and environmental performance, demonstrating the tangible value of embracing next-generation technologies in large-scale industrial settings.QatarEnergy has played a pivotal role in enabling this transformation. Its strategic oversight and commitment to innovation have ensured that Pearl GTL not only meets but exceeds global benchmarks for sustainable energy production.In recent years, Shell has brought its digital innovation capabilities to the venture. Pearl GTL is the culmination of Shell’s global experience and digital transformation strategy, and it has been recognised internally as an aspirational asset, earning Shell’s Asset of the Year accolades two years in a row and Digital Asset of the Year in 2023.“This recognition marks a significant milestone for Pearl GTL and underscores the exceptional partnership between Shell and QatarEnergy,” said Rob Maxwell – Managing Director and Chairman of Shell Companies Qatar. “Being named to the Global Lighthouse Network demonstrates how the large-scale adoption of digital technologies can transform operational efficiency, reliability and environmental performance. This achievement shows what can be accomplished through the practical application of advanced innovation in the energy sector.”In recent years, Qatar has made significant progress in promoting and adopting advanced technologies across industries. In 2024, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Qatar was established to support the acceleration of digital transformation and foster innovation across key sectors. Launched in collaboration the Ministry of Finance and the World Economic Forum, it serves as a platform for co-designing and piloting future-focused policy frameworks that enable the development and deployment of 4IR technologies in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.“At the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we congratulate QatarEnergy and Shell on their recognition as a Global Lighthouse Site,” said Dr. Abdulaziz Khalid Al-Ali – Director of C4IR Qatar. “This achievement exemplifies the transformative impact of digital innovation and strategic collaboration in advancing sustainable energy solutions in Qatar. Pearl GTL is an example of what can be accomplished when visionary leadership and cutting-edge technology come together. Not only does this milestone set new standards for industrial advancement, but it also reinforces the State of Qatar’s position as a regional and global leader in technological innovation and sustainable energy production.”As a leading asset within both Shell and Qatar, Pearl GTL stands at the forefront in applying Industry 4.0 technologies on a large scale, setting new benchmarks for technological advancement and innovation in the energy sector.Launched in 2018, the Global Lighthouse Network brings together and celebrates the success of the world’s leading industrial sites which achieved exceptional performance in productivity, supply chain resilience, customer centricity, sustainability and talent. This global community of influential innovators, deploying over 1,000 solutions in multiple industries, includes 201 sites, 27 of which have a distinction in sustainability. The network now spans over 30 countries and 35 sectors. Kiva Allgood, Managing Director and Head of the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains, World Economic Forum, said, “Congratulations to the new Lighthouse cohort that demonstrates how forward-thinking companies across industries and segments are putting this vision into action, setting a new global standard for operational excellence and impact.”

United Development Company (UDC), one of Qatar’s leading real estate development firms and the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has been awarded two accolades at the 2025–2026 Arabian Property Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious honours in the real estate sector.The awards include Best Mixed-Use Development in Qatar for Gewan Island, along with Best Retail Architecture in Qatar, further underscoring the island’s excellence as a world-class urban development that blends innovation, quality, comfort, and sustainability.The achievement adds to a series of successes for Gewan Island, reaffirming its status as one of Qatar’s and the region’s most forward-thinking lifestyle destinations. The island introduces a new paradigm in luxury urban living through its modern master plan, which seamlessly integrates upscale residential communities with commercial, leisure, and hospitality offerings.Among its standout features are the upcoming Corinthia Hotel; Crystal Walk, a climatised outdoor pedestrian retail walkway; and a state-of-the-art nine-hole golf course, all designed to deliver a unique sports and leisure and hospitality experience amid lush green surroundings.Together, these elements establish Gewan Island as a vibrant destination that enhances well-being, strengthens connectivity, and inspires community engagement for residents and visitors alike.Yasser al-Jaidah, President and CEO of UDC, stated: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Arabian Property Awards, which reflects our unwavering commitment to developing integrated projects that uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability.“Gewan Island’s success is not only a testament to its architectural and urban excellence but also to our broader vision of building vibrant communities that enrich lives and align with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. This achievement inspires us to continue pursuing innovation and excellence in all our future developments.”The Arabian Property Awards are part of the globally acclaimed International Property Awards programme, which celebrates excellence in real estate development and architecture. Winners are selected through a comprehensive judging process conducted by an independent panel of industry experts in urban planning, architecture, and design.The recognition further solidifies UDC’s role as a key contributor to shaping Qatar’s urban landscape and its ongoing efforts to deliver smart, sustainable, and future-ready developments that elevate the country's position as a regional hub for real estate excellence.