ONE 171 Official Press Conference Highlights & the Best Quotes
February 18, 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship™ (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, in partnership with Visit Qatar, today held the official pre-event press conference for ONE 171: Qatar. In the main event, ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will face off against interim title holder Jarred Brooks for the third time in a highly anticipated World Title unification bout. In the co-main event, ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his belt against Chinese icon Wei Rui. ONE 171: Qatar will be broadcast live on Thursday, February 20, from Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail, Qatar. Fans can visit watch.onefc.com for more information on how to watch. ONE Championship would like to thank Official ONE 171 Presenting Partner Visit Qatar, Official Media Partner Media City Qatar, and Official Telecom Partner Ooredoo, as well as Official Energy Drink Partner Monster Energy, Official Blockchain Partner Walrus, and Official Venue Partner Lusail Sports Arena. BEST QUOTES Chatri Sityodtong – ONE Championship Chairman and CEO: “The world’s largest martial arts organization is coming back to the Middle East to throw the biggest spectacle across all these incredible disciplines, with the world’s greatest athletes, and the greatest martial arts on the planet. We are excited. And I tell you what, the main event and the co-main are absolutely barn-burning, explosive. I think both fights are going to end in a spectacular knockout. But here’s the thing, we have 14 fights. You look around just at this table right here, these are all killers and monsters, the very best of the best on the planet.” Joshua Pacio – ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion: “The difference this time is, of course, I’m going to win. Yeah, I’m going to win. The last time I won, but it’s not the way that we wanted to. And I don’t look [at the] past, I look forward, and here we are. It will be different. It will be different this time.” Jarred Brooks – ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Champion: “I want to be remembered as the true strawweight World Champion. I am very, very grateful for ONE Championship and the things that they have done for me. I promise you, Joshua, and I, we are more than willing and prepared, and I am going to go out and I’m going to finish him on Thursday, whether you like it, or you don’t, I’m going to go out and I’m going to finish him.” Jonathan Haggerty – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion: “I’d like to say thank you for having me. It’s an honor to be here. Thank you for ONE Championship. You know, I’m truly blessed to be doing what I love and traveling to beautiful countries like Qatar. I’m very excited to defend my belt against Wei Rui. You know, he’s a very credible opponent, the number one for a reason. We’ve left no stone unturned. turned. We’ve not overlooked him, and we’re just excited to put on a great performance for everyone.”Wei Rui – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title Challenger: “Yes, this is the first time I come to Doha, and I came here just for this world title belt. I will definitely bring this belt to China. Thank you.”
Huawei to Showcase Cutting-Edge Cloud and AI Innovations at Web Summit Qatar 2025
AI Pioneer Accelerates Intelligence with Everything as a Service Doha, Qatar – February 18, 2025 – Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, is set to showcase its latest Cloud and AI solutions at Web Summit Qatar 2025, taking place from February 23 to 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Under the theme “Accelerate Intelligence with Everything as a Service,” Huawei will demonstrate how its advanced technologies enable businesses and industries to harness the power of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation to drive unprecedented innovation and efficiency. Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, Web Summit Qatar returns for its second year, solidifying Qatar’s position as a global technology and innovation hub. The event brings together world-leading technology companies, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors, fostering discussions on the future of AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation. As an AI pioneer in industry applications, Huawei Cloud is driving industry intelligence by providing full-stack AI capabilities, including infrastructure, computing power, algorithms, development frameworks, and its advanced Pangu Large Models. Leveraging its CloudMatrix AI-native infrastructure, Huawei Cloud Stack, and Ascend AI cloud services, Huawei delivers massive AI computing power with unparalleled efficiency, offering flexible deployment options tailored to diverse enterprise needs. Huawei Cloud Stack provides an on-premise deployment mode for enterprises or governments that prefer to save data locally and develop foundation models independently. Meanwhile, Ascend AI cloud services offer a public cloud alternative for organizations that want to avoid the complexities of building and maintaining their data centers. The newly launched Pangu Large Model 5.0 offers advancements in multimodal capabilities, reasoning, and real-world applications across sectors such as autonomous driving, intelligent cities, robotics, industrial design, and drug R&D, solidifying Huawei Cloud’s position as a leader in AI-driven digital transformation. Building on these technical strengths, Huawei is redefining innovation through its “Everything as a Service” strategy, which offers fully digital, cloud-based, and AI-powered solutions across three key pillars: Infrastructure as a Service, Technology as a Service, and Expertise as a Service. At Web Summit Qatar, the company will showcase how this approach enables scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions tailored to the needs of governments, enterprises, and industries, empowering them to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. Rico Lin, President of Huawei Gulf North Region, stated: “At Huawei, we are committed to accelerating intelligence and enabling businesses to thrive in the digital era. Our participation at Web Summit Qatar 2025 underscores our dedication to providing innovative Cloud and AI solutions that empower industries to operate smarter, scale faster, and drive greater efficiency. As Qatar moves toward a knowledge-based economy, we look forward to collaborating with industry leaders, government stakeholders, and technology pioneers to support the country’s digital ambitions and shape the future of AI-driven innovation.” Under Infrastructure as a Service, Huawei Cloud’s KooVerse, which consists of 96 availability zones (AZs) in 33 regions, provides a unified architecture serving customers in more than 170 countries and regions to meet their diverse application scenarios through different modes of public cloud, private cloud, and edge cloud. Technology as a Service solutions enable businesses to innovate easily and modernize applications through Huawei’s R&D advances, delivered to customers, partners, and developers through cloud services. Huawei Cloud has built development production lines designed to accelerate enterprise application modernization. These include ModelArts, a one-stop AI platform that empowers developers and data scientists to rapidly develop and deploy models, driving intelligent upgrades across industries. DataArts, on the other hand, is a comprehensive data lifecycle management platform that provides end-to-end governance of databases, warehouses, data lakes, and AI, unlocking the full value of data. CodeArts is an all-in-one DevSecOps platform offering out-of-the-box cloud services for requirement delivery, code commit, testing, building, verification, deployment, and release throughout the entire software development lifecycle. Meanwhile, MetaStudio delivers cutting-edge tools for virtual avatar video production, livestreaming, and intelligent interaction, revolutionizing content creation across industries. Beyond technology, Huawei Cloud’s Expertise as a Service will highlight shared excellence and cloud-enabled industries. Huawei Cloud MacroVerse aPaaS opens up Huawei’s years of innovation and digitalization experience so that industry developers no longer need to reinvent the wheel, enabling industry scenario-based innovation in more than 10 vertical industries, such as government, finance, manufacturing, transportation, and meteorology. A key focus of Huawei’s participation will be introducing industry-specific AI applications, demonstrating real-world scenarios where AI and cloud technologies drive innovation. From AI-powered diagnostics in healthcare that improve accuracy and speed to predictive maintenance in manufacturing that reduces downtime and enhances productivity, Huawei’s solutions are transforming industries. The financial sector also benefits from Huawei’s AI-driven risk assessment and fraud detection capabilities, while the transportation industry is leveraging AI-powered logistics and fleet management to optimize routes and enhance efficiency. Huawei’s AI for Industries initiative is set to redefine the future of business operations by embedding AI into core decision-making processes. By integrating AI-driven automation across sectors, enterprises can increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and unlock new growth opportunities. Whether through smart urban planning, intelligent infrastructure, or AI-powered governance models, Huawei is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to shape the future of digital economies. This aligns with Qatar’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to harness AI, big data, and cloud computing to enhance public services, drive economic competitiveness, and build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. As Qatar strengthens its role as a digital powerhouse, Huawei remains committed to working alongside local enterprises, government entities, and global partners to build an ecosystem where cloud and AI technologies drive meaningful transformation. Huawei’s presence at Web Summit Qatar reinforces its commitment to supporting Qatar’s national digital agenda, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification, digital innovation, and smart infrastructure as key pillars for sustainable growth. Huawei invites attendees to its booth number E503 to experience live demonstrations, engage with industry experts, and explore how Cloud and AI technologies can transform businesses and industries.
Qatar Charity’s Projects Support 736,400 People Affected by the War in Sudan
The year 2024 marked a pivotal chapter in Qatar Charity’s over thirty-year humanitarian and developmental success story in Sudan. Throughout the year, Qatar Charity launched a series of impactful humanitarian projects, significantly aiding displaced families and communities affected by the war. These projects focused on alleviating the severity of the ongoing crisis, particularly in areas like food security, health sector support, and assistance to the most vulnerable groups in Sudan. Below are the key highlights showcasing the performance and accomplishments of Qatar Charity’s Sudan office in 2024. Food Security Initiatives In 2024, Qatar Charity launched one of its largest food security projects to date, distributing 50,000 food baskets to families affected by the war. Funded by the Qatar Fund for Development, this project was aimed at providing urgent relief to people impacted by the ongoing war and displacement. The baskets were distributed across multiple Sudanese states most severely affected by the conflict. In addition to the areas suffering directly from the war, the project also provided aid to states hosting large numbers of displaced people, particularly Khartoum and Al Jazirah. The initiative made a significant impact in easing the suffering of war-affected communities by improving their food security, providing essential food items of adequate quality and culturally appropriate for local diets. 300,000 Beneficiaries in War-affected States Qatar Charity’s field teams successfully delivered food assistance to the most impacted states, such as Khartoum, Al Jazirah, Sennar, Gedaref, Kassala, the Red Sea, Nile, White Nile, and Northern States. Approximately 300,000 people, including displaced persons and host communities, benefited from this food security project in 2024. The food baskets, distributed to 50,000 families, contained critical items such as flour, oil, rice, lentils, sugar, and milk. These provisions brought much-needed relief and comfort to the displaced families. Providing Essential Medications for Kidney and Cancer Patients As part of its emergency medical supplies project, Qatar Charity provided essential medications for kidney dialysis patients, cancer patients, and blood bank services. Supported by the Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity successfully distributed 70% of the received medical aid to regions in dire need of these supplies. This initiative focused on Northern, Nile, and Sennar States, where there was a severe shortage of medicines and medical consumables. It marked the first shipment of vital medication for kidney transplant and cancer patients following the outbreak of the war and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Improving Environmental Conditions for Displaced People In response to the urgent need for support in Kassala state in eastern Sudan, which received nearly 52,593 displaced families, including vulnerable groups like children and women, Qatar Charity implemented a project in 2024 aimed at improving environmental conditions for displaced people in shelters. The project provided essential healthcare services such as nutrition, vaccinations, and reproductive and mental health care in selected shelters. Five health centers were chosen for this initiative, which was recognized by local health and humanitarian authorities in Kassala as a model for responding to the needs of displaced communities. Environmental Sanitation Campaigns and Health Support The project to improve living conditions in the shelters also included essential interventions in water, sanitation, and hygiene. This included providing safe drinking water, maintaining health centers and facilities, distributing medical supplies, and conducting environmental sanitation campaigns. Over 7,000 people directly and indirectly benefited from the project in shelters such as Al-Mirganiya, Al-Suraybah, Al-Karmata, Biryay, and Tarawa. The project included waste management campaigns, training for shelter staff on water chlorination, and workshops on disease prevention for displaced families. Supporting Health Workers and Patients Qatar Charity continued its dedicated efforts to support Sudan’s healthcare sector in multiple ways. In addition to providing 60 tons of medicines, laboratory consumables, and blood bags, the organization also supported health workers, administrative staff, and patients at hospitals such as Al-Jikeeka in the Nile State and Bar Al-Walideen in the Karri locality of Khartoum state. This support was crucial in ensuring that healthcare services could continue amidst the ongoing crisis. Emergency Response to Floods and Heat Waves In collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Qatar Charity also launched an emergency response project to address the devastating impacts of floods and extreme heat in eastern Sudan. The project provided tents and shelter materials to displaced families affected by both the war and the climate crisis. This initiative was focused on providing shelter in Port Sudan, the capital of the Red Sea state, and in surrounding areas such as Sinkat. The partnership between Qatar Charity and IOM led to the provision of essential shelter materials to both displaced communities and host populations in the area. The support included blankets, mattresses, kitchen kits, solar-powered lighting, plastic water storage bags, personal item bags, and mosquito nets, helping thousands of displaced people cope with the harsh conditions. In summary, Qatar Charity’s efforts in 2024 were crucial in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs in Sudan, providing vital assistance in food security, healthcare, and emergency relief to those most affected by the ongoing crisis.
ONE 171: Qatar Open Workout And Meet And Greet Highlights
February 17, 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship™ (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, in partnership with Visit Qatar, held the ONE 171: Qatar Open Workout and Meet and Greet at the iconic Place Vendôme, featuring athletes competing at the event including Joshua Pacio, Jarred Brooks, Jonathan Haggerty, Wei Rui, Jake Peacock and Ritu Phogat. ONE 171: Qatar will be broadcast live on Thursday, February 20, from Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail, Qatar. Fans can visit watch.onefc.com for more information on how to watch. In the main event, ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will face off against interim title holder Jarred Brooks for the third time in a highly anticipated World Title unification bout. In the co-main event, ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his belt against Chinese icon Wei Rui. ONE Championship would like to thank Official ONE 171 Presenting Partner Visit Qatar, Official Media Partner Media City Qatar, and Official Telecom Partner Ooredoo, as well as Gloabl Energy Drink Partner Monster Energy, Global Blockchain Partner Walrus, Official Venue Partner Lusail Sports Arena as well all supporting partners of ONE 171: Qatar. Joshua Pacio – ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion: “I love the people here, and I call this my home away from home because there are a lot of Filipinos here. I’m just so excited. Filipino Kabayans – I’m so happy to see you again! This is a new Joshua Pacio. I’m calm, and I’m collected. We will deliver on Thursday night.” Jarred Brooks – ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Champion: “It’s amazing to be in Doha again. Everything in Doha is perfect. I love this country, I love the people in this country, and I love the Pinoys in the country. Thank you so much for your support. I am going to be the person who puts Joshua ‘The Passion’ Pacio out. I want to be ONE’s World Champion. I want to be the best in the world. I have the utmost respect for Joshua. He is a great man. But we are going inside the ring, and we are going to show you guys the energy.” Jonathan Haggerty – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion: “It’s a pleasure to be here again in Doha, and I’m excited to put on a performance for everyone here. Everyone I face is going to be the best version of themselves, so it’s up to me to be my best version. Come Thursday, I’m ready. I am going in there for a demolition job. I understand he is number one for a reason. He’s a great opponent, so let’s see.” Wei Rui – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title Challenger: “I’m well prepared, and this is my first time in Doha. I hope everyone will like my performance, as I’ve been waiting to win the ONE title belt for 20 years. I am really, really motivated; this is my third time striving for the word title and this time I am sure I will take it back to China”. Jake Peacock – ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Contender: “I am thrilled that ONE Championship is coming to Qatar for the second time. The first event was amazing. I’m going to have a spectacular performance. Training is going fantastically, and I’m really excited to give an incredible performance to the fans in Qatar. ONE Championship is the biggest and the best promotion in the world. And I’m excited to showcase that to everyone here in Qatar. I’ve been here for a bit, and I might move here. We never know… People are amazing. They’re just lovely people. I’m going in there to take him out, and we’re shutting down and shutting him out right from the get-go. Two rounds max. That’s going to be great. Absolutely…there will be a finish.” Ritu Phogat – ONE Atomweight MMA Contender: “Qatar is a fantastic place and I am thrilled to be back here, doing what I love in ONE Championship. It has been a long time, but I’m ready. I want to prove I still belong among the best and that I have a lot left to offer in my career. This is only the beginning of the second chapter of ‘The Indian Tigress.’ I came here to represent all mothers and fight for all women out there to prove we are strong!”
Qatar Participates in the Third AI Action Summit in Paris
Doha, Qatar – 12 February 2025: The state of Qatar participated in the third AI Action summit, held from February 10 – 11 in Paris. The Qatari delegation to the summit was led by His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Almannai, Minister of Communication and Information Technology. The Summit attracted widespread international participation, bringing together heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, corporate executives, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on societies, economies, and governance structures. Qatar’s participation reaffirms its commitment to fostering international collaboration on AI governance and development, underscoring the importance of establishing a comprehensive global framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and equitable access to AI solutions. Commenting on Qatar’s involvement, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Almannai stated: “The Summit offers a unique opportunity for global stakeholders to build a harmonized AI ecosystem. By uniting governments, industry, and civil society, we can ensure that AI innovation is not only a driver of economic growth but also a force for social good, cultural preservation, and global well-being.” The AI Action Summit focuses on five key pillars that frame the challenges and opportunities presented by AI: Public Interest in AI, Future of Work, Innovation and Culture, Trust in AI, and Global AI Governance. The Summit concluded with a shared commitment to develop international strategies and partnerships that foster responsible AI innovation. Qatar’s leadership and active engagement in these discussions highlight the nation’s vision for inclusive digital transformation and a future in which AI benefits all. Underscoring Qatar’s position as a hub for digital and technological innovation in the region, Qatar is hosting the World Summit AI for five consecutive years, following the successful conclusion of its first edition last December. Qatar is also preparing to host the second edition of the Web Summit at the end of February. These high-profile global events reflect the State’s efforts to build a supportive environment for technology development and AI advancements.
Air Arabia Reports Record AED 1.6 Billion Profit Before Tax in 2024
February 13, 2025: Air Arabia (PJSC), the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced its financial and operational results for the full year ending December 31, 2024. The airline posted a record pre-tax net profit of AED 1.6 billion, reflecting a 4% increase compared to AED 1.5 billion in 2023. Total turnover for the year surpassed AED 6.63 billion, marking an 11% growth from AED 6 billion in 2023. In 2024, Air Arabia reinforced its commitment to expansion and operational excellence by growing its network across six hubs and adding 31 new routes. This strategic expansion led to a 13% increase in operational capacity and a 12% rise in total passengers carried, reaching 18.8 million across the group. The airline also reported a 2% increase in average seat load factor, reaching 82%, further underscoring the sustained strong demand for Air Arabia’s value-driven, low-cost services. Full Year 2024 Performance: AED FY 2024 FY 2023 % Revenue AED 6.63 billion AED 6 billion 11% Passenger Numbers*all hubs* 18.8 million 16.7 million 12% Seat Load Factor 82% 80% 2% Net Profit Before Tax AED 1.6 billion AED 1.54 billion 4% Net Profit After Tax AED 1.46 billion – – Air Arabia’s Board of Directors has proposed a dividend distribution of 25% of share capital, equivalent to 25 fils per share. This proposal was made during a recent board meeting and is subject to approval by Air Arabia’s shareholders at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said: “2024 has been a record-breaking year for Air Arabia Group, marked by significant expansion and an increased footprint across all key markets. Building on our strong foundation, we have continued to achieve remarkable financial and operational growth, reaffirming the strength of our business model, the resilience of our management team, and the effectiveness of our strategic vision.” He continued: “Despite the geopolitical tensions and economic challenges impacting the region, Air Arabia Group has successfully sustained its strong growth trajectory in 2024. This was driven by increased operating capacity, the launch of new routes, and continued network expansion from all our hubs. We take great pride in our ability to deliver a value-driven travel experience to a growing customer base, strengthening our presence across global markets while maintaining operational excellence.” In the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2024, Air Arabia reported a record net profit of AED 351 million, marking a 56% increase compared to AED 225 million in the same quarter last year. Total turnover for the fourth quarter of 2024 rose 7% to AED 1.65 billion, driven by an 11% increase in passenger numbers, as the airline carried over 4.7 million passengers across all hubs during the quarter. Meanwhile, the seat load factor increased by 2% reaching a strong 83%, reflecting sustained demand for Air Arabia’s services. Fourth Quarter 2024 Performance: AED Q4 2024 Q4 2023 % Revenue AED 1.65 billion AED 1.54 billion 7% Passenger Numbers*all hubs* 4.7 million 4.2 million 11% Seat Load Factor 83% 81% 2% Net Profit AED 351 million AED 225 million 56% Al Thani continued: ” “The fourth quarter of the year was remarkable for Air Arabia, as we successfully expanded our network while maintaining solid margins. This strategic growth, coupled with rigid cost control and strong operational efficiency, resulted in an outstanding performance for the quarter”. Full Year 2024 Highlights: Fleet Network Liquidity ESG Recognition Outlook Al Thani concluded: “As the global aviation industry continues to navigate challenges, including geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions, Air Arabia remains committed to growth and expansion. Our focus is on enhancing connectivity, increasing operational capacity, and providing our customers with the best options for affordable and value-driven air travel. We have full confidence in our unique business model, operational excellence, and customer-centric approach, which enable us to continuously expand our network and deliver a seamless travel experience to an ever-growing customer base.”
Gadget Guide: XREAL One Pro: Sleek AR glasses that turn any space into your personal cinema
Transform your entertainment experience with the XReal One Pro, a groundbreaking innovation in AR smart glasses that redefines immersive viewing. Enjoy stunning Full-HD visuals with a 57° field of view, 700 nits of brightness, and vibrant colours, powered by XReal’s advanced X1 spatial computing chip. Integrated Bose sound complements the visuals, ensuring rich and immersive audio and taking your entertainment to the next level. Designed for comfort, the XReal One Pro weighs just 87g and features an adjustable interpupillary distance, allowing a personalised fit for prolonged use. These glasses are available in two sizes, catering to IPD ranges of 57-66mm and 66-75mm, making them suitable for a broad audience. Future-ready, the XReal One Pro supports modular upgrades, such as the upcoming XReal Eye – a 12MP camera module that adds AI-enhanced capabilities and photo-capturing features. Whether you’re streaming movies, playing games, or exploring AR applications, the XReal One Pro delivers a seamless and immersive experience. Its lightweight design, exceptional visuals, and premium audio combine to create a wearable home theatre that fits in the palm of your hand. Elevate your entertainment experience with the XReal One Pro.
Premier Padel supports Match for Hope with charity tournament on National Sport Day
DOHA – 12 February 2025 – As part of Qatar’s National Sport Day celebrations, Premier Padel proudly supported the Match for Hope initiative by hosting a special charity tournament at its stunning courts at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Lusail. The event brought together some of the world’s most influential content creators, blending sports and entertainment to drive awareness and raise funds for Education Above All Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing quality education for marginalized communities worldwide. The star-studded tournament featured renowned figures and content creators including Mo Farah, Sharky, Oussifooty, David Vujanic, Futcrunch, Thogden, Thogdad, Manny Brown, Eman sv2, Taiyo Kimura, Triplefqatar, Bashar Arabi, Abood. Participants engaged in friendly competition, collaborated on exclusive content, and for some, experienced the excitement of playing padel for the first time. Beyond its charitable impact, this latest event further demonstrates Premier Padel’s ongoing commitment to growing the sport globally by introducing it to new audiences through high-profile events and experiences as demonstrated by the Premier Padel Legends tournament in November which saw sporting icons compete in Doha during the Qatar Grand Prix. Looking ahead, the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour returns to Doha from April 14-19 for the prestigious Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel, welcoming the world’s best players to compete on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
MCIT Launches “Scale Now” Program to Empower Digital Entrepreneurs in Qatar
Doha, Qatar – February 10, 2025: As part of its efforts to strengthen the digital ecosystem for entrepreneurs and startups, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched the “Scale Now” program, the first of its kind in Qatar to support digital entrepreneurs. The program provides them with the necessary tools and mentorship to accelerate their business growth and expand into local, regional, and international markets. This initiative aligns with the ministry’s strategy to enhance the digital economy, supporting the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030 by fostering a thriving digital innovation environment and developing startups, positioning Qatar as a leading regional hub for the digital economy. The ” Scale Now” program is built on three core pillars designed to drive startup growth and empower entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable success. First, Capability Building & Mentorship, where participants receive intensive hands-on guidance from a distinguished network of global experts in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and operational management, helping them refine their business models and enhance their competitiveness. Second, Local Go-To-Market Support, which enables direct engagement with local market leaders, facilitating the establishment of strategic relationships and business partnerships to strengthen their presence in the Qatari business landscape. Lastly, Expansion Readiness Support, providing startups with the necessary tools and effective strategies to scale into regional and global markets, unlocking new growth and innovation opportunities on an international scale. In this regard, Mr. Faraj Jassim Abdulla, Director of the Digital Economy Department at MCIT, stated: ” Scale Now program represents a significant step in empowering digital entrepreneurs in Qatar, equipping them with the tools and guidance needed to scale their businesses and expand into local and global markets. This initiative reflects MCIT’s commitment to fostering startups and driving digital innovation, in alignment with the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030. Through Capability Building & Mentorship, Local Go-To-Market Support, and Expansion Readiness Support, “Scale Now” contributes to establishing Qatar as a regional hub for the digital economy and supports economic diversification by enabling startups to achieve long-term sustainability and growth.” The ministry has launched the first cohort of the “Scale Now” program, featuring six digital entrepreneurs from various sectors, reinforcing its commitment to supporting startups and enhancing digital innovation in the entrepreneurship sector. Future cohorts are planned to accommodate 15 entrepreneurs per six-month cycle, providing them with comprehensive support for scaling their businesses. The “Scale Now” program continues to welcome ambitious entrepreneurs, offering them an exceptional opportunity to benefit from a supportive environment that enhances their ability to achieve sustainable growth. The program seeks to attract startups that meet specific criteria, ensuring optimal utilization of its resources while strengthening Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. To qualify for the program, companies must be officially registered in Qatar, have a market-ready product or service, and demonstrate a clear ability to maintain continuous operations throughout the program duration. The initiative also prioritizes companies with a strategic vision for expansion within Qatar and strong readiness for regional and global growth. This initiative is part of MCIT’s broader efforts to promote digital innovation and enhance the digital entrepreneurship landscape, reaffirming its commitment to establishing Qatar as a global leader in the digital economy. The program provides a promising platform for local entrepreneurs to seize expansion opportunities in new markets. It is expected to drive startup growth, enhance their global competitiveness, and contribute to economic diversification, reinforcing the key pillars of the Digital Agenda 2030.
Cristiano Ronaldo attends Premier Padel tournament in Riyadh
Riaydh, – 10 February 2025 – Padel continues to capture the attention of global sports icons, with Cristiano Ronaldo among the spectators at the Riyadh Season Premier Padel P1, enjoying the top-level action on court. The Portuguese football legend followed the matches closely and celebrated the victory of his compatriots Miguel and Nuno Deus, who secured their place in the main draw with an impressive performance in the final round of qualifying. Ronaldo is the latest in a growing list of global sports stars drawn to Premier Padel and its elite-level competition. Last year, Neymar Jr. attended the Riyadh Premier Padel P1, while other football greats including Zlatan Ibrahimović, Esteban Cambiasso, Leandro Paredes, and Paulo Dybala have also shown their passion for the sport by recently attending tournaments. Beyond football, combat sports icons Khabib Nurmagomedov and Ilia Topuria have also attended Premier Padel tournaments. During the Qatar Grand Prix in 2024, sporting legends including Novak Djokovic, F1 world champion Max Verstappen, drivers Lando Norris, George Russell and Oscar Piastri, footballers Luis Figo and Marco Materazzi, and basketball’s Tony Parker attended a sporting legends tournament during the event, further highlighting Premier Padel’s appeal. The Riyadh Season Premier Padel P1 is the first tournament of the 2025 season, following an exceptional 2024 campaign that featured 24 tournaments across 16 countries. As part of Premier Padel’s continued global expansion, the event brings world-class padel to Saudi Arabia, with top international players battling for valuable ranking points and the first title of the season.
