The State of Qatar and the GSMA to Host First Edition of MWC Doha in the MENA
Doha, Qatar, March 4, 2025: The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), announced that it will host MWC Doha for five consecutive years, marking a historic first for the Middle East and North Africa region. The announcement was made during an official signing ceremony attended by H.E. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Mr. John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd., along with senior officials from the GSMA. This landmark event highlights global confidence in Qatar’s capability to organize and host world-class technological events. MWC Barcelona is held annually by the GSMA. It is the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event and this year’s edition will feature a broad range of topics reflecting the latest trends and technologies in the mobile industry. Key themes for this year’s edition include 5G Inside, Connect X, AI+, Enterprise Re-invented, Game Changers, and Our Digital DNA. H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that the event serves as a global platform to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among companies and experts. He noted that this initiative will accelerate digital transformation and solidify Qatar’s position as a global hub for digital innovation, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. H.E stated: “Qatar is preparing to host MWC Doha for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region. This milestone reflects our commitment to accelerating the adoption of digital solutions and enhancing our leadership in the ICT sector. Hosting this event represents a strategic opportunity to attract investments and support the implementation of the Digital Agenda 2030. This event will enhance collaboration among leading sector companies, opening new horizons for growth and innovation in the region.” The inaugural edition of MWC Doha, set for 25-26 November 2025, will spotlight the latest breakthroughs in mobile technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and smart connectivity. The event will also explore crucial topics such as digital inclusion, sustainability, and future technologies, providing a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Mr. John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd., highlighted the significance of the event by stating: “The world’s largest and most influential connectivity event is coming to Doha! We are delighted to welcome MWC25 Doha to our world-renowned MWC Series. Our vision is for MWC Doha to become integral to Qatar’s emerging role as a global hub for digital innovation, showcasing the Middle East’s digital transformation across AI, advanced 5G and smart mobility. We cannot wait to open the doors for MWC25 Doha – see you there!” Qatar’s hosting of MWC Doha is expected to significantly boost the country’s economy by attracting thousands of visitors and participants from around the world, including top executives, experts, and investors in the telecommunications and information technology sector. This global influx will serve as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, a bridge for international cooperation, and a platform to showcase the technological capabilities of Qatari and regional companies. It will further solidify Qatar’s position as a leading hub for digital innovation and investment in the region and globally. Additionally, this hosting is set to attract foreign direct investment to Qatar by providing international investors with the opportunity to explore the country’s attractive investment environment, which includes advanced infrastructure and a supportive regulatory framework for entrepreneurship and digital ventures. It is also expected to open new avenues for strategic partnerships between Qatari and global companies, reinforcing Qatar’s standing as a regional and global center for technology and digital innovation. Moreover, MWC Doha will provide government entities and local businesses with a valuable opportunity to engage with leading global experts, exchange knowledge, and stay up to date with the latest technological trends that can be implemented locally to support digital transformation and build a knowledge-based economy. Furthermore, it will serve as a crucial platform for local and regional companies to showcase their solutions and products on the global stage, interact with industry leaders and innovators, and enhance their competitive edge. This engagement will help these companies expand into new markets and strengthen their position in the international arena. The GSMA has regional editions of MWC to promote innovation globally including MWC Shanghai, MWC Las Vegas and MWC Kigali. With Qatar set to host MWC Doha, the country reinforces its position as a regional leader in technology and innovation, driving forward its vision for a connected and AI-powered future. MWC Barcelona 2024 attracted over 101,000 participants from 205 countries and territories, with more than 2,700 exhibiting companies, showcasing the significant economic and technological impact of this event. Choosing Qatar to host MWC Doha over the coming years reflects the international community’s trust in its organizational capabilities and advanced infrastructure.
Sidra Medicine’s ENT Service Delivers Breakthrough in Airway Surgery
Qatar’s Only National Pediatric Tracheostomy Program Provides Expert and Innovative Care for Airway Conditions 4 March 2025, Doha, Qatar – Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, is setting a new benchmark in pediatric healthcare with Qatar’s only national pediatric tracheostomy program. Supporting over 150 patients annually, the program has become a vital resource for families in Qatar, offering cutting-edge care and life-changing outcomes. In a recent success story, the Otolaryngology (ENT) team at Sidra Medicine successfully removed the tracheostomy tube of a 16-year-old patient. The patient experienced airway obstruction just above her vocal cords, which required the placement of a tracheostomy tube below the vocal cords to bypass the obstruction. Living with a breathing tube inserted through her neck was a life-altering condition, significantly limiting her as a high-functioning teenager. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries over the years to address the obstruction, previous attempts to resolve the issue and remove her tracheostomy had been unsuccessful. The team performed a unique combination of an epiglottoplasty and supraglottoplasty tailored specifically to her needs. The individualized approach, a first in Qatar, resolved the obstruction and allowed the patient to breathe normally through her nose for the first time in years. Dr. Taseer Feroze Din, an Attending Pediatric ENT Physician, who led the procedure on the young patient said: “This case highlights the strength of our airway surgical services and innovative approach to complex conditions. Our multidisciplinary team manages multiple new tracheostomies annually, cares for over 50 patients in long-term care, and supports over 100 patients in the community. Our team’s collaborative approach, which is harmonized by our nurse practitioner, Larkin Accinelli, has been pivotal in successes such as this. The aim of our program is to create a system that provides proactive management to prevent complications and optimize safe care for all our tracheostomized patients”. The patient’s mother shared her heartfelt gratitude: “Our daughter was born with a tightening in her throat, unable to breathe normally, and relied on a device to help her for the past 15 years. After five unsuccessful surgeries in the UK, Sidra Medicine here in Qatar, was the only place that could help her. We are deeply grateful to the doctors who provided exceptional care and checked on her tirelessly, even late into the night. It has been a long and painful journey since birth, but now after so many years, she can finally breathe on her own.” Dr. Faisal Abdelkader, Division Chief of Otolaryngology and Audiology at Sidra Medicine said: “Sidra Medicine’s tracheostomy program has doubled the number of successful tracheostomy removals in the past year, enabling children to lead more normal lives. The program has provided comprehensive care to local and international patients, including patients from Kuwait, Jordan, India, and Sri Lanka. We have become a trusted care partner for these families. I am equally proud of our efforts in presenting the development of the national tracheostomy program at international conferences in the USA, UAE and Tanzania, reinforcing our leadership in pediatric airway and tracheostomy care”. In addition to complex airway surgeries, the ENT service at Sidra Medicine provides a wide range of services, including complex sinus surgery, endoscopic ear surgery, pediatric sleep apnea treatment including the latest advances in adenoid and tonsil surgery, anterior skull base leak repair, endoscopic tear duct opening (DCR) and thyroid surgery. Using state-of-the-art equipment and a patient-centered approach, the team ensures exceptional care with optimal outcomes. For international inquiries about Sidra Medicine’s ENT services, please contact International.services@sidra.org. If you are based in Qatar, please call 40033333 for more information.
Qatar Calendar unveils a special lineup of events celebrating Ramadan and beyond
With the holy month of Ramadan in full swing, the March edition of Qatar Calendar offers a vibrant lineup of family-friendly events that capture the essence of this special time. Visitors can look forward to food festivals, immersive exhibitions, unique art displays, and exciting sporting events, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Ramadan. Ramadan Activities. Old Doha Port welcomes the return of the Throwback Food Festival throughout the holy month of Ramadan, offering visitors a daily feast of culinary delights from a diverse range of cuisines. Also taking place throughout Ramadan until March 30, is Hosh Msheireb, an experience inspired by the warmth of family gatherings in the courtyard of a traditional Qatari heritage house. It provides a welcoming space for family and friends to come together and embrace the spirit of the holy month. Additionally, Msheirebis hosting a variety of Ramadan-themed activities from March 1 to April 1, adding to the festive atmosphere. This month residents can also enjoy Ramadan Nights at Hyatt Plaza, an annual Ramadan campaign running from March 1 to April 4, featuring engaging activities such as kids’ workshops and roaming characters. Ramadan at Torba Farmers Market returns to Education City from March 7 to March 29, where visitors can enjoy traditional craftsmanship, Arabic cuisine, and sweet treats in a lively setting. The third edition of The Pearl Ramadan Bazaar will bring a vibrant array of kiosks featuring food and crafts to 2-5 La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl, from March 1 to April 5. For those looking to shop, the Tajheezat Sha’ban & Ramadan Trade Fair at Katara Cultural Village offers a wide selection of discounted products from February 25 to March 12. Additionally, the Ramadan and Eid Shopping Exhibition at DECC runs from March 16 to March 29, providing even more great deals for shoppers. Those interested in Islamic art can explore traditional craftsmanship at the Ramadan Herfah Workshops, held at Al Khater House from March 2 to March 22. For family-friendly fun visitors and residents can head over to Le Marché at Place Vendôme Mall for activities including Paintless Paintball, Bazooka Ball, and the Space Tribe Ball Pit, running now until April 30. Sporting Events Education City, in partnership with the Qatar Sports for All Federation, is hosting the Sports for All Ladies Ramadan Series 2025 every Saturday from March 1 to March 22. The event features four races ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. Also taking place at Education City is Ladies Night x QSFA Tournaments, running from March 4 to March 26. This series includes four Ramadan tournaments exclusively for women, featuring football, volleyball, badminton, and running races. For those looking to test their endurance this Ramadan, The North Challenge, organised in partnership with Qatar Ultra Runners, offers a two-hour running race at Heenat Salma Farm on March 6. Lusail Circuit is also promoting health and physical activity with the Dukhan Bank Ramadan Duathlon 2025, set to take place on March 14. Two volleyball tournaments are happening this month: the 3rd “Ekbes” Beach Volleyball Tournament 2025 at Old Doha Port from March 6 to March 14, and the Volleyball Tournament at 974 Beach from March 12 to March 14, where participants can form teams and compete for prizes. A squash competition, QSF 3 PSA Satellite “Senior” (1K) – Squash, is also taking place at Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex from March 17 to March 20. Exhibitions and Festivals Qatar’s exhibition scene is thriving with a diverse range of insightful art displays and showcases including the Mal Lawal 4 Exhibition, running until April 10 at Sahat Al Nakheel in Msheireb Downtown Doha, explores the history of gaming with a special focus on the 1990s. Over at Fire Station’s Gallery 4, The Voyager is the Narrator II: New York & Paris Residency Exhibition will feature the remarkable works of 10 talented artists who participated in the international residency program in Paris and New York. The Al-Raqim Exhibition, running until June 21 at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), celebrates Arabic calligraphy as an art form. Meanwhile, In the Realms of Mecca: A Journey through the Rituals of Hajj and Umrah at MIA offers an immersive look into the sacred rituals of Hajj and Umrah until December 30. For those interested in fashion and accessories, the Rouda Al Malki Exhibition at Al Dana Club from March 7 to March 12 will showcase women’s essentials, including abayas and jewellery. Additionally, the first-ever Asian Nuts and Dried Fruits Exhibition is now open at Souq Waqif, bringing together over 40 companies from around the world. Running from March 1 to March 10, the exhibition offers visitors a chance to explore a wide selection of premium nuts and dried fruits from top global producers. For detailed event information and to stay updated, visit www.visitqatar.com, download the Visit Qatar app, and follow @QatarCalendar on social media.
HEC Paris Partners with Emirates Global Aluminum to Deliver Transformational Leadership Program
Doha, 4 March 2025 – HEC Paris, the world’s top-ranked business school for Executive Education, is delivering a custom leadership program for Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA). Ascend is a bespoke leadership program for high-potential leaders from non-supervisory to Directors. The program supports leaders to cultivate a forward-thinking mindset through immersive experiences and masterclasses to drive innovation. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “Developing our people has been a key foundation of our global competitiveness for decades, and is an important priority at EGA to achieve our bold aspiration to become a talent-driven organisation. Our goal with Ascend programme is to equip our top talent with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in their roles and accelerate their growth.” Led by Professor Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Academic Director and Associate Professor of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Diversity at HEC Paris, Doha, the program provides participants with high-impact strategies that can immediately be applied within EGA. The recent module, delivered in Doha, focused on essential leadership competencies for managing large-scale organizational change. Participants explored proven frameworks to diagnose challenges, manage disruption, and implement transformation strategies with confidence and precision. Professor Shaheena emphasized the significance of the program, stating, “Leading transformation requires more than technical expertise; it demands vision, adaptability, and the ability to inspire action across an organization. This program equips participants with the strategic tools and leadership insights needed to drive innovation and transformation and create meaningful impact.” To complement in-class learning, participants engaged in a site visit to Microsoft’s Digital Center of Excellence and headquarters in Doha, where they explored cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainable technology. The visit also showcased the launch of Qatar’s first data center, a pivotal milestone in digital transformation, local data residency, and cybersecurity. Participants gained insights into the Microsoft AI for Good initiative, which promotes responsible AI applications across industries, including transportation, sports, and tourism. The Ascend Level 3 program unfolds across three modules. The first module, ‘Innovation & Sustainability’, took place in Dubai in November, and focused on sustainable business strategies. The final module will take place in Dubai this April, where participants will engage in a business simulation – a high-pressure strategic exercise requiring real-time decision-making in investment, marketing, procurement, and finance. Building on its legacy of excellence in executive education, HEC Paris continues to partner with leading organizations across the GCC, including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Through its custom-designed programs, HEC Paris empowers senior executives to drive innovation, create lasting impact, and lead with confidence in an increasingly complex business landscape.
beIN and The Walt Disney Company Extend Their Content Agreement
Deal will bring Disney Channel and Disney Junior in English and Arabic to MENA, while subscribers continue to enjoy a selection of premium content DOHA, QATAR – 3 March 2025: beIN MEDIA GROUP (‘beIN’), the global media group, has extended its content agreement with The Walt Disney Company in 24 countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Under the new deal, beIN secures the broadcast rights to Disney Channel and Disney Junior across the MENA region in English and Arabic. The agreement also ensures that beIN will continue offering premium content to its subscribers across a wide range of channels, including National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Baby TV, STAR MOVIES, STAR WORLD, and STAR ACTION. Viewers can catch up on select content under the agreement via beIN’s OTT platform, beIN CONNECT. Esra Özaral Altop, Chief Entertainment Content Officer, beIN MEDIA GROUP said: “We are delighted to extend our collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, continuing to deliver the premium content our viewers in the region expect. The addition of two new channels, Disney Channel and Disney Junior, promise to offer our young audience hours of entertainment and adventure. With select content also available on-demand, beIN is reinforcing its commitment to bringing premium entertainment to MENA and solidifying its position as the broadcaster of choice for families across the region.” Vasilis Iliopoulos, VP, Country Manager MENA, The Walt Disney Company, said: “We are pleased to be extending our collaboration with beIN MEDIA GROUP. Our Disney Channel and Disney Junior channels are home to some of the most beloved content for young audiences. From fan-favorite Mickey and Friends to global phenomenon, Bluey, the Channels are full of non-stop entertainment for the families across the region. Our continued collaboration with beIN allows for more families to enjoy this premium content and discover new favorites from the Disney brand.” Some of the most notable titles coming to beIN’s screens for young viewers on Disney Channel include Miraculous, following the adventures of Ladybug and Cat Noir as they protect Paris from supervillains; Phineas and Ferb, a fun-filled series about two inventive stepbrothers and their wild summer adventures; Monsters at Work, a spin-off from the beloved Monsters, Inc., bringing new laughs and challenges to the monster world; and on Disney Junior, titles including Mickey and Friends, a heartwarming series about friendship and teamwork; Ariel, an exciting underwater adventure with the iconic Little Mermaid; Winnie the Pooh, the classic, lovable tales of Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood; and Bluey, a delightful show about a lovable Australian puppy and her family. Meanwhile, the STAR channels will continue bringing beIN subscribers the best-in-class fan favorites, including Life of Pi, a visually stunning tale of survival and faith; 12 Years a Slave, an Oscar-winning story of resilience and freedom; Project Runway, where aspiring fashion designers compete for the top prize; The Amazing Race, a thrilling global adventure where teams race across the world; MasterChef, a culinary competition with the world’s best home cooks; the Taken trilogy, a fast-paced action-packed series starring Liam Neeson; and Grey’s Anatomy, the beloved medical drama that continues to capture hearts. The partnership, dating back to 2022, reinforces beIN and The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to delivering exceptional, world-class entertainment to beIN’s MENA subscribers. The continued collaboration with The Walt Disney Company ensures that audiences across the region will continue to enjoy a rich and diverse array of premium content for years to come.
Celestyal refines ‘Iconic Arabia’ sailings for 2025 following a successful first Arabian Gulf season
Soon to conclude its first Arabian Gulf season in March, Celestyal has announced an itinerary refresh for its new-for-2025, Arabian Gulf three-, and four-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ sailings onboard Celestyal Discovery. Based on feedback from the hugely popular first season, guests and their valued travel agent community and regional partners, the itineraries will now feature additional stops in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, with the introduction of Ras Al Khaimah as a new port of call. The new itineraries have been renamed and are as follows: The prices above are part of the current ‘Live Your Vacation Dream’ promotion available on new bookings made until March 16, 2025, and include up to €100 of complimentary specialty drinks and dining per person pre-loaded on each guest’s CelestyalPay tab*. Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “We strive to deliver unmissable experiences, and in doing so constantly listen to our guests, and travel agent community. Following a hugely successful first season in the Arabian Gulf we learnt more about what our guests and partners would like to see and are excited to announce these changes based on their feedback. Since launching our winter season Arabian Gulf itineraries, we’ve been thrilled by the positive response and the growing interest from both repeat and new-to-cruise customers in exploring this spectacular region. “Our guests have told us they love iconic destinations like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, as well as discovering more off-the-beaten-track ports that are synonymous with a Celestyal voyage, such as Sir Bani Yas Island and the coastal resort of Khasab. We’re known for our destination immersive and port intensive cruises, so we have refined our 2025 itineraries to offer more time in our guests favourite ports, while adding an additional port in the stunning Ras Al Khaimah.” The 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery will commence her inaugural Arabian Gulf season in the region on December 12, 2025, joining her fleet mate, the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey, who returns to the Arabian Gulf on December 6, 2025. Celestyal Journey will operate the popular ‘Desert Days’ itinerary as planned, starting the season with an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebratory cruise. The cruise line will then offer a combination of 7-night, 3- and 4-night Gulf itineraries from December through to March on both ships, for the next three consecutive seasons. For more information, visit celestyal.com or call 0808 258 4170.
