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Represented by the Ministry of Transport (MoT), the State of Qatar is taking part in the 2nd edition of the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference, which opened in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, on Tuesday.Multiple transportation and infrastructure government and private organizations, experts and specialists are participating in Global Rail 2025, which runs through Oct. 2.An MoT booth at the event is featuring mockups and visual presentations on Qatari public transportation and railways projects, as well as land transportation plans and strategies, including ITSs, environmental sustainability solutions, and the full electrification of public bus fleet to 100 percent by 2030.MoT booth visitors can also experience steering the Lusail Tram and virtually walking inside Doha Metro stations and trains with the VR technology provided by Qatar Rail team at the booth.Several Arab and GCC ministers have visited MOT booth, which also saw a large turnout from several officials, experts, and general visitors, who were impressed by the Qatari sustainable public transit model and the outstanding achievements in terms of smart infrastructure and projects.MoT continues its focus on creating a fully integrated, smart and sustainable transportation system to contribute to achieving the goals of the Qatar NDS3, MOT Strategy 2025-2030, and QNV 2030.

The Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Energy Awards for Lifetime Achievement will recognise six exceptional individuals at its 2025 edition at a high-profile ceremony in Doha on October 22.The awards honour global leaders for their outstanding lifetime contributions to the advancement of energy and sustainable development.Each honouree is carefully selected by an independent international committee of experts, ensuring that the Awards remain one of the most respected accolades in the industry.Previous winners of the award include His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi; the 69th United States Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson; the creator of the Dated Brent benchmark (now the world’s most important crude oil marker) John Kingston, and Professor Michael Grätzel, a pioneer of molecular photovoltaics who first demonstrated that mesoscopic photosystems based on molecular light harvesters can efficiently convert light into electricity.Speaking ahead of the event, His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Chairman of Al-Attiyah Foundation said:“As with all previous winners, the 2025 honourees — who will be revealed on the night — represent the highest standards of leadership and innovation in energy. Their lifetime achievements are not only remarkable in scale but also in their lasting influence on the global energy community. I look forward to initiating them to our alumni in the coming weeks.”The awards ceremony will take place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel Resort and Convention Centre, gathering over 300 of the most influential figures in the energy industry.The evening is sponsored by ExxonMobil, underlining the strong support of leading energy companies.Al-Attiyah Foundation’s member organisations include some of the world’s most prestigious and significant companies. Members of the Foundation are: QatarEnergy, QatarEnergy LNG, Woqod, Shell, QNB, Qatar Electricity & Water Co., Q-Chem, QAPCO (Qatar Petrochemical Company), Dolphin Energy, QAFCO (Qatar Fertiliser Company), ConocoPhillips, Qatar Cool, Gulf Helicopters, Marubeni, Sasol and JTA Holding.

His Excellency Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari met with the State Secretary for European, Middle Eastern and African Affairs and Coordinator of the European Union and Global Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Clara Georgiana Staicu, who is visiting the country. The meeting focused on aspects of cooperation between the two countries and key economic, investment and trade developments.

QatarEnergy has signed a long-term sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with Messer for the supply of 100mn cubic feet per annum of high-purity helium from Qatar’s world-class facilities in Ras Laffan to global markets.This marks QatarEnergy’s first direct long-term SPA with Messer, the largest privately held industrial gases company, headquartered in Germany. The SPA signing was hosted by His Excellency Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the president and chief executive officer of QatarEnergy, and attended by Bernd Eulitz, Global chief executive officer of Messer SE & Co., during a special ceremony held at QatarEnergy’s headquarters in Doha. The event was attended by senior executives from both companies."Messer is a leading global supplier of helium with a strong reputation and diverse assets. We are delighted to enter into our first direct agreement with Messer and to continue providing high-quality helium to the world through reliable partners," al-Kaabi said.This pact, according to him, underscores QatarEnergy’s commitment to delivering reliable resources from one of the world’s largest helium producers to support fast-growing industries worldwide.Helium plays a critical role in advanced technologies, including MRI scanners, semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing, fiber optics, and space exploration.

On the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) reaffirmed the State of Qatar's leadership role in advancing global dialogue and strengthening international cooperation, with the aim of identifying practical solutions to pressing challenges and driving inclusive development. Through a series of high-level discussions, QFFD brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, fostering constructive dialogue that contributes to collective action towards a more prosperous, just, and inclusive future. Highlighting its commitment to gender equality, QFFD partnered with Foreign Policy, as part of Her Power Forum under its Women in Conflict Zones initiative. The session "Women in Conflict Zones: From Marginalization to Mobilization." The discussion brought together global leaders to explore actionable strategies for meaningfully integrating women into peacebuilding and development processes, emphasizing their vital role in driving resilience and sustainable recovery. QFFD, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, co-hosted a high-level panel titled 'Global Development in Evolution: What's Next for the Future of Health, Food, and Education'. The session explored how geopolitical shifts, climate pressures, and demographic changes are reshaping development models, highlighting the importance of open dialogue, innovative financing, and strong partnerships to unlock resources for communities most in need and to advance global development that is inclusive, responsive, and effective. In parallel, QFFD joined forces with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Gates Foundation to host a high-level roundtable "Delivering Health for All: Scaling Immunization through Universal Health Coverage and Innovative Financing." The discussion emphasized the role of immunization as a cornerstone of global health and examined how Universal Health Coverage, policy reforms, delivery innovations, and innovative financing can expand equitable access to healthcare and strengthen resilience Kholoud Al Mohannadi, Head of Communications and Global Advocacy, at QFFD, stated: "Dialogue is the driving force of progress. It unlocks practical and innovative solutions that not only tackle today's most urgent challenges but also lay the foundations for lasting resilience. Working closely with our partners, we are taking meaningful steps toward a future that is just, inclusive, and sustainable for all". In addition to these platforms, QFFD also engaged in dialogues addressing youth employment, digital inclusion, and the eradication of poverty and hunger, underscoring its recognition of the vital interlinkages between these critical sectors and the integrated approach required to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. Through these efforts, QFFD continues to advance Qatar's international cooperation agenda, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for meaningful partnerships, inclusive dialogue, and collective progress.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), has hailed the launch of Global Autism Advocacy Coalition at UN General Assembly (UNGA).A call to join an action-driven global alliance focused on building a more inclusive future for people with autism around the world has been sounded by Qatar, alongside international partners, at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.**media[362112]**“I welcome the launch of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition, marking a milestone that shifts our efforts beyond awareness to collective action,” Her Highness Sheikha Moza said. “This platform urges the international community to embrace its shared responsibility in addressing autism. As the first coalition of its kind, it will ensure autism becomes an international priority.”“The State of Qatar’s commitment to the causes of autism extends beyond its national border, and is rooted in our belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and lead a fulfilling life,” she continued.“On this occasion, I urge governments, stakeholders, and development partners to move beyond awareness and commit to concrete collective action, including the meaningful allocation of necessary resources,” Her Highness Sheikha Moza added.**media[362110]**The launch of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC) – announced at an event led by Qatar, together with the QF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), Unicef, and Autism Speaks, during the UN General Assembly’s International High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health – marks an opportunity for the international community to shape a unified worldwide approach to supporting those with autism and their families.Calling on decision-makers to move beyond advancing autism awareness, and to commit to allocating the necessary resources and taking collective steps to address the world’s shared autism challenge, the GAAC aims to advance a global autism agenda encompassing policy, advocacy, collaboration and knowledge sharing – including in the fields of research, technology, and education – co-ordinated outreach, and the formation of strategic partnerships that generate autism solutions.The GAAC has issued an invitation to government bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), philanthropic organisations, companies, and others to join, and to be part of an international collaboration that advances the social integration, economic prospects, and wellbeing of people with autism worldwide.“The Global Autism Advocacy Coalition is a beacon of what can be achieved when nations unite for good,” HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud said. “By working together, we can improve the lives of millions of individuals with autism, helping them reach their full potential and showing the world that collective action delivers hope, dignity, and opportunity.”“This moment reflects the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, whose leadership has long advanced dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with autism,” said HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi. “It was through her efforts that, in December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139, designating April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.”“Qatar has long been a regional pioneer in supporting autistic children and their families,” she said. “In 2017, it launched its first national autism strategy, creating a foundation for inclusive policies and services.”“Since then, Qatar has championed the rights of the autistic community through early diagnosis, education, and community services – ensuring inclusion at every stage of life,” HE al-Nuaimi added.Areas identified by the GAAC as being in need of globally unified resources, investment, and action include early diagnosis of autism, innovation, inclusive education, adult services, employment, and community integration, as highlighted at the event by Dr Dena al-Thani, associate professor at the QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University and co-founder of the A-sense Centre of Excellence, which focuses on innovative technology in autism assessment and intervention.Dr Hilal Lashuel, the Research, Development, and Innovation adviser to the Chairperson’s Office and Executive Director of Research, Development and Innovation at the QF, said: “We take pride in the leading role that Qatar Foundation, together with its partners, has played in establishing this coalition.”“Having a global voice for autism and launching supportive platforms for individuals with autism has become a global necessity, not a choice,” Dr Lashuel said. “Autism has become a worldwide challenge that requires a global response and resources that exceed the capacity of any single country or institution.”Her Highness Sheikha Moza is a leading global advocate for greater autism awareness and support.In 2007, her proposal for the establishment of World Autism Awareness Day – now held on April 2 each year – was adopted without a vote by the UN General Assembly, and QF programmes, centres, and educational methodologies are increasing inclusivity for people with autism, including within its specialised school Renad Academy.

QIIB has received another “prestigious” accolade, with Global Business Review naming the bank as the winner of the ‘Best Mobile Banking Application Qatar 2025’ award.This recognition underscores QIIB’s excellence in developing an integrated mobile banking application that reflects the latest advancements in digital technology within the banking sector.According to the Global Business Review jury, QIIB Mobile Banking App distinguishes itself as a smart and comprehensive platform that enables customers to perform a wide range of transactions while also offering innovative interactive features designed in direct response to customer feedback and needs.QIIB Chief Executive Officer Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our alignment with the Third Financial Sector Strategy launched by Qatar Central Bank, especially in the areas of digital services and advanced technology.“The award also reaffirms QIIB’s leadership in digital banking and demonstrates our success in developing a mobile banking application that ranks among the best in the region, offering innovative services that meet our customers’ needs and provide them with an outstanding banking experience.“From the very beginning, our goal has been to deliver a smart, secure, and user-friendly platform that empowers customers to manage their banking transactions anytime and anywhere. This achievement reflects our digital transformation strategy and ongoing commitment to investing in the latest technologies.”Dr al-Shaibei emphasised that the award serves as further motivation to continue developing the bank’s mobile app and enhancing its features and services in line with customer expectations.He noted: “Customer satisfaction is the true measure of success for any financial institution. We remain committed to continuously listening to our customers and developing solutions that make their lives easier and add real value to their banking experience.”This latest award further strengthens the track record of the QIIB Mobile Banking App, which has already received numerous regional and international awards and recognitions in digital banking.QIIB was awarded the ‘Excellence in Mobile Banking Innovation Qatar 2025’ by Gazet International, and previously received the ‘Excellence in Mobile Banking’ award at Finnovex Qatar 2024.QIIB has also won other prestigious honours, including ‘Best Bank for Digital Transformation Qatar 2025’ and ‘Best Retail Bank Qatar 2025’ from World Economic Magazine, as well as regional awards from institutions specialising in the banking industry.

QNB has been recognised by Global Finance magazine as one of the best in digital banking, winning two prestigious awards: ‘Best Mobile Banking App’ and ‘Best in Social Media Marketing and Services in Qatar’ for its continuous efforts in digital banking, and marketing.These accolades reflect QNB’s commitment to delivering innovative digital banking solutions and exceptional customer experience, further cementing its leadership in digital transformation, and significant efforts on customer awareness on digital through innovative marketing channels.QNB has distinguished itself through a wide range of pioneering digital services, as it has introduced ‘3D Secure eCommerce Transaction Verification’, allowing customers to approve online payments via QNB Mobile Banking push notifications.This new feature is provided alongside the SMS verification method already in place, giving customers additional options for secure transaction approval.It has also expanded the scope of convenient fund transfers with Visa Direct, allowing customers to instantly transfer money to Visa debit, credit, or pre-paid cards directly through QNB Mobile Banking.Court payments have similarly become easier, with customers now able to complete these transactions conveniently through QNB Mobile and Internet Banking.Through its Digital Onboarding service, QNB enables new customers to open a current or savings account, obtain a Virtual Card, and begin using their accounts instantly within minutes through QNB Mobile Banking without having to visit a branch.In addition, the bank has introduced a Multi-Currency Travel Card that allows customers to create a virtual card in multiple currencies within minutes, ensuring hassle-free transactions worldwide at competitive exchange rates.Furthermore, QNB Mobile Banking application offers customers the flexibility to adjust their credit card repayment percentage with ease.Reinforcing its reputation as a regional innovator, QNB became the first bank in Qatar and the Middle East to launch ATMs with bulk cash deposit functionality.These awards are a testament to QNB’s continuous innovation and investment in cutting-edge digital services, designed to provide its customers with secure, seamless, and exceptional digital banking across all channels.QNB continues to enhance its digital platforms in line with its strategy to deliver smart, customer-centric solutions that make everyday banking faster and more secure.The Group was also recognised recently with several international awards including: ‘Best Multi-Channel Offering in the Middle East and North Africa’, ‘Best Digital Bank in Qatar’ and ‘Excellence in Omni-channel Customer Experience’.

QNB confirmed that the beginning of 2025 was accompanied by cautiously positive expectations for global trade growth, supported by relative stability in the world economy. However, new shifts in US trade policy have significantly affected the global economic landscape. The bank's weekly report noted that the decision of the United States on Apr. 2 to impose broad tariffs including duties of no less than 10 percent on imports and higher rates on selected countries has led to rising concerns about supply chain disruptions, increased uncertainty, and the potential escalation of trade disputes. The report stated that, as a result, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has forecast a contraction in global trade volumes for the current year, an occurrence that is rare and typically seen only in exceptional circumstances such as the 2009 global financial crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The report explained that economic indicators since April 2025 have shown notable resilience in the global economy despite existing challenges. It projected that global trade growth in 2025 will be modest compared to previous periods, but will remain far beyond the most pessimistic scenarios. This outlook is supported by three main factors. The first factor highlighted in the report is that leading indicators, particularly from highly integrated Asian economies such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam, reflect strong export activity, signaling a recovery in global trade. These markets recorded an average annual growth rate of 6 percent in 2024, with the rate accelerating to 12 percent in the last four months of the year despite trade tensions. The report also pointed to Chinese export growth of 6 percent during the same period, reflecting sustained global demand. In this context, the report stated that investor expectations regarding the earnings of transportation-sector companies serve as an important indicator of future global trade trends. The Dow Jones Transportation Average in the United States, which includes companies involved in air, land, and sea transport as well as rail and delivery services, reached its lowest annual growth level in mid-2024 before rebounding into positive territory, signaling a possible expansion of trade.This improvement reflects a decline in pessimism even amid continued trade shocks. The gap between strong Asian export growth and the more cautious profit expectations of transport companies was attributed to the increase in early shipments to the US market in anticipation of further tariff threats. The second factor concerns a significant decrease in the likelihood of large-scale global trade wars despite the rise of US protectionist policies. The report explained that the conclusion of US negotiations with key trading partners, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union, has clearly reduced uncertainty and lowered the probability of expanding tariff measures. At the same time, most global economies are moving toward greater trade integration through multilateral agreements, which reduces the negative impact of protectionist policies and strengthens the stability of the global trading system. The third factor relates to monetary policy. The report considered that waves of monetary easing adopted by major central banks are expected to provide additional support for global trade growth in the coming period. It noted that the US Federal Reserve is expected to cut its benchmark interest rate by 125 basis points next year, bringing it down to 3.25 percent by the end of 2026, in an effort to reduce borrowing costs and stimulate economic activity. Similarly, the European Central Bank has lowered its key rate by 200 basis points since mid-2024 to settle at 2 percent.The report emphasized that interest rates are a decisive factor in supporting investment and boosting consumer spending, which are two key pillars of global trade, particularly given that the United States and the euro area together account for about 40 percent of global GDP. The bank concluded its report by affirming that the outlook for 2025 indicates a tangible improvement in the prospects for global trade compared to the more pessimistic scenarios that followed Washington's announcement of broad tariffs. It pointed out that a combination of positive economic indicators, accommodative monetary policies, and the signing of new trade agreements is helping to limit the repercussions of geopolitical and economic tensions and to support the stability of the global trading system in the upcoming period.

Qatar participated in the high-level ministerial meeting launching the Global Autism Alliance, held at the UN headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansour bin Ibrahim al-Mahmoud and HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi.The meeting announced the establishment of the alliance as an international platform aimed at fostering understanding, coordinating efforts, and expanding global initiatives to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.In his opening remarks, HE the Minister of Public Health emphasised the importance of launching the Global Autism Alliance to strengthen joint efforts for sustainable improvement and to provide necessary support to individuals with autism and their families worldwide. He underlined that Qatar attaches great importance to health as a means to achieve a more just, secure, and humane world, and that autism remains a key priority in both public health and social development.He noted that in 2017 Qatar launched its first National Autism Plan, a comprehensive strategy covering awareness, early diagnosis, medical intervention, inclusive education, and lifelong support. He added that the plan is reinforced by large-scale awareness campaigns and strong partnerships with families and communities.He also said that Qatar’s integrated, rights-based approach demonstrates a firm commitment to ensuring that every individual with autism can reach their potential and actively contribute to society.For her part, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family reaffirmed Qatar’s ongoing commitment to promoting social inclusion and achieving health, education, and social equity for individuals with autism. She stressed that this commitment stems from Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s comprehensive, rights-based approach to supporting the most vulnerable. She also praised international partnerships that strengthen this initiative.She highlighted that the initiative reflects the vision of Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who played a pivotal role in advancing dignity and inclusivity for people with autism and in helping the UN General Assembly adopt Resolution 62/139 in December 2007, which designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.Al-Nuaimi further explained that the Global Autism Alliance is an important step toward advancing international co-operation and knowledge-sharing through research and innovation, with the aim of increasing the impact of global efforts. She stressed the importance of making innovation central to the initiative, particularly in reimagining social systems, supporting families, and fostering community participation to ensure equal opportunities for all.She noted that the alliance represents a qualitative leap in co-ordinated international efforts to raise awareness about autism and improve services provided to individuals with autism, through collaboration among governments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector.The event was organised in partnership with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, the World Health Organisation, Unicef, and Autism Speaks.As part of its commitment to supporting children with autism, Qatar continues its efforts under the Qatar Foundation Strategy 2025-2035, which provides comprehensive support in education, health, and innovation, while strengthening social inclusion. These efforts include early intervention programs offering therapeutic and rehabilitation sessions for children aged 3 to 14, as well as autism-friendly hospitals such as Sidra Medicine, which provides suitable medical environments for children during treatment. Qatar also continues to raise awareness through World Autism Day activities and focuses on inclusive education by integrating specialised programmes for children with autism into both public and private schools.

Bloomberg Businessweek, renowned worldwide for its authoritative business news and analysis, has ranked S P Jain School of Global Management (SP Jain Global) 7th in the Asia-Pacific region in its 2025 Best B-Schools Rankings. This is the third consecutive year that SP Jain Global has been placed among the Top 10, underscoring the school’s consistency in delivering high-quality, future-focused business education.The Bloomberg rankings draw on surveys of students, alumni, and corporate recruiters, and evaluate schools on career outcomes, classroom experience, alumni networks, entrepreneurial readiness, and long-term return on investment. They are widely regarded as one of the most respected benchmarks for management education. In the 2025 rankings, SP Jain Global also placed #5 in the Asia-Pacific for compensation, a clear measure of the strong ROI for its graduates and the school’s focus on preparing job-ready leaders.“Being ranked in Bloomberg’s Asia-Pacific Top 10 for the third year in a row is both an honour and a responsibility,” said Nitish Jain, President of SP Jain Global. “It reflects the trust of our students, alumni, and recruiters, and validates the distinctiveness of our approach to management education.We have always believed that the future of business will be shaped by uncertainty, disruption, and rapid change, and traditional approaches alone are not enough. Our programs are built around a unique multi-city model and a multimodal learning ecosystem, giving students the opportunity to study in some of the world’s most dynamic economies while also learning to harness AI as part of their education.AI plays a pivotal role in helping students move beyond surface-level learning to higher-order thinking. It accelerates their progress from comprehension to analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making. In short, from knowing the answers to developing the judgment and foresight leaders need. Combined with the cultural and business exposure of our multi-city model, this ensures that graduates leave not only with a degree but with resilience, adaptability, and a truly global perspective. These are qualities employers value deeply today and which will define leadership in the years ahead.”SP Jain Global’s recognition by Bloomberg Businessweek adds to a consistent track record of rankings by leading international publications such as QS, Forbes, Financial Times, The Economist, and Times Higher Education–Wall Street Journal. Together, these validations highlight the school’s standing in global business education and its role in shaping graduates who can thrive in diverse and fast-changing environments.For more information on SP Jain Global’s rankings and programs, visit http://www.spjain.ae.

Four talented Qatari graduates from HSBC Qatar have completed the HSBC Global Graduate Programme in London this August.The intensive programme brought together top emerging talents from 15 different countries across HSBC’s global network to equip them with the skills, knowledge and international exposure required to thrive in today’s competitive financial and corporate landscape.The programme also deepened their understanding of HSBC’s ambition, strategy, and values — while building connections that span the globe. The Qatari Graduate Cohort included Hissa al-Thani, Mahdi al-Majed, Nayef al-Mahsin, and Lolwa al-Dosari.HSBC Qatar CEO Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi said, “In collaboration and with the support of the Qatar Central Bank and the Ministry of Labour, we are committed to developing Qatari talents into tomorrow’s leaders. We are proud to see a new wave of Qatari talents completing the Global Graduate Programme and returning from London with new skills, global experience, and a stronger foundation to contribute to Qatar’s financial sector and future leadership.”Mohammed al-Sultan, country head of Human Resources at HSBC Qatar, added: “Empowering Qatari youth through international exposure and practical learning opportunities is at the heart of our talent strategy. By equipping our graduates with global perspectives and critical skills, we are preparing them to succeed and thrive in today’s fast-changing financial world.”The milestone highlights HSBC Qatar’s ongoing commitment to Qatarisation and the development of future Qatari banking leaders. The graduates will now apply their international experience and knowledge locally, serving as ambassadors of Qatar’s emerging talent and its potential on the global stage.