The Qatar Winter Sports Committee, in collaboration with Years of Culture, will continue the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture Winter Sports Development Programme with a new series of public activities at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena from 24 to 26 May 2026.

The May programme will invite families, young people, sports enthusiasts, and members of the wider community to experience a range of winter sports, including curling, ice hockey, skating, and short track. The activities have been designed to introduce winter sports to the public in an accessible and welcoming environment, while strengthening connections between Canadian, Qatari, and expat communities in Doha.

Launched in April, the Winter Sports Development Programme will run throughout 2026 as part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture. The initiative aims to expand participation in winter sports in Qatar by focusing on grassroots engagement, youth development, coach education, and competitive opportunities.

The programme also highlights the role of sport as a platform for cultural exchange, community participation, and long-term collaboration between Qatar, Canada, and Mexico.

Public Winter Sports Activities in Doha

The three-day programme will begin with a Curling Open House on Sunday, 24 May 2026, from 4:00 PM at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. The session will offer introductory curling experiences for all ages, giving members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the sport in a friendly and informal setting.

On Monday, 25 May 2026, the arena will host the Canada–Qatar Expat Ice Hockey Series from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Members of the public are invited to attend as spectators and experience the energy of ice hockey as part of the wider community sports programme.

This will be followed by the Short Track & Skating Open House from 8:20 PM to 9:50 PM, offering open skating experiences and introducing participants to short track disciplines.

The programme will conclude on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, with the Canadian–Qatar Expat Curling Game from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The friendly curling matches will bring together Canadian, Qatari, and expat communities as part of the season-long programme. Teams of four may take part, with one captain required to register the team at the registration desk on the day.

Open to the Public

Registration and attendance are open to all at the venue. Activities will be held on a first-come, first-served basis, with rotating slots available throughout the sessions.

The programme reflects Qatar’s growing commitment to expanding sports participation beyond traditional disciplines, while creating inclusive spaces for cultural exchange and community engagement.

As Doha continues to host major sports and cultural initiatives, the Winter Sports Development Programme adds a distinctive dimension to Qatar’s year-round calendar of public activities. It also supports the broader objectives of the Years of Culture initiative by using sport to build stronger people-to-people connections and promote shared experiences.

Further details on upcoming events will be announced through the Years of Culture website and official social media channels.

High blood pressure can develop at any age, often without warning signs. A Mayo Clinic Healthcare physician explains why early screening, lifestyle changes and timely treatment are essential.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often thought of as a condition linked to older age. But its prevalence among people in early and mid-adulthood has been rising globally, making early awareness and prevention increasingly important.

According to Dr. Bianca Bandarra, M.B.B.S., General Practitioner and Executive Health Physician at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, hypertension can quietly damage the body over many years if it is not detected and treated early.

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries remains consistently too high. As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Over time, this increased pressure can affect major organs and raise the risk of serious health complications.

If left untreated, hypertension may increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, dementia and metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that can also raise the risk of diabetes.

A Silent Condition with Serious Consequences

One of the challenges with high blood pressure is that it often develops without symptoms. Many people may have hypertension without realising it.

“If high blood pressure isn’t treated, it can damage blood vessels and organs over many years,” Dr. Bandarra said. “Because of that, we need to be proactive about prevention and early diagnosis. A simple blood pressure check is an important screening tool.”

People with conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or a family history of hypertension may need more frequent monitoring. Those with one or both parents affected by high blood pressure may also benefit from discussing home blood pressure monitoring with their healthcare provider.

While hypertension usually does not cause symptoms, very high blood pressure readings may sometimes be linked to warning signs.

“Very high readings can sometimes be associated with headaches, especially in a hypertensive crisis,” Dr. Bandarra said. “Some people may also feel pressure or discomfort behind their eyes.”

Other possible symptoms may include blurred vision, chest pain, palpitations, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, fatigue or feeling generally unwell. However, these symptoms are not specific to hypertension and may have other causes. Medical attention should be sought promptly if symptoms are new, severe or concerning.

Lifestyle Factors Can Influence Risk

Lifestyle can play a major role in the development and management of high blood pressure.

Risk factors that may increase the chance of hypertension include being overweight or having obesity, tobacco use, alcohol use, high stress levels, eating too much salt, low potassium intake and not getting enough physical activity.

At the same time, several lifestyle habits may help reduce risk. These include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, managing stress, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and getting adequate sleep.

However, lifestyle is not the only factor.

“Some people may do all the right things and still develop hypertension,” Dr. Bandarra said. “That’s because genetics also play a role. We can take steps to prevent it from getting worse.”

Treating Hypertension Early

Treatment for high blood pressure usually involves a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication. Even when hypertension has a genetic component, lifestyle choices remain an important part of long-term management.

Healthcare professionals may also recommend tests such as blood tests, urine tests and an electrocardiogram to assess overall health, check for organ damage and identify related conditions.

Home monitoring can also be useful when done correctly.

“Use a validated device with the correct cuff size and follow proper technique,” Dr. Bandarra said. “Raising awareness about high blood pressure for yourself, your friends and your family can make a real difference.”

For people in Qatar and across the region, where busy lifestyles, stress, diet and reduced physical activity can influence long-term health, regular blood pressure checks can be a simple but powerful step toward prevention.

Early diagnosis allows people to take action before complications develop. With routine screening, healthier lifestyle choices and appropriate medical care, hypertension can be managed effectively and its risks reduced.

Msheireb Museums brought the community together to mark International Museum Day 2026 with a special seminar highlighting the evolving role of museums as spaces for dialogue, learning, inclusion, and cultural connection.

Held at Msheireb Museums in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the seminar was led by Dr Ech Cherki Dahmali, member of the Executive Board of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and Director of the Cultural Advisor’s Office at Qatar Foundation. Titled “Museums: From Functional Role to the Social Dimension,” the session explored how museums have moved beyond their traditional function of preserving heritage to become active public platforms that support community engagement and social cohesion.

Auto Class Cars, the authorized general distributor of MG in Qatar, has launched a new special offer across selected MG models, giving customers access to reduced starting prices, flexible finance options and ownership benefits.

The offer runs until 31 July 2026 and applies to the MG ONE, MG HS, MG ZS and MG RX9. The full MG range is available at Auto Class showrooms on Salwa Road and in Lusail, strengthening the brand’s visibility across Qatar’s automotive market.

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.

Place Vendôme, one of Qatar’s leading luxury shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destinations, has launched ‘Rooted in Resilience,’ a community-focused campaign inspired by the Sidra tree — one of Qatar’s most powerful cultural symbols of endurance, unity and hope.

The campaign was designed as a tribute to Qatar, its leadership and the resilient spirit that continues to shape the country’s social, cultural and community identity. Through an immersive visitor experience and a landmark Sidra Tree Plantation Ceremony, Place Vendôme brought together community, culture and collective hope in a meaningful celebration of strength and perseverance.

A Campaign Inspired by the Sidra Tree

Deeply rooted in Qatari heritage, the Sidra tree has long represented protection, stability, endurance and belonging. Native to the Gulf region, it is known for its ability to grow and survive in some of the harshest desert conditions, making it a fitting symbol for resilience in Qatar.

Through ‘Rooted in Resilience,’ Place Vendôme transformed this cultural symbol into a shared community experience. At the heart of the campaign was a striking Sidra tree installation inside the destination, inviting visitors to take part by hanging personal wishes or messages on the tree, capturing the moment, and sharing their reflections across social media.

The initiative encouraged guests to become part of a growing digital and physical tapestry of stories connected by hope, perseverance and cultural pride. The campaign’s guiding message captured its essence clearly: “At Place Vendôme, resilience isn’t just a word, it’s something that keeps growing here in Qatar.”

Honouring Community Figures Through a Living Symbol

The campaign reached a landmark moment with the ‘Rooted in Resilience’ Sidra Tree Plantation Ceremony, held at the iconic Dancing Fountains area on the Canal Floor at Place Vendôme.

The evening opened with a fountain show before guests gathered for a ceremony that celebrated individuals whose journeys reflected resilience, perseverance and positive community impact. Each honouree planted a Sidra tree and placed a commemorative plaque bearing their name beside it, creating a lasting living tribute to their story and contribution.

Place Vendôme’s leadership team also planted one large Sidra tree collectively, reinforcing the destination’s connection to the community it serves.

The three individuals honoured during the ceremony were:

Dr. Yousef Al Horr, Founding Chairman of the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development, recognised for his regional and global contribution to sustainable development and green building.

Fahad Abdulrahman Badar, the first Arab mountaineer to summit both Mount Everest and Lhotse in a single expedition, symbolising determination and human endurance.

Anas Abouqamer, known as TripleF, a Qatari influencer and content creator whose presence reflects the role of digital voices in shaping community engagement and cultural storytelling.

More Than a Destination

Commenting on the initiative, Sanjay Mehta, Group Director of Marketing at United Developers, said the campaign reflected Place Vendôme’s commitment to becoming more than a retail and lifestyle destination.

“At Place Vendôme, we believe that the most meaningful spaces are those that reflect the spirit of the people within them. The ‘Rooted in Resilience’ campaign is a testament to our commitment to being more than a destination. We are part of this community, and this initiative is our way of honouring the extraordinary individuals who make it thrive. The Sidra tree, with all it represents for Qatar, felt like the most fitting symbol for that message,” he said.

Carole Sabbagha, Mall Manager at Place Vendôme, said the campaign was created to resonate beyond the mall itself and become part of a wider community story.

“This initiative is close to our hearts. We wanted to create a moment that resonates not just within our walls, but across the wider community. Every tree planted today carries a story of resilience, and it is our privilege to give those stories a permanent home here at Place Vendôme. We hope this becomes a lasting reminder that strength, in all its forms, is always worth celebrating,” she said.

Community, Culture and Commerce

As one of Qatar’s most celebrated lifestyle destinations, Place Vendôme continues to position itself at the intersection of luxury, culture, community and experience. The destination attracts more than 16 million visitors annually and has received major recognition, including World’s Most Beautiful Shopping Centre under the UNESCO Prix Versailles programme, as well as Best Mall 2024 and 2025 at the Shop Qatar Awards.

Through ‘Rooted in Resilience,’ Place Vendôme has reinforced that leading lifestyle destinations in Qatar are no longer defined only by retail, entertainment and hospitality. They are increasingly becoming cultural platforms where community stories, national identity and shared values can be expressed.

The campaign remains active across Place Vendôme’s social media channels, inviting the wider community to continue engaging with the initiative and contribute their own messages of hope, strength and cultural pride.

In a country where resilience has become part of the national story, Place Vendôme’s Sidra tree campaign stands as a living reminder that growth, strength and unity remain deeply rooted in Qatar’s cultural spirit.

The location of the exhibition added particular depth to the event. Msheireb Downtown Doha, widely recognised for its sustainable urban regeneration model, served as more than a venue. It became a living case study for students and visitors, demonstrating how research-led architecture, national heritage, modern technology, and sustainable design can come together in a contemporary city setting.

Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, said the exhibition aligned closely with the purpose of the museums and the wider vision of Msheireb Downtown Doha. He noted that the museums provide a meaningful space for young architects to engage with the ideas, design values, and heritage-led thinking that shaped the district.

The exhibition traced the development of students’ architectural thinking, from early coursework to final thesis projects. The displayed work explored themes such as sustainability, identity, community, environmental performance, urban infrastructure, digital tools, and practical design solutions for Qatar’s evolving built environment.

Professor Mohammed Hussein, Dean of the College of Engineering at Qatar University, emphasised that architecture formed an important part of the wider engineering ecosystem. He said the students’ work demonstrated how creative ideas can be transformed into practical solutions through technical knowledge, scientific discipline, and an understanding of community needs.

A key moment of the exhibition was the recognition of promising student projects by Ibrahim Al Jaidah, Chief Architect and Group CEO of the Arab Engineering Bureau. Through the AEB Excellence Award, now in its eighth cycle, Al Jaidah continued his support for young architectural talent in Qatar.

Speaking about the exhibition, Al Jaidah highlighted that architecture is learned not only in classrooms, but also through direct engagement with cities, history, and communities. He praised the students for exploring important questions around sustainability, identity, and the human experience within built spaces.

The projects were developed with the support of national and international partners, including the Ministry of Municipality, Qatar Museums, Caravane Earth, the Public Works Authority, OMA / AMO, and Herzog de Meuron. Their involvement reflected the exhibition’s broader commitment to research, collaboration, and design excellence.

Mimar: From Education to Impact positioned Msheireb Downtown Doha as a platform for architectural dialogue in Qatar. The exhibition showed how the next generation of architects is preparing to contribute to Qatar’s urban development, combining heritage, innovation, and sustainability in ways that support the country’s long-term vision.