WISE Policy Dialogue Explores AI and Teacher Readiness in K–12 Education
The World Innovation Summit for Education, WISE, an initiative of Qatar Foundation, hosted a policy dialogue event titled “AI & Teacher Readiness in K–12 Education: Global Research Findings and Strategic Implications”, bringing together education experts, policy voices and school practitioners to examine how artificial intelligence standards can be practically implemented in school environments. The discussion focused on one of the most urgent questions facing education systems today: how prepared are teachers to use AI meaningfully, responsibly and effectively in the classroom? As artificial intelligence continues to move rapidly into schools, the event highlighted the need for stronger teacher support, professional development, national evaluation frameworks and AI tools that reflect local language, culture and curriculum needs. AI Is Moving Faster Than Education Policy Opening the dialogue, Selma Talha-Jebril, WISE Research and Policy Director, said artificial intelligence is entering classrooms faster than schools and policy systems have had time to prepare for it. Her remarks set the tone for a discussion that moved beyond the excitement around AI and focused instead on implementation, readiness and long-term educational value. The event examined how teachers are currently engaging with AI, with many using it for administrative or preparatory tasks. However, panelists noted that the real opportunity lies in moving towards deeper, transformational classroom applications that directly support teaching, learning and student innovation. Teacher Agency and Professional Development Take Centre Stage Moderated by Maimoona Junjunia, Research and Policy Associate at WISE, the discussion emphasized the importance of teacher agency in the adoption of AI. Panelists stressed that AI in education cannot succeed through technology deployment alone. Teachers need sustained professional development, clear guidance, trusted tools and the confidence to integrate AI into pedagogy in ways that enhance learning outcomes. The dialogue also addressed the importance of evaluating AI tools rigorously before integrating them into schools at scale. In this context, national initiatives such as the WISE EdTech Testbed were highlighted as essential mechanisms for testing whether education technologies deliver real value in classroom environments. Shahd Dauleh, Innovation Manager at WISE, said the WISE testbed helps move the conversation beyond hype by ensuring that AI tools are genuinely effective for teaching and learning. AI Tools Must Reflect Language, Culture and Values A key theme emerging from the discussion was the need for AI systems in education to be contextually relevant. Lolwa Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Director of the E-Learning & Digital Solutions Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, emphasized that for AI to succeed in education, it must reflect local language, culture and values while equipping teachers with the right tools. This point is particularly important for Qatar’s education sector, where strong digital infrastructure and national innovation ambitions have created a foundation for technology-led transformation. However, the discussion made clear that infrastructure alone is not enough. AI tools must be aligned with curricula, classroom realities, student needs and the cultural context in which learning takes place. Research Must Inform Policy and Practice The event also reinforced the broader purpose of the WISE Research & Policy Dialogue Series: ensuring that research findings do not remain confined to academic publications, but actively inform policy, practice and system-level decision-making. Selma Talha-Jebril noted that research only creates impact when it reaches the people with the power and responsibility to act on it. The dialogue series was positioned as a bridge between evidence, policy and education practice. This approach reflects a wider shift in education reform: moving from research as information to research as a tool for system transformation. From Classrooms to Innovation Labs Practical examples from schools offered a closer look at how AI can support student learning and innovation. Iyad Salameh, Teacher of Robotics and Automation at the Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys, shared how his students have used AI in hands-on projects. He noted that such projects show how students can use AI to build real-world solutions, turning classrooms into innovation labs. These examples highlighted the potential of AI to move beyond efficiency and automation. When implemented thoughtfully, AI can support creativity, problem-solving, applied learning and student-led innovation. For Qatar’s education ecosystem, this aligns closely with the country’s broader ambitions around digital transformation, innovation and future-ready skills. Qatar’s Teacher Readiness Gap One of the most important insights shared during the dialogue was the gap between teachers’ interest in AI and their understanding of how it works in education. According to Selma Talha-Jebril, WISE research found that 60% of teachers reported that AI helped them tailor instruction to meet diverse student needs. However, in Qatar, only 30% of surveyed teachers reported a strong understanding of how AI works in education. The finding points to a critical challenge for education systems: teachers are not necessarily resistant to AI, but many need tools, training and frameworks that are relevant to their classrooms. For Qatar, a country with advanced digital infrastructure and a strong national commitment to innovation, the opportunity is clear. The next phase of AI in education will depend not only on access to technology, but on building teacher confidence, capability and trust. Why It Matters The WISE policy dialogue placed teacher readiness at the centre of the AI education conversation. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in K–12 education, the success of these tools will depend on how well they serve teachers and students in real classroom settings. For Qatar, the discussion was especially significant. The country has invested heavily in education, digital infrastructure and innovation. The challenge now is to ensure that AI adoption in schools is guided by evidence, cultural relevance, teacher empowerment and measurable learning impact. The message from the dialogue was clear: AI can support the future of education, but only when teachers are prepared, supported and placed at the centre of the transformation.
Ooredoo Announces Launch of Strategic Digital & AI Transformation Programme
In Collaboration with Microsoft, Ooredoo is Shaping the Next Era of AI-Powered Connectivity and Digital Innovation Ooredoo Qatar has announced the launch of its Strategic Digital & AI Transformation Programme, supported by Microsoft, marking a major step in the company’s evolution into an AI-powered organisation and reinforcing Qatar’s ambition to build a future-ready digital economy. The programme has been designed to accelerate Ooredoo’s digital transformation at scale by focusing on sovereign and hybrid cloud capabilities, artificial intelligence enablement, and the development of a scalable digital foundation. Through this initiative, Ooredoo aims to enhance customer experiences, empower enterprises with advanced digital tools, and contribute to the growth of a resilient digital ecosystem aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar, and Ahmad El Dandachi, General Manager of Microsoft Qatar, in the presence of senior executives and representatives from both organisations. A Major Step in Qatar’s AI and Digital Transformation Journey The collaboration brought together Ooredoo’s advanced connectivity and digital infrastructure capabilities with Microsoft’s expertise in cloud, data, and artificial intelligence. The partnership aimed to create a strong foundation for the accelerated adoption of AI across telecom operations, customer engagement, enterprise solutions, and future digital platforms. For Qatar’s telecommunications and business sectors, the programme represented more than a technology upgrade. It reflected a broader shift towards AI-driven operations, intelligent infrastructure, and digital-first services that could strengthen competitiveness across industries. The initiative was expected to support Ooredoo’s transformation across its entire value chain, from intelligent network operations and predictive optimisation to personalised customer experiences and AI-powered enterprise services. This positioned Ooredoo to move beyond the traditional role of a telecom operator and further establish itself as a technology-driven company serving Qatar’s evolving digital economy. Supporting Businesses and Customers in Qatar As companies across Qatar continued to adopt cloud, data, and AI-powered solutions, Ooredoo’s collaboration with Microsoft aimed to provide businesses with stronger digital capabilities and scalable technology frameworks. The programme focused on enabling smarter enterprise services, improving operational efficiency, and delivering more proactive digital solutions to customers. For businesses in Qatar, this could mean improved access to advanced AI-enabled services, stronger connectivity solutions, and new opportunities to innovate in areas such as customer service, automation, analytics, and digital platforms. The collaboration also established a long-term co-innovation model between Ooredoo and Microsoft. This model was designed to support the development of scalable AI use cases and repeatable innovation frameworks powered by Microsoft’s advanced AI, cloud, and data technologies. Ooredoo Qatar CEO: A Strategic Transformation, Not Just a Technology Upgrade Commenting on the collaboration, Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, said the Strategic Digital & AI Transformation Programme marked an important milestone in Ooredoo Qatar’s journey towards becoming a more agile and future-ready organisation. He described the programme as more than a technology upgrade, calling it a strategic transformation focused on sovereign and hybrid cloud capabilities, AI enablement, and the development of a scalable digital foundation. He added that the programme was designed to deliver innovative digital solutions and services that meet evolving market demands, provide more personalised and proactive customer experiences, empower enterprises with advanced digital capabilities, and support the development of a resilient digital ecosystem aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. Microsoft Qatar: AI Can Unlock New Opportunities Across Industries Ahmad El Dandachi, General Manager of Microsoft Qatar, said Ooredoo’s transformation into an AI-powered organisation was a strong example of how technology could unlock new opportunities across industries. He noted that the collaboration brought together cloud, data, and AI to help accelerate innovation at scale, while supporting the development of a more resilient and dynamic digital ecosystem in Qatar. Strengthening Qatar’s Digital Economy The Ooredoo-Microsoft collaboration came at a time when Qatar continued to position itself as a regional leader in digital transformation, AI adoption, cloud infrastructure, and future-ready business innovation. By investing in sovereign and hybrid cloud capabilities, AI-enabled telecom operations, and scalable digital platforms, Ooredoo’s programme could play a key role in supporting Qatar’s digital economy and helping enterprises prepare for the next phase of technological growth. The partnership also reflected the growing importance of AI in Qatar’s business landscape, especially as organisations looked for smarter ways to improve efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and build more resilient operating models. Through this collaboration, Ooredoo and Microsoft aimed to accelerate the adoption of AI-driven technologies across connectivity, operations, customer engagement, and enterprise services, helping shape a more agile and innovation-led digital future for Qatar and the wider region.
Snoonu Expands to Kuwait, Accelerating GCC Super-App Growth
Qatar-born technology platform Snoonu has officially entered the Kuwaiti market, marking a significant step in the company’s regional expansion ambitions and strengthening its position as one of the Gulf’s fastest-growing super-app ecosystems. The launch signals a new phase for the Doha-based company as it continues scaling its technology-driven services beyond Qatar, bringing integrated digital convenience and on-demand solutions to users across the GCC. Unlike traditional delivery platforms, Snoonu operates as a multi-service technology ecosystem built on advanced cloud infrastructure, combining commerce, logistics, and lifestyle services into a single user experience that simplifies everyday living. As part of its initial rollout in Kuwait, the company is introducing four primary service categories: grocery delivery; on-demand courier services through Snoosend; flowers and gifting solutions; and home services that connect users with electricians, plumbers, maintenance experts, and other service professionals. The phased market entry strategy is expected to expand further over the coming months, with additional verticals and digital services anticipated as Snoonu strengthens its operational presence in Kuwait.
Snoonu Invests in Qatari Startup HASIF Through Startup Factory Initiative
Snoonu has announced its investment in HASIF, a Qatari startup focused on smart accounting and financial compliance solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as part of the company’s Startup Factory initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs and accelerate innovation in Qatar. The investment follows the successful Startup Factory competition and showcase held in Doha last week, where emerging startups presented technology-driven solutions addressing key business and market challenges across multiple sectors. Founded by Qatar University graduates and young Qatari entrepreneurs Noof Alhbabi, Maryam Eisa, and Dana Alwadaani, HASIF is developing an AI-powered digital platform to simplify financial operations for SMEs. The platform enables businesses to manage accounting, invoicing, financial reporting, and compliance processes more efficiently through automation and intelligent financial tools. In addition to streamlining operations, HASIF connects companies with accounting professionals and helps businesses prepare for future VAT implementation and evolving digital compliance requirements in Qatar and across the region. The investment marks the second startup supported through the Snoonu Startup Factory initiative, following the company’s earlier investment in Sufra AI. The move reflects Snoonu’s broader strategy to strengthen Qatar’s startup ecosystem, support local talent, and contribute to the country’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. As Qatar continues to position itself as a regional hub for entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation, initiatives such as Startup Factory are playing an increasingly important role in creating opportunities for young founders and in scaling homegrown businesses that address real market needs. The latest investment also highlights growing momentum in Qatar’s startup landscape, particularly in fintech, AI, and SME-focused digital solutions — sectors expected to continue growing as businesses across the Gulf accelerate digital transformation and compliance modernisation. With startups like HASIF entering the spotlight, Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to demonstrate its ability to produce scalable, innovation-driven companies with regional potential.
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
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.
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.
QIA and Goldman Sachs Sign Landmark MoU Targeting $25 Billion Investment, Strengthening Qatar’s Global Financial Influence
In one of the most significant financial announcements of 2026, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management have signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding their strategic partnership and unlocking a combined investment target of $25 billion. The agreement marks a pivotal moment for Qatar’s growing stature as a regional and global financial hub, reinforcing the nation’s long-term strategy to drive economic diversification, attract foreign investment, and strengthen private-sector growth. According to a statement released by QIA, the sovereign wealth fund intends to commit capital across Goldman Sachs’ flagship funds, innovative alternative investment strategies, and selected co-investment opportunities. The partnership expands QIA’s role as an anchor investor across multiple Goldman Sachs Asset Management platforms, giving Qatar preferential access to global deal flow in future-forward sectors, including: This move solidifies Qatar’s position as a leading institutional investor in high-growth global markets. As part of the expanded cooperation, Goldman Sachs will enhance its presence in Doha, building out its capabilities as a strategic asset management hub for the region. Through its global Value Accelerator network, Goldman Sachs will support Qatar in: This partnership aligns closely with Qatar’s ambitions to become a regional leader in alternative investments, innovation-led industries, and financial services. Commenting on the agreement, Mohammed Saif Al Sowaidi, CEO of QIA, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration: “QIA is pleased to partner with Goldman Sachs in this landmark agreement. It provides QIA with premium deal flow in sectors critical to our investment strategy, including AI, fintech, digital infrastructure and private credit. This partnership extends beyond capital deployment and reinforces Doha’s position as a regional financial center.” He further noted that Goldman Sachs’ commitment to expanding its Doha presence will support job creation, specialized skills development, and long-term economic value for Qatar. David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, emphasized Qatar’s strong momentum: “Qatar is on an exciting path of economic diversification, developing its capital markets, strengthening its talent base, and expanding its ecosystem of national champions. This creates substantial opportunity to widen Qatar’s global connectivity and impact as a multi-faceted investment partner.” Goldman Sachs stands among the world’s leading alternative investment managers, with: Its Value Accelerator Network will now work closely with Qatari institutions and the wider ecosystem to build enduring, globally competitive businesses. The QIA–Goldman Sachs MoU represents more than a financial partnership—it positions Doha as a rising global center for asset management, sovereign investment, and cross-border financial collaboration. With a $25 billion target fueling this strategic alliance, Qatar is poised to accelerate high-impact investments and strengthen its role in shaping the future of global finance.
