WCM-Q students gain real-world exposure to Qatar’s healthcare system
Doha – March 18, 2025: Seventeen students from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) foundation and pre-medical programs participated in the 2024-2025 Pre-Medical Observership Program. The program provides students with valuable exposure to the healthcare system in Qatar and the daily practices of medical professionals. It allows them to explore the different medical specialties and career options available. The students spent two weeks of their winter break at affiliate hospitals Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Sidra Medicine, where they shadowed physicians during their daily rounds in various clinics, including obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, internal medicine, emergency, and trauma. They also observed doctor-patient interactions and listened to doctors’ discussions of cases, diagnoses, and potential treatment plans. An additional observation opportunity was exclusively offered to foundation students, who spent a week at Sidra Medicine as part of their English language course. The 19 participating students combined classroom knowledge with observations of hands-on clinical experiences. Their observations focused on themes such as professionalism, teamwork, and professional identity, with each hospital visit centered around a specific theme. Commenting on his experience, pre-medical student Abdulaziz Al-Hardan said: “I gained valuable insights into patient care, clinical decision-making, and the realities of working in a fast-paced medical environment. Witnessing a variety of intricate medical situations helped me appreciate the value of teamwork, empathy, and communication in the medical field.” This passion for medicine was echoed by fellow students Noof Al-Malik and Jassim Al-Hail from the foundation program. Al-Malik said: “As a foundation student, it’s easy to lose sight of the end goal while being preoccupied with studying. This program reminded me of my love for the profession and reignited my determination to work hard to achieve my goals.” Al-Hail added: “The days that had the most significant impact on me were spent in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit (TICU). We not only observed the meticulous work of the doctors and their team of residents while treating patients suffering from brain trauma, but we also learned invaluable lessons about life, religion, and the art of medicine.” Upon completing the observership, the students submitted reflective essays and received certificates of participation. Dr. Rachid Bendriss, associate dean for foundation, student outreach and educational development programs, said: “We are committed to providing our foundation and pre-medical students with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of what practicing physicians face during their daily rotations. We are extremely grateful to our affiliates for hosting these enriching experiences. Offering such opportunities early in a student’s academic journey helps set realistic expectations about the challenges and rewards of a medical career.”
Lincoln Nautilus Earns IIHS Top Safety Award
Doha-Qatar, March 18, 2025 – The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus earned the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These awards recognize vehicles that achieve high performance in IIHS’ rigorous crashworthiness and crash-avoidance evaluations. In order to achieve a TOP SAFETY PICK award, a vehicle must receive good ratings in the small overlap front test and updated side impact tests, and no less than an acceptable rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, as well as an acceptable or good rating in pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation, which gauges performance in both daytime and nighttime conditions. All trims must be equipped with acceptable or good rated headlights. Vehicles must earn a good rating in the updated moderate overlap front test to receive a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. “Safety is top of mind in everything we do,” said Bob Holycross, Ford’s chief sustainability, environment and safety officer. “We’re proud of this achievement and remain committed to improving vehicle safety through rigorous testing, advanced research, and a relentless focus on real-world data.”
Ministry of Justice Hosts Industry-First Session on Real Estate Brokerage Developments, Facilitated by Property Finder, bringing together brokerages and market stakeholders
17 March 2025, Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s Ministry of Justice, under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Saeed bin Abdulla Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, convened a groundbreaking meeting with key stakeholders in the real estate sector. This first-of-its-kind initiative brought together representatives from Property Finder Qatar, real estate brokers and industry leaders to explore strategies to strengthen the role of real estate brokers in the home-seeking journey and advance Qatar’s real estate landscape. Distinguished profiles in attendance at the session included Mr. Amer Saeed Al-Ghafri, Director of the Real Estate Registration Department and Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Brokers Affairs Committee; Mr. Khaled Hassan Al-Mahshadi, Director of the Real Estate Brokerage Department of the Ministry of Justice; Eng. Khaled Al Saeh, Country Manager of Property Finder – Bahrain & Qatar; alongside representation from leading real estate companies in Qatar. The meeting addressed key issues related to brokerage licensing, including issuing and renewing licenses, regulatory controls and the privileges granted to brokers. Discussions also focused on streamlining procedures for real estate transactions, expediting reconciliation processes for violations referred to the Real Estate Prosecution, as well as reinforcing compliance with industry regulations and contract laws. During the meeting, participants reiterated the importance of updating the laws governing foreign partner powers and off-plan sales to align with the sector’s rapid expansion and urban development, in alignment with Qatar’s Vision 2030 which lays down a roadmap filled with opportunities for real estate investors. Its focus on economic diversification, infrastructural development, sustainability, and legal reforms creates a conducive environment for investment. The Ministry of Justice used the platform to emphasise the importance of transparency and accessibility, underscoring the need to provide industry professionals with easy access to market data and insights, available on the Ministry’s website, as well as across Property Finder. Attendees also explored best practices around expanding available market data by integration of insights across the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Municipality, Ministry of Internal Affairs platforms, to further empower brokers and drive industry progress. During the meeting, H.E. Mr. Saeed bin Abdulla Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting all parties involved in the development of Qatar’s real estate sector. He also commended the partnership between the Ministry and The Real Estate Regulatory Authority – Aqarat, as well as with the private sector, stating “We are dedicated to establishing a robust legal and regulatory framework that enhances transparency, facilitates investment and ensures the sustainability of Qatar’s real estate market. By working closely with both public and private sector partners, we aim to create conducive environments for all stakeholders, including brokers and developers, to thrive.” Eng. Khaled Al-Saeh, Country Manager of Property Finder – Bahrain & Qatar, praised the Ministry’s initiative, stating, “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to participate in this dialogue, and actively contribute to this collaborative platform alongside government entities and the private sector. Our shared goal is to drive the real estate sector forward through innovative technology and providing data our users can trust, therefore we look forward to continued partnerships and similar initiatives in the future.” As the first meeting of its kind dedicated to real estate brokerage developments in Qatar, this initiative marks a significant step in the Ministry of Justice’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between public and private stakeholders. Through strategic partnerships and continuous engagement, the Ministry is committed to fostering a thriving and well-regulated real estate sector in Qatar.
