Qatar Calendar: This Week in Qatar
Qatar Calendar continues to offer a wide range of cultural, sporting, and entertainment activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. The second week of January 2025 is packed with a line-up of events that cater to diverse interests, from thrilling adventures and artistic performances to family-friendly attractions and retail offers. Cultural Highlights Marmi Festival 2025 held at Sabkhat Marmi in Sealine until February 1, this festival celebrates the rich heritage of Qatari falconry and hunting traditions. Daily competitions and cultural displays bring the spirit of the desert to life, offering an immersive experience for heritage enthusiasts. Kahraman Exhibition, scheduled to run from January 7 till January 10, is back with its 5th edition showcasing amber from 14 countries around the world at Katara Hall. Theatrical Performances Crime in the City, running from January 8 to 11 at U Venue, is a thrilling theatrical production that blends suspense and drama, offering a captivating experience for theatregoers.Al Theyaba Play runs from January 9 to 11 at Katara Drama Theatre, immersing audiences in a powerful mix of drama, emotion, and talent. Sporting Events Doha Marathon by Ooredoo is taking place on January 17 at Hotel Park in Doha. With categories for all skill levels, the event promotes fitness and community spirit. Mawater at Sealine will run an event dedicated to all car enthusiasts from January 3 to 27. Family-Friendly Activities Ras Abrouq continues to captivate visitors with a diverse range of activities and attractions which include hot-air balloon experience and archery sessions for adventure enthusiasts. Families can enjoy children’s workshops, as well as engaging roaming acts that entertain visitors throughout the site. A camel parade creating a unique blend of culture and adventure for all ages will also be on show Sealine Season offers activities for both adventure seekers and families. It features desert safaris, monster bus rides, ATV buggies, horse riding, and boat trips, with free sports and children’s activities. Weekends include fishing trips, stargazing, and Muay Thai classes. Mohammed Al Bakri and Abdulaziz Al Thuehi will be performing live on January 10, followed by a fireworks display. Al Wakra Safari Zoo, ideal for families, offers educational and recreational activities amidst a serene environment. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife, camel rides, and interactive exhibits designed to inspire a connection with nature. It is located at Souq al Wakra and scheduled to run from January 1 till February 1. Winter Market at Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North runs until 27 February. It features exquisite seasonal culinary delights, kids’ activities, accessories and artisanal crafts. Retail and Entertainment Vibrant Live Shows & Endless Fun for Kids will be running at Mall of Qatar throughout January. Shop Qatar 2025, running until 1 February, offers unbeatable discounts, exciting retail experiences, and the chance to win grand prizes, including luxury cars. Daily entertainment across participating malls enhances the shopping experience.The dynamic line-up ensures entertainment for visitors of all ages. For more information on Qatar Calander’s 2025 events, visit www.visitqatar.com, download the Visit Qatar app, and follow @QatarCalendar on social media.
Nissan launches innovative manufacturer-backed roadside assistance program in the Middle East
Nissan Assistance provides complimentary 24/7 support and peace of mind to customers across the region Doha-Qatar (January 8th, 2025) – Nissan has recently introduced a comprehensive manufacturer-backed roadside assist program, Nissan Assistance, in the Middle East, designed to enhance convenience and ownership experiences for customers across the region. Debuting on the all-new Nissan Patrol, this innovative program is available to customers in select markets and will be made available across all MY25 models, setting a new standard for customer care and convenience. Nissan Assistance, which ensures that help is just a call away, includes a wide range of services tailored to address everyday challenges and unique driving needs. These include onsite support for minor mechanical and electrical faults, flat tire replacement, and towing assistance to the nearest Nissan authorized service center in the event of a breakdown. The program also provides lockout services for lost keys, fuel assistance, and exclusive sand recovery of up to 10 kilometers inside the desert, the most extensive coverage in the market. Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President, President – Middle East, KSA, CIS – Nissan, INFINITI, said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and with the introduction of Nissan Assistance, we are setting a new benchmark for convenience and care. This program reflects our commitment to enhancing ownership experiences and offering unparalleled support through innovative solutions. Nissan Assistance empowers our customers to drive with confidence and enjoy peace of mind wherever their journeys may take them.” Nassim Mourani, General Manager of the Automotive Group at Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., said, “Nissan is committed to enhancing the driving experience for our customers in Qatar and across the Middle East. With the launch of the Nissan Assistance program, we are raising the bar for customer care and convenience in the region. This manufacturer-backed roadside assistance service, available on the all-new Nissan Patrol and soon across all MY25 models, offers unmatched support when it matters most. Whether it’s a flat tire, fuel assistance, or even sand recovery, our customers can rely on prompt, professional service, 24/7. At Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., we are proud to bring this innovative program to the Qatari market, ensuring our customers experience not just world-class vehicles, but also peace of mind on every journey.” When customers contact the 24/7 multilingual call center, highly trained and experienced agents first attempt to resolve issues over the phone, ensuring quick and effective support. If onsite assistance is required, Nissan’s trained technicians promptly reach customers within a short timeframe to provide services such as flat tire replacement or a battery boost. Customers also benefit from WhatsApp support with live tracking, allowing them to stay informed of their assistance in real time. For more complex issues and should a vehicle need to be towed to an authorized Nissan service center, customers enjoy additional conveniences such as complimentary taxi services within city limits. In the event of a breakdown abroad, the program provides up to three days of hotel accommodation. If repairs exceed 72 hours, customers are further supported with a complimentary flight ticket back to their country of residence, ensuring peace of mind during unexpected situations. To reach Nissan Assistance, customers can simply scan the QR code conveniently placed in the main warranty booklet or on the driver-side door, to directly connect with support services. Additionally, WhatsApp support is also available, ensuring customers have seamless and immediate access whenever needed. Nissan Assistance provides five years peace of mind to customers and is currently available at Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., showrooms – the exclusive agent of Nissan in Qatar – conveniently located across Qatar. For more information, visit the showrooms on Salwa Road, The Pearl, Al Sadd, Bin Omran, Barwa, and Al Khor or call 8000505.
Nine Qatari business leaders make it to Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs 2024
Forbes Middle East released its fourth annual list of the region’s top CEOs earlier this year, a list that recognises business leaders who have made a significant impact over the past year. The list features 100 CEOs from companies based in the MENA region, representing 19 nationalities. Here are the nine Qatar-based business leaders who have been recognised for their achievements and the success of the companies they lead. 04 HE Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs As Deputy Chairman, President and CEO of QatarEnergy – roles that he took on in 2014, HE Al Kaabi became the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Deputy Chairman of QatarEnergy in 2018. In May 2024, QatarEnergy finalised a US$6 billion agreement with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to build 18 state-of-the-art QC-Max LNG vessels. Prior to that, In February 2024, QatarEnergy announced the ‘North Field West’ project, aiming to boost Qatar’s LNG production capacity to 142 million tonnes annually by 2030, an 85 percent increase from current levels. 10 Nasser Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa As Group CEO of Qatar National Bank – Al-Khalifa joined in 1996 and assumed his current role in November 2018. In 2023, QNB’s assets increased by 4 percent to US$338.2 billion, and net profit rose by 8 percent to US$4.3 billion. In May 2024, QNB extended its partnership with Ooredoo Fintech to develop fintech services and digital innovation in Oman. 36 Aziz Althuman Fakhroo The Group CEO & Managing Director of Ooredoo Group since November 2020, Fakhroo had been overseeing operations across 10 countries in the MENA and Southeast Asia. In June 2024, Ooredoo announced a partnership with NVIDIA to tap into the growing demand for generative AI, accelerated computing, and hyperconnectivity. In the first quarter of 2024, the group reported revenues of US$1.6 billion and total assets of US$15.6 billion. 59 Bassel Gamal As Group CEO of Qatar Islamic Bank, Gamal has led QIB since 2013. In 2023, the bank reported US$52 billion in assets, US$3.1 billion in revenues, and US$1.2 billion in net profits, up 6.6 percent from 2022. In November 2023, QIB issued a US$500 million five-year sukuk. Gamal also chairs QIB-UK and sits on the board of QInvest. 64 Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal Al Thani The Group CEO of Doha Bank, Sheikh Abdulrahman took on his current role in October 2023. As of June 2024, Doha Bank operated 17 branches in Qatar, four overseas branches in the UAE, Kuwait, and India, and representative offices in the UK, Singapore, Turkiye, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Nepal. In the first half of 2024, it reported US$118.8 million in net profits and US$29.1 billion in assets. In May 2024, the bank launched a new mobile banking app, now handling nearly 89 percent of transactions. 70 Abdullah Al Sulaiti Al Sulaiti joined Nakilat in 2011 and became CEO in 2013. Nakilat operates one of the world’s largest LNG fleets, with 69 LNG carriers, four very large LPG carriers, and a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). The company has 27 new LNG carriers on order, plus nine QC-MAX carriers and four LPG/Ammonia carriers. In March 2024, Nakilat signed a long-term charter agreement with QatarEnergy for 25 LNG vessels. Al Sulaiti also chairs Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions and Qatar Fabrication Company, and is a board member of Gulf Drilling International. 78 Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida Al Jaida took on his role in June 2015. In the first half of 2024, QFC registered 505 new companies, bringing its total to over 2,200. QFC also launched Qatar’s first Digital Assets Lab, focusing on Digital Ledger Technology solutions. Al Jaida serves on the boards of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers, Qatar Finance and Business Academy, Qatar Free Zones Authority, Qatar Stock Exchange, and Sidra Medicine. 80 Tarek El Sayed El Sayed has been CEO and managing director of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company, a subsidiary of Al Faisal Holding, since 2017. ARTIC’s portfolio includes over 35 hotels and projects across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America. In November 2023, ARTIC signed a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts to rebrand its Times Square, New York, hotel as Crowne Plaza. El Sayed previously served as group CFO for Al Faisal Holding. He recently claimed the 26th spot in Forbes ME’s 2024 ‘Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders’. 82 Salem Al Mannai Al Mannai joined QIC Group in 2001 and became group CEO in 2020. In 2023, the group operated in 11 countries, generating $2 billion in revenue and a net profit of $169 million, recovering from a $325 million loss in 2022. Al Mannai also chairs the MENA Insurtech Association and played a key role in launching Qatar’s Third Financial Sector Strategy in 2023 with Qatar Central Bank, aiming to position Qatar as an innovative financial hub.
