Being a Qatari athlete and a woman has been both empowering and challenging
For Hana Al Khater, volleyball is more than just a sport – it is a symbol of unity and teamwork. On the court, individual boundaries fade away, and everyone becomes part of one shared game. This sense of connection ignited the passion of the young Qatari athlete, inspiring her to pursue her dream of becoming a volleyball player. Aparajita Mukherjee sat down with Al Khater to unravel her athlete and the individual. BL: What life lesson has volleyball taught you?Al Khater: Volleyball has taught me the importance of teamwork and communication. No matter how skilled a player is, success in volleyball depends on working cohesively as a team, trusting your teammates, and communicating effectively during high-pressure moments. It has also taught me resilience and adaptability. Sometimes the game doesn’t go as planned, but learning to stay composed, adapt strategies, and focus on the next play is crucial. I’ve also learned how to appreciate friendships within the volleyball team, my coaches, teammates, family, and even spectators all helped me learn to appreciate the little things in life. BL: How has it been – being a Qatari athlete and a woman – on and off the field?Al Khater: Being a Qatari athlete and a woman has been both empowering and challenging. On the field, I take pride in breaking barriers and representing my culture, while off the field, I’ve faced societal expectations which have pushed me to grow as a leader. This journey has taught me resilience and the importance of inspiring change, proving that passion and determination can overcome any boundary. BL: In hindsight, what would you choose to re-do (if given an option)?Al Khater: If given the chance, I would focus more on embracing opportunities and getting outside my comfort zone earlier. Looking back, there were moments where hesitation held me back from taking on challenges that could have further shaped me. While I’ve learned from these experiences, I now realize the importance of taking risks and fully committing to every opportunity that comes my way. BL: Where do you see yourself 3 years down the line?Al Khater: Three years from now, I see myself pursuing a degree in a science based major, building on my passion for investigation and problem-solving. I aim to be actively involved in hands-on research, honing my skills in analyzing evidence and contributing to impactful projects. Beyond academics, I hope to continue inspiring others by advocating for women in STEM and sports, showing that determination can lead to breaking barriers in any field as long as you push yourself. Short Takes
2025 Qatar Economic Forum to take place May 20-22, Preliminary Speakers Confirmed
Doha, 9 February, 2025 – Entering its fifth year, the annual “Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg” (QEF), held in collaboration with Media City Qatar, will take place from May 20-22, 2025 in Doha. This year’s Forum, held under the theme ‘The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy’, will once again convene Heads of State, influential government officials, international CEOs and investors in Doha, to create an international platform for meaningful deal-making conversations and connections. As 2025 marks the final stretch towards the 2030 national visions of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain, QEF will focus on how strategic decisions in the Gulf are influencing global economic trends. At a time of shifting geopolitical alliances and economic uncertainty, this year’s Forum will explore the next phase of regional transformation and its impact on global markets. Discussions at QEF will revolve around the following thematic areas: Geopolitics, Globalization & TradeGCC economies are rewriting the rules of global trade and investment with ambitious national visions and development strategies. Discussions will explore how the final stages of these economic transformations will progress in the face of regional security pressures and a new policy environment in the United States. Energy Supplies & SecurityThe Forum will host high-energy conversations with the power brokers setting our global relationship with oil, gas and the long-term transition to renewables. Technology Hype & RealityArtificial intelligence has become the dominant buzzword of the era, but separating hype from reality is essential. Conversations will examine how AI applications are delivering tangible benefits today and explore where AI-native startups are set to disrupt entire industries. Business & Investment OutlookThe biggest names in global business and investment will share insights on how they are achieving market-beating growth while sidestepping the major hurdles facing the global economy. Sports & EntertainmentSports investing used to be a play-thing for the super-rich. Now it’s a serious asset class attracting big money from hard-nosed investors. Players, leagues, owners and investors reveal the next wave of disruption poised to hit this multi-trillion dollar industry. Confirmed speakers include HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder & CEO, KBW Ventures; Huda Al-Lawati, Founder & CEO, Aliph Capital; Henadi Al-Saleh, Chairperson, Agility; Samia Bouazza, Group CEO & Managing Director, Multiply Group; Mathieu Chabran, Co-founder, Tikehau Capital; William E. Ford, Chairman & CEO, General Atlantic; Goodwin Gaw, Chairman, Managing Principal, Member of Investment Committee & Co-Founder, Gaw Capital; Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO, Virgin Australia; Markus Krebber, CEO, RWE AG; Ryan M. Lance, Chairman & CEO, ConocoPhillips; Tope Lawani, Managing Partner, Helios Investment Partners; Chee Koon Lee, Group CEO, CapitaLand Investment Ltd.; Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman, Managing Partner & CEO, Monumental Sports & Entertainment; Rajeev Misra, CEO & Co-Founder, One Investment Management; David H. Petraeus (US Army, Ret.), Partner, Chairman of the Global Institute, KKR; with more to follow. Karen Saltser, CEO of Bloomberg Media, said “As we approach the fifth edition of QEF, we’re seeing the Gulf’s economic transformation reach a pivotal moment. With national visions approaching key milestones and global markets in flux, the conversations we’ll have in Doha will be more important than ever. This Forum remains a key global platform for leaders to come together to discuss, debate and define what’s next for business and investment worldwide.” Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, said: “Since its inception, ‘the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg’ has been a cornerstone for global dialogue, where pivotal decisions influence the future of the economy. With 2030 on the horizon, regional countries continue striving toward their national aspirations, while the world stands at a crossroads of shifting markets, evolving policies, and new economic realities. This Forum is where leaders can come together to navigate complexity, forge new strategies, and shape what comes next. In Qatar, we look forward to facilitating these critical discussions.” Produced by Bloomberg Live Experiences and editorially programmed by Bloomberg News, the Forum will be available on the Bloomberg Terminal, Bloomberg TV and bloomberg.com. Additional speaker and agenda details for the “Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg” will be announced at a later date. For more information and to register interest, please visit QatarEconomicForum.com.
Disney The Magic Box Premieres in Doha in April 2025
Disney The Magic Box highly anticipated premiere at the prestigious Al Mayassa Theatre from April 3rd to April 12th, 2025, as part of its global tour. These musical promises to captivate audiences with over 75 of Disney’s most beloved songs, brought to life through breathtaking choreography, puppetry, and stunning visual effects. Presented by Fever, the leading global live entertainment discovery platform, Proactiv Entertainment, a renowned promoter of large-scale productions, and in partnership with Visit Qatar. This collaboration underscores Visit Qatar’s commitment to enhancing the country’s entertainment landscape. By securing internationally acclaimed productions such as The Magic Box, Visit Qatar continues to elevate Doha’s position as a premier destination for world-class cultural and family-friendly experiences. The production features over 75 iconic Disney songs from legendary composers, including Alan Menken, Elton John, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer. Audiences can look forward to timeless hits such as “A Whole New World” (Aladdin), “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” (Encanto), “How Far I’ll Go” (Moana), “Circle of Life” (The Lion King), “Let It Go” (Frozen), and “This Wish” (Wish). Following its successful run in Buenos Aires and South Africa, Disney ‘The Magic Box is set to mesmerize audiences in Doha. The musical’s international creative team includes Thaddeus McWhinnie Phillips (Co-Book writer, Director, and Set Designer), Lynne Kurdziel Formato (Choreographer), Isaac Saul (Musical Director, Arranger, and Orchestrator), and Felipe Gamba Paredes (Creative Producer, Co-Book writer). Fans eager to experience the magic can buy tickets from Virgin Megastore or Fever. For more details on Visit Qatar’s upcoming events, visit visitqatar.com. SHOW INFORMATIONVenue: Al Mayassa TheatreOpening Date: April 3rd, 2025Running Time: 90 minutes (no intermission)Recommended Age: 6 years and above (No children under 3)Performance Schedule: Weekends: Saturdays – 14:00, 17:30Ticket Prices: Starting at QAR 85
Visit Qatar unveils Khor Al Adaid Winter Season Interactive Map
Khor Al Adaid, one of Qatar’s most iconic natural landmarks, has long served as a popular tourist attraction. Known globally as the Inland Sea, this UNESCO-recognised natural reserve is a sanctuary for both adventure and nature enthusiasts, offering a striking landscape where the golden dunes seamlessly merge with tranquil waters. To further elevate the visitor experience, Visit Qatar has released a Khor Al Adaid Winter Season Interactive Map, providing comprehensive details on the array of activities, accommodations, and services available to citizens and residents from October through to April. Activities at Khor Al Adaid The Khor Al Adaid Winter Season Interactive Map showcased the diverse range of activities available for all types of adventurers. Thrill-seekers can enjoy dune bashing or quad biking at the Sealine ATV Zone, and high-speed motorsport action at the Sealine Circuit Sports Club – Mawater and Qatar Racing Club Track. For those looking to explore from above, Sky Masters Air Sports provides breathtaking aerial experiences over the desert. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts can visit designated diving and fishing areas or capture stunning images at the Qatar Desert Flamingos Bird Photoshoot. Tranquil experiences such as camel rides, the Doha Bus Desert Safari, and witnessing the sunrise at Inland Sea Sunrise Point offer a more relaxed way to appreciate Qatar’s landscape. Meanwhile, equestrian fans can engage in horse endurance activities and explore the cultural heritage of Qatar Endurance Village, adding a traditional touch to the season’s offerings. Camps and resorts For visitors seeking an extended stay, Khor Al Adaid offers a range of accommodations that blend luxury with tradition. Options include Al Majles Resort, Ramlah Camps, and Regency Sealine Camp, each providing an authentic desert retreat. For a more exclusive experience, The Outpost Al Barari offers a unique fusion of nature and luxury, while Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort provides a beachfront escape. Adventurers can also opt for Four-by-Four Camp, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the desert landscape. Comprehensive services To ensure a seamless and comfortable visit, essential services are readily available throughout the area. The Sealine Tyre Pressure Station provides convenient facilities for adjusting vehicle tyre pressure, ensuring a smooth desert travel experience. The WOQOD Petrol Station offers reliable fuel access for uninterrupted journeys, while Al Meera serves as a go-to retail store for essential supplies. With the release of the Khor Al Adaid Winter Season Map, visitors now have the tools to efficiently plan their journey and explore one of Qatar’s most remarkable natural wonders. Whether seeking adventure, cultural enrichment, or relaxation, Khor Al Adaid guarantees an unforgettable experience.
