Hope in Action : The UNHCR–Qatar Partnership
A UNHCR staff member smiles with an internally displaced woman (IDP) inside her tent at an IDP gathering site near Kassala, Sudan. So far, 400 UNHCR tents have been erected at the site, which is expected to host some 800 families newly displaced by severe flooding in the region, as the rainy season sets in. © UNHCR/Aymen Alfadil Driving change for millions — how Qatar’s commitment to the world’s displaced is reshaping humanitarian response. By Aparajita Mukherjee Ahmed Mohsen, UNHCR Representative to the State of Qatar, in conversation with Business Leaders Qatar. BL Talk us through your career path. Ahmed Mohsen My career has been anchored in a strong commitment to human rights and advancing protection for forcibly displaced individuals. With academic degrees in international human rights law, international criminal justice, and risk, crisis, and disaster management, I have always believed that rigorous theory must be reinforced by practical field engagement. I began my journey with UNHCR as a volunteer in Cairo — an experience that shaped my understanding of community-based protection. Over the past two decades, I have served in complex operational contexts including Egypt, Eritrea, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, and Syria, working across managerial, legal, protection and external relations functions. Before assuming my role as UNHCR Representative to Qatar in July 2023, I served as Deputy Representative to the GCC countries in Riyadh. BL As UNHCR Representative in Qatar — one of UNHCR’s top donors — what are the strategic priorities before you? Ahmed Mohsen UNHCR continues its efforts to sustain the long-standing strategic partnership with the State of Qatar and to expand collaboration with Qatari institutions. Qatar has long been one of UNHCR’s major donors, providing predictable and flexible contributions to life-saving programmes in the MENA region and beyond. The Office aims to expand engagement across Qatari NGOs, foundations, philanthropists, and the corporate sector — broadening collaboration to encompass resource mobilisation, advocacy, innovative financing, and sustainable humanitarian responses. “Qatar’s engagement goes beyond financial contributions — it reflects a broader approach grounded in international solidarity and responsibility-sharing.” — AHMED MOHSEN, UNHCR REPRESENTATIVE TO QATAR As winter grips Syria, displaced and returnee families continue to endure freezing conditions in damaged or inadequate shelters. UNHCR is on the ground providing winter kits and cash assistance to help the most vulnerable stay safe and warm. © UNHCR/Hameed Maarouf BL Qatar participated in the 2026 UNHCR Annual Pledging Conference in Geneva. Could you reflect on the pledge Qatar made? Ahmed Mohsen Qatar reaffirmed its support through a multi-year contribution for 2025–26, led by HE Jawhara bint Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN. This renewed commitment comes at a time of growing humanitarian needs and widening funding gaps. For UNHCR, predictable and multi-year support is critical — it allows us to respond to immediate needs, plan more effectively, support durable solutions, and ensure continuity of assistance to the most vulnerable. BL Talk us through the National Asylum System MoU between UNHCR and Qatar. Ahmed Mohsen The MoU signed with Qatar’s Department of Human Rights at the Ministry of Interior signals a shift from access-based to system-based protection, enabling UNHCR to support the implementation of a nationally owned asylum framework aligned with international standards. This partnership positions UNHCR as a trusted technical adviser, incorporating international protection principles into Qatar’s legal and administrative systems. BL Qatar contributes to UNHCR operations in Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and for Rohingya refugees. What light can you throw on these contributions? Ahmed Mohsen Qatar’s overall contributions to UNHCR, exceeding US$440 million (QR1.6 billion) since 2010, have supported more than 9 million forcibly displaced people. These contributions fund education, healthcare, shelter, cash assistance, and livelihoods programmes — all essential to safeguarding the dignity of displaced populations. In 2025, contributions included: access to secondary healthcare for Syrian refugees in Jordan; cash assistance for displaced families in Yemen; core relief items in Chad, Djibouti, and Ghana; and cash and shelter assistance for returnees in Syria. UNHCR Distribution in Adra Saida Governorate in south Lebanon, UNHCR distributed core relief items to displaced families in a collective shelter in Saida. © UNHCR/Houssam Hariri UKRAINE RESPONSE In September 2025, UNHCR signed a US$5 million (QR18.2 million) agreement with Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) to rehabilitate war-damaged homes and community infrastructure in Ukraine. Over 12 months, this will benefit more than 4,000 internally displaced persons and returnees — helping them return to safe and dignified living conditions. Since February 2022, close to 55,000 war-damaged homes have been repaired as part of UNHCR’s shelter programme. BL Qatar reaffirmed its support for UN refugee efforts in New York. Could you detail the ways Qatar would support this? Ahmed Mohsen During a meeting between HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and UN High Commissioner Dr. Barham Salih in New York in March, Qatar reaffirmed its strong and sustained support for UNHCR’s mandate. Qatar emphasised its continued backing for humanitarian operations, readiness to support global initiatives for displaced communities, and engagement with multilateral partners to address regional displacement challenges. “The High Commissioner welcomed Qatar’s ongoing humanitarian contributions and its constructive role in collective responses to refugee crises worldwide.” — UNHCR, MARCH 2026 BL On a short- to medium-term roadmap for UNHCR in Qatar, what would be the focus action areas? Ahmed Mohsen The 2026 planning figure for forcibly displaced and stateless populations stands at 136 million. UNHCR’s proposed budget for 2026 is US$8.505 billion — a reduction of US$2.1 billion versus 2025, reflecting strategic prioritisation rather than reduced need. In Qatar, focus remains on partnerships and resource mobilisation. Top countries funded by Qatari partners include Yemen, Bangladesh, and Lebanon. UNHCR has expanded Islamic philanthropy tools, including the Refugee Zakat Fund and the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees (GIFR). Since 2018, Qatari private sector partners have contributed over US$130 million (QR473.2 million) to the Refugee Zakat Fund, assisting more than 3.3 million displaced Sudan : Forcibly displaced and host communities go back to school after two years of conflict. © UNHCR/Antonia Vadala
Qatar’s Window to the Universe
The Blue Horsehead Nebula (IC 4592), captured over seven nights from Sawda Natheel, southern Qatar. Image courtesy: Rabeea Alkuwari / NASA APOD A striking deep-space image captured from Qatar’s desert skies by astrophotographer Rabeea Alkuwari, selected as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day. Qatari astrophotographer Rabeea Alkuwari has once again captured the world’s attention — and NASA’s — after his breathtaking image of the Blue Horsehead Nebula (IC 4592) was selected as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day, marking his third such recognition from the world’s most celebrated space agency. Shot across seven painstaking nights from Sawda Natheel in southern Qatar, the image required two adjacent frames stitched together to capture the nebula’s full scale — a technical feat that reflects both the complexity of deep-sky imaging and the extraordinary clarity of Qatar’s desert skies. The subject, IC 4592 — the Blue Horsehead Nebula — is a reflection nebula in the constellation Scorpius, illuminated by the bright star Nu Scorpii. Its delicate blue hues and vast celestial structure make it one of the most visually striking deep-sky objects, and one of the most technically demanding to photograph. “Being able to share my work from the premium skies of Qatar with the world is always a pleasure.” -RABEEA ALKUWARI, ASTROPHOTOGRAPHER A mechanical engineer by profession and a stargazer by passion, Alkuwari’s achievement is a powerful reminder that world-class scientific artistry can emerge from right here in Qatar — from its silent desert plains, its expansive dark skies, and from the quiet ambition of those who look upward and refuse to stop reaching. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR QATAR Alkuwari’s recognition places Qatar on the global map of scientific and creative achievement — not through imported expertise, but through homegrown talent. His work demonstrates that Qatar’s people are capable of contributing to humanity’s greatest pursuit: understanding the universe. NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day programme, running since 1995, features a single image each day selected by professional astronomers for its scientific and artistic merit. To be selected once is remarkable. To be selected three times — from the same patch of desert sky in southern Qatar — is extraordinary. In a nation building its future across technology, science, education and culture, Alkuwari’s lens has become one of Qatar’s most powerful instruments of achievement — pointing not inward, but outward, into the infinite. “World-class scientific artistry can emerge from right here in Qatar.” -BUSINESS LEADERS QATAR
Richard Whitehead MBE: Redefining Possibility, One Stride at a Time
Two-time Paralympic gold medallist. Four-time world champion. The fastest double-amputee marathoner in history. Richard Whitehead MBE has become a global symbol of resilience, inclusion, and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. Born with a double through-knee congenital amputation, Richard Whitehead has spent his life challenging expectations and redefining what athletic achievement looks like. In this exclusive interview with Manu G Parmar, Whitehead opens up about his remarkable journey, the values that drive him, and why Qatar’s inclusive sporting vision resonates deeply with him. From the Pool to the Podium “Sport began for me with swimming and gymnastics — disciplines that taught me balance, agility, and coordination. They built the foundation that later helped me excel across multiple sports,” says Whitehead. His breakthrough came at the Winter Paralympics in Turin in 2006. From there, he transitioned into athletics, competing in London, Rio, and Tokyo — accumulating two gold medals, two silvers, and four world titles along the way. But it was an earlier moment that truly changed everything. “Running the New York Marathon in 2004 was transformative. It proved to me — and to those watching — that I belonged in elite sport. Not as a disabled athlete. As an athlete.” Defining Milestones Of all the sporting firsts associated with Whitehead, two stand above the rest. New York Marathon, 2004 “My first marathon. I didn’t know if I could finish — yet that vulnerability changed my life. It proved that athletes with disabilities deserve equal opportunities to compete at the highest level.” London 2012 Paralympic Gold “Winning in front of 80,000 people wasn’t just a medal moment — it was a platform to showcase the extraordinary potential of people with disabilities.” A Vision Built on Community For Whitehead, personal achievement has always been inseparable from collective responsibility. “Invest in the people around you. Success becomes more powerful when shared — and your platform should uplift the next generation.” It is a philosophy that informs everything he does — on and off the track. Qatar’s Sporting Vision Whitehead speaks about Qatar with genuine admiration, grounded in personal experience. “I’ve competed — and won — in Doha before, and the progress I’ve seen since then is extraordinary. Qatar has world-class infrastructure and a strong commitment to helping young people lead active, healthy lives.” What stands out most to him is Qatar’s approach to inclusion. “Qatar is ensuring that individuals with physical, learning, or hidden disabilities have full access to sport. Physical activity is a fundamental right, and Qatar is leading by example.” When asked what more Qatar needs to become one of the foremost sports-hosting nations in the region, Whitehead believes the foundation is already strong. “Qatar places humanity and the spirit of sport at the centre of its vision. To elevate further, the country should continue amplifying diverse role models — especially those from disability communities. Beyond sport, it’s about strengthening ecosystems in education, employment, and public life so individuals with disabilities can thrive across society.” A Message to Runners Worldwide Whitehead’s message is clear and universal. “Anything is possible. I didn’t start by running 20 marathons a year — it began with one race. The hardest part isn’t the distance; it’s taking that first step towards taking control of your life.” He points to Qatar as a living example of this philosophy in action. “Sport enriches every aspect of who you are. And Qatar demonstrates this beautifully — its running events, triathlons, and challenges such as Samla show how deep the sporting culture runs. Most importantly, sport in Qatar is truly accessible. Everyone has the opportunity to discover their potential.” The Book That Could Be Asked whether he has considered writing a book, Whitehead’s answer is thoughtful and telling. “Yes, I’ve thought about it. A book lets you document not only your achievements, but the possibilities ahead. I wouldn’t write it to showcase success, but to reflect who I am — an athlete, a father, a leader, and a person with multiple layers of identity. I want it to be honest, meaningful, and something I’m truly proud of.” Short Shot Best run: “Every marathon teaches me something. London, New York, Rome, Doha — each one is unique.” Go-to book: “I follow my curiosity — often audiobooks, journalism, history, or Japanese philosophies on wellbeing.” Inspiration from: “People. Everywhere I travel, I see individuals overcoming obstacles in different ways.” Relaxation mode: “Quiet moments, long walks with my kids, music, visualisation, and time for self-reflection.” Lift-me-up quote: “Come the hour, come the man. And of course — Believe. Achieve.” Lessons That Shape a Leader Whitehead identifies two pillars that guide his personal and professional philosophy. Perseverance“Embrace every stage of the journey — the highs and lows. Each experience strengthens your clarity and purpose.” Resilience“Challenges are inevitable. Overcoming them builds the emotional and mental strength needed for future obstacles.” Interview conducted by Manu G Parmar. Richard Whitehead MBE is a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, four-time world champion, and the fastest double-amputee marathoner in history. Photo credit: David Baird (*Black & White)
How AI Agents Can Power Qatar’s Next Wave of Institutional Innovation
Qatar is not just adopting the future — it is actively designing it. From smart stadiums to world-class digital government platforms, Qatar has consistently transformed bold ambitions into operational realities. As Artificial Intelligence evolves beyond experimentation into everyday institutional use, Qatar is poised for its next major leap: agentic AI. What Is Agentic AI? Unlike traditional AI, which primarily offers insights and predictions, agentic AI functions like a team of digital colleagues. These AI agents coordinate tasks across departments, trigger workflows, monitor performance, and adapt in real time — all within human-defined guardrails. For Qatar’s public sector, financial institutions, energy leaders, and large enterprises, this translates into: Faster, more efficient services Smarter, data-driven decisions More resilient and adaptive operations Automated compliance and end-to-end citizen journeys Continuously optimised assets and early warning systems for policy and operational risks Qatar’s Unique Advantage Qatar’s edge lies not only in its speed of AI adoption but in its institutional quality — supported by nationally aligned priorities, strong cloud and data foundations, and a long-term vision for innovation. However, agentic AI is not a plug-and-play technology. It represents a fundamental operating model upgrade. Institutions must: Define clear roles and boundaries for AI agents Set access and decision rights with precision Ensure transparency, auditability, and security by design Build robust data readiness and modern AI-native architectures Align responsible AI governance with Qatar’s regulatory environment and public trust Innovation in Action A compelling example of this transformation is the Silicon to Service initiative, powered by Dell and NVIDIA. This programme provides the advanced infrastructure and integrated capabilities needed to accelerate AI adoption while maintaining data sovereignty — helping organisations across the region harness AI’s potential responsibly. One standout collaboration involves a world-first Equestrian AI judging application developed with a Qatar-based company. This agentic system autonomously evaluates, adjudicates, and learns — reducing human bias and removing the need for manual judging. It is a powerful demonstration of what agentic AI can achieve when applied to real-world challenges. Building Qatar’s AI-Ready Future With a strong local presence and deep sector expertise, Deloitte has been actively supporting Qatar’s journey from AI experimentation to full institutionalisation. Working closely with technology partners, policymakers, and institutional leaders, the focus remains on: Building agent-ready platforms Prioritising high-impact use cases Creating scalable, responsible AI solutions Agentic AI stands to be the catalyst that transforms Qatar’s vision into a new global benchmark for modern governance and enterprise — illustrating, in the most tangible terms, how AI agents can power Qatar’s next wave of institutional innovation. Aditi Nitin is a Partner at Deloitte leading the AI & Data practice in the Middle East. With over 22 years of experience across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, she advises clients on data and AI-driven transformation to support growth.
Sony and Modern Home Launch WF-1000XM6 Earbuds in Qatar
New flagship earbuds brought advanced noise cancelling, premium sound, and improved comfort to the local market Sony, represented in Qatar by Modern Home, launched its new WF-1000XM6 truly wireless earbuds, introducing the latest generation of its acclaimed 1000X audio range to the Qatar market. The launch also included a new Sand Pink colourway for the WH-1000XM6 wireless over-ear headphones, expanding Sony’s premium personal audio portfolio in the country. The new earbuds arrived as Sony continued to strengthen its position in the premium audio segment, with the WF-1000XM6 designed to deliver stronger noise cancelling, clearer sound, enhanced call quality, and a more refined ergonomic fit compared to the previous-generation WF-1000XM5. In Qatar, the new products became available through Modern Home at Al Maha Center on Salwa Road, as well as Fnac stores at Lagoona Mall, Doha Festival City, and Place Vendôme, alongside other major electronics retailers. A key highlight of the WF-1000XM6 was its upgraded noise cancelling capability. Sony stated that the earbuds delivered a 25 percent further reduction in noise compared to the predecessor model, particularly improving performance in mid-to-high frequency environments such as cafés and public transport. The earbuds featured the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3e, supported by four microphones and Sony’s Integrated Processor V2, enabling more precise real-time analysis of environmental noise and fit conditions. Sony also focused heavily on sound performance. The WF-1000XM6 combined dual processors, enhanced DAC amplifier performance, and a newly developed driver unit to create a richer and more detailed listening experience. The earbuds supported Hi-Res Audio Wireless, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, head tracking, and a 10-band EQ adjustable through the Sony Sound Connect app, offering users more control over their listening preferences. To refine the audio signature further, Sony worked with a group of Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated mastering engineers, including professionals associated with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Bob Dylan, and Alicia Keys. This collaboration reflected Sony’s continued emphasis on reproducing music as closely as possible to the creators’ original intent. For voice calls, the earbuds were equipped with two microphones and a bone conduction sensor on each side, supported by an AI beamforming noise reduction algorithm. This system was developed to isolate the speaker’s voice more accurately, even in crowded or noisy settings. Sony also introduced notable design improvements in the new model. The WF-1000XM6 featured a body approximately 11 percent slimmer than its predecessor, helping it sit more naturally in the ear for extended wear. A revised ventilation structure was also added to reduce internal noises such as footsteps and chewing sounds, contributing to a more comfortable daily listening experience. On the connectivity and convenience front, the earbuds included support for LE Audio, improved antenna design for more stable connections, and compatibility with Google Gemini for hands-free assistance. Battery performance offered up to 8 hours of listening on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case, with support for wireless charging through Qi technology. Sony also highlighted its sustainability efforts, stating that approximately 25 percent circular material was used in the plastics allocated to the WF-1000XM6, while the packaging was designed to be plastic-free. Alongside the earbuds, Sony introduced the Sand Pink version of the WH-1000XM6 headphones, reflecting the growing demand for headphones that combined premium sound with lifestyle-driven design. The new shade joined the existing Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue options. With this launch, Sony and Modern Home further expanded Qatar’s access to high-end consumer technology, targeting users seeking premium audio performance, comfort, and design in one package. In a market where lifestyle, mobility, and innovation continued to shape consumer demand, the arrival of the WF-1000XM6 reinforced Sony’s ambition to stay ahead in the premium wireless audio category.
3 things to know about cancer and your heart: Mayo Clinic expert shares tips to reduce risk
Doha-Qatar. — As cancer therapies improve and increasingly achieve cures or recurring periods of remission, preventing and managing damage to organs from cancer treatment has become a top concern. That includes injury to the heart, says Joerg Herrmann, M.D., a cardiologist and the founder and director of the Cardio-Oncology Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. As physicians and researchers work to prevent, diagnose and treat heart damage from cancer therapies, they also have learned about connections between cancer and the heart that go beyond the cardiac effects of cancer treatments. Dr. Herrmann shares three things to know: 1. There is a “web of risk factors. Cancer and heart disease have common risk factors, Dr. Herrmann says. Those include lifestyle habits. “We call it the web of risk factors. Some of the very same lifestyle-related factors can set patients up for both cancer and cardiovascular disease,” he explains. “Smoking is a prime example. It increases the risk of lung and other cancers and coronary artery disease, heart attacks and peripheral artery disease.” In addition to not smoking, you can reduce your risk of cancer and of heart disease by achieving a healthy weight; avoiding or moderating alcohol use; controlling cholesterol (some cancer treatments can worsen cholesterol levels); getting enough sleep; and adopting a healthy diet with fruit and vegetables, he adds. Physical activity is another important factor. It has been shown to reduce heart damage risk during cancer treatment, help prevent cancer recurrence and improve cardiovascular outcomes, Dr. Herrmann says. “The more elements of a healthy lifestyle you meet, the better your health projection is for the heart and cancer,” he says. “You will reduce the risks of two of the leading killers and increase life expectancy.” Cancer and heart disease can actually be risk factors for each other. “We’ve realized that the relationship between cancer and heart disease works in both directions,” Dr. Herrmann says. “Cancer itself can impact the cardiovascular system apart from cancer therapies, and vice versa. Patients with heart failure or other cardiovascular diseases have a higher risk of cancer.” 2. A variety of things may be done during cancer treatment to reduce risk to the heart. Which treatments are given and how can affect the risk of heart damage, Dr. Herrmann says. For example, the medical team may: Use treatments that minimize harm to healthy tissue, such as targeted therapies or proton beam therapy. Stagger certain chemotherapy drugs to give the heart a chance to heal between treatments. Use medications that protect the heart during chemotherapy. Use techniques to shield healthy tissue during radiation therapy, such as body positioning and breath-holding to provide greater separation between the tumor and the heart. “These shielding efforts have come a long way for adults and children who have cancer,” he says. 3. Artificial intelligence and wearables are promising innovations. The goals of Dr. Herrmann’s research including developing tools that predict – before treatment – who is at high risk of heart damage from certain cancer therapies. This would enable shared decision making among patients and their care teams about the approach to treatment. He and his colleagues are also working on therapies to mend hearts broken by chemotherapy and to develop easier and more cost-effective surveillance strategies for cardiovascular side effects of cancer therapies. Early detection and intervention are likely to lead to the best outcomes, Dr. Herrmann says. The use of wearables and artificial intelligence (AI) can help, he says. Research has found, for example, that applying AI to an electrocardiogram, a test that measures the heart’s electrical activity, may help detect a decline in heart function. “We’re interested in going further with AI technologies and developing simulations to show how different therapies would affect a given patient,” Dr. Herrmann says. Some patients remain at risk of heart disease for a lifetime after cancer treatment, but it’s impractical to do echocardiograms to look at the heart for the rest of their lives. Wearables to alert cancer survivors and their care teams to cardiac abnormalities are another promising area of research, he says. “We’ve come a long way in cardio-oncology. We have a much better understanding of what we can do to manage heart risk from cancer therapies,” Dr. Herrmann says. “Patients are in much better place now than they were even 10 years ago.”
FIFA World Cup 2026 Set to Begin as Planned
The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 is on track to kick off as scheduled, reaffirming confidence in what is set to be the largest and most ambitious tournament in football history. Despite ongoing global challenges and logistical complexities, organizers have confirmed that preparations remain firmly on course for a seamless start in June 2026. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will mark a historic milestone as the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format. This evolution reflects FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and global growth, offering more nations the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage. Officials across the three host countries have reiterated that infrastructure, security planning, and stadium readiness are progressing as expected. Key host cities—including New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City—are undergoing final phases of preparation, ensuring they are fully equipped to welcome millions of fans from around the world. The 2026 edition will also set a new benchmark with 104 matches scheduled across multiple venues, culminating in the final at the iconic MetLife Stadium. Organizers have emphasized that lessons learned from previous tournaments, including FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, are being applied to enhance fan experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability. While there have been discussions around security coordination and funding in certain regions, authorities have assured stakeholders that these issues are being actively addressed. Collaborative efforts between governments, local agencies, and international bodies are reinforcing confidence that all systems will be fully operational well ahead of kickoff. Commercial interest in the tournament remains exceptionally strong, with global sponsors, broadcasters, and tourism sectors already gearing up for unprecedented engagement. The expanded format is expected to drive record-breaking viewership and economic impact, benefiting host cities and participating nations alike. As qualification campaigns reach their final stages, teams from across the globe are preparing to secure their place in football history. The excitement surrounding the tournament continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be a truly global celebration of the sport. With all major preparations aligned and momentum steadily building, the message from organizers is clear: the FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin as planned, setting the stage for a landmark tournament that will redefine the scale and spirit of international football.
Brookfield and QAI Form $20 Billion Strategic Investment Partnership for AI Infrastructure
A landmark joint venture set to strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional hub for artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and innovation-led growth Brookfield, a leading global alternative asset manager headquartered in New York, and Qai have announced a landmark strategic partnership to establish a US$20 billion (QR72.8 billion) joint venture focused on developing AI infrastructure in Qatar and selected international markets. Under the partnership, Brookfield and Qai will contribute both capital and operational expertise to invest in advanced AI infrastructure across Qatar, including the development of fully integrated AI facilities designed to support the country’s rapidly expanding digital and artificial intelligence ecosystem. The initiative is expected to benefit from strategic support from the Government of Qatar, particularly in building the skills base and supply chain capabilities required to underpin the next generation of AI infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across the country. The US$20 billion joint venture is poised to play a central role in supporting Qatar’s ambition to become a leading hub for AI services and infrastructure in the Middle East. At the heart of the initiative will be an Integrated Compute Centre, which will expand regional access to high-performance computing and enable the deployment of trusted AI technologies across key sectors. Beyond Qatar, Brookfield and Qai will also explore opportunities to co-develop and construct AI infrastructure in selected international markets, extending the reach of the partnership and positioning it as a significant player in the global AI ecosystem. Brookfield and its partners plan to invest in the venture through the recently launched Brookfield Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Fund (BAIIF). The partnership with Qai will serve as a cornerstone of Brookfield’s wider global AI infrastructure strategy, which aims to mobilise up to US$100 billion (QR364 billion) in total investment worldwide. Commenting on the announcement, Mohammed Saif Al Sowaidi, CEO of QIA, said:“QIA has been at the forefront of driving advancement through our AI investments. This joint venture is testament to QIA’s commitment to delivering both local and global impact. Leveraging on the long-term partnership we have with Brookfield, this JV will advance Qatar National Vision 2030 and help build a diversified, innovation-based economy for future generations.” Abdulla Al Misnad, Chairman of Qai, described the partnership as an important step in the nation’s digital transformation journey.“This partnership with Brookfield marks an important milestone in Qatar’s journey to build world-class AI infrastructure and capabilities. By leveraging Brookfield’s expertise in developing and managing critical infrastructure alongside Qai’s mission to deliver trusted AI solutions, we are creating a robust platform to drive responsible AI adoption.” He added:“This collaboration will not only attract investment and top-tier talent, but also strengthen Qatar’s position as a trusted hub for advanced digital technologies in the region and beyond.” Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield, also underscored the significance of the venture, saying:“Qatar has a clear ambition to lead in AI and next-generation digital infrastructure. We are pleased to announce our inaugural AI infrastructure investment in the Middle East alongside Qai. This partnership combines Qatar’s strategic vision with Brookfield’s global expertise in developing and operating large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure with global partners.” He continued:“Together, we look forward to building an integrated AI ecosystem that will accelerate innovation, deepen regional capability, and support the responsible deployment of advanced AI technologies across the Middle East.” This strategic partnership reflected a major milestone in Qatar’s ongoing drive to diversify its economy, strengthen its digital capabilities, and position itself at the forefront of emerging technologies. With substantial investment, international expertise, and national support aligned behind the initiative, the Brookfield-Qai venture signalled a bold step toward shaping the future of AI infrastructure in Qatar and beyond.
Ambition, Drive, Solution-Driven: Capital for a Growth Story
Mohab Mohammed Kamal, Founder and CEO of ConnectED, Doha, Qatar. At 16, Mohab Mohammed Kamal has already done what most founders spend years trying to do — find a real problem, build a real product, and make people care. Meet the founder of ConnectED. By Aparajita Mukherjee About the founder: Mohab Mohammed Kamal, 16 years old. Founder and CEO of ConnectED — a platform connecting high school students, schools, and universities globally. Founded in May 2025. Based in Doha, Qatar. The Problem Nobody Had Solved It started with a feeling every high school student knows — the overwhelming, directionless confusion of figuring out what to do with your life. Mohab Mohammed Kamal was 15 when he felt it. He had questions and nowhere to go for answers. What is my passion? What should I study? How do I even reach out to a university? The platforms that existed were dense, outdated, and built for someone else. Handshake, for example, connects university students to employers. Nobody was connecting high school students to universities — at the moment they needed it most. So Kamal built it himself. “ConnectED is a three-sided marketplace connecting high school students, schools, and universities. The problem exists on every side simultaneously — students are lost, schools have no real infrastructure to guide their students, and universities have no efficient way to reach the right students early. We fix all three in one platform.” After surveying over 200 students who shared the same struggle, the idea became a mission. Built by Gen Z, for Gen Z — the way this process should have always worked. BL: How do schools and universities benefit from ConnectED? Schools finally have a real tool. Right now counsellors are managing hundreds of students with no structured system — they can’t track where each student is in their individual journey, what they need, or where they’re headed. ConnectED gives schools full visibility and control over that entire process. For universities, the benefit is access. They currently spend enormous resources on recruitment with no efficient channel to reach the right students early. ConnectED gives them a direct line to motivated, relevant students at exactly the right moment — before those students have already decided to go somewhere else. BL: With no paid advertising, how are you managing growth? We built something people actually wanted to talk about. 706 users came through word of mouth, competition exposure, and the Web Summit platform. When you solve a real problem and you’re a 16-year-old who built it himself, people share it. That’s not a strategy you can manufacture — it comes from the product being real and the story being genuine. On top of that, we have a full organic marketing strategy ready to execute — social media videos, content, posts — all designed to grow the platform without relying on paid advertising. We’re just getting started on that front. BL: Talk us through your experience at Web Summit 2026. It was something truly amazing — and hopefully we’ll be back next year. Being the youngest exhibitor in the room, surrounded by some of the most serious founders, investors, and operators in the world — and holding our own — was one of the most defining moments of building ConnectED. The video that went viral gave us an enormous push. It made the platform more well-known across Qatar — students, institutions, and people we’d never reached before started finding us. We even had people reaching out wanting serious discussions about the platform off the back of it. That exposure proved that the story resonates well beyond just our immediate network. BL: What do your awards and competition wins mean for the journey ahead? They do two things. First, credibility — when you’re 16 and telling investors and institutions you’ve built something real, third-party validation matters. Winning against 200+ teams at Al Fikra, advancing at INJAZ Mubadara, the Lenabtaker Excellence Award — these aren’t participation trophies, they’re proof points. Second, network. Every competition puts you in a room with mentors, investors, and operators you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. That network compounds over time. BL: Do you plan to take ConnectED beyond Qatar? ConnectED was never a Qatar-only idea. The problem — students navigating university admissions with no real support — exists everywhere. Every country, every education system. Qatar is where we’re starting because it’s where we are, where we have traction, and where we can build the model properly before scaling. But the roadmap is global. The platform, the infrastructure, the marketplace model — it all travels. BL: With 706 registered users, how many have been accepted to a university? The honest context here is important. The 706 students came to the platform when it was still a prototype — when we only had the student side built. There was no school or university side yet, meaning the actual connection between students and institutions hadn’t been made yet. What we proved was demand — students found us and signed up organically. Right now we’re rebuilding the full platform with a professional development agency, adding the school and university layers properly. Before we launch, we’re going out to schools and universities directly to get them onboarded so that when we go live, the full flow is ready from day one. That’s when we’ll be able to track outcomes end-to-end — and it will become one of our strongest proof points. BL: Once you go to university yourself — how do you plan to sustain ConnectED? I have two options — either stay in Qatar and continue running ConnectED from here, or take it with me to whichever university I end up at. Either way, my goal is to have the entire business sorted, structured, and self-sustaining before I head to university. The team, the processes, the partnerships — everything in place so that ConnectED can manage itself whether I’m in Doha or anywhere else in the world. The company shouldn’t depend on me being in one place. That’s
Baraha Ramadan Nights at Mandarin Oriental, Doha: A Refined Culinary Journey in the Heart of Msheireb
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