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Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council has launched the Qatar Social Sciences RDI Community, a flagship initiative that brings together researchers, innovators, and policymakers working in the filed of social sciences and humanities. As part of QRDI Council’s National RDI Communities programme, this community aims to foster collaboration, bridge sectors, and generate evidence-based solutions to Qatar’s most pressing societal challenges. Launched as a pre-event to World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12), the community also sets the stage for deeper conversations on the role of research, innovation, and development in shaping the future of education and society. The Qatar Social Sciences RDI Community was launched at a dedicated event that brought together more than 350 attendees, including high-level government officials, academic leaders, industry experts, and representatives of civil society. Opening remarks were delivered by Omar Ali al-Ansari, Secretary General of the QRDI Council. The programme also featured welcoming remarks with Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed al-Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, who emphasised the need for social sciences to play a more prominent role in shaping policies and national development strategies. The launch event included a keynote address, interactive roundtables, and a panel discussion exploring how research, innovation, and policy can align to drive social progress. Senior representatives from QRDI Council, academia, and government engaged in dialogue on advancing equitable education, mental well-being, inclusive governance, and social cohesion through interdisciplinary collaboration. This community is anchored in the Third National Development Strategy, which identifies the social sciences as a foundational pillar of Qatar’s innovation ecosystem. By bridging gaps between research, policy, and innovation, the community will serve as a trusted space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the co-creation of evidence-informed solutions. Al-Ansari highlighted: “This community is built on a central and simple idea: Innovation must serve people, and that society guides and determines the course of innovation. Through this Community, we are empowering researchers, government entities and industry partners to come together, share perspectives, and shape solutions that contribute to a more inclusive, knowledge and innovation-based economy.” The key objectives of the Qatar Social Sciences RDI Community are to connect diverse stakeholders to build a shared understanding of Qatar’s most pressing social issues, generate evidence-informed recommendations that can influence policymaking, elevate the role of social sciences within the national development agenda and translate academic research into real-world impact through practical applications and cross-sector collaboration.

Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in collaboration with Qatar Airways, completed the 9th edition of the Corporate Innovation Leaders (CIL) training, the first-ever edition hosted exclusively for Qatar Airways employees.This four-day event took place at the Education City Golf Club, bringing together executives, strategists, and innovators under one roof to explore new frontiers in corporate innovation.As a key platform for thought leadership and collaboration, the CIL training is designed to create a dynamic network where corporate leaders can share insights, exchange best practices, and address the challenges of innovation within Qatar’s rapidly evolving business landscape.Now in its ninth iteration, the training plays an important role in promoting a culture of creativity and adaptability across local organisations, ensuring long-term competitiveness and resilience in the national economy.This year’s training marks a significant milestone as QRDI Council partners with Qatar Airways for a dedicated, employee-focused edition, a strategic move that underscores the growing importance of innovation at all levels of the organisation.The event concluded with a keynote address by guest speaker Stephanie Melodia, CEO of Bloom Ltd, from the United Kingdom, who shared her insights on innovation, leadership, and transformation in global markets.By empowering corporate leaders and employees with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to drive innovation, the CIL training directly supports the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in fostering a knowledge-based economy.Through strategic collaboration, capacity-building, and the promotion of a culture of innovation, the training continues to contribute to the human, economic, and social development pillars of the national vision, helping to position Qatar as a hub for creativity, technological advancement, and sustainable growth on the global stage.

Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council has welcomed a delegation from Media City Qatar to its headquarters for a strategic engagement session bringing together Media City Qatar’s group of licensed companies and stakeholders alongside representatives from local large enterprises (LLEs), universities, and research institutions.The visit aims to provide an overview of QRDI Council’s national innovation priorities, encourage collaboration opportunities, and build connections across Qatar’s RDI ecosystem.Bader al-Saai, Director of Strategic Partnerships at QRDI Council, said: “As we advance Qatar’s innovation agenda, strategic dialogues like this are key to unlocking new value across emerging sectors.“Engaging with Media City Qatar and its partners allows us to surface shared ambitions, identify opportunities, and encourage the kind of cross-sector partnerships that accelerate national progress. At QRDI Council, our focus remains on enabling systems that turn ideas into impact, and positioning Qatar at the forefront of global innovation.”Thair Khaled al-Anani, Director of Business Development at Media City Qatar, added: “Media City Qatar is home to over 250 companies, including a significant number of startups, working alongside leading local and international media organisations. At its core, Media City Qatar prioritises supporting these companies by providing a comprehensive work environment, stimulating opportunities, and fostering productive and thriving partnerships.“The ability to keep up with cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches remains a significant challenge for startups, as they seek to produce high-quality, impactful content that reinforces Qatar's position as a regional and global hub for the media industry. In this context, our partnership with QRDI Council, which leads efforts to organise and develop the research and innovation ecosystem in the country, comes as a fundamental step towards empowering media startups and SMEs. This partnership focuses on launching targeted programs that offer technical and financial support to pioneering media projects, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030."The agenda featured opening remarks by al-Saai and al-Anani, followed by a presentation on QRDI Council’s strategy and priority innovation clusters. QRDI Council’s Open Innovation team presented key funding and piloting opportunities, along with details on eligibility and application processes.A panel discussion on open innovation and agentic AI brought together voices from across the media sector, featuring Mohammad Ali Abbaspour, Founder and CEO of Sponix Tech; Ashrith Makam, Digital Director at WPP Media; and Ali Abbas, Founder and CEO of Arigatou. The day concluded with a networking session designed to encourage meaningful dialogue between Media City Qatar stakeholders and Qatar’s broader research and innovation community.This visit is an example of QRDI Council’s commitment to creating an interconnected RDI ecosystem in Qatar. By facilitating knowledge exchange and cross-sector collaboration, QRDI Council continues to advance its strategic goal of positioning Qatar as a global hub for research, development, and innovation, driving national impact through partnerships that accelerate discovery, commercialisation, and technological progress.

The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in co-operation with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the Intellectual Property Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), has "successfully concluded" the WIPO Intellectual Property Management Clinic: Leveraging IP for Business Growth and Globalisation.The two-day programme, held in Doha, brought together experts, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to strengthen the role of intellectual property (IP) in advancing innovation, competitiveness, and international expansion for Qatari enterprises.The opening session featured remarks from senior representatives of MoCI, QRDI Council, QSTP, QDB, and Guy Pessach, Director of the IP for Business Division at WIPO. The first day of the programme addressed the growing importance of intangible assets such as innovation, branding, and proprietary knowledge as key drivers of business growth.Participants gained insights into how patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets can be used strategically to capture value, while case studies from sectors including food and beverages and the creative industries demonstrated practical applications of IP for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Panel discussions explored the challenges and opportunities facing Qatari SMEs in protecting and managing their intellectual property both locally and internationally. Experts provided guidance on avoiding common pitfalls, developing effective IP strategies, and safeguarding digital assets in an increasingly online economy.The agenda also included interactive roundtables where participants developed preliminary IP roadmaps tailored to their businesses, ensuring alignment between IP decisions and long-term growth objectives.The second day saw selected companies take part in one-on-one deep-dive diagnosis and strategy sessions with WIPO experts and representatives from QRDI Council, MoCI, QDB, and QSTP.These private consultations enabled enterprises to refine their IP portfolios, align protection strategies with business goals, and explore monetisation opportunities through licensing, franchising, and partnerships.The successful completion of the Intellectual Property Management Clinic highlights QRDI Council’s ongoing commitment to building a strong innovation ecosystem in Qatar.By equipping local businesses with the tools to harness and protect their intellectual property, QRDI Council continues to drive national efforts to position Qatar as a regional and global hub for research, development, and innovation.

The US-Qatar Business Council–Doha (USQBC Doha) in partnership with the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, hosted a virtual session to connect US firms with Qatar’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.The webinar highlighted Qatar’s R&D and innovation landscape, and introduced QRDI Council’s strategic programmes, funding opportunities, and pathways for cross-border collaboration with US startups, researchers, and corporate innovation teams in advanced and emerging technologies.The session supported the Third Qatar National Development Strategy (NDS3), which prioritises economic diversification through science, technology, and innovation.By facilitating direct access to Qatar’s innovation platforms and fostering structured exchange between the US and Qatari markets, the event advances USQBC Doha’s mission to deepen bilateral ties and promote innovation-driven growth.QRDI Council’s expertise and strategic initiatives underscore the alignment between institutional offerings and Qatar’s long-term development vision.“Qatar is rapidly emerging as a global hub for innovation, and USQBC Doha is committed to advancing partnerships that position US and Qatari firms at the forefront of this transformation. By linking cutting edge American capabilities with Qatar’s national innovation priorities, we are creating pathways for longterm growth, shared prosperity, and meaningful collaboration across both ecosystems," said Sheikha Mayes H al-Thani, Managing Director of USQBC Doha.“Through our partnership with QRDI Council, we are accelerating cross-border collaboration, unlocking growth pathways, and supporting national innovation priorities.”Hind Zaki, Senior Program Director, Global Innovation Alliances & Partnerships at QRDI Council, said:“By connecting global innovators with our strategic programmes, we create high-value opportunities that benefit both Qatar and international markets. These collaborations reinforce Qatar’s role as the region’s gateway for piloting and innovation, while actively supporting companies in their ability to scale regionally.”This webinar is part of an ongoing collaboration between USQBC Doha and the QRDI Council to create channels for US companies to engage with Qatar’s innovation ecosystem to expand technology and knowledge exchange, strengthen economic ties, and open new opportunities across both economies.USQBC Doha is a strategic platform advancing commercial engagement within and between the US and Qatar. At the intersection of business, policy, and investment, it provides institutional access, market intelligence, and targeted facilitation across high-impact sectors. Through dialogue, partnerships, and sector initiatives, USQBC Doha strengthens bilateral economic ties, supports private sector growth, and fosters innovation aligned with national development goals.QRDI Council is a government entity with the mission to support research, development and innovation (RDI) activities as well as to develop RDI talent in Qatar. The Council strives to make Qatar a top destination for global talent and a pioneering research, innovation, and development hub with its motto“locally empowered, globally connected.”Playing a pivotal role within the Qatar National Development Strategy, the QRDI Council is actively shaping the Innovation component of the Economic Diversification goal. The Council’s commitment underlines its unwavering dedication to the Qatar National Vision 2030.QRDI Council aims to make Qatar a global innovation hub and a top choice for R&D centres worldwide, seeing RDI as vital for Qatar's growth and prosperity.

The Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA) signed a co-operation agreement with Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, aiming to strengthen national efforts to develop the charitable, humanitarian, and developmental sectors in line with Qatar's strategic directions toward innovation and sustainability. The agreement was signed by Head of the Department of Licenses and Support of Raca, Rashid Mohammed al-Nuaimi, while Senior Director for Innovation Development and Piloting Programs, Nada al-Olaqi, represented QRDI Council. On the occasion, al-Nuaimi said that the co-operation will primarily focus on supporting, funding, and implementing priority research projects for the non-profit sector in general, and for charitable and humanitarian organisations in particular, emphasising innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, governance, and policy development. Al-Olaqi stressed that collaboration with Raca represents a strategic step toward integrating innovation into Qatar's charitable, humanitarian, and developmental sector by aligning it with the national vision and leveraging the country's research and innovation ecosystem. She emphasised the importance of developing impactful, technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges and support sustainable development. The agreement aims to formalise co-operation between the two parties in research and innovation, supporting the development of charitable, humanitarian, and developmental initiatives through knowledge and technology-based solutions. It also seeks to establish a practical framework that enhances the integration of efforts between the two sides to achieve shared objectives reflecting the national directions in comprehensive development.