Sidra Medicine introduces Qatar’s first advanced gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease and thalassemia
First Patient Onboarded for Treatment Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has been qualified by Vertex Pharmaceuticals as one of a of a limited number of hospitals in the world, to administer Casgevy, a groundbreaking, one-time CRISPR/Cas9-based gene therapy treatment. Casgevy is now available in Qatar for patients aged 12 years and older, living with transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT) and severe sickle cell disease (SCD). Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: “We are proud to be chosen as the first hospital in Qatar to deliver a gene editing therapy with the potential for a functional cure. This milestone reinforces Qatar’s position as a regional leader in advanced medicine and precision health. Through our collaboration with Vertex, we are bringing the world’s first approved medicine using the Nobel Prize winning CRISPR/Cas9 technology to treat transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and severe sickle cell disease. The therapy is available to children in Qatar and the broader MENA region.” Approved by the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar (MOPH), as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other agencies, Casgevy is the first-in-class CRISPR/Cas 9 gene-edited therapy that targets the genetic root cause of these inherited blood disorders. The therapy has shown transformative outcomes for patients with sickle cell disease and independence from regular blood transfusions for patients with transfusion dependent beta thalassemia. Hisham Hagar, Executive Country Manager at Vertex GCC, said: “The launch of the CRISPR/Cas9 therapy in Qatar represents a significant leap forward in our efforts against serious diseases. This achievement is a direct result of our invaluable partnership with Sidra Medicine and reinforces Vertex’s mission to transform lives through scientific innovation. We are confident that this treatment will offer the potential for a durable and impactful treatment option for eligible patients with transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and severe sickle cell disease in Qatar.” Sidra Medicine currently follows approximately 150 to 200 children in Qatar diagnosed with thalassemia and sickle cell disease. While not all of them need gene-therapy, Casgevy is reserved for patients with the most severe form of SCD or TDT — those still experiencing frequent pain crises, stroke risk, or the cumulative burden of lifelong transfusions despite the best medical care. For this group, where conventional treatment is no longer enough, Casgevy offers something genuinely new: a one-time intervention aimed at the root cause. Dr. Chiara Cugno, Acting Chief of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant and Director of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core at Sidra Medicine, said: “The introduction of Casgevy marks a historic advancement for people living with transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and severe sickle cell disease. This therapy offers not only hope but the potential for a functional cure, by addressing these diseases at their genetic origin. Our team at Sidra Medicine has worked closely with Vertex to ensure that all clinical, ethical, and technical processes are in place to deliver this treatment safely and effectively.” Sidra Medicine’s approval as a Casgevy treatment center means that eligible patients in Qatar will now have access to this one-time, potentially curative therapy closer to home. It has just onboarded its first patient who is currently undergoing assessment for the therapy. Dr. Ahmed Al Hammadi, Chair of Pediatric Medicine at Sidra Medicine said: “Our goal is to ensure that every child treated at Sidra Medicine receives not only the most advanced therapies but also compassionate, family-centered care throughout their journey. Casgevy represents more than a scientific breakthrough. It embodies our commitment to improving the lives of young patients living with these challenging conditions. By integrating innovation with compassion, we are redefining what it means to deliver excellence in pediatric care.” Prof. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine, added: “This milestone exemplifies our precision health vision, where treatment is guided by each patient’s unique genetic makeup. By bringing transformative gene therapies like Casgevy to Qatar, Sidra Medicine is leveraging cutting-edge research and clinical practice to deliver personalized care for children living with rare and inherited diseases. This is a testament to our national commitment to advancing genomic medicine and positioning Qatar as a leader in precision health across the region.” Casgevy has already been successfully administered to patients globally outside of clinical trials, achieving transfusion independence and significant improvements in quality of life. With this milestone, Sidra Medicine reaffirms its vision to become a regional center of excellence in pediatric cell and gene therapy, expanding access to advanced, personalized, and life-changing treatments. The treatment journey The treatment journey at Sidra Medicine will begin with the safe collection of a patient’s stem cells through apheresis. The cells, in collaboration with Vertex, are then sent to expert laboratories, where they undergo gene editing and validation using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Once edited, the cells are returned to Sidra Medicine and preserved until infused. Before infusion, the patient receives chemotherapy to prepare their body to accept the new cells. The gene-edited cells are then infused back into the patient, where they begin to grow in the bone marrow and start producing healthy red blood cells. This complex and highly specialized process is followed by a comprehensive post-treatment recovery and long-term monitoring plan led by Sidra Medicine’s multidisciplinary team in pediatric hematology, oncology, nephrology, and the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility.
Startup Grind Doha Highlights Mental Resilience as a Core Pillar for Founder Success in Qatar
UK-trained CBT therapist Lorna Devine In the evolving landscape of startups in Qatar, a critical yet often under-discussed issue has begun to take center stage: founder mental wellbeing. As Qatar entrepreneurs continue to drive innovation across sectors, conversations around emotional resilience and psychological performance are becoming essential within the broader Qatar business ecosystem. A recent virtual session hosted by Startup Grind Doha addressed this growing concern, positioning mental fitness as a strategic advantage rather than a personal afterthought. The initiative reflects a wider shift in Qatar startup news and Qatar corporate news, where sustainable performance is now closely linked to founder wellbeing. According to insights shared during the session, founders operating in high-growth environments—particularly within venture capital Qatar and funding in Qatar ecosystems—are under constant pressure. From investor pitching and scaling operations to managing teams and navigating uncertainty, the cognitive and emotional demands are significant. Yet, these challenges often remain invisible within mainstream business news Qatar coverage. The session, titled “The Inner Game of Building a Startup: How to Lead and Perform with Clarity, Composure and Conviction,” brought together founders from Doha and key global startup hubs. It underscored a critical parallel: just as elite athletes invest in mental conditioning, founders must actively develop psychological resilience to sustain peak performance. Expert-led discussions emphasized that high-performing founders frequently experience internal stress, self-doubt, and performance anxiety—factors that directly impact decision-making, leadership effectiveness, and long-term business outcomes. This is particularly relevant in fast-growing sectors such as technology startups in Qatar and innovation-driven industries, where agility and clarity are paramount. A key takeaway was the importance of structured mental frameworks. Founders were encouraged to build awareness of their thought patterns and adopt evidence-based techniques such as cognitive reframing, mindfulness, and stress regulation. These tools are increasingly recognized within Qatar industry news as essential for leadership development. The discussion also highlighted that long-term success in BusinessInQatar is not solely driven by external metrics like revenue or valuation. Instead, it is rooted in internal foundations—self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a clear sense of purpose beyond the business itself. This aligns with evolving Qatar economic policy narratives that emphasize human capital development alongside financial growth. Interactive segments explored practical challenges faced by founders, including managing energy during business networking in Qatar, overcoming procrastination, and maintaining composure under external expectations. These insights are particularly valuable for emerging founders navigating company formation in Qatar and early-stage scaling. As DohaBusiness continues to expand and attract global attention, initiatives like this reflect a maturing ecosystem—one that recognizes the importance of holistic founder development. With increasing focus on investment in Qatar and Qatar development, integrating mental resilience into the entrepreneurial journey is likely to become a defining factor in long-term success. This shift signals a broader transformation in Qatar market news, where performance is no longer measured purely by output, but by the sustainability and wellbeing of the individuals driving innovation.
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
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)
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.
Baraha Ramadan Nights at Mandarin Oriental, Doha: A Refined Culinary Journey in the Heart of Msheireb
Mandarin Oriental, Doha has unveiled Baraha Ramadan Nights — an elevated Iftar and Suhour experience set beneath the open-air ambience of Barahat Msheireb, offering guests a sophisticated setting to embrace the spirit and traditions of the Holy Month. Blending Qatari hospitality with Mandarin Oriental’s signature culinary excellence, Baraha Ramadan Nights brings together the warmth of Ramadan gatherings and the artistry of world-class gastronomy. Families and friends are welcome to enjoy a generous culinary experience featuring traditional Ramadan favourites and contemporary dishes prepared across 14 live cooking stations, showcasing flavours from the region and beyond. A Thoughtfully Curated Iftar & Suhour Guests are invited to break their fast with an abundant spread of classic Ramadan specialities and signature dishes from the hotel’s acclaimed dining venues. The atmosphere at Barahat Msheireb — elegant, serene, and open-air — creates an ideal setting for meaningful conversations, connection, and reflection. A Signature Ramadan Cake from The Mandarin Cake Shop Adding a refined touch to the season, The Mandarin Cake Shop introduces a standout creation from The Heritage Cake Collection:a pistachio dacquoise layered with pistachio namelaka and Medjool date crémeux, crafted as an elegant centrepiece for Ramadan gatherings. The cake is available for pre-order at QAR 350. Ramadan Retreat Package For guests seeking tranquillity during the Holy Month, Mandarin Oriental, Doha presents a peaceful Ramadan Retreat Package. The experience includes: Wellness & Inner Harmony at The Spa The Spa’s Resilience & Self-Love Retreat offers a sanctuary for mindfulness and renewal.This two-hour immersive experience (QAR 1,600) includes: Reservations For bookings and full Ramadan offerings, visit:https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/doha/msheireb/ramadanor call +974 4008 8888.
Qatar Unveils Major Tech & Investment Reforms as Prime Minister Opens Web Summit Qatar 2026
Qatar’s ambition to become a leading global technology and innovation hub accelerated yesterday as HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially inaugurated the third edition of Web Summit Qatar, the MENA region’s fastest-growing technology event. The summit runs until 4 February at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, gathering global tech leaders, investors, founders, and policymakers. The opening ceremony marked a milestone moment for Qatar’s digital transformation agenda, with the government announcing a series of high-impact initiatives designed to expand the nation’s technology, entrepreneurship, AI, and investment ecosystems. USD 2 Billion Expansion of the Fund of Funds Programme In one of the summit’s most significant announcements, Qatar confirmed a USD 2 billion expansion of its national Fund of Funds programme, which supports venture capital firms and high-growth startups across strategic sectors. This expansion strengthens Qatar’s position as a global capital hub and sends a clear signal to international investors seeking a stable, innovation-driven market. 10-Year Residency for Entrepreneurs & Executives Qatar also announced a long-term 10-year residency scheme for: This new visa category aims to attract world-class talent and incentivise founders to build and scale their companies from Qatar — a major step in advancing the country’s competitiveness on the global innovation map. Faster, Simplified Company Registration As part of ongoing reforms to improve the ease of doing business, Qatar introduced accelerated company registration procedures, enabling startups and investors to establish operations faster and more efficiently. These improvements reinforce Qatar’s goal of becoming one of the world’s most business-friendly jurisdictions, especially for early-stage and scaling companies. Launch of Qai — Qatar’s National AI Company Another headline announcement was the launch of Qai, Qatar’s new national AI company, signalling a powerful move to position the nation at the center of global AI development. Qai will focus on: The initiative aligns with Qatar’s broader national strategy to integrate AI across education, industry, energy, healthcare, mobility, and smart cities. A Transformational Edition of Web Summit Qatar With thousands of global delegates, investors, and startups converging in Doha, Web Summit Qatar 2026 is on track to become the region’s most influential gathering for: This year’s edition cements Qatar’s rise as one of the world’s most dynamic markets for entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and investment.
