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Sunday, December 14, 2025 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "vision" (6 articles)

Gulf Times
International

Researchers find way to restore vision in people with 'lazy eye'

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US have discovered a method that could restore vision to people suffering from amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, by reactivating the retina to its original state, allowing it to grow and heal itself.The study indicates that temporarily disabling the affected retina through anesthesia led to the recovery of the affected eye. After comparing the treated sample to a control group, the percentage of nerve signals coming from the treated eye increased to match the input from the healthy eye, indicating that the treatment effectively reactivated the affected eye.The results, published in the journal Cell Reports, show that temporarily anesthetizing the retina can restore the visual system to its original state and treat amblyopia, a condition that occurs when vision in one or both eyes does not develop properly during childhood, as the brain learns to ignore one eye.It is possible to disable the lazy eye, which performs few functions, and bring it back to life while preserving vision in the healthy eye, study author Mark Bears said.Previous studies indicate that available treatments only work in early childhood, when neural connections are still forming, making this new discovery an important step towards treating adults suffering from this condition.

Gulf Times
Community

Qatar rises to #2 in global mobile speed.

Qatar has reached another important benchmark in its digital transformation. According to the October 2025 Speedtest Global Index, the country now ranks #2 in the world for median mobile download speed, recording 587 Mbps, second only to the UAE. This milestone comes at a pivotal moment. This week, Doha hosts Mobile World Congress (MWC Doha, November 25-26) the first time the global event is held in Doha. And in just a few weeks, Qatar will host the AI Summit (December 10-12 2025), bringing global leaders in artificial intelligence, policy and innovation together in Doha.These developments underscore Qatar’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for digital innovation, investment, and talent. The country’s rise in mobile speed is closely linked to the core pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. Strong digital infrastructure supports economic diversification by enabling new industries to emerge and grow, while also contributing to human development through enhanced digital skills, education, and innovation capacity. It further lays the foundation for smarter public services, from healthcare to mobility, aligned with the nation’s broader modernization goals. At the same time, a high level of digital readiness strengthens Qatar’s competitiveness as a business environment, increasingly influencing the decisions of global companies looking to invest and expand in the region. In recent weeks, operators in the country have also been testing next-generation uplink performance on 5G Advanced (5G-A), reaching real-world speeds above 600 Mbps.Top 10 (Oct 2025)1. UAE – 748 Mbps2. Qatar – 587 Mbps3. Kuwait – 422 Mbps4. South Korea – 371 Mbps5. Bulgaria – 316 Mbps6. Brazil – 309 Mbps7. Bahrain – 303 Mbps8. Brunei – 280 Mbps9. Denmark – 271 Mbps10. Saudi Arabia – 270 MbpsQatar’s rise in international rankings reflects a clear forward trajectory and growing strength in the digital sector. To build on this progress, continued nationwide performance will be important, along with steady advancement of 5G-A and early readiness for 6G. Supporting emerging areas such as AI, immersive media, industrial IoT, and smart mobility will also help position the country for the next wave of technological opportunities. At the same time, aligning digital infrastructure with the broader economic transformation outlined in Vision 2030 will remain a key part of sustaining this development over time.

Gulf Times
Qatar

QIIB nurtures Qatari talent by appointing new employees to bank cadre

In line with its commitment to supporting government directives and Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasises investment in human capital and serving Qatari society, QIIB has announced the appointment of a new group of employees across various departments of the bank, with Qataris and children of Qatari women making up a significant proportion of the new hires. This latest addition reflects QIIB’s continued dedication to attracting top talent, offering them the opportunity to contribute to the bank’s growth, and providing them with comprehensive training and development programmes that enable them to perform their duties with high efficiency. These programmes also support their career progression and prepare them for future leadership roles within the bank. For decades, QIIB has been at the forefront of contributing to national development, particularly through job localisation and attracting Qatari professionals, while continuously investing in human capital as a key pillar of sustainable development. During his meeting with the new employees, accompanied by a number of senior executives, QIIB chief executive Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei welcomed them to the “bank’s family”, congratulated them on the start of their career journey, and urged them to exert their utmost efforts in fulfilling their responsibilities, thereby strengthening the bank’s position in the banking sector. “At QIIB, we believe that investing in people is the most valuable investment,” Dr al-Shaibei stated. “We consistently strive to attract outstanding talent and provide the best training and development programmes, enabling our employees to advance their careers and acquire vital expertise.” “We are particularly proud that a significant proportion of our new hires are Qataris and children of Qatari women, which aligns with our HR strategy and the government’s objectives for job localisation,” he said. “We will continue to empower Qatari youth by offering them diverse career opportunities within the bank, equipping them with the necessary tools for success, and enabling them to play an active role in the banking sector while contributing to the national economy,” Dr al-Shaibei added. “QIIB’s human resources strategy is fully aligned with government directives and the Ministry of Labour’s plans to strengthen the participation of Qataris in the private sector, particularly in banking,” he continued. “We are committed to ensuring that all our recruitment and training initiatives are consistent with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy, helping to build a qualified cadre capable of leading the future of the banking sector.”

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani participated in the ‘Qatar Vision 2030’ session, held as part of the ‘Asia Leaders’ conference organised by Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong. The minister held bilateral talks with leaderships of global corporations on the sidelines of the event.
Business

Sheikh Faisal participates in ‘Qatar Vision 2030’ session at Asia Leaders Conference in Hong Kong

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani participated in the ‘Qatar Vision 2030’ session, held as part of the ‘Asia Leaders’ conference organised by Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong.The event brought together leading Asian corporations and prominent Qatari businessmen and major national companies. On the sidelines of the conference, the minister held a series of bilateral meetings with senior executives of major global corporations.Among them was Xiaomi Corporation, where discussions focused on opportunities for co-operation in areas such as cloud data centres, supply chain development, and other strategic initiatives of mutual interest. The minister also met with the leadership of Baidu Inc, where both sides explored prospects for collaboration in robotaxi technologies and regional cloud computing services.The talks further addressed potential avenues of partnership and considered Baidu’s plans to expand its presence in the region.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Integrating theory and practice 'key to advancing sport in Qatar'

The College of Sport Sciences at Qatar University (QU) has welcomed its first batch of male and female students since its launch in March 2024. This marks a new achievement that reflects Qatar's commitment to developing sports education and research and supporting its National Vision 2030 for a healthier and more active society. During the fall 2025 semester, 210 male and female students applied for admission to the college, and 103 were accepted. The majority of these students, representing 80% of the total, were Qatari nationals (54 female students and 49 male students). This reflects the community's confidence in the importance of the programmes offered by the college. On this occasion, Dean of the College of Sport Sciences at QU Dr Khalid W Bibi, stated in an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) that through its four-year academic programmes, the college supports the human and social development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. It is committed to remaining flexible and proactive in responding to the needs of the local and regional labour market, as well as to the rapid developments in sports science globally. Prof. Bibi noted that this ensures the provision of quality programmes that keep pace with international academic best practices and standards. Furthermore, its establishment is in itself a reinforcement of the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as this tournament was not just a passing sporting event, but a historic turning point in Qatari sports. He emphasised that the establishment of the college came to meet the national need for qualified personnel in the fields of sport management and sports training, indicating that Qatar is investing in sports today not only with the aim to organise events and enhance athletic performance in competitive sports or as an investment vehicle, but also as a means to encourage physical activity and sports for all. Regarding the motivations behind establishing the College of Sport Sciences at QU and its mission, the college aims to prepare future leaders in the fields of organisation, marketing, governance, training, and sports development through advanced academic programmes (120 credit hours) that combine theoretical knowledge with practical application. Prof. Bibi indicated that the college supports the human and social development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 through sport management by qualifying cadres capable of managing facilities, organising events, sports marketing, and sports development. He added that the college supports sports training by preparing coaches who lead community physical activity programmes and develop elite athletes. Furthermore, the college emphasises the values ​​of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility as the foundation of all its programmes, enhancing the position of sports as a strategic sector in Qatar. Regarding the main academic programmes offered to students, the college provides a bachelor's degree in both Sport Management and Sport Coaching, each comprising 120 credit hours. In this context, the college offers four sub-specialisations related to each, including, Event and Facility Management, Sports Marketing and Sponsorship under Sport Management, as well as coaching for people with special needs and UEFA-standard coaching under Sport Coaching. He pointed out that the college's programmes are not limited to theoretical study alone. Students apply what they have learned through field training in sports institutions, in addition to studying cases such as major facility management, sports marketing, sports economics, and sports and international relations. In the field of sports training, students apply theoretical knowledge practically in sports performance laboratories, where they train in designing strength and conditioning programms, studying exercise physiology, sports injury management, and movement analysis, in addition to practical training with sports clubs. Prof. Bibi underscored that the establishment of the college comes within the framework of enhancing the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, adding that the college is one of the key legacy projects, providing an academic and institutional framework that ensures that the expertise, infrastructure, and knowledge accumulated during the tournament are not limited to that moment, but rather serve as a foundation for building the future of sports in Qatar. He further explained that the college is working to transform the sports legacy into a sustainable project led by national cadres. Academically and practically qualified, they will contribute to the management of the world-class stadiums and sports facilities left by the World Cup, the development of training programmes for elite athletes, and the promotion of the concept of 'Sports for All' as a strategic choice for a healthy and active lifestyle. Prof. Bibi highlighted that the College of Sport Sciences contributes to sharing Qatar's experience to the world through scientific research and international partnerships, transforming the legacy of the World Cup into a platform for knowledge production and competencies development in sports sciences, ensuring that the legacy becomes not just a sporting memory, but an ongoing educational, social, and economic driver for future generations. Prof. Bibi revealed plans to launch postgraduate programmes and new academic programmes, in alignment with the university's strategy and in partnership with the academic affairs, quality assurance, and accreditation offices. He emphasised the college's commitment to being flexible and proactive in responding to the needs of the local and regional labour market, as well as to the rapid global developments in sport sciences. This ensures high-quality programmes that align with international academic standards and best practices, he said, adding that the college's top ranking in the Arab region is a testament to the quality of its faculty and educational research. He also addressed the college's research collaborations with other colleges at Qatar University, national sports institutions, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and the Qatar Olympic Committee, in addition to local and international academic and research institutions, aiming to develop a data-driven strategy to combat physical inactivity and its impact on public health. Regarding career opportunities for graduates, he explained that graduates of sports management have opportunities in club and federation management, facility operations, marketing and sponsorship, international sports relations, and sports for development. On the other hand, graduates of sports training can work in competitive and community training, physical conditioning, movement analysis, and various physical activity programmes. He added that the career opportunities were identified in consultation with partners over a two-year period, and that co-operation will continue in order to provide training and professional opportunities both before and after graduation, while encouraging students to benefit from the training and volunteer programmes offered by the Student Affairs. He pointed out that the college supports talented student-athletes through flexible schedules, high-level training facilities, and academic support, enabling them to develop their sports careers while gaining practical and managerial experience. The college also offers competitive scholarships to attract outstanding athletes. He added that being a talented athlete is not a requirement for admission to the college, but the college does provide a comprehensive environment for students who wish to combine education with athletic excellence. Regarding women's sports, Prof. Bibi affirmed that the college serves as a leading platform for supporting and developing women's sports in Qatar. He noted that the number of female applicants exceeds that of male applicants, and the college is actively preparing qualified female specialists with both scientific and practical competencies to train girls and women in competitive sports and physical activity. The college also aims to empower its female graduates to take on leadership roles in areas such as sports management, marketing, and sports media.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani chairing the Cabinet’s regular session at the Amiri Diwan Wednesday.
Qatar

Qatar to step up drive to realise Vision 2030 goals

Anchoring its agenda on the implementation of the Third National Development Strategy and the long-term goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Cabinet Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating efforts across all sectors under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani chaired the Cabinet’s regular session at the Amiri Diwan, where he urged ministers to double down on performance in the coming period to meet the objectives set out in the national strategy and vision.Following the meeting, HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi stated the following:At the outset of the meeting, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed Their Excellencies the ministers on the resumption of the Cabinet sessions following the summer break.The Cabinet reviewed the completion of preparations for the 2025-2026 academic year, which will mark the opening of new schools, further development of curricula, and the strengthening of the requirements and foundations of the educational process.As such, the Cabinet hoped that a terrific academic year would abound with successes and achievements in terms of a wholesome educational environment, through which the goals of the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030 will be accomplished in the areas of education.The Cabinet considered the items on the agenda and approved a draft decision issued by the Minister of Commerce and Industry to promulgate the executive regulations of Law No. (8) of 2020 on the Regulation of the Auditing Profession.This draft decision is prepared in implementation of Article (55) of Law No. (8) of 2020 and reflects the Ministry's commitment to ensuring that legislative tools keep pace with developments in the field of auditing.The Cabinet also decided to take the necessary measures to ratify the charter establishing the World Water Council.In addition, it decided to approve the draft technical cooperation agreement between Qatar’s Supreme Judicial Council and the United Nations, represented by the United Nations Regional Institute for Crime and Justice Research, and the draft memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of public prosecution between the Public Prosecution of the State of Qatar and the Public Prosecution of the Republic of Albania.Furthermore, the Cabinet decided to approve the draft executive programme of the memorandum of understanding between the governments of Qatar and Oman in the agricultural, animal, and fisheries fields for 2025-2027.Finally, the Cabinet wrapped up its meeting by examining four reports and taking the appropriate decisions accordingly, which included the first semi-annual report for 2025 on the budget allocated for cybersecurity projects in government entities, the first report on the activities of the National Ports Security Committee, a report on the outcomes of the participation of HE Minister of Social Development and Family in the 44th session of the Arab Women's Committee, the regional preparatory meeting for the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), and a report on the outcomes of the participation of HE Minister of Municipality in the 28th meeting of the Ministers of Municipal Affairs of the Gulf Co-operation Council countries.