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Meeza and Huawei have signed two strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs) during MWC25 Doha to advance Qatar's national priorities in digital infrastructure, AI, and talent development.The agreements demonstrate how private-sector innovation can support the country's vision for economic diversification, technological leadership, and long-term resilience.The MoUs aim to deepen collaboration in Private Digital Infrastructure and AI services, and to launch a National Training Programme to cultivate local expertise in emerging digital fields. By enabling Qatar’s private sector to lead innovation and adopt advanced technological solutions, Huawei and Meeza aim to strengthen the country's digital foundations, foster homegrown talent, and enhance national competitiveness.“This partnership with Huawei reflects our continued commitment as a leading IT service provider to support Qatar's digital transformation and economic diversification,” said Meeza CEO Mohamed Ali al-Ghaithani.He said: “Building strong local capabilities in advanced technologies is essential for long-term national progress. Through these initiatives, we aim to empower local talent, accelerate innovation, and contribute to a technology ecosystem that benefits the entire country.”Rico Lin, president of Huawei Gulf region, emphasised the strategic significance of private-sector engagement in national initiatives: “Huawei is proud to partner with Meeza to advance Qatar's digital agenda.“Strengthening in-country infrastructure, AI capabilities, and local expertise is critical for fostering a knowledge-based economy, reducing reliance on hydrocarbons, and supporting sustainable growth. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building resilient, future-ready digital ecosystems that will underpin the country's economic and technological ambitions."As global digital transformation accelerates, the MoUs highlight the essential role of private companies in complementing national strategies. By jointly exploring advanced technologies, AI-driven solutions, and localised platforms, Huawei and Meeza aim to create robust, adaptable digital ecosystems that meet evolving technological demands and drive innovation across multiple sectors.Through these agreements, Huawei and Meeza reaffirm the private sector’s vital role in empowering Qatar’s national vision, strengthening critical digital infrastructure, enabling advanced technological capabilities, and nurturing local talent to lead the country's digital future.By boosting private-sector engagement in strategic digital initiatives, these partnerships support Qatar’s long-term economic resilience, help diversify the national economy, and contribute to realising Qatar National Vision 2030 objectives, ensuring sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity across multiple sectors. 

With robust infrastructure, comprehensive planning, and growing international backing, Qatar is set to deliver an exceptional and memorable FIFA Arab Cup 2025, further cementing its position as a leading hub for major global sporting events.Preparations are entering the final stretch with authorities confident of delivering another world-class sporting event when the tournament kicks off from December 1 to 18.As part of its nationwide readiness plan, Qatar Rail has confirmed that the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks are fully equipped to transport the thousands of fans expected to attend both the Arab Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 Finals. Service hours will be extended on match days to accommodate late kickoffs, ensuring that spectators can rely on smooth and efficient journeys long after matches conclude. Complementary metrolink, metroexpress, and selected Park and Ride facilities will operate throughout the tournament to support increased passenger flows.To meet the anticipated demand, Qatar Rail will deploy 6-car trains on the Red Line and operate up to 110 trains during peak periods, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to seamless mobility and enhanced fan experience. Adjustments to parking availability at certain stations, including Education City and Lusail QNB, have also been made to streamline match-day operations.Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Permanent Committee for Managing Visitor Entry, has announced updates to the "Hayya" GCC Residents Visa (A2). The new features are designed to make travel to Qatar smoother and more convenient during a season rich in international sporting, cultural, and entertainment events.Beyond operational readiness, the 2025 edition gains special significance as a key preparation platform for seven Arab national teams already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Teams from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Jordan are set to benefit from competitive, World Cup-level matchups. Iraq, meanwhile, heads into an intercontinental playoff aiming to expand Arab representation to a historic eight teams.The tournament also enters a new era with enhanced regulations introduced by FIFA. For the first time, Arab Cup fixtures will be recognised as official international friendlies, contributing points to the FIFA world rankings—an upgrade that elevates the tournament’s competitive and global profile. Qatar’s successful organisation of the 2021 edition has prompted FIFA to award the country hosting rights for the next three editions in 2025, 2029, and 2033. 

It’s a great time to be an oil refiner — but a less great time to be filling up at the pump.In Europe, the US and Asia, giant plants are making money by doing what they’ve always done: converting crude oil into vital fuels and selling them at a profit.What’s different today is the scale of the threat to global supplies: Relentless attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, outages at key plants in Asia and Africa and permanent closures across Europe and the US have removed millions of barrels of diesel and gasoline from the world market.On top of these real-world impacts are traders’ fears of what’s yet to come: imminent US sanctions on Lukoil PJSC and Rosneft PJSC and fresh European Union curbs on fuels made from Russian crude threaten already squeezed supply-chains.The result is ongoing pressure on costs at the pump despite a fall in global oil prices — something that’s unlikely to sit well with a US administration that sees “affordable energy” as essential.“Global refinery margins are astronomical,” said Eugene Lindell, head of refined products at consultancy FGE NexantECA. “The signal you’re giving the global refining system, no matter where the refinery is located, is to just run flat out.”In the US, Europe and Asia, margins are the highest they’ve been at this time of year since at least 2018, according to fair value data compiled by Bloomberg. The profits are so good that refiners’ stock prices are also surging: Processors including Valero Energy Corp and Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS have seen stellar rises, while Orlen SA gained more than 100% year-to-date.While expectations of a glut are dragging on crude prices, disruption to the global refining system is limiting how much oil can be turned into products like gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. While that benefits the processors still running, it also means the slump in headline oil prices isn’t being felt at the pump.A constant stream of attacks on Russia’s refineries — just this month, Ukraine claimed strikes on the Saratov, Orsk and Volgograd plants — is hampering fuel production. Last month, Russia’s huge oil product exports were on course to hit a multi-year low, and that was before drone attacks damaged key loading facilities in the port city of Tuapse.Product supplies are being further squeezed by outages elsewhere. In Kuwait, the giant 615,000 barrel-a-day Al-Zour refinery recently had only one of its three crude processing units operating, while a key gasoline-production unit at Nigeria’s huge Dangote refinery is reportedly scheduled to halt for about 50 days of maintenance in coming weeks, having only recently begun restarting.Meanwhile, US crude runs in recent weeks have been more than a million barrels a day lower than the same time last year, a huge drop from the peak summer demand months, when processing was at its highest seasonal level since 2019. The country has seen multiple refinery closures in recent years, as has western Europe, further pressuring fuel supplies.“Global refining activity has been challenged by a series of unplanned outages in October, further constraining product markets and pushing margins even higher,” the International Energy Agency said Thursday. Increased profits have prompted the watchdog to raise its estimates for runs at margin-sensitive refining assets in Europe and Asia this month and next.In the US, the upshot is a rise in the average price of diesel since President Trump took office, and little change in the cost of gasoline, which on Thursday stood at $3.08 a gallon. Benchmark crude futures have meanwhile come off about 20% since his second inauguration, amid forecasts of a large surplus.Supercharging these ongoing real-world supply pressures are traders’ fears over what’s on the horizon.“The current strength in refining margins is at least partially being driven by uncertainty around the upcoming US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as the EU’s January prohibitions on Russian products,” said Rebecca Babin, a senior energy trader at CIBC Private Wealth Group.FGE’s Lindell estimates Lukoil and Rosneft’s combined Russia oil product exports are more than 800,000 barrels a day. The global seaborne trade in oil products is about 22mn barrels a day, according to Clarkson Research Services Ltd., a unit of the world’s largest shipbroker.Any major disruption to those exports would be a shock to the global fuels market, though the extent to which those barrels would really disappear is unclear. Russia has shown that it often manages to work around sanctions.There are also questions about what comes next for refineries outside Russia in which Lukoil is involved, including Bulgaria’s Burgas facility, the Netherlands’ Zeeland plant and Romania’s Petrotel.Then there are the EU restrictions, coming into force January 21, which restrict the delivery of petroleum products made from Russian crude into the bloc. Precisely how these will end up impacting Europe’s diesel supplies from India and Turkey — both of which have also been key importers of Russian crude — remains to be seen.“The sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil, on top of the recent sanctions package out of the EU, tightened the noose around Russia’s neck,” said Carolyn Kissane, an associate dean at the Center for Global Affairs at New York University, where she teaches about energy and climate change. “At the same time, you’re seeing more attacks driven by Ukraine against Russian infrastructure, which is a hit to the products market.”

Around 100,000 people were still without power in the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, Kyiv authorities said Sunday, a day after Russia's latest attacks on energy infrastructure.Moscow, which has escalated attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure in recent months, launched hundreds of drones at energy facilities across the country overnight into Saturday.Some of these strikes affected the Kharkiv region, home to Ukraine's second biggest city, Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said."Time is needed to restart the equipment. Currently, around 100,000 consumers remain without electricity, water, and heating," Kuleba said.Ukraine's energy minister Svitlana Grynchuk said the wave of attacks, which killed four people, marked "one of the most difficult nights" for Ukrainian energy since the Russian invasion began.In the Poltava region, one of the most affected, power was mostly restored Sunday. But damaged equipment left parts of its main city still in the dark, local authorities said.State energy operator Ukrenergo implemented scheduled power cuts, allowing to balance the system, in most Ukrainian regions.Russia has targeted the power and heating grid throughout its almost four-year invasion, destroying a large part of the key civilian infrastructure.Moscow has switched tactics, striking simultaneously generation facilities, as well as power transmission and distribution systems, said deputy Minister of Energy Artem Nekrasov."This complicates the prompt restoration of normal power supply and the normal operation of the energy system," he said.As with previous waves of attacks, Russia's defence ministry said it struck "enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and gas and energy facilities that support their operation."Ukraine has been responding with strikes on Russia's energy and oil facilities.Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure have left more than 20,000 people without power in several Russian border regions, local authorities said.Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the "electricity and heating supply network has suffered severe damage" in the regional capital of the same name."Several streets are affected by power issues... More than 20,000 residents are without electricity," he said on Telegram.In the western Kursk region, "a fire broke out at one of the power plants in the village of Korenevo," cutting power to 10 localities, Governor Alexander Khinshtein said on Telegram.A fire also broke out at a heating facility in the southern Voronezh region, according to Governor Alexander Gusev.Russia's defence ministry, for its part, reported having shot down 44 drones over the border Bryansk region.Moscow launched 69 drones at energy facilities across the country overnight into Sunday, of which 34 were shot down, according to the Ukrainian air force.

A Russian attack hit Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, killing four people and prompting power cuts in several regions, Ukrainian authorities said Saturday.Moscow has in recent months escalated attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine, damaging natural gas facilities which produce the main fuel for heating in the country.Experts have said Ukraine risks heating outages ahead of the winter months.“Russian strikes once again targeted people’s everyday life. They deprived communities of power, water, and heating, destroyed critical infrastructure, and damaged railway networks,” Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said.Russia launched 458 drones and 45 missiles at Ukraine overnight, said the Ukrainian air force, adding that it had downed 406 drones and nine missiles.“In Dnipro, a Russian drone struck directly at a residential building; as of now, it is known that three people have died in the city. Sadly, there is also a fatality in Kharkiv,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.Attacks forced emergency power cuts in the capital Kyiv and in the northern city of Kharkiv, authorities and energy company DTEK said.They also interrupted water supplies in Kharkiv, where the mayor said there was a “noticeable shortage of electricity.”There was no electricity, water, and partial heating in Kremenchuk, in the eastern Poltava region, the administration said.There were also significant train delays, Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said, accusing Russia of stepping up its attacks on locomotive depots.“We are working to eliminate the consequences throughout the country. The focus is on the rapid restoration of heat, light and water,” Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.The attack was the ninth massive attack on gas infrastructure since early October, energy company Naftogaz said.Russia has targeted Ukraine’s power and heating grid throughout its almost four-year invasion, destroying a large part of the key civilian infrastructure.As with previous waves of attacks, Russia’s defence ministry said it struck “enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and gas and energy facilities that support their operation.”The attacks on energy infrastructure have raised concerns of heating outages in Ukraine as the war enters its fourth winter.Kyiv’s School of Economics estimated in a report that the attacks shut down half of Ukraine’s natural gas production. Ukraine’s top energy expert, Oleksandr Kharchenko, told a media briefing Wednesday that if Kyiv’s two power and heating plants went offline for more than three days when temperatures fall below minus 10 degrees Celsius, the capital would face a “technological disaster”.Ukraine has in turn stepped up strikes on Russian oil depots and refineries in recent months, seeking to cut off Moscow’s vital energy exports and trigger fuel shortages across the country.On Friday evening, drone attacks on energy infrastructure in southern Russia’s Volgograd region caused power cuts there too, governor Andrei Botcharov said on Telegram.

Syrian Minister of Transport Yaarub Bader met with Manager of Transport Global Practice for the Middle East & North Africa at the World Bank, Ibrahim Dajani. During the meeting, they reviewed several vital projects for developing the infrastructure and rail transport sectors in Syria, efforts to rehabilitate urban roads and improve transportation, as well as a strategic plan to modernize and rehabilitate the railway network.Both sides emphasized that these projects are crucial for sustainable development and achieving economic integration among Syrian governorates.

As the echoes of artillery subsided and the dust of war lifted from Gaza's skies, over two million Palestinians began the arduous journey of reclaiming the breath of life, following months of systematic killing, starvation, and destruction of all basic living foundations.The recent Israeli war spared no corner of Gaza, its firepower devastated infrastructure, halted economic activity, and turned homes and shops into silent rubble, leaving residents grappling with harsh realities that test their resilience amid unhealed wounds.With the initial days of the ceasefire, life began to stir slowly and unevenly in Gaza's markets that had remained empty of people and goods during the aggression, after commercial crossings were closed and the Israeli occupation blocked the flow of food and essential supplies.As the shelling ceased and some displaced families began to return, tentative attempts at economic recovery emerged, yet they face immense obstacles due to the ongoing Israeli blockade and restrictions on merchandise movement.Today, Gaza's markets seem to awaken from beneath the ruins. Partially destroyed shops opened their doors amid streets littered with debris, while merchants attempted to arrange what remains of their goods on worn tables, hoping to attract customers exhausted by poverty and soaring prices.Although some essential goods gradually returned to markets, most Palestinian families continue to struggle to meet daily needs due to skyrocketed prices, low income, and lack of liquidity.The war's flames destroyed everything sustaining Gazans' livelihoods, thousands of shops shuttered, small factories were brought to standstill, and purchasing power fell to unprecedented levels. Even after the ceasefire, suffering remains etched on citizens' faces, who endure daily struggles for a basic meal while standing in long queues for limited aid that barely covers their needs.Qatari News Agency (QNA) toured central and local markets where the scene reflected a mix of hope and pain. Some shops resumed operations after owners repaired what could be salvaged, while others remained closed, consumed by destruction or deprived of financial resources.Items previously absent during the war, vegetables, certain fruits, legumes, canned goods, and staples such as rice, oil, sugar, flour, and cleaning materials, began pouring into markets.Yet prices remain high compared to pre-war levels, having surged to dozens of times their original value during the aggression. Fresh and frozen meats, dairy, and eggs remain scarce due to continued Israeli restrictions that limit their entry to sufficient quantities.Khaled Abu Mar'a, a food trader in Khan Yunis, said the markets witnessed some kind of relative recovery after the war's end, though still far from the minimum required to restart the local economy.People tried to bring in essential goods through commercial crossings immediately after the ceasefire took effect, but the Israeli occupation still prevents the entry of meat, dairy, eggs, and milk in normal quantities. Only extremely limited amounts reached the enclave, which sustained high prices and made it difficult for citizens to meet daily needs, Abu Mar'a told QNA.He affirmed that people come to the markets with hope, but leave empty-handed, shocked by prices. Today, the citizen must choose between buying a little food or saving the remaining money for medicine or cooking fuel.In the popular market of Deir al-Balah, the elderly Aliyan Faris walks with heavy steps, inspecting bags of grains and loaves of bread in small shops partially reopened, attempting to purchase some food for his grandchildren who lost their father during the war. Yet, he ultimately returns empty-handed, as soaring prices and scarce funds have made acquiring necessities nearly impossible.During the war, Gazans lived almost without food, dreaming of a single loaf of bread. After the shelling ceased, they hoped things would improve, but the reality had changed little, Faris told QNA. Faris added that he lost his job, his source of income, and his shop that once supported his family. Today, he survives on aid, which is hardly sufficient.Faris's story mirrors that of thousands of Gazan families who encountered the same fate. Many live in tents or partially destroyed houses, struggling to endure poverty, hunger, and cold, while no real signs of economic recovery are evident. Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli occupation persistently blocks the entry of aid into Gaza.Director of the Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Ismail Al Thawabta, emphasized that since the ceasefire took effect, only 1,000 humanitarian aid trucks have entered the Strip out of 6,600 agreed upon.The average number of trucks entering daily does not exceed 89, out of 600 that should enter regularly, reflecting the ongoing strangulation and starvation policy imposed on over two million Palestinians in the embattled Strip, he tells QNA.He highlighted that these quantities are insufficient by far, underlining the urgent requirement for a steady flow of aid, including food, medical, and relief supplies, as well as fuel and cooking gas to maintain essential services such as water, electricity, and health.Economist Ahmed Abu Qamar stated that economic data indicate only 15 percent of the enclave's actual market needs have been met since the war began, highlighting the depth of the crisis and the occupation's persistent economic trickle as a tool of collective pressure.Aid trucks roll into the enclave in dribs and drabs, literally in the dozens, far below the 600 trucks required to meet basic needs. This substantial gap has caused severe price fluctuations, supply disruptions, and made the local market hostage to political and field dynamics, Abu Qamar added.He noted that the recent slight decline in some prices has not materially improved living standards, with poverty exceeding 90 percent and unemployment reaching around 83 percent, among the highest globally.The partial closure of crossings and delays in aid delivery continue to impede any chance of Gaza's economic recovery, which reels from structural distortion due to the blockade and repeated wars.In a recent report, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics confirmed that Gaza has been mired in a maelstrom of unprecedented unemployment two years after the Israeli war. During the onslaught, unemployment exceeded 80 percent, driving the number of jobless to record levels and deepening the social and humanitarian crisis.The report highlighted that the war decimated Gaza's economic infrastructure almost entirely, where factories and production facilities ceased operations, and transport, communication, and energy networks were damaged, making the resumption of economic life extremely difficult.Despite weeks passing since the ceasefire, Gaza continues to endure the consequences of an unfinished war: destruction remains evident, the economy paralyzed, and Gazans struggle to survive amid hunger, blockade, and a lack of prospects.Today, Gazans attempt to rise from beneath the rubble with bare hands and hearts heavy with hope, aware that the road to recovery remains long and arduous as long as Israel persists in its policies of economic strangulation and deprivation.In Gaza, the war may have ended militarily, but it continues to rage in daily life, where people struggle each morning to prove that life can emerge even from the ashes.

Head of the Gaza Water Authority, Eng. Saadi Ali revealed the extent of the losses and massive destruction of the water sector and irrigation networks in the strip, which the occupation deliberately destroyed and cut off services to citizens during the aggression on Gaza.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Ali said that the extent of the damage and losses in the water sector exceeds 85 percent, explaining that the occupation forces targeted critical water infrastructure, including sources, distribution networks, wastewater treatment facilities, sewage lines, and desalination plants, severely disrupting access to clean water for the population.He estimated the value of destroyed international water projects in Gaza at around $3 billion, encompassing infrastructure, equipment, solar energy systems, desalination pumps, and other vital assets. He also reported the destruction of 725 central water wells and 134 freshwater projects, while over 700,000 meters of water pipelines were damaged due to bombardment and ground incursions.The Head of the Water Authority warned that the Gaza Strip is facing a major crisis, affecting the entire water sector and all its components and facilities, directly negatively impacting citizens.He explained that, in light of the fuel shortage, the Water Authority, municipalities, and relevant authorities have been unable to provide services to citizens except partially and limitedly, with the remaining facilities that were not destroyed. They rely on aging energy generators that are worn out and in need of maintenance and spare parts. He pointed out that during the two years of the aggression on Gaza, no spare parts or oil have been imported for the generators, which are at risk of shutting down at any time and are only operated for six hours per day.Despite a ceasefire agreement, he stressed that no materials, equipment, or machinery have been allowed into Gaza to support the water and sanitation sectors, further deepening the crisis. Clean water remains largely unavailable across neighborhoods and displacement camps, home to thousands of displaced people.To address the crisis, the Water Authority has developed recovery plans in coordination with local and international partners. However, implementation remains stalled due to the continued closure of border crossings and restrictions on importing necessary supplies.Ali emphasized that restoring basic water services, ensuring at least 50 liters per person per day, requires urgent rehabilitation of destroyed wells, desalination facilities, and sewage treatment plants.He also warned that water and sewage systems in the neighborhoods and streets of the Gaza Strip are intertwined due to Israeli destruction and bulldozing, raising the threat of disease outbreaks, particularly among children.With winter approaching, he highlighted the risk of flooding in Gaza City, especially due to the destruction of the Sheikh Radwan water basin. Eight sewage pumps in Gaza have stopped functioning completely or partially, further compounding the risk of sewage leakage into groundwater and drinking supplies.Ali concluded by calling for the immediate reopening of border crossings to allow the entry of spare parts, pipes, and pumps essential for repairs and reconstruction, stressing that this is a cornerstone for restoring water services and preventing a full-scale environmental and health catastrophe.

Four people, including two children, were killed, and two others were injured in a Russian attack on the Brovary district in Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian news agency (Ukrinform), Head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration Mykola Kalashnyk indicated that Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone attack on cities last night, targeting energy infrastructure. Since the outbreak of the war in Feb. 2022, Russia and Ukraine issued near-daily reports of attacks and interceptions. Due to the conditions of the ongoing conflict, these claims cannot be independently verified.

At a cost exceeding one billion Qatari Riyals, the Public Works Authority 'Ashghal' announced the commencement of the Roads and Infrastructure Development Project in Umm Slal Mohammed West, as part of its comprehensive plan to develop infrastructure services across the country. In a press release today, Ashghal said the project aims to develop the internal road network in the area and raise safety standards, in addition to developing infrastructure facilities and providing advanced services to meet the needs of residents and respond to future urban growth requirements. Project Engineer at the Roads Projects Department at Ashghal Eng. Noor Ashkanani emphasized the importance of the Umm Slal Mohammed West project, which will serve around 747 citizen land plots. It will implement an internal roads network and provide connectivity to public facilities and main roads, such as Al Mazrouah Road. It will also provide integrated and advanced infrastructure services, including sewage and rainwater drainage networks, to serve the population expansion and commercial projects currently under construction in the area. Eng. Noor Ashkanani explained that the project includes the development and construction of 36.5 km of internal roads, while ensuring traffic safety. More than 1,200 street lighting poles, road signs, and road markings will be installed, in addition to 73 km of pedestrian paths and 12 km of bicycle paths, and 5,000 parking spaces. Landscaping works will also be carried out, covering an area of 385,000 sqm. Infrastructure development works include the construction of a 27-km sewage network, an 83-km stormwater and groundwater drainage network, 38 km of potable water lines, and a 24-km treated wastewater network. The project is located in Umm Salal Mohammed West area, bordered by Al Mazrouah Road to the West and Umm Salal North Road to the Northeast. It covers a total area of approximately 3,180,000 sqm. Before commencement of work, the project was divided into four geographical zones, which will be worked on sequentially, with the aim of accelerating completion and minimizing the impact of construction work on the area.

Dubai doesn’t lack spectacle and glitzy glamour. From AI-powered governance to futuristic towers, innovation here is stitched into the skyline. But in a city where ambition often outpaces visibility, the next battleground isn’t infrastructure - it’s influence. And one boutique award-winning PR firm, Blackspire Partners is reshaping how reputation is engineered and sculpted in the GCC. Founded in 2021 by Edward Bruce and Lewis Webster, Blackspire Partners has turned its Dubai base into a launchpad for regional and global campaigns. Where traditional PR leans on bloated retainers, endless press releases, and fuzzy metrics, Blackspire Partners’ philosophy is built on speed, transparency and accountability. “Our mission is to strip away the smoke and mirrors of retainers and empty promises. We want brands to see results, not invoices,” says Edward Bruce, who cut his teeth in the music industry before pivoting into brand storytelling.The results speak for themselves. Since relocating its HQ to the UAE, Blackspire Partners has delivered millions in PR value, securing client coverage globally from Arabian Business to Nasdaq. Their Media Success Promise — a pledge that every engagement delivers tangible media value — has helped position them among the GCC’s most forward-thinking PR agencies. Why the Region MattersDubai is more than a local market; it’s a global stage. Brands here must reach investors in New York, policymakers in Riyadh, and consumers in Mumbai, all at once. That’s where Blackspire Partners’ positioning pays off, making them among the best in the market.With a multilingual team spanning Arabic, English, French and Hindi, the firm doesn’t just translate campaigns, it adapts them with cultural fluency. In a region as fast-moving as the GCC, that nuance is what separates brands that break through from those that fade.“PR used to be about volume. Now it’s about hitting the right cultural frequency. In the Gulf, that means crafting stories that connect locally but scale globally, and that’s where we excel,” says Lewis, who previously managed multi-six figure marketing budgets for ASUS and Tim Hortons. From Headlines to AuthorityBlackspire Partners’ clients, from luxury houses to sustainability innovators aren’t just chasing mentions. They’re looking for authority. Whether it’s helping a healthcare disruptor like WELL Health land in Forbes or positioning Badr El Jundi, the CEO of Greenverse Partners as a global leader, the firm focuses on stories that travel across industries and borders. This transglobal approach has made them a PR powerhouse that not only delivers results but also fosters cultural integrity. Dubai has always been about scale. But as it doubles down on AI, sustainability, and digital-first industries, reputation is becoming as critical as capital. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reminds us, “In the race for excellence, there is no finish line.” Blackspire Partners is betting on that truth and helping brands ensure their reputation doesn’t finish in a momentary buzz, but is built to last. For ambitious companies entering the Gulf region, the message is clear: in Dubai’s race for influence, those who master their narrative will own the future.

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) announced that Qatar Airways has activated Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) within its digital infrastructure, with regulatory support from CRA, to accelerate the adoption of IPv6 across key sectors. This milestone comes as part of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing Qatar's digital readiness, aligning with the latest international standards, and meeting the requirements of the digital economy. IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol, responsible for identifying devices, connecting them, and enabling data transfer across networks. It provides an enormous number of addresses compared to previous versions, making it a pivotal element in the development of communications networks. IPv6 also supports the expansion of smart and connected services while enhancing readiness for the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, Smart cities, and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solutions. As the entity overseeing the IPv6 Qatar Taskforce, CRA closely monitored Qatar Airways' transition from Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) to IPv6 across its networks, ensuring that the transition adhered to approved regulatory, technical, and security guidelines. This process reflects CRA's coordinating role in enhancing the integration of Qatar's national communications infrastructure. Qatar Airways executed the IPv6 transition through a well-thought-out plan, enhancing its digital readiness for future requirements and serving as a benchmark for other organizations. In this context, Director of Technical Affairs at CRA, Ali Al Suwaidi, stated: "The activation of IPv6 by Qatar Airways represents a significant milestone achievement, reflecting the close collaboration between CRA and the members of the IPv6 Qatar Taskforce. It also demonstrates Qatar Airways' readiness and the integration of its digital infrastructure, positioning it as a model within the national taskforce." Al Suwaidi further emphasized CRA's commitment to supporting all stakeholders in the transition to IPv6 through awareness-raising, technical assistance, and strengthened institutional coordination. He noted that the transition to this protocol is a strategic necessity for developing communications networks and enhancing data security, thereby enhancing the readiness of the national infrastructure and reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading digital hub, all in alignment with CRA's strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar Airways Chief Information Officer Suhail Kamil Kadri, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with the Communications Regulatory Authority in advancing IPv6 adoption, a milestone that underscores our commitment to innovation and digital transformation. This achievement reflects our alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and highlights the importance of secure, resilient, and future-ready digital infrastructure. By embracing this next generation of connectivity, we set a new benchmark for sustainability and operational excellence within the aviation industry." According to data from the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), Qatar has made significant progress in adopting IPv6. This advancement serves as a positive indicator, emphasizing the importance of accelerating institutional and technical adoption of IPv6 to keep pace with the evolution of digital services and enhancing the readiness of the national communications infrastructure.