Qatar Airways Appoints Hamad Ali Al-Khater as New Group Chief Executive Officer, Marking a Strategic Leadership Milestone
In a defining moment for Qatar’s aviation leadership, Qatar Airways Group has announced the appointment of Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The appointment signals a renewed strategic direction for the national carrier as it strengthens its global network and continues its legacy of operational excellence. Al-Khater succeeds Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who has served the airline group with distinction. Qatar Airways Group extended its appreciation to Al-Meer for his contribution to advancing one of the world’s most awarded airlines. A Proven Leader in Aviation and Energy Prior to joining Qatar Airways Group, Hamad Ali Al-Khater served as Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport (HIA)—one of the fastest-growing and most advanced airports globally. During his tenure, he oversaw: Al-Khater’s leadership at HIA solidified the airport’s reputation as a global hub of innovation and service excellence. Before his aviation career, Al-Khater held several high-impact roles at QatarEnergy, where he led strategic business development, international partnerships, and major operational initiatives—experience that now strengthens his leadership capacity at Qatar Airways. Board Endorsement and National Significance His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Chairman of Qatar Airways Group Board of Directors, stated: “As we welcome Hamad Ali Al-Khater, we look forward to building on the strong foundations and expansive global network of Qatar Airways. This leadership transition reaffirms our commitment to world-class experiences, operational reliability, and aviation innovation.” Al-Khater now steps into a pivotal role as Qatar Airways advances its position as a global aviation leader and enhances its contribution to Qatar National Vision 2030 through connectivity, tourism growth, and international trade facilitation. A New Era for Qatar’s Flagship Carrier With global travel demand rising and Qatar positioning itself as a central aviation and logistics hub, the newly appointed CEO is expected to: Industry analysts view this appointment as a significant milestone in the airline’s evolution, reinforcing Qatar Airways’ role as a catalyst for economic diversification and global connectivity.
MENA Fintech & Insurtech Festival 2025 Concludes in Doha, Accelerating Digital Transformation Across the Region
The MENA Fintech & Insurtech Festival 2025 successfully concluded its fourth edition at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre (DECC), reinforcing Qatar’s position as a rising hub for digital finance, insurtech innovation, and economic transformation. Over two days, the festival convened global and regional leaders across financial services, insurance, technology, investment, and regulation—uniting the industry to define the future of digital economies across the MENA region. This year marked a milestone with the festival’s expanded dual-focus format, integrating both fintech and insurtech under one powerful platform. Designed as a high-impact B2B matchmaking hub, the event brought together startups, investors, insurers, banks, regulators, and technology providers, advancing a shared mission: to accelerate financial inclusion, strengthen digital capabilities, and foster cross-sector collaboration across MENA. The opening ceremony featured a keynote address by the Director General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Federal Republic of Nigeria, who highlighted how AI, mobile technology, open banking, embedded finance, and digital infrastructure are reshaping global financial systems. He emphasised the growth of Bank 4.0, the importance of interoperable innovation, and proposed a unified MENA–Africa Digital Fintech Corridor to enhance connectivity, resilience, and inclusive growth across the Global South. Across the festival, attendees engaged in high-level discussions, fireside chats, and hands-on workshops exploring: Reflecting on the success of the event, Malik Shishtawi, President of the MENA Fintech & Insurtech Festival, stated: “This year marked a major milestone as we brought fintech and insurtech innovators together on one stage. The MENA region is undergoing a historic digital transformation—powered by national vision strategies, progressive regulators, and a vibrant ecosystem of innovators. The collaboration and energy we witnessed reaffirm that this region is actively shaping the global future of financial and insurance technology.” The 2025 edition strengthens Qatar’s role as a regional catalyst for innovation, economic diversification, and digital transformation, fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. For more information on upcoming editions, visit menafintechfestival.com.
DOC Medical Center – Izghawa Branch Launches Qatar’s Flagship MBST Regenerative Therapy Center in Joint Venture with Nabina Group
DOC Medical Center has officially launched its new Izghawa Branch, establishing Qatar’s first flagship hub dedicated to MBST® (Molecular Biophysical Stimulation) regenerative therapy through a landmark Joint Venture with Nabina Group’s Healthcare Division. The center positions Qatar at the forefront of non-invasive regenerative medicine in the GCC, reinforcing the nation’s growing influence as a regional healthcare innovation leader. The new facility will serve as the country’s premier destination for this groundbreaking German MBST technology, offering evidence-based therapy for chronic pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, sports injuries, spine conditions, and degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. As the MBST Master Licensee for the entire GCC, Nabina Group’s partnership with DOC Medical Center creates a transformative model of collaboration aimed at expanding the therapy across the GCC and Africa. This launch aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, advancing national goals in health innovation, wellness, active ageing, and knowledge-based economic development. A Strategic Joint Venture Driving GCC-Wide Medical Innovation Mr Mansoor Nabina, CEO of MBST Qatar and Healthcare Division Lead at Nabina Group, highlighted the regional significance of the partnership: “As the MBST Master Licensee for the GCC, our Joint Venture with DOC Medical Center establishes the Izghawa Branch as the cornerstone of our regional expansion strategy. This is more than opening a clinic — it is the activation of a regional gateway for MBST regenerative technology. Our vision spans across the GCC and into Africa, and DOC Medical Center – Izghawa will serve as the model for clinical excellence, patient outcomes, and therapeutic innovation. We are proud to bring world-class, non-invasive regenerative solutions to Qatar and beyond.” Through this partnership, the center will offer exclusive MBST treatment protocols, supported by advanced diagnostics and patient-monitoring systems designed to deliver superior regenerative outcomes without surgery or medication dependency. Leadership Insight: Transforming Qatar’s Healthcare Landscape Dr Emmanuel Tolessa, Founder and Chairman of DOC Medical Center Qatar, emphasised the national health impact: “The introduction of MBST technology through DOC Medical Center – Izghawa is a milestone in advancing Qatar’s healthcare standards. By partnering with Nabina Group, we ensure access to the most advanced regenerative medicine protocols. This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce invasive procedures and long-term medication use while improving the quality of life for patients living with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. With Qatar’s ageing population and increasing prevalence of joint and spine disorders, the new center will play a vital role in addressing national health priorities and supporting long-term wellbeing.” The Izghawa Branch will serve as the primary clinical and training hub for MBST therapy, enabling healthcare professionals across the region to access specialised certification, research insights, and application techniques. A New Era of Regenerative Medicine in Qatar The launch of the DOC Medical Center – Izghawa Branch marks a bold step forward in Qatar’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge medical technology, non-invasive regenerative therapy, and patient-centered healthcare innovation. With MBST now accessible through this flagship center, Qatar stands poised to become the GCC’s leader in regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal health, and advanced therapeutic solutions, offering life-changing treatments for residents, athletes, seniors, and individuals seeking long-term recovery without surgery.
MCIT Renews Its Framework Agreement with Google Cloud at MWC25 Doha, Strengthening Qatar’s Digital Transformation Agenda
• Renewal of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s (MCIT) master framework agreement with Google Cloud announced at MWC25 Doha• Agreement enhances secure cloud computing, AI integration, and data-driven government services across Qatar The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has officially renewed its strategic framework agreement with Google Cloud during MWC25 Doha, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation and building a world-leading smart government ecosystem. The renewed agreement empowers Qatar’s government entities to continue adopting secure cloud solutions, generative AI technologies, and advanced data analytics, all supported by Google Cloud’s local region in Doha. This collaboration strengthens operational efficiency, ensures resilient digital infrastructure, and enhances public service delivery in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s Digital Agenda 2030. Mr Sami Mohammed Al Shammari, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs at MCIT, and Mr Ghassan Kosta, Regional General Manager for Google Cloud across Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Iraq, signed the agreement. Driving Qatar’s Next Era of Digital Government Commenting on the renewed collaboration,Mr Sami Mohammed Al Shammari stated: “Our reinforced collaboration with Google Cloud has been instrumental in advancing Qatar’s digital landscape. Today, I am pleased to announce the renewal of this critical framework agreement at MWC25 Doha. This action is a clear testament to our successful partnership and Google Cloud’s tangible contributions to our nation’s technological advancement. By providing cutting-edge, secure cloud solutions—particularly in AI and data analytics—we are empowering government entities to enhance services, drive efficiency, and accelerate digital progress across all sectors. We look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership as we build Qatar’s digital future and realise the ambitious goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.” Google Cloud: A Strategic Partner in National Digital Transformation Mr Ghassan Kosta emphasised Google Cloud’s long-term commitment to Qatar: “We are deeply honoured and strategically committed to the renewal of our Master Framework Agreement with MCIT. Announcing this alliance at MWC25 Doha is a defining moment. MCIT’s continued confidence in Google Cloud—delivered through our local Doha region—affirms the unmatched value of our intelligent cloud infrastructure. From AI to robust security, we are committed to accelerating Qatar’s digital transformation, empowering public services, and supporting its dynamic, knowledge-based economy.” Building a Future-Ready Digital Ecosystem This renewed partnership is one of several high-impact digital initiatives unveiled during MWC25 Doha, all aimed at strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading regional hub for innovation, cloud technology, and AI adoption. MCIT continues to drive the development of an integrated national digital ecosystem, ensuring government entities have access to the best tools, global expertise, and world-class cloud infrastructure needed to deliver efficient, scalable, and citizen-centric services.
