tag

Qatar Insurance will be offering complimentary loyalty coins to new customers until December 21, in celebration of National Day.During the period, all new QIC App users will receive 1,800 welcome coins when downloading the application and creating a personal profile for the first time. To make customers’ celebrations truly unforgettable, QIC has teamed up with graphic designer Zainab AlShibani and Boo Design Studio, who created exclusive artworks reflecting national unity and pride, available for users to redeem by spending their coins via the app starting December 18.Once a customer accumulates the required number of coins, they can select the artwork they want and instantly receive an e-voucher, which can be used to collect their preferred souvenir on their next visit to QIC’s main branch in Doha.QIC App users can also redeem their coins for complimentary services and special offers at selected hotels, fitness centres, entertainment venues, and car service providers in Qatar, in addition to a variety of physical gifts, including portable gadgets, home appliances, and other products that support a confident lifestyle at home, on the road, or while travelling.QIC App is Qatar’s first and only 360-degree platform offering both insurance and non-insurance services, enabling customers to cover a wide range of daily needs digitally on a single interface.Launched in line with QIC’s vision to build the region’s first insurance-powered digital ecosystem, the app represents a major shift in Qatar’s insurance and digital landscapes by transforming traditional insurance services into a seamless, comprehensive digital journey tailored to users’ needs.The app’s innovation and impact have been recognised with multiple prestigious accolades, including The Innovators AwQard by Global Finance in 2025. QIC App was also named ‘Most Innovative Mobile App in Qatar’ at the Middle East Technology Excellence Awards 2025, ‘Best Insurance App in Qatar at the Global Brands Magazine Awards 2025’, and ‘Mobile App of the Year in Qatar’ at the Insurance Asia Awards 2024.For more information about Qatar Insurance, visit qic.online. Download the QIC App at app.qic.online. 

Doha Design District (DDD) hosted its first Talent Gathering, an initiative designed to introduce local artists and designers to the District while fostering opportunities for engagement and collaboration within Qatar’s creative community.The programme began with a session, led by DDD director Dana Kazic, who outlined the District’s mission, vision, and long-term business strategy. Attendees were able to directly engage with the DDD and Msheireb Properties team, gaining insight into DDD’s role as a strategic collaborator.The programme also included a guided tour at the DDD building, offering the community an overview of the various spaces and facilities available. The tour highlighted the ecosystem being developed to support design-led businesses and cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

Design Doha, Qatar Museums’ biennial showcase for excellence and innovation in design from Qatar and across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (Menasa), has announced the appointment of internationally renowned architect and designer India Mahdavi (pictured left) as head of jury for the Design Doha Prize 2026. “India Mahdavi represents the very essence of what Design Doha stands for: a celebration of cultural dialogue, craftsmanship, and optimism through design,” said Design Doha acting director Fahad al-Obaidly. A globally acclaimed architect and designer, Paris-based Mahdavi is renowned for her distinctive approach to colour, form, and cultural storytelling. Awarded on April 14, 2026, the Design Doha Prize honours innovation and craftsmanship in four categories: Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talent.More information is available at https://designdoha.org.qa/en/calendar/design-doha-prize/ 

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA), in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is set to highlight Italy’s growing influence in the UAE’s construction and design sectors. This will be showcased through a strong national presence at Big 5 Global 2025 and Marble & Stone World 2025, held from November 24 to 27, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.This year, nearly 260+ Italian companies will showcase “Made in Italy” expertise in building materials, construction machinery, stone technologies, design solutions, and sustainable innovation. Their presence reflects Italy’s strong commercial relationship with the UAE and its commitment to supporting the region’s long-term urban development objectives.At Big 5 Global 2025, the Italian Pavilion organized by ITA will bring together 58 exhibitors representing high-performing Italian companies operating in building systems, windows and façades, solar shading, construction technologies, and industrial components. The participation is organized in collaboration with ANIMA Confindustria, UNACEA, FINCO (ACMI , ANFIT , ASSITES, and P.I.L.E.). Italy’s presence this year is further supported by OpportunITALY, the business acceleration program promoted by ITA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Through a curated buyer club and targeted matchmaking, the initiative enhances commercial opportunities for Italian companies and strengthens connections with the UAE and regional stakeholders.Simultaneously, at Marble and Stone World 2025, 40 Italian companies coordinated by Confindustria Marmomacchine will showcase advanced stone processing machinery, natural stone, engineered surfaces, and design applications.Italy continues to play an important role in supplying the UAE with high-quality construction materials and technologies. In 2024, Italy exported more than €166 million of building materials and stone products to the UAE. Updated industry data from ANIMA Confindustria shows that Italy’s construction technologies sector remained strong in 2024, with total production reaching €18.69 billion and exports recording €12.38 billion. Employment in the sector remained stable at more than 56,407 employees.Among all categories, valves and taps recorded the highest performance, reaching €9.55 billion in production and €6.05 billion in exports in 2024, supported by an employment base of 28,000 units. This was followed by equipment and components for thermal plants, which represented the second largest category with €2.90 billion in production, €1.92 billion in exports, and 10,500 employees.Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates, said: “The strong and sustained performance of Italy’s building and stone exports reflects the deep-rooted partnership between Italy and the UAE. Italian craftsmanship, design, and innovation continue to inspire confidence and admiration in the region, perfectly complementing the UAE’s vision for sustainable urban growth and architectural excellence.”Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE and Oman, added:“Big 5 Global and Marble & Stone World remain essential platforms for showcasing Italy’s strength in engineering, industrial systems, and construction technologies. This year, nearly 100 Italian companies will participate across both exhibitions - 58 at Big 5 and 40 at Marble & Stone World - demonstrating the depth of our industrial capability and the continued demand for Italian innovation in the region. Italian companies continue to hold a strong global position, with the construction technologies sector reaching €18.69 billion in production and €12.38 billion in exports in 2024. Our presence in the UAE, supported by initiatives such as OpportunITALY, reflects our long-term commitment to the country’s evolving infrastructure needs and to strengthening commercial ties with partners across the region.” Alessandro Durante Director External and International Relations ANIMA Confindustria, added:“The Big 5 in Dubai remains where our industry meets the world — a true global crossroads, with the UAE attracting partners and innovators from every continent through its bold vision and ongoing investments.ANIMA Confindustria is proud to work with ITA and the Italian Embassy in the UAE on the organisation of the National Pavilion in the Heavy section, recognising the value of this exhibition and the importance of joining forces to strengthen and showcase Italy’s presence.”“Big 5 Global Dubai represents a key benchmark for the building envelope and specialized construction sector - emphasizes Carla Tomasi, President of the FINCO Federation, within which the Caseitaly project was developed thanks to the commitment of the promoting federated associations Acmi, Anfit, Assites, and Pile. The event is an ideal platform for opening up to international markets and showcasing Italian excellence in a dynamic and well-organized trade fair context.”MR. FLAVIO MARABELLI, Honorary President of CONFINDUSTRIA MARMOMACCHINE, added:“The UAE are a leading market in the natural stone sector and a strategic hub for the whole Middle Eastern area. For this reason, Italy is represented at MARBLE & STONE WORLD 2025 in Dubai by our Association with 40 of the best known and most reliable producers and processors of marble, granite and natural stone so that manufacturers of machinery, complete plants, tools and complementary products for extraction and transformation of raw blocks into finished products”.At both exhibitions, the Italian Pavilion will feature an extensive lineup of leading manufacturers and innovators in building materials, construction technologies, ceramics, and stone processing. Each company will present products that merge sustainability with aesthetics, hallmarks of the “Made in Italy” tradition, reflecting the country’s ability to combine heritage, creativity, and cutting-edge engineering.

The Ministry of Culture organised a dialogue session Wednesday evening entitled "Opportunities of the Creative Economy in a Changing World," on the sidelines of the "Art and Design Village" festival at Darb Al Saai.The session aimed to highlight the pivotal role of the creative economy as an engine for sustainable development and to explore its new horizons in light of rapid global transformations, particularly in the fields of technology and digital transformation.The session was presented by media personality Iman al-Kaabi.The speakers discussed the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for the flourishing of creative industries and reviewed successful models in this field.Hamid Ibrahim, head of Creative Operations at Kogali, emphasised that the partnership with Disney+ to produce the series "I wago" represents a pivotal step. He explained that the most significant advantage lies in leveraging the immense global reach of the Disney brand, renowned for its rich heritage and extensive experience in animation.Ibrahim summarised the philosophy of working in the creative economy with the phrase, "Thinking in terms of the entire ecosystem". This perspective goes beyond simply creating a character for a film; it encompasses adapting that character into a series or designing them for products like lunchboxes, confirming that the industry is growing and expanding in this way.Abdulaziz al-Kubaisi, owner and founder of Lusail Art Production Studios, highlighted the importance of integrating creativity with the economy, calling for the transformation of studios and creative activities into "sustainable economic platforms in the face of global competition."Al-Kubaisi explained that the creative economy is the art of transforming creativity, activity, and hobbies into income-generating economic value, noting that this concept represents the turning point from pursuing a hobby to establishing a business.Qatar-based filmmaker Obada Jarbi emphasised that documentaries and feature films represent a long-term investment tool and a form of soft power capable of building a creative economy that reflects local identity and culture. He stressed that this type of content can replace traditional public relations and advertising campaigns.Jarbi discussed the pivotal role of cinema as a "long-term investment" for the country, adding that many major global cities owe their popularity primarily to what has been portrayed in films, thus reducing the need for massive advertising campaigns.Qatari entrepreneur Nada Khamis Mohammed al-Sulaiti, founder of Alama Jewellery, revealed the motivation behind launching her brand in 2011. She explained that growing up in a home deeply rooted in heritage inspired her to be the one to tell Qatar's story, emphasising that Qatar is "the most deserving of telling our identity and stories" to the world.Qatari entrepreneur Abdullah al-Mana called on young people and the community to adopt the concepts of the creative economy as a fundamental pillar for diversifying income sources, stressing that this economy opens "new and numerous horizons in industries" away from total dependence on the traditional economy.

3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) has opened “Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street”, a major touring exhibition from London’s Design Museum, making its Middle East debut in Doha until March 7, 2026.Unveiled by Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the exhibition traces the design and cultural evolution of sneakers – shoes that began as athletic gear and grew into a global phenomenon shaping sport, style, and identity.Featuring more than 200 pairs of sneakers displayed alongside photographs, films, and archival materials, the exhibition offers an immersive journey through sneaker history.Highlights include rare and limited-edition designs as well as an exclusive presentation of Virgil Abloh’s celebrated sneaker creations.“’Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street’ reflects our ongoing commitment to exploring the intersection of sport, design, and culture,” said QOSM president Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulla al-Thani. “This exhibition celebrates how innovation and creativity have transformed something as everyday as a shoe into a global cultural phenomenon.”“By hosting this show in Doha, we continue to engage diverse audiences, inspire the next generation, and highlight the universal power of sport as a unifying force that transcends borders and disciplines,” he said.The exhibition explores sneaker culture through two key lenses: style and performance.The exhibition highlights how innovation and design have revolutionised athletic footwear, transforming the way athletes train and compete.It also delves into the cultural impact of sneakers, revealing how they have become enduring symbols of identity, creativity, and self-expression across generations and communities.“Over the past 50 years, sneakers have evolved from a sports shoe to the most prominent form of footwear in the world with well over a billion pairs sold last year alone,” said Design Museum chief executive and director Tim Marlow. “This exhibition explores a global design phenomenon that has fascinated everyone from sneakerheads to world class athletes, a complex and captivating mixture of technical innovation, high performance problem solving and street-style sub-cultures.”“Sneakers Unboxed” in Doha is part of the legacy of the Qatar-UK 2013 Year of Culture, a wide-ranging celebration of shared cultural ties between Qatar and the UK.The exhibition is presented as part of "Evolution Nation", an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years, since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar.Curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity, Evolution Nation highlights both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future.

The Doha Design District (DDD) has successfully hosted a three-day Hoshino trunk show with Master Hoshino himself presenting his brand and offering guests an exclusive opportunity to experience traditional Japanese shoemaking.Hoshino, a Japanese luxury house celebrated for its personalised artistry, creates each pair of shoes meticulously from sophisticated materials, tailored to the unique shape of every foot, blending precision, artistry, and timeless elegance. The event, according to an official statement from DDD, was held from September 24–26. It welcomed guests for private consultations at Msheireb Downtown Doha.Director Dana Kazic said DDD is proud to welcome visionary talents like Master Hoshino, whose skill and work bridge tradition and innovation, aligning perfectly with its mission.“This collaboration not only brought the artistry of Japanese shoemaking to Doha but also reflects our commitment to bringing international brands and artists to the district. By connecting cultures and crafts, we continue to reinforce DDD’s role as a dynamic hub for innovation, creativity, and global dialogue,” Dana said.Over the course of three days, guests experienced exclusive, one-hour consultations with Master Hoshino, where every detail of bespoke footwear was thoughtfully explored and designed to reflect each individual’s style and vision. Each session showcased his signature commitment to precision, artistry, and timeless elegance offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness the shoemaking expertise and creativity behind every pair of Hoshino shoes.The event reinforced DDD’s strategic vision as a premier destination for design, innovation, and cultural exchange. By hosting one of Japan’s most celebrated shoemakers, DDD continues to connect international talent with the local creative community, encouraging collaboration, inspiration, and cross-cultural dialogue. This milestone highlights DDD’s ongoing commitment to curating world-class artistic experiences, solidifying its role as a dynamic hub for creativity, design excellence, and the global design ecosystem in the region.

The second edition of the Innovation by Design Summit and expanded Msheireb Awards for Innovation in Design concluded successfully on Wednesday at Msheireb Downtown Doha, showcasing Qatar as a growing centre for world-class design. The events, presented by Msheireb Properties in collaboration with Fast Company Middle East and powered by Doha Design District with Media City Qatar as strategic partner, brought together over 400 design experts, creative professionals, and industry enthusiasts from around the world, to advance critical dialogue on the future of design. The comprehensive one-day programme served as an interactive forum for examining how design shapes business, technology, and culture. Sessions spanned artificial intelligence, sustainable architecture, immersive media, and cultural exchange, featuring discussions on "Building the Nervous System of the AI Age," "Designing for an Uncertain World," and "When Art Meets Algorithm." The summit attracted leading regional industry figures including Samar Maakaroun, Partner at Pentagram; Tarek Miknas, CEO of FP7McCann Middle East, North Africa & Turkey; Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of Marketing at Saudia Airlines; Melanie Fessel, Principal of TerreformX Europe; Homara Choudhary, CEO and Founder of Homara Media; Mohamed Kabbani, Director of Campaigns & Creative Studio, Ooredoo; and Rashid Al-Derham, Co-Founder & CEO of Madad Fintech. Notable presentations included "Spaces That Speak: Designer Spotlight" discussing the intersection of craft, culture, and environment, and "The New Language of Creativity: Insights from Cannes," examining how creativity evolves to meet contemporary challenges. Panel discussions delved into "Multidimensional Journeys: Designing for Real Human Experience" and "Connecting Worlds: Design as Cultural Exchange." CEO of Msheireb Properties Eng. Ali Al Kuwari said: "This Summit demonstrates how design thinking is fundamental to building progressive societies and creating meaningful solutions. It aligns perfectly with our vision to establish Doha as a global meeting point for forward-thinking ideas." CEO of Media City Qatar Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al-Khori, , added: "The Innovation by Design Summit 2025 was a remarkable gathering of creative and business leaders that underscored how design, technology, and sustainability can drive real progress. As a strategic partner, Media City Qatar is committed to supporting platforms that spark innovation, contribute to economic diversification, and strengthen Qatar's position as a hub for next-generation ideas." Publisher of Fast Company Middle East, Ravi Raman, said: "What we witnessed represents a paradigm shift. The discussions prove that tomorrow's most successful enterprises will be those guided by design principles. This is where that transformation begins." The evening's Msheireb Awards for Innovation in Design marked a notable evolution in the programme's scope, expanding beyond corporate recognition to celebrate individual visionaries shaping the contemporary design landscape. The Corporate Excellence Categories saw "R/GA" honoured in Technology-Driven Design for AI-powered platforms and immersive AR/VR experiences. "Landor" claimed Retail and Experiential recognition for the Imperia branding project, whilst "Masdar City" received the Sustainable Design award for renewable energy initiatives and zero-carbon neighbourhoods. "Joe Doucet" was acknowledged in Travel and Hospitality for innovative hotel concepts, and "Across Renovation" earned Architecture and Urban Planning recognition for revitalising historic buildings. Emerging Designer Categories celebrated regional innovation across three distinct areas. Yasamin Shaikhi from VCUarts Qatar won Product Design & Innovation for "Food Waste Renaissance: From the Table, For the Table," transforming food by-products into functional lighting that advances circular design principles. Sheikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al-Thani received Art & Design Expression recognition for his multimedia exhibition "Intaj" and creative platform "Intajat," bridging heritage, art, and cultural storytelling whilst supporting local creative ecosystems. Bachir Mohammed was honoured in Design for Social Impact for "Echo of Lost Innocence", a large-scale installation of 15,000 concrete-bound teddy bears symbolising children lost in Gaza, using art to raise awareness and support humanitarian relief. The awards were presented by Eng. Al Kuwari and Eng. Al Khori, highlighting the partnership shaping Qatar as a regional design destination where global expertise meets local creativity.

The Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) is set to host Big 5 Construct Qatar, specialized in the construction sector, concurrently with INDEX Design Qatar, dedicated to interior design and fit-out solutions, with the participation of 25-plus countries. Running from Oct. 14 to 16, the two expos constitute a prime platform to showcase state-of-the-art products and innovative solutions in the areas of construction and interior decor, providing stakeholders and participants with an opportunity to foster collaboration and exchange knowledge, in terms of domestic perspectives and international expertise. They are expected to contribute to shaping the future contours of the construction sector and advancing the path of sustainable growth in Qatar, in addition to attracting dozens of domestic and international brands, showcasing the latest products, cutting-edge solutions, systems, and services from over 25 countries, including China, India, the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Thousands of visitors and specialists in the construction and design sectors are expected to pour into these events, particularly contractors, architectural engineers, entrepreneurs of ventures, alongside interior fit-out specialists, finishing experts, and distributors. The organization of these two major events comes at a time when the construction sector in Qatar is strikingly thriving, foremost among them the implementation of a mammoth project to advance infrastructure valued at QR81 billion under the superintendence of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) during the period 2025-2029. The project in question intends to develop the transportation sector, public facilities, as well as urban spaces, water systems, and beyond.

Doha Design District (DDD), in collaboration with Chaumet, M7, Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, and The Cutting Studio, has launched a purpose-driven upcycling initiative that reinforces its commitment to sustainability, design innovation and meaningful community engagement.Inspired by the poetic narrative of the Chaumet & Nature exhibition, a sensory journey celebrating the beauty of the natural world, this project transforms the exhibition’s flags into a limited collection of bespoke tote bags.Proceeds from the sale of these pieces will directly support EAA programmes to expand access to quality education for children and youth in the most marginalised communities worldwide.Msheireb Properties chief executive Ali al-Kuwari said that this upcycling initiative by the DDD is a clear reflection of our commitment to sustainability, innovation and community empowerment.“By transforming elements from the Chaumet & Nature exhibition into limited-edition pieces that support global education, we are demonstrating how design can serve a dual purpose: honouring the natural world while addressing critical social challenges,” he said. “Through the DDD, we aim to lead projects that inspire innovation and align with Qatar’s sustainable development goals.”“This collaboration between Chaumet and the DDD for Education Above All Foundation represents another commitment of the Maison for responsible innovation and sustainability,” said Chaumet chief executive Charles Leung. “It also extends the local social impact of the Chaumet & Nature exhibition, resulting in a concrete contribution to the work done by the Foundation for education.”Mohammed al-Kubaisi, the acting chief executive of the EAA Foundation, said that the foundation is pleased to collaborate on this initiative, which reflects the intersection of creativity and social responsibility.“Our partnership with the DDD and Chaumet underscores a shared commitment to empowering children and youth through education, opening new pathways to create lasting, positive impact in their lives and communities,” he noted.Curated by the DDD, the creative process was made possible through the support of M7, Qatar’s hub for design and fashion entrepreneurship, and brought to life by The Cutting Studio, a local workshop known for its artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable ethos.This collaboration reflects a shared dedication to thoughtful design, responsible craftsmanship, and social impact.The limited-edition tote bags will be available to purchase at the TEC Café at Doha Design District, The Cutting Studio at M7, and Msheireb Museums.

Media City Qatar has joined as a strategic partner for the Innovation by Design Summit 2025, powered by Doha Design District, Msheireb Properties has announced.The summit, presented by Msheireb Properties in collaboration with Fast Company Middle East, returns to Doha on September 24 following its 2024 debut.It will bring together regional and international experts to discuss how design intersects with business and innovation.Themed ‘Inspiring the Future of Design,’, the event will take place at the Mandarin Oriental Doha in Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) and feature 15 panel discussions and sessions on topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, product innovation, immersive media, sustainable architecture, and the future of the creator economy.Msheireb Properties CEO engineer Ali al-Kuwari said: “MDD exemplifies how design harmonises heritage, sustainability, and community. As a hub for institutions like Media City Qatar, we’ve witnessed firsthand how intentional design leads innovation ecosystems. This partnership will ignite collaborations that redefine urban living and regional connectivity.”Media City Qatar CEO, engineer Jassim Mohamed al-Khori, said: “Design is now central to how we tell stories, build systems, and connect with the world. At Media City Qatar, we enable media and tech innovators to build solutions that resonate globally.“This partnership accelerates our mission to advance Qatar as a nexus where talent, technology, and purposeful design converge, driving economic diversification in line with the Third Qatar National Development Strategy.”More than 60 entries have been submitted for the Innovation in Design Awards, spanning architecture, sustainable design, and emerging creators.The summit features discussions such as “How is Design Saving the World?,” “Designing the Future of Tourism,” and “Creative Intelligence: How Design is Driving Innovation.” Through these conversations, the event will highlight how design is increasingly central to how we build trust, scale ideas, and solve real problems.Sessions like “Designing for Harmony” will dissect design’s capacity to address climate resilience, equitable architecture, and resource efficiency, and “Beyond the Screen: The Rise of Immersive Media in the Digital Age” will discuss NFTs, AI-generated environments, and the $480bn Mena creator economy by 2027.