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Participants in Qatar’s first Generative AI for Sports Leaders programme highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, saying that organisations must equip professionals with the skills to use emerging technologies responsibly and effectively. Launched by the Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA) in partnership with Google Cloud, the pioneering programme introduced sports leaders, researchers and professionals to the applications of generative AI across strategic planning, communications, fan engagement, event management and data-driven decision-making. For many attendees, the course represented more than a technical training programme; it provided an opportunity to better understand both the benefits and potential risks associated with AI. Basil Pathrose, who works at the Qatar Olympic Committee, said that the workshop offered insight into a technology that is rapidly shaping the future. “I think this workshop is very important for the future because AI is what’s running the future,” he said. “It is good to understand how AI works,” Pathrose continued. “It’s how we should remain safe around it. It’s not just about knowing AI, we should also know how we behave around it so that AI doesn’t control us.” He noted that many users adopt AI tools without fully understanding their implications, making awareness and education increasingly important. “Most people do not know how to use AI very well,” Pathrose pointed out. “It’s important to raise awareness about the benefits of AI and also the dangers of AI. We are still like small children when it comes to AI.” Balsam Mustafa is a researcher at Qatar University with a master’s degree in business analytics. She said that the course helped deepen her understanding of generative AI models and their growing role in research and data analysis. “It was an amazing experience that gave me the chance to learn about generative AI models and the advancement of these technologies,” Mustafa said. She highlighted the importance of AI tools in accelerating analytical work and supporting decision-making across industries.Mustafa lauded the partnership with Google Cloud, noting that advanced tools such as Gemini are becoming increasingly relevant in research environments. “Data is needed in every field,” she said. “Organisations need to develop their employees’ skills and build capacity through such advanced technology.” One of the programme’s highlights, Mustafa added, is the practical component, where participants explored Gemini’s capabilities in voice, video and image generation. For entrepreneur and research assistant Fatma Siddiq, the course offered both theoretical and practical insights into how AI can support innovation and business growth. “The entire course was very enlightening in terms of the usage of AI and how it works in real life, while also understanding the foundation behind it,” she said. Siddiq said that AI already plays a role in her business, from market research and customer analysis to product development and marketing strategies. However, she stressed the importance of using the technology responsibly. “Privacy is a major concern for everyone,” she said. “The thing is, how do you use it? What information do you feed the AI? That’s what decides if it’s going to be beneficial or if it’s going to harm you.”

Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently hosted the spring edition of its Medical Career Seminar series, during which medical professionals shared their career experiences with foundation and pre-medical students. The series featured presentations by Dr Nayef Mazloum, associate professor of microbiology and immunology and associate dean for student research at WCM-Q, along with four distinguished WCM-Q alumni. Each seminar offered insights into the speaker’s career path and specialty, followed by a Q&A session. The series opened with WCM-Q alumna Dr Ameneh Amini, a paediatric emergency physician at Sidra Medicine, who shared details of her training and medical career. Dr Amini is the first female physician from Qatar to complete paediatric emergency medicine training in North America and the first WCM-Q alumna to specialise in this field. The next seminar featured Dr Mazloum, who reflected on his personal and professional journey, having joined WCM-Q in January 2011 from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. During his session, he highlighted his research on molecular pathways in metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes and age-related diseases. His lab employs a combination of in vitro cellular models, mouse models and human data to uncover novel mechanisms that modulate metabolism. Alumna guest speaker Dr Noor al-Nassr (Class of 2024), a recent WCM-Q graduate and current dermatology resident at Hamad Medical Corporation, shared insights into her transition from medical school to residency. In her session, she also discussed her involvement in clinical research focusing on inflammatory skin diseases and severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Alumnus Dr Mohammed al-Hijji (Class of 2011), a senior consultant in interventional and structural cardiology at the Heart Hospital, part of Hamad Medical Corporation, and an assistant professor at WCM-Q, reflected on his training and career in cardiology. In his session, he discussed his clinical work and research interests in developing advanced valvular solutions to improve longevity and performance. Fellow alumnus, Dr Abdulrahman al-Abdulmalek (Class of 2018), a hematology fellow at McGill University in Montreal, spoke about his clinical training and focus on hematologic malignancies, bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapies. Dr al-Abdulmalek is especially interested in bridging translational research with clinical care to improve outcomes in high-risk and relapsed hematologic cancers. Dr Marco Ameduri, associate professor of physics and senior associate dean for pre-medical education and Education City collaborative curricular affairs, said: “I sincerely thank all our expert speakers for taking the time to share their experiences and professional journeys with our students. Hearing firsthand from our alumni about the wide range of training and specialization opportunities available both in Qatar and abroad is truly invaluable.” Dr Rachid Bendriss, associate dean for foundation, student outreach and educational development programs, added: “Our Medical Career Seminar series reflects our commitment to giving students early exposure to the wide variety of career possibilities in medicine. By engaging directly with practicing medical professionals, students can hear diverse experiences, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into potential training and career paths.” 

The Al Jazeera Media Institute has announced a programme of 19 evening training workshops to be held at its headquarters throughout 2026.These workshops will cover 12 specialised and unique training topics, aiming to enhance practical media skills and prepare participants for more in-depth and intensive courses. This initiative supports the professional development of media professionals and those interested in the field.These workshops are designed to meet the needs of media professionals and those seeking a quick and structured introduction to contemporary media skills. The focus is on short-form content, visual storytelling, video journalism, and navigating fast-paced news environments, serving as a foundation step before advanced training programmes.The Institute emphasised that these workshops represent a crucial foundational step, opening the way for enrolment in advanced programmes and supporting the ongoing professional development of media professionals. The workshops will cover key areas in contemporary media, including the production of short audio stories for podcasts. Visual storytelling on TikTok, media literacy, writing press releases, digital identity, creating professional "Reels" content, writing for digital video, managing press conferences, focusing sound, handling breaking news, television presenting, and open coverage. 

The Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) has announced its partnership with the Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future for ‘Qatar Sustainability Week’ (QSW) 2025, taking place from November 1-8. Now in its 10th year, QSW is led by Earthna, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Qatar Foundation. The event will see the participation of Qatar’s community, NGOs, and the private sector in advancing sustainability-focused initiatives and practices. As part of QSW 2025, the IBPC Qatar Sustainability Forum will organise a series of activities designed to promote awareness, collaboration, and innovation in sustainable development across the business and education sectors. IBPC president Thaha Muhammed stated: “As the Indian community, we reaffirm our commitment to adopting sustainable practices within the corporate and business sectors while inspiring the wider community, including school students, to take meaningful action.”

Qatar News Agency (QNA) launched today a specialized training course on website content management and analysis. The course is part of a series of training programs offered by the QNA Training Center, with the aim of developing media competencies and enhancing the skills of digital professionals. The three-day course will be presented by media expert at QNA, Siraj Munir, with the participation of a number of QNA staff, in addition to employees from various media institutions and government agencies. The course aims to enhance participants' skills in digital content management and develop electronic publishing mechanisms in line with modern professional standards. It also introduces participants to best practices in writing digital content, improving user experience, and enhancing websites' visibility in search engines. It also aims to introduce participants to best practices in writing digital content, improve user experience, and enhance websites' visibility in search engines. The course covers several key topics, most notably: digital content production strategies, content organization and updates to ensure an effective user experience, content management tools and their uses, search engine optimization standards, and mechanisms for writing and editing content for various online platforms. The course also highlights the importance of engaging with audiences through digital content and measuring content performance using digital analytics tools to ensure the effectiveness of media messages and achieve the organization's communication goals. This course is part of QNA's ongoing efforts to equip its staff with the latest developments in digital media. This is achieved through specialized training programs held in the state-of-the-art QNA Training Halls, which were launched in March 2023 and are equipped with the latest technology. They serve as an integrated platform for building media capabilities in accordance with the highest international standards.

More than 200 journalists and media professionals from various regional and international media institutions continue to arrive in the Qatari capital, Doha, alongside local media outlets, correspondents, and press, to cover the activities of the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit.This large gathering of journalists and media professionals will cover the Summit's activities through the media center specially prepared for this important occasion, located inside the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The center has been equipped with everything necessary to cover and follow the Summit's proceedings in real-time, including screens, studios, press halls, offices, dozens of cameras, computers, and other advanced technologies, to provide comprehensive, distinguished, and rapid media services, and to broadcast the Summit events smoothly.Through these facilities, the media center offers comprehensive and accessible media services to cover this exceptional event, which is eagerly anticpated and followed by the world and has attracted widespread international attention.In this context, the center witnessed during the early hours of Sunday morning a huge influx of senior media professionals, journalists, and correspondents from various local, Arab, and international media institutions, to participate in covering the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit. The media preparations made in this regard will provide distinguished coverage through the media center hosting this major Arab and Islamic event.This exceptional Summit, in addition to its main theme, aims to strengthen Arab-Islamic solidarity and advance joint Arab and Islamic action towards broader horizons amid current challenges.

Expressing solidarity with Qatar, the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) Wednesday said Doha will emerge stronger as it has the natural ability to overcome challenges with strength. "We express our profound sorrow and condemn the recent attack on Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the people and the visionary leadership of Qatar," Thaha Muhammed Abdul Kareem, president, IBPC Qatar said. Highlighting that Qatar has been a beacon of peace and a welcoming second home for the expatriates, where shared dreams have flourished; he said the Indian diaspora in Qatar holds a deep love and affection for this country, its culture, and its people. Qatar's commitment to global peace and mediation efforts has been exemplary, facilitating dialogue in regional conflicts and promoting humanitarian aid worldwide, according to him. "Qatar's resilience during difficult times has always been truly commendable, showcasing its ability to navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger. We have full faith in Qatar's ability to overcome this challenge with grace and strength," he said, adding "the Indian business and professionals community in Qatar is dedicated to contributing to Qatar's growth, strengthening bonds of friendship and commerce between our nations. Together, we champion peace and build a prosperous future for all."