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.
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
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.
Pre-orders Open for HUAWEI Mate X6 with Exclusive Early Bird Offers
Huawei announced the opening of pre-orders for the highly anticipated HUAWEI Mate X6 in Estate of Qatar. This latest generation foldable flagship brings significant upgrades in durability, camera performance, display technology, and multitasking, setting a new benchmark in the industry. Right now, valued consumers can reserve their HUAWEI Mate X6 through Huawei’s official stores in Qatar. Pre-orders are available at 7199 QR and come in two stunning colors: Nebula Grey and Nebula Red. Early adopters will enjoy exclusive gifts worth up 2417 QR (Watch GT4 as a gift + HUAWEI Care + and one Work Gift Box) The HUAWEI Mate X6 is meticulously engineered for durability without compromising on style. It offers a large screen experience in a compact form factor perfect for everyday use. The phone features 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass on the exterior screen, making it 25 times more drop-resistant, while the interior display is reinforced with a carbon fibre plate. An aerospace-grade aluminium frame provides a 37% increase in material resistance compared to previous models, complemented by the new advanced multi-dimensional hinge. The HUAWEI Mate X6 introduces the Ultra Chroma Camera, utilising 1.50 million spectral channels to achieve 120% improved colour accuracy. Whether capturing the human skin tones or the vibrant shades of red, the Mate X6 ensures images are true to life. The 50MP primary camera features a ten-size adjustable physical aperture, offering unparalleled control over depth of field and light intake. You can experience seamless multitasking with the Mate X6 with up to three apps to run simultaneously in an expanded view with effortless swipe navigation. The dual OLED displays, 6.45-inch exterior and 7.93-inch interior screens deliver exceptional colour accuracy and clarity. Adaptive high refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz provide smooth visuals while optimising energy consumption. The phone has a refreshingly stunning design inspired by the celestial elegance of star orbits. The HUAWEI Mate X6 in Nebula Grey edition features a Micro-Nano 3D Topography finish crafted from Vegan Fiber. This material is a fusion of aerospace-grade S-grade glass fibre and high-performance bulletproof vest material, achieving an unprecedented balance between lightweight strength and exceptional durability. It is also available in two ultra-thin soft-touch leather options, Nebula Red and Black. Visit HUAWEI Official stores in Doha festival City, Palace Vendome mall, to secure your pre-order today and take advantage of exclusive offers.
OPPO Find X8 and Find X8 Pro Launching Globally
November 11, 2024, SHENZHEN – OPPO, a global leader in smart device innovation, is gearing up for the official unveiling of its highly anticipated Find X8 Series and ColorOS 15. The global launch event will be held on November 21, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia. This milestone event will introduce the cutting-edge Find X8 and Find X8 Pro, promising to redefine the standards of flagship smartphones. “Flagship camera phones with advanced zoom capabilities, superior performance, long battery life, and AI tools have often been hindered by bulky designs. The Find X8 Series changes that narrative. The Find X8 is a lightweight yet powerful device with an extended battery life and periscope zoom, while the Find X8 Pro delivers even greater zoom capabilities and premium performance without the heft. Paired with the seamless ColorOS 15, the Find X8 Series represents a leap forward for the smartphone industry,” said Pete Lau, OPPO’s Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer. The Find X8 packs an impressive array of features into an ultra-slim and lightweight design. At just 7.85mm thin and 193g, it incorporates a compact periscope zoom camera within a sleek and refined body. Its 6.59″ display, framed by an ultra-narrow 1.45mm symmetrical border, ensures an immersive yet manageable size. Finished with a fingerprint-resistant diffuse texture, the device is available in Star Grey, Space Black, and Shell Pink, combining aesthetics with functionality. For enthusiasts of larger screens, the Find X8 Pro is an unmatched option. Featuring a 6.78″ display with quad-curved glass on both sides, it brings an ultra-immersive viewing experience to your hands. It also introduces OPPO’s dual-periscope telephoto camera to global markets, pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography. Available in Space Black and Pearl White, each Pearl White unit boasts a distinctive pearlescent design, making every device unique. Both models continue OPPO’s legacy of groundbreaking camera innovation. Equipped with the Hasselblad Master Camera System, the Find X8 Series features AI Telescope Zoom, enabling exceptional clarity and precision at 10x zoom and beyond. The Lightning Snap feature captures up to seven images per second while maintaining top-notch processing quality. Under the hood, the Find X8 Series delivers enduring performance. The Find X8 comes with a robust 5630mAh silicon-carbon battery, while the Find X8 Pro boasts a 5910mAh counterpart. Powered by the advanced MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, these devices ensure smooth and efficient operation throughout the day. The Find X8 Series is complemented by ColorOS 15, which enhances the user experience with fluid visuals, intuitive design, and smart AI-powered tools that simplify daily tasks. Stay tuned for the full reveal of the OPPO Find X8 Series and ColorOS 15 at the upcoming global launch event.
Msheireb Downtown Doha Welcomes More Than 1500 Attendees to Qatar’s Largest Outdoor Cybersecurity Event
Msheireb Properties’ first-ever outdoor cybersecurity conference, held in partnership with White Hat Desert (WHD), brought more than 1500 participants from across multiple sectors to Barahat Msheireb yesterday. The event featured 15 speakers, five specialized Cybersecurity Villages, and CTF “Capture the flag” competition to Barahat Msheireb, and representation from energy, banking, construction, healthcare, and broadcasting companies, setting a new benchmark for cybersecurity events in Qatar. “As a smart tech leader in Qatar, hosting this groundbreaking cybersecurity is part of our commitment to introducing technological innovation and digital safety among the community,” said Eng. Ahmed Al Korbi, Senior ICT Manager at Msheireb Properties, during his welcome remarks. “Through our sophisticated network of over 650,000 connected IoT devices and state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre, we understand firsthand the critical importance of cybersecurity in modern urban environments. This event demonstrates our dedication to sharing this knowledge with both industry professionals and general public in Qatar.” The morning industry session delivered comprehensive insights across four key themes: Emerging Threats, Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management, and Cyber Strategy. The event featured five distinct Cybersecurity Villages, each offering specialised experiences. The Digital Forensics & Incident Response village provided hands-on training with security experts, while the Application Security section offered a fundamental understanding of secure development practices. Participants engaged with offensive security methods in the Penetration Testing area and explored malware analysis in the Reverse Engineering section. The WHD Clinic served as a community hub for networking, while the Qatar Scientific Club showcased innovative demonstrations in robotics and electronics. The evening session transformed Barahat Msheireb into an interactive technology playground, featuring exciting competitions and demonstrations. Attendees witnessed Sumo Robot battles and high-speed drone racing competitions. Gaming enthusiasts participated in an intense Fortnite tournament while aspiring technologists engaged in circuit board-building workshops. Live hacking demonstrations captured the audience’s attention, providing real-world examples of cyber threats and defense mechanisms. “The diversity of activities and depth of expertise shared today reflects our commitment to making cybersecurity accessible to everyone,” added Eng. Al Korbi. “From the technical discussions about AI-driven attacks and ransomware in the morning sessions to the engaging family activities in the evening, we’ve succeeded in creating a comprehensive platform for cybersecurity awareness and education.” The event was supported by leading technology companies, with Malomatia, Microsoft, Google, TrendMicro and Zscaler among the key sponsors showcasing cutting-edge security solutions. The success of this inaugural outdoor cybersecurity event has already led to discussions about making it an annual fixture in Qatar’s technology calendar.
Startup Qatar Investment program announces successful applicants, with $12 million in funding
Startup Qatar has announced the first cohort of successful applicants of its Investment Program during a press conference at Web Summit Lisbon. Successful applicants will receive a total of QAR 43.8 million (USD 12 million) in funding and benefits such as access to a shared office space in one of Qatar’s leading local incubators, accommodation and free entrepreneur visas to support them in establishing and expanding operations in Qatar. In its first edition, the Startup Qatar Investment Program attracted nearly 2,000 applications from around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkey and India, among others. Following a competitive selection process, a total of 11 applicants were selected based on their innovative ideas and potential for impact. These include Ynmo, Stemly, Sekgames, Huupe, Nafasaria, PaintIt.ai, Realyze Intelligence, Polymerize, Wahed, Nybl and Byanat. These startups represent a diverse range of industries, including e-gaming, edtech, sportstech, cleantech, proptech, healthtech, fintech and B2B SaaS, showcasing the diverse talent and creativity within the global entrepreneurial landscape. Speaking at the press conference announcement, Hamad Rashid Al-Naimi, Strategy Manager at Invest Qatar, commented: “We are pleased to see such high levels of engagement from promising international startups eager to establish their presence in Qatar. The Startup Qatar Investment Program highlights the country’s commitment to advancing the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and supporting Qatar’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.” Launched earlier this year, the Startup Qatar Investment Program falls under Invest Qatar’s Startup Qatar Initiative, introduced ahead of the inaugural Web Summit Qatar, the region’s largest technology event. The initiative is a one-stop online comprehensive national resource for information, support and opportunities offered to startups and entrepreneurs. Successful applicants of the Startup Qatar Investment Program will benefit from seed or growth funding, with up to USD 500,000 to establish themselves in Qatar and up to USD 5 million to expand operations within the Qatari market. The selected companies are poised to make significant contributions to their fields in Qatar by establishing R&D offices, supporting local startups, and enhancing the country’s AI and machine learning ecosystem. They aim to collaborate with local universities, support graduates and play a key role in advancing Qatar’s material innovation strategy, all while striving to position the country as a global tech hub. “These selected startups represent a diverse array of industries and bring innovative solutions that align with Qatar’s vision for a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. We look forward to fostering their growth and contributing to the development of a thriving startup ecosystem in the country,” added Al-Naimi. Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a leading technology hub, making a significant impact at Web Summit Lisbon 2024. The Qatar Pavilion showcased the country’s rapid advancements in the technology sector, emphasising the government’s strong support for startups and innovation, alongside substantial investments in IT infrastructure and a strategic focus on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Attendees were also introduced to Qatar’s favourable business environment. As Qatar prepares to host the second edition of Web Summit Qatar in February 2025, it aims to build on the record success of its inaugural event in 2024, which welcomed over 15,000 attendees from 118 countries and showcased 1,043 startups. Web Summit Qatar 2025 will take place from 23 to 26 February 2025. Book your tickets now: www.startupqatar.qa/web-summit Startups and entrepreneurs interested in applying for the next round of the Startup Qatar Investment Program can visit www.startupqatar.qa.
WCM-Q conference discusses impact of new technologies on medical education
Doha – November 13, 2024: A conference hosted by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) convened experts in medical education from across the globe to examine the potential for new technologies to enhance the way medicine is taught. The two-day Medical Education Technology Conference (METC) presented thought leaders in medical education from institutions in Qatar, Switzerland, the US and the UK to explore the potential for technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) to provide personalized learning and immersive training tools for healthcare practitioners. The conference also examined the intersection between technology and humanistic science, and explored ways to ensure that medical education programs cultivate empathy, compassion and creativity in future physicians in the era of AI and rapid technological change. The conference further discussed the impact of emerging technologies on medical ethics and the challenges of ensuring patient privacy, informed consent, and inclusivity in the metaverse. Other features of the conference were two panel discussions, a poster presentation of research projects, Q&A sessions, a series of expert-led presentations, and opportunities for attendees to gain hands-on interactive experiences with technologies such as immersive content creation and VR simulations. Subjects covered by speakers on the first day of the event included precision education and lifelong learning in medicine, AI and medical ethics in education, designing the next generation of learning delivery systems, medical ethics in the metaverse, and the integration of AI into medical education programs to optimize learning outcomes and clinical training. The second day featured presentations on diversity and inclusion in the metaverse, the intersection between art and medicine, and the role of social determinants of health in the age of AI. The second day also offered five workshops, which covered strategies for designing inclusive and accessible virtual environments for patients and healthcare professionals, telling stories in 3D virtual environments using cutting-edge digital tools, utilizing technology to enhance empathy among caregivers, how to create immersive 360-degree videos, and developments in AI-based simulation technologies. One of the many highlights of the event was an artistic performance given by renowned artist and director Abdulaziz Yousef which blended art, AI and virtual reality technology. The event drew participants from all over the world, with healthcare professionals, educators and students in attendance from Qatar, the wider MENA region, the US, Europe, India and elsewhere. Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, vice dean for academic and curricular affairs said: “This is a truly exciting time in medicine and medical education as cutting-edge technologies like AI, VR and AR are already revolutionizing the way medicine is practiced, taught and experienced. This conference was a fantastic way to explore how these new technologies can best be implemented to enhance medical education and patient care while simultaneously protecting the rights and safety of patients.” Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, said: “This conference has done a marvelous job of placing new technologies within the context of the humanistic art and science of medicine. Our guiding principle at WCM-Q is to promote the use of emergent technologies to advance world-class healthcare, while also ensuring that the foundational caregiving attributes of compassion, empathy, humility and responsibility to one’s patients are preserved and enhanced by these new developments.” The conference was accredited locally by the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Healthcare Professions – Accreditation Section and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
Qatar Partners With Microsoft To Expand Cloud Data Centres
Data analytics and AI services have onboarded the partnership between 43 government and semi-government entities to Azure Cloud, a cloud computing platform developed by Microsoft. Azure Cloud is witnessing sharp growth due to the company’s heavy investment in AI and its access to the coveted technologies of ChatGPT maker OpenAI through their strategic partnership. Sami Al Shammari, the Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs at MCIT, has lauded the collaboration and said: “The expansion of Microsoft’s cloud data centre region in the country is a testament to the ministry’s steadfast commitment to empowering all government entities with the latest technologies, especially new AI-based technologies.” “Through these partnerships, we aim to keep pace with the latest developments in artificial intelligence and localise them across various sectors, thereby achieving the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030 goals, which aim to enhance Qatar’s position as a hub for innovation and technology,” Al Shammari added highlighting that 1,393 individuals have trained in Artificial Intelligence techniques over the past three years, while 143 government and semi-government entities have shifted to Azure cloud. “The expansion of Microsoft’s cloud data centre region in the country is a testament to the ministry’s steadfast commitment to empowering all government entities with the latest technologies, especially new AI-based technologies.” – Sami Al Shammari, assistant undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs, MCIT, Ahead of 2022, Microsoft and MCIT launched the National Skilling Programme, with the to train 50,000 people in Qatar through digital skills acquisition programmes over the next four years.
