Sidra Medicine Celebrates Seven Years of Advancing Medical Education in Qatar
Over 400 trainees graduate from pediatric residency and fellowship programs 20 January 2025, Doha, Qatar – Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has achieved remarkable milestones in medical education over the past seven years since its opening in 2018. From offering pioneering residency and fellowship programs that empower medical trainees to hosting globally recognized conferences, Sidra Medicine has transformed Qatar’s healthcare landscape and positioned itself as a reputable institution for medical expertise. Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Acting Chief Medical Officer and Chair of Medical Education at Sidra Medicine said: “When Sidra Medicine’s Medical Education pillar was established, our mission was to be ranked among the top academic medical centers in the world. I am pleased to see how far we have come on this journey and the big strides we have taken to develop the next generation of healthcare and research professionals. Our world-class events have positioned Qatar as a premier hub in the region for advancing medicine and research, attracting experts and delegates from around the world. As a proud Qatari institution, we are dedicated to empowering local and regional talent while maintaining a global outlook.” The Medical Education Department at Sidra Medicine vision is to set the highest standards of medical education and continuous professional development opportunities for healthcare professionals and offer medical trainees an exceptional educational experience to create safe and competent future doctors specialized in children’s and women’s health. “Each year Sidra Medicine offers thousands of education sessions with well over 10,000 credit hours. Our wide variety of offerings include workshops, medical simulations, seminars, symposia, grand rounds, conferences, journal clubs, and blended online learning modules. By transferring knowledge and advancing healthcare education, we are not only shaping the future of medicine but also fulfilling our mission to serve the unique needs of the Arab population,” continued Prof. Janahi. Sidra Medicine supports medical students’ clerkships and placements in pediatric and women’s healthcare, serving as a specialist teaching hospital for students from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar and Qatar University Medical College as well as research students from Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Since 2018, over 1,000 medical students completed their clerkship programs at Sidra Medicine, additionally, over 400 residents and fellows have graduated from Sidra Medicine’s pediatric residency and fellowship programs, which are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education – International (ACGMEI). The hospital’s medical education achievements also include institutional accreditation from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, enabling it to accredit residency training programs across multiple specialties. These efforts have elevated Sidra Medicine’s standing as a premier academic and healthcare institution. Its impact is further evidenced by its partnerships with leading institutions such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Sidra Medicine also offers innovative programs like the Introduction to Genomics (InGen) workshops, which in 2024 provided over 400 high school students with hands-on research experience. Sidra Medicine has established itself as a hub for international medical and research conferences and workshops, bringing globally renowned events to Qatar. In the past ten years, Sidra Medicine has hosted many events and conferences that have collectively drawn over 20,000 healthcare professionals and researchers. Notably, these gatherings have welcomed over 1,000 international participants from more than 23 countries, highlighting Sidra Medicine’s role in fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange All its conferences and workshops offer Continuous Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points which are accredited by the Department of Healthcare Professionals. In 2024, Sidra Medicine hosted the 31st Annual Scientific Meeting of the Middle East Fertility Society (MEFS), the largest organization in the region dedicated to advancing fertility care. In 2019, it proudly hosted the 6th World Congress of the World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgeons (WOFAPS), attracting over 800 surgeons from more than 80 countries. This landmark event, held for the first time in the Middle East, underscored Qatar’s emergence as a premier destination for advancing pediatric surgical care. Its annual conferences, such as the Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics Summit (PMFG) and the Pediatric Neuroscience Conference (PNC) have become signature events, attracting participants from across the Middle East and beyond. Sidra Medicine’s upcoming Gulf Pediatric Critical Care Conference (GPCCC) from 23 to 26 January is a testament to its ongoing dedication to providing access to cutting-edge education and medical education, as it is the first of its kind to be held in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Online slots are still available. Register virtually here. For additional information about Medical Education at Sidra Medicine, please visit: https://www.sidra.org/education/medical-education
Ibtechar Launches New Innovation Services at Doha Media Conference
Doha, Qatar – 12 January 2025: Ibtechar, an award-winning innovation agency based in Doha, has announced the launch of two new service offerings: Ibtechar Academy and Ibtechar Consultancy. The announcement was made at a media conference held on January 9th at the Chedi Katara Hotel in Doha, attended by representatives from major Qatari media outlets. CEO and Co-founder, Eng. Nayef Al-Ibrahim, presented the new services, outlining how they will support organisations and individuals in developing and implementing a sustained culture of innovation. Ibtechar Academy focuses on delivering specialised training programmes in areas such as digital upskilling, innovation methodologies, and personal development. Ibtechar Consultancy works with organisations to embed innovation into their culture, strategy, and operations. Eng. Al-Ibrahim detailed the services offered, referencing Ibtechar’s partnerships with the Global Innovation Institute (GInI) and UQ, and highlighting their work across diverse sectors in Qatar. He also showcased Ibtechar’s history of innovation, including the development and management of innovation spaces, their work with Barzan Holdings, and their recognition by the World Economic Forum. With the floor open to questions, Eng. Al-Ibrahim took the opportunity to engage with individual journalists on Ibtechar’s story so far, and plans for the future. Highlights from the Q&A session are presented below. Q: How does Ibtechar tailor its services to clients’ needs? “We customise our solutions by first understanding the client’s needs through an innovation maturity assessment. This helps us determine whether they want to develop internal innovation capabilities or outsource them. We’ve supported entities in both scenarios. For example, we helped Barzan Holdings develop a drone tracking project by outsourcing to an existing company. In other cases, we help entities build internal competency through tailored programmes, hubs (like incubation labs), and other resources. ” Q: Are there any plans to expand in the region? “While we see high demand in the open market, especially with the rise of innovation officers and government initiatives, our priority is fulfilling requirements in Doha for now. Our focus is on helping public, private and third-sector organisations here to enhance their services, products, or internal procedures. Regional expansion is something we have in mind for the future.” Q: What has been a pivotal moment for the company? “Every year has its moments. Founding Ibtechar was a proud moment for me. The first day we moved into our offices was a big one. The first day we secured funding was another. And of course the establishment of our new service areas, which we’ve showcased today. Each moment has a unique value.” Q: What kind of courses does Ibtechar Academy offer? Who can join? “Our services are primarily B2B and B2G. Ibtechar Academy specialises in end-to-end technology training. Our expertise lies in technology development, covering areas like language learning, cybersecurity, and AR/VR. We focus on developing innovative solutions.” Q: It seems your clients are mainly organisations or government entities. Do you target universities, given your training programmes? “Universities are a potential target audience. Our client base is primarily organisations and government entities due to our focus and engagement model. However, we have worked with universities, such as Qatar University, where we developed an innovation lab for their international innovation centre.” Q: What are the company’s core strengths? “Our integrated service offering, combining content, technology, and training, is a key strength. We’ve been doing this for ten years. We specialise in technology, making it easy to adapt to new technologies and customise training quickly. We also have proven experience in designing, supplying, and operating digital labs. In Ibtechar Consultancy, our ability to design, supply, and operate labs for different sectors is a unique strength. This has allowed us to build a strong service line supporting innovation in the market.” Q: How does the company cope with evolving obligations and market demands? “Every year brings new trends. Our focus is on adapting quickly and understanding the objectives behind those trends. This informs how we integrate new developments into our content and training programmes.” Q: Can you elaborate on the company’s growth from a small company to achieving a 100 million milestone? “It’s been a team effort. It took us ten years to reach this point. Growing from a small local company to achieving this figure demonstrates our dynamism and our credibility in the market — and we’re excited to see what the next ten years will bring.” For further information contact info@ibtechar.com
OPPO Unveils Innovative AI Solutions at the 2025 Google Cloud Shenzhen Summit to Boost Smartphone Productivity and Security
Qatar, Doha, January 10, 2025: Global leading smart device brand OPPO debuted at the 2025 Google Cloud Shenzhen Summit, announcing further expansion of its collaboration with Google Cloud in AI productivity applications and cloud security, unveiling a series of new features. Kai Tang, President of OPPO’s Software Engineering, said: “OPPO collaborates with top global technology companies with an open mindset, striving to integrate cutting-edge AI technology into our products. Google is one of the leaders in the global AI field, and I believe that the partnership between OPPO and Google will bring users a more efficient and secure next-generation AI experience.” （Kai Tang at Google Cloud Shenzhen Summit) OPPO and Google Expand Collaboration in AI Productivity In the Find X8 series launched in international markets, OPPO has utilized Google’s Gemini model in several efficient productivity tools: Based on the long-term collaborative achievements with Google in the field of AI, OPPO announces that it will introduce Google AI capabilities into more new application scenarios in the future, including: OPPO Collaborates with Google Cloud on Mobile Cloud Security Architecture While AI can bring significant convenience to users, many powerful AI applications still rely on the power of cloud computing. Ensuring the secure handling of user information in the cloud has become a significant challenge for the industry. OPPO believes smartphone manufacturers must work with cloud service providers and other partners to build end-to-end security and privacy protection capabilities, ensuring the optimal protection of user information. OPPO announced it would collaborate with Google Cloud on mobile cloud security architecture and develop Private Computing Cloud technology to provide users with a safer AI experience. OPPO is dedicated to making AI phones accessible to everyone. By developing its own AI technologies and collaborating with leading industry partners like Google, OPPO aims to deliver the best AI experience through its smartphone devices.
Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2025
Press ConferenceThursday, 9 January 2025 Key Highlights of the ConferenceImportance of the Marathon• A unique sports event aiming to promote health and fitness.• Reflects Ooredoo’s dedication to supporting sports and community. Partnership with Al Kass Channel• Official Broadcaster: Al Kass Channel announced as the official broadcaster of the Doha Marathon.• Live Broadcast: Enhances local and global audience reach. General Information about the 2025 MarathonInclusive and Innovative Edition:• Open to all age groups and abilities, featuring full marathons to kids’ races.• Kids’ race to be held on 16 January, a day before the marathon. • Gold Label Accreditation:• Achieved the Gold Label from World Athletics for the second consecutive time. • Inclusivity for Individuals with Disabilities:• Encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in races up to 21 km, with registration being free. Community Goals• Supporting Charities:• A portion of registration fees will go to charity, a tradition since the marathon’s start. • Encouraging Qatari Participation:• As part of Ooredoo’s dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle among Qatari runners, special cash prizes will be awarded to participants in the Al Adaam category. Key Statistics• Participant Numbers:• Over 15,000 runners from 140 nationalities.• 1,300 international runners. • Prizes:• Total prize pool of approximately QR 1 million.• Two Toyota cars will be raffled for marathon finishers. Marathon Route and Facilities• Carefully Selected Route:• Ensures a safe and smooth environment for all participants. • Free Parking:• Free parking near the race venue for participants and spectators. Events and Activities at the Marathon Village• Marathon Village Opening:• Located at Sheraton Park from 14 to 16 January.• Includes entertainment activities, live performances, and diverse food offerings. • Kids’ Race:• Dedicated race for children under 12 on 16 January. Summary of Events at the Marathon Village:• Day 1 (14 January 2025):• DJ Tarek’s energetic musical performance.• Jess Trio Band’s harmonious music. • Day 2 (15 January 2025):• DJ Tarek returns.• M&M duo blends music with elegance in their show. • Day 3 (16 January 2025):• Children’s entertainment show with acrobatics and engaging performances.• Science exhibition featuring interactive experiments and exciting demonstrations. • 14, 16, 17 January 2025:• White Parade adds joy with dynamic moves and lively beats.• The Kids’ Race Parade with clowns, costumed characters, and stilt walkers fills the streets with joy and excitement. New Features for 2025• Innovative Technology:o AI-generated participant videos and photos.o Instant digital participation certificates. • Enhanced Photography Services:o Introducing “Sportograf” for the first time to capture participants’ moments. About Sportograf:• A global platform specialising in sports event photography, known for high-quality documentation of marathons, triathlons, and more.Benefits of the Sportograf Service Safety Measures• Comprehensive Safety Plan:• A secure and well-defined route with integrated support services.• Medical drone in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation.• Dedicated safety monitoring team. Safety Details: Marathon Kit Distribution• Details:• Distributed at Sheraton Park from 14 to 16 January, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM.• Kits include a race T-shirt, medal, and timing chip. Sponsors and Partners• Supporting Partners: Ministry of Interior, Qatar Athletics Federation, and Hayya Platform.• Platinum Sponsors: Al Abdulghani Motors, Visir Qatar, Katara Hospitality, and New Balance.• Gold Sponsors: Doha Bank and Korean Medical Center.• Silver Sponsors: Rayyan Water, Qommunication, Qatar Insurance Company, Elan Group, and Rafeeq.• Other Supporters: Ministry of Defence and Ashghal Public Works Authority.
Jake Peacock Vs. Shinji Suzuki Muay Thai Clash Added To ONE 171: Qatar On February 20
8 January 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts organization, today announced that another marquee bout has been added to ONE 171: Qatar, presented by Visit Qatar, scheduled for Lusail Sports Arena on Thursday, February 20. English-Canadian star Jake Peacock will face Japanese veteran Shinji Suzuki in a three-round bantamweight Muay Thai contest. Fans interested in purchasing tickets can visit here. ONE 171: Qatar will also feature two massive World Title showdowns. ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his gold against #1-ranked contender Wei Rui, while ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will face interim titleholder Jarred Brooks for the third time in a World Title unification bout. More blockbuster matchups for ONE 171: Qatar will be announced at a later date. ONE Championship would like to thank official ONE 171 presenting partner Visit Qatar, official media partner Media City Qatar, official telecom partner Ooredoo, and official venue partner Lusail Sports Arena, as well as global energy drink partner Monster Energy and global blockchain partner Sui. ONE 171: QatarLusail Sports ArenaThursday, February 20, 2025 ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship(C) Jonathan Haggerty vs. (1) Wei Rui ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship(C) Joshua Pacio vs. (IC) Jarred Brooks Welterweight MMARoberto Soldic vs. Dagi Arslanaliev Bantamweight MMABibiano Fernandes vs. Kevin Belingon Featherweight MMA(3) Shamil Gasanov vs. (4) Martin Nguyen Atomweight MMA(5) Ayaka Miura vs. Ritu Phogat Bantamweight Muay ThaiJake Peacock vs. Shinji Suzuki About ONE Championship™ONE is the world’s largest martial arts organization, ranking among the world’s top-five sports properties for viewership and engagement with a cumulative reach of over 400 million fans, according to Nielsen. ONE produces and distributes world-class events across more than 190 countries, featuring martial artists and World Champions from over 80 nations and all styles of martial arts including MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and more. ONE can be viewed on many of the largest global free-to-air and digital broadcasters, including Prime Video, Sky Sports, Globo, beIN SPORTS, Channel 7 HD, Seven Network, SuperSport, DAZN, La Liga TV, Claro Sports, Star Sports, iQIYI, One Sports, U-NEXT, Coupang, NET TV, Vidio, Mediapro, Skynet, Mediacorp, Match TV, and more. About Visit QatarVisit Qatar is the main arm of Qatar Tourism, the regulatory body of the tourism sector in Qatar. Visit Qatar’s mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, enhancing Qatar’s calendar, becoming the leading MICE destination in the region, diversifying events and luxury experiences. Visit Qatar is rooted in Service Excellence, boosting the entire tourism value chain, and increasing local and international visitor demand in Qatar. Through Visit Qatar’s network of international offices in priority markets, cutting-edge digital platforms, and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is expanding Qatar’s presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Nine Qatari business leaders make it to Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs 2024
Forbes Middle East released its fourth annual list of the region’s top CEOs earlier this year, a list that recognises business leaders who have made a significant impact over the past year. The list features 100 CEOs from companies based in the MENA region, representing 19 nationalities. Here are the nine Qatar-based business leaders who have been recognised for their achievements and the success of the companies they lead. 04 HE Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs As Deputy Chairman, President and CEO of QatarEnergy – roles that he took on in 2014, HE Al Kaabi became the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Deputy Chairman of QatarEnergy in 2018. In May 2024, QatarEnergy finalised a US$6 billion agreement with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to build 18 state-of-the-art QC-Max LNG vessels. Prior to that, In February 2024, QatarEnergy announced the ‘North Field West’ project, aiming to boost Qatar’s LNG production capacity to 142 million tonnes annually by 2030, an 85 percent increase from current levels. 10 Nasser Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa As Group CEO of Qatar National Bank – Al-Khalifa joined in 1996 and assumed his current role in November 2018. In 2023, QNB’s assets increased by 4 percent to US$338.2 billion, and net profit rose by 8 percent to US$4.3 billion. In May 2024, QNB extended its partnership with Ooredoo Fintech to develop fintech services and digital innovation in Oman. 36 Aziz Althuman Fakhroo The Group CEO & Managing Director of Ooredoo Group since November 2020, Fakhroo had been overseeing operations across 10 countries in the MENA and Southeast Asia. In June 2024, Ooredoo announced a partnership with NVIDIA to tap into the growing demand for generative AI, accelerated computing, and hyperconnectivity. In the first quarter of 2024, the group reported revenues of US$1.6 billion and total assets of US$15.6 billion. 59 Bassel Gamal As Group CEO of Qatar Islamic Bank, Gamal has led QIB since 2013. In 2023, the bank reported US$52 billion in assets, US$3.1 billion in revenues, and US$1.2 billion in net profits, up 6.6 percent from 2022. In November 2023, QIB issued a US$500 million five-year sukuk. Gamal also chairs QIB-UK and sits on the board of QInvest. 64 Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal Al Thani The Group CEO of Doha Bank, Sheikh Abdulrahman took on his current role in October 2023. As of June 2024, Doha Bank operated 17 branches in Qatar, four overseas branches in the UAE, Kuwait, and India, and representative offices in the UK, Singapore, Turkiye, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Nepal. In the first half of 2024, it reported US$118.8 million in net profits and US$29.1 billion in assets. In May 2024, the bank launched a new mobile banking app, now handling nearly 89 percent of transactions. 70 Abdullah Al Sulaiti Al Sulaiti joined Nakilat in 2011 and became CEO in 2013. Nakilat operates one of the world’s largest LNG fleets, with 69 LNG carriers, four very large LPG carriers, and a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). The company has 27 new LNG carriers on order, plus nine QC-MAX carriers and four LPG/Ammonia carriers. In March 2024, Nakilat signed a long-term charter agreement with QatarEnergy for 25 LNG vessels. Al Sulaiti also chairs Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions and Qatar Fabrication Company, and is a board member of Gulf Drilling International. 78 Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida Al Jaida took on his role in June 2015. In the first half of 2024, QFC registered 505 new companies, bringing its total to over 2,200. QFC also launched Qatar’s first Digital Assets Lab, focusing on Digital Ledger Technology solutions. Al Jaida serves on the boards of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers, Qatar Finance and Business Academy, Qatar Free Zones Authority, Qatar Stock Exchange, and Sidra Medicine. 80 Tarek El Sayed El Sayed has been CEO and managing director of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company, a subsidiary of Al Faisal Holding, since 2017. ARTIC’s portfolio includes over 35 hotels and projects across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America. In November 2023, ARTIC signed a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts to rebrand its Times Square, New York, hotel as Crowne Plaza. El Sayed previously served as group CFO for Al Faisal Holding. He recently claimed the 26th spot in Forbes ME’s 2024 ‘Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders’. 82 Salem Al Mannai Al Mannai joined QIC Group in 2001 and became group CEO in 2020. In 2023, the group operated in 11 countries, generating $2 billion in revenue and a net profit of $169 million, recovering from a $325 million loss in 2022. Al Mannai also chairs the MENA Insurtech Association and played a key role in launching Qatar’s Third Financial Sector Strategy in 2023 with Qatar Central Bank, aiming to position Qatar as an innovative financial hub.
QIA’s US$1 billion investment in VC funds upped Qatar as a startup hub
Dima Wahbeh, deputy country manager, Qatar at Web Summit, in conversation with Aparajita Mukherjee details what the maiden edition achieved for the venture capital market, analysing what’s up the sleeve of Web Summit in 2025 especially in the realm of policy making. “For the second year, many of the biggest wealth funds and VCs in the world will be at Web Summit Qatar to connect with 15,000 attendees, 1,000 startups, 400 investors and global leaders in Doha.” In its inaugural year, Web Summit Qatar gathered the largest and most globally diverse cohort of startups to ever gather in the region – more than 1,000 startups from 80 countries – to connect with a new generation of investors and partners hailing from countries such as Qatar, the US, Egypt, Brazil, Italy, Nigeria, the UK, India, and beyond, discloses Dima Wahbeh, deputy country manager, Qatar at Web Summit. Naming the prominent names at the last edition of Web Summit Qatar 2024, Wahbeh says, with unbeatable confidence, “There were Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Tik Tok, Snap, Microsoft, AWS, Meta, and more that took part: and we expect to see the same calibre of international tech companies, including Open AI, Amazon and Microsoft – as well as thousands of young promising entrepreneurs from around the world – join us in Doha in February 2025.” Many of these startups from Web Summit Qatar 2024 have received funding off the back of connections made at Web Summit Qatar, according to Wahbeh. According to Crunchbase, a cumulative $243m+ has been raised by Blend, Colendi, OTO, YoLa Fresh, Kebotix, Chowdeck, Intron Health, PairedWorld, ORA Technologies, and KalPay. Web Summit Qatar offers an incredible platform to startups, and we are excited to see the next generation of startups join us in Doha again next February, she says. For the second year, many of the biggest wealth funds and VCs in the world will be at Web Summit Qatar to connect with 15,000 attendees, 1,000 startups, 400 investors and global leaders in Doha. Increasingly, some of the most active players in the technology industry are sovereign wealth funds, the most active of which are in the Middle East, and all of them will be at Web Summit Qatar 2025. “So, if you’re a fast-growing company thinking about your next funding round, a reasonable place to spend a day or two is Web Summit Qatar,” discloses Wahbeh, adding, “We recently announced our first 25 speakers for Web Summit Qatar 2025 and will be announcing more shortly. We look forward to sharing more details about Web Summit Qatar in the weeks ahead.” What transpired at Web Summit 2024 Discussing the details of what impact the maiden edition of Web Summit 2024 could achieve, Wahbeh says that the team were delighted to see many impactful events take place at Web Summit Qatar 2024 showcasing the potential of the country’s startup ecosystem. She adds, “On Opening Night at Web Summit Qatar 2024, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, announced that the QIA would be investing US$1 billion in venture capital funds to support entrepreneurs and startups in Qatar. This announcement demonstrated Qatar’s dedication to becoming an attractive destination for startups to establish themselves and grow, and cements Qatar’s status as a global startup hub.” Wahbeh informs that 24 memoranda of understanding were signed at Web Summit Qatar 2024: and the event saw the successful registration of more than 200 companies through the Startup Qatar initiative. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology also launched the Digital Agenda 2030 live on stage, outlining a roadmap for a knowledge-based economy in Qatar, she discloses. Analysing the impact of these measures, Wahbeh says, “The announcements and initiatives have had a hugely positive impact on the Qatar startup ecosystem, and we believe that this will continue to grow in the years ahead and during Web Summit Qatar’s tenure in Doha.” In your experience of holding such summits all over, do policy changes happen as a result of holding such events? Is there some monitoring mechanism that Web Summit have? In Wahbeh’s opinion, host cities play a crucial role in Web Summit events, collaborating closely with organisers to enhance the experience for attendees and bolster the city’s positioning as a global startup hub. “Naturally we work with host cities to assess that impact, and demonstrate the success we can help deliver.” She goes on to cite the example of Lisbon’s, adding that its position as a global innovation hub has grown significantly since it began hosting Web Summit, with Web Summit helping to attract investment and connect Portugal to international markets. Inward investment in Portugal has soared over the past decade: Web Summit partners that have opened offices in Portugal include Google, BMW, Amazon, Daimler, Huawei and Cloudflare. “There are now 4,073 startups in Portugal, up from 821 startups in 2016, when the first Web Summit Lisbon took place – an increase of 496% over this period. The number of unicorns in Portugal has grown from 1 to 7 between 2016 and 2022: all have attended Web Summit. Additionally, the economic impact Web Summit has had in Lisbon has been significant, with the data showing Web Summit generating more than €200 million worth of economic activity the week of the event,” discloses Wahbeh, concluding that host cities are motivated to host events like Web Summit to position themselves as key players in the global tech community, ultimately driving local economic growth and innovation. Impact on the economic front Talking us through some of the highlights of the impact of the Summit on the Qatar economy, Wahbeh says that hosting a Web Summit event has a significant impact on the local economy, bringing attendees from across the world to a host city for a number of days. “For Web Summit Qatar 2024, over 15,000 attendees came to Doha, booking over 38,000 nights in Doha hotels, and 19,000 flight segments. The average stay in Doha for an attendee
Sidra Medicine launches Qatar’s first cord blood bank
Sidra Medicine has recently launched the country’s first cord-blood banking service which will offer families a unique opportunity to preserve families’ newborns’ stem cells in Qatar, for potential future medical needs. This has been under a partnership with CellSave Arabia, a leading name in the field of biotechnology research. Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the blood from a newborn’s umbilical cord and placenta after birth. The collection is painless, non-invasive, and risk-free for the mother and baby. Cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which have the potential to treat various medical conditions, including certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune system diseases. Professor Johnny Awwad, chair of women’s services at Sidra Medicine said: “As the only facility in Qatar providing local cord blood storage, Sidra Medicine offers an unparalleled advantage by keeping the samples in the country. This ensures their optimal quality and immediate access when needed most, compared to having them shipped from abroad. Cord blood is increasingly being stored by parents everywhere, who are seeking to preserve their child’s stem cells as they can be crucial for their child or their sibling/s in the future. Our commitment to the latest technology and international standards further guarantees the utmost reliability and peace of mind for families in Qatar.” All the cord blood samples will be sent to Sidra Medicine’s Cord Blood Bank in its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility, where cryogenic freezing will allow them to be stored securely for over 30 years. To expand its reach to other families in Qatar, Sidra Medicine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CellSave Arabia, and the services are available to any family in the country choosing the joint Sidra Medicine and CellSave Arabia service as their stem cell storage provider regardless of whichever hospital their baby is born in. Alia Abdel-Razeq, COO of CellSave Arabia said at the MoU signing ceremony with Sidra Medicine: “Partnering with Sidra Medicine marks a pivotal step in our commitment to healthcare innovation in Qatar. By utilizing Sidra Medicine’s exceptional facilities and expertise, we can significantly elevate our service offerings, ensuring that families in Qatar have access to vital stem cell banking services that support their future health needs.”
Ryoko, a pocket-size wireless modem
Ryoko is a game-changer for anyone needing reliable internet on the go. This compact, pocket-sized wireless modem creates a personal Wi-Fi network using 4G LTE, ensuring a stable and fast connection wherever you are. It’s especially ideal for travellers, remote workers, or those weary of unreliable public Wi-Fi in cafés or hotels. The device is incredibly easy to use—just turn it on, and you’re connected with no complicated setup or contracts. Its small size makes it convenient to carry easily into a pocket. The battery lasts up to 15 hours, making it perfect for long days away from home. It supports up to 10 devices simultaneously, allowing multiple people to share the connection, making it an excellent choice for families or small teams. With speeds up to 150 Mbps, users can stream HD content, download files quickly, and even make Skype calls without interruption. Ryoko eliminates high roaming charges and the security risks of public Wi-Fi. Whether in a remote location or needing a reliable internet connection at home, Ryoko ensures you’re always connected, secure, and productive. It’s a must-have for anyone on the move. To buy online, visit Ryoko Router.
From a board role to a CEO: Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch’s seemingly effortless transition
Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO, Sidra Medicine is no stranger to the world of decision-making while being a medical professional. In a candid conversation, Dr Tinubu-Karch talks about the transition to a CEO and the values it demanded inculcated in her, apart from the role technology plays in diagnostics today. “Technology is the cornerstone of our ability to expand and enhance our clinical services, ensuring we provide exceptional care for women and children.“ “Stepping from the boardroom into the CEO role has been an incredible journey. While my board role focused on strategic oversight and high-level decisions, my current position has immersed me in the daily operations of Sidra Medicine. This deeper involvement has provided invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face, which allows me to ensure our teams have the necessary resources to excel in patient care, research, and education,” says Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO, Sidra Medicine. One of the biggest shifts for Dr Tinubu-Karch has been getting to know the people on a deeper level. Witnessing their commitment firsthand is truly inspiring and reinforces her responsibility to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, according to Dr Tinubu-Karch, who actively seeks input from diverse perspectives within the organisation, believing as she does that this collective wisdom leads to more informed and effective decision-making. “Healthcare is a dynamic field. As CEO, I need to make sure that we as an institution are agile and adaptable. This means being committed to nurturing a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. By embracing change and fostering a growth mindset, we can ensure that Sidra Medicine remains at the forefront of women’s and children’s healthcare,” informs Dr Tinubu-Karch. On the role that technology plays in advancing clinical care at Sidra Medicine, Dr Tinubu-Karch is forceful about Sidra Medicine’s commitment to embracing the latest technological advancements based as it is on the belief that advanced technology is essential for the institution to remain a leader in patient care, adding, “Technology is the cornerstone of our ability to expand and enhance our clinical services, ensuring we provide exceptional care for women and children.” Dr Tinubu-Karch adds that Sidra Medicine has become a regional pioneer in gene therapy, harnessing the power of technology to revolutionise treatment options for genetic diseases. Our administration of Elevidys for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and our unique position as the sole provider of gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in Qatar exemplify this commitment. How has Dr Tinubu-Karch’s background in geriatric medicine shaped your approach to healthcare leadership? Dr Tinubu-Karch informs that her background in geriatric medicine has profoundly influenced her approach to healthcare leadership. She details, “In geriatrics, you learn to consider not only the immediate medical issues but also the broader context of a patient’s life – how their environment, family support, mental well-being, and social circumstances all influence their health. This perspective is essential for providing compassionate, effective care, and it informs how I lead a multidisciplinary team, with a collaborative agenda at a healthcare institution like Sidra Medicine.” Geriatric medicine, Dr Tinubu-Karch adds, emphasises long-term health and quality of life, not just treating immediate symptoms. “This philosophy is central to Sidra Medicine’s approach. We’re not only focused on acute interventions but also on providing sustainable, comprehensive care that supports the overall well-being of our patients and their families. My background has instilled in me a deep respect for the continuity of care, which we strive to deliver at every stage of a patient’s journey here,” says Dr Tinubu-Karch. Innovations in healthcare At Sidra Medicine, innovation is at the heart of our mission to provide exceptional care for children and women. Dr Tinubu-Karch talks about several ways in which Sidra Medicine is constantly striving to achieve new milestones and push the boundaries of healthcare through several key initiatives. One key area is our Clinical Trials Program, which focuses on trials directly benefiting children in the Arab region, informs Dr Tinubu-Karch. The trials could offer children the chance to receive beneficial treatment whether it is a new drug, therapy, device or procedure before it becomes widely available, she says, adding, “Our programme addresses the historical lack of research for the Arab population, enabling us to develop personalised and effective treatments.” In tandem, Sidra Medicine has also established the first pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) programme in Qatar, in partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Additionally, our precision medicine initiatives leverage genomic data to personalise care plans, using advanced technologies such as Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to identify disease-linked genetic variations and Zebrafish Functional Genomics Facility for rapid gene mutation identification. We are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our operations to empower our patients and optimise our workflow. Global healthcare trends in women’s and children’s health
