Doha, Qatar – 17 February 2025: Msheireb Properties announced the 2025 Innovation in Design Awards, a prestigious initiative in partnership with Fast Company Middle East that champions creativity, innovation, and sustainability in design and architecture.

With an expanded list of categories, the second annual awards will highlight groundbreaking contributions that align with Msheireb Properties’ vision of transforming urban living and advancing Qatar’s position as a global hub for innovation excellence.

“The Innovation in Design Awards presented by Msheireb Properties was created to promote design thinking as a catalyst for positive change, spotlighting ideas that tackle individual, community, and global challenges. By expanding the award categories for our second season, we want to inspire even more trailblazers who are redefining the future of urban living,” said Eng. Ali Mohammed Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties.

“Design is the ongoing story of human progress. And so, to celebrate the best of design is to recognise some of the most important human achievements. By honouring outstanding design work, these awards will not only acknowledge corporate achievements but also inspire others in the industry to strive for excellence,” said Ravi Raman, publisher of Fast Company Middle East.

The Innovation in Design Awards were launched last year to recognise exemplary design-driven solutions, signalling Msheireb Properties’ plans to be an active player in shaping the future of design innovation in the Middle East. It was launched during the first Fast Company Innovation by Design Summit. This year’s winners will once again be crowned during the official awards ceremony on the sidelines of the Innovation by Design Summit on May 21 in Msheireb Downtown Doha.

Last year’s winners included global brand consultancy Landor for human-centric design, cardiac diagnostic technology innovator Dr. Mario Garcia for technology-powered design, MAD Architects for sustainable design, and Pandora for luxury and lifestyle design.

Entries for the 2025 awards are now open to designers, architects, and innovators from around the world. Winners will be selected based on criteria such as replicability, design thinking, and audience impact at individual, community, and global levels. The expanded award categories for 2025 include:

• Architecture and Urban Planning: Honouring built projects that significantly improve cities and neighbourhoods, including architecture and landscapes.
• Product and Packaging: Recognising designs that enhance user experience and address real-world challenges.
• Retail and Experiential: Highlighting retail concepts that bring products or services to life through innovative design.
• Sustainable Design: Celebrating projects that use inventive design to meaningfully reduce environmental impact.
• Technology-Driven Design: Acknowledging designs that seamlessly integrate advanced technologies.
• Travel and Hospitality: Recognising innovative approaches to creating memorable and enjoyable experiences for travelers and guests.
• Emerging Designer Middle East: Honouring up-and-coming talent from the Middle East region who are shaping the future of design.

To enter the 2025 Awards for Innovation in Design, please visit https://event.fastcompanyme.com/innovation-in-design-awards-2025/ while submissions close on 10 April 2025. This initiative is part of Msheireb Properties’ ongoing efforts to promote sustainable urban development and enhance quality of life through innovative and thoughtful design solutions. It reinforces Msheireb’s dedication to creating a brighter, more sustainable future while positioning Doha as a leading city for cultural and design excellence.

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The prestigious event welcomed prominent global figures, including government officials, diamond industry leaders, and experts from over 40 countries. The conference explored key trends, fostered collaboration, and addressed challenges in the diamond and gemstone industry.

The opening ceremony featured a welcome address by His Excellency Mr Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar.

During his speech, H.E. Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Doha International Diamond & Gem Conference, which serves as a vital platform to explore the transformative shifts within this market. The synergy between this event and the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, which is currently being hosted by Qatar Tourism, underscores Qatar’s strategic vision of becoming a global hub for luxury, blending world-class infrastructure, exceptional hospitality, and cultural heritage. We are confident that the partnerships and insights shared during this conference will drive future innovation and reinforce Qatar’s position on the global stage.”

“We’re excited that we succeeded in organizing this inaugural conference in the span of just three months and look forward to meaningful and productive sessions,” said Alex Popov, Chair of the DIDGC Organizing Committee. “We hope this is the beginning of a long and beautiful tradition here in Qatar!”

The three-day conference featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by prominent global figures, including H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; H.E. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre; Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council; and Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council.

It offered delegates an opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the diamond and gemstone sectors while experiencing the renowned warmth and hospitality of Qatar. The conference aligns closely with Qatar Tourism’s strategic goal to boost the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. Qatar continues to position itself as a global destination for business and luxury events by leveraging its state-of-the-art infrastructure, unparalleled hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.

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Doha, Qatar, 1 February 2025: The Mercedes-Benz C-class is tasked with bringing similar levels of luxury and prestige to the compact sedan segment. The interior mostly succeeds, providing high-end materials, modern technology, and the requisite large screens to create an environment that feels a step above its price point. The turbo four and nine-speed automatic transmission follow suit, delivering smooth power to the rear wheels, although all-wheel drive is available.

The new C-Class is available with a 1.5 L / 1496 CC Inline-4L Turbo generating output of 204 hp and a 9G-TRONIC® 9-Speed Automatic transmission. The acceleration from 0 to 100 KM is 7.3 seconds.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2025 is available at Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorized general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, in its showroom on Salwa road in Doha.

An expressive exterior

The new C-Class is a sportive incarnation of luxury. It combines dynamic proportions with reduced design lines and sculptural surfaces. The exterior design of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class impresses with its progressive appearance.

The Key features of the equipment line includes bonnet with power domes, LED High Performance headlamps, radiator shell with integrated Mercedes star and a single louvre in matt iridium silver, beltline trim strip in polished aluminum and side window edges in black.

With the Night Package, the expressive black design elements enhance the exterior of your vehicle. These include the exterior mirror housings and trim strips on the front and rear aprons. Tinted windows complete your sporty, individual appearance.

The front is distinguished with diamond grille in star design as well as a single louvre in matt iridium silver. With Digital Light, you experience brilliant lighting conditions. The HD system works like a projector and responds with constantly adapted light to changing traffic, road or weather conditions. The projection features and ULTRA RANGE high beam, among others, can also make your driving experience safer.

With the striking rear end and two-section taillight, the high-quality two-part LED combination rear lamps of the C-Class Saloon captivate onlookers with their day and night design which uses light intensity that automatically adjusts to ambient brightness. The promise of a heightened feeling of quality is effectively emphasized by the precisely designed interior.

With the light-flooded panoramic sliding sunroof, the driver and passengers will experience a fascinating feeling of freedom and a pleasantly bright ambience in the interior. From the outside, your vehicle looks particularly exclusive.

Interior of the C-Class

The design idiom of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2025 was systematically thought through down to every last detail.

The Key features of the Standard equipment line includes seat covers with Tandel black fabric upholstery with contrasting grey stitching, multifunction sports steering wheel in leather with steering wheel cover in black, and stowage Space Package.

The Generous rear compartment concept gives passengers in the rear even more legroom than before.

The head-up display turns your windscreen into a screen. For instance, it shows you all the key information without you having to take your eye off the road. The MBUX multimedia control system adapts to you and your preferences. In this way, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon becomes your digital comfort zone.

With the Burmester® 3D surround sound system, you experience audio performance. The high-quality speakers deliver an impressive surround sound. You can specifically optimise this for the front and rear seats.

Zero Layer simplifies the handling of the MBUX multimedia system even more: with the help of artificial intelligence, this adaptive system displays relevant functions for you on the home screen – without intensive searching.

The Energizing Packages give to priority to your relaxation. Choose from different mood modes, such as “Vitality”, “Refresh” or one of the three training programs.

Individual comfort perfectly tailored to you: for the first time, following input from the driver, the C-Class Saloon saves your specific entertainment and comfort preferences. From the temperature to the seat massage function, everything can be optimised and automatically adjusted to personally suit you

Equipment highlights – MBUX

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2025 is equipped with several assistant systems that add great value to the driving experience.

MBUX Voice Assistant is your personal assistant. You activate MBUX very easily by saying “Hey Mercedes”. This is how you control lots of functions very intuitively, from the navigation to the entertainment system.

With MBUX touch control concept, you control your new C-Class as intuitively as a tablet. The touch screen is easy to grasp and even easier to operate.

MBUX Augmented Reality shows the road ahead of your C-Class live on the media display. Information and markings then appear that make your journey easy and comfortable. These include road signs, house numbers or information on where to turn off.

Smartphone Integration wirelessly connects the mobile phone to the MBUX multimedia system via Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. This gives you convenient access to the most important apps on your smartphone. You can also use apps from third-party providers such as Spotifyquickly and easily.

Assistance packages

Thanks to Driving Assistance Plus Package, you can enjoy the benefits of conditionally automated driving. Systems such as DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist can support you in the right situation, warn you if there is a risk of collision and intervene if necessary. In addition, the PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side protection concept can be used for example, to mitigate the consequences of a side impact. Mitigate the consequences of a side impact.

If you unintentionally leave your lane or get dangerously close to other road users, the Active Lane Keeping Assist can bring you back into your lane with the aid of a steering intervention. If you still leave the lane, however, an additional warning will follow in the form of a steering wheel vibration

Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and 360° camera detects free parking spaces and marked parking spaces as you drive past. After selecting a parking space, you can park with confidence thanks to dynamic visualization and acoustic feedback – or have it assisted

The convenience of Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC in heavy flowing and stop-and-go traffic is something you won’t ever want to do without again. The system relieves strain by automatically adapting your speed to that of slower-moving vehicles travelling ahead. The desired specified distance can be set in several increments.

Adaptive High beam Assistautomatically switches on the high beams if it does not detect any illuminated vehicles ahead or in oncoming traffic. The high luminous range allows you to better see the road and hazards. Press the steering wheel control lever to the high beam position to activate the function.

With Active Stop-and-Go Assist, you enjoy more comfort even in traffic jams. Active Stop-and-Go Assist automatically moves off, keeps to the lane and maintains a distance to the vehicle in front up to a speed of 60 km/h.

With the Memory Package, you can conveniently store and select up to 3 different seat positions. In addition, the positions of the steering column, exterior mirrors and the optional head-up display are stored. If you have created a user profile, you must activate this on the central display in order to call up your setting.

Via THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, four climate zones enable an individual feel-good climate on board. Driver, front and rear passengers can regulate the climate comfort to suit their personal needs. You can set the temperature, air distribution and air volume separately in 4 zones.

The AIR-BALANCE Package individually scents the interior – matching your personal preference and depending on your mood. Thanks to refreshing ionization and purifying filtration of the outside and inside air, it contributes to improved air quality on board and an increased sense of well-being.

Maximum comfort for your everyday driving: with the KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package_[1], you can unlock, start and lock your vehicle simply by carrying the key. The HANDS-FREE ACCESS function allows contactless, fully automatic opening and closing of the tailgate.

The PRE-SAFE® system makes use, on your behalf, of the time prior to an impending accident. A host of measures are able to reduce the stress and strain to which you are exposed. The innovative PRE-SAFE® Sound generates a noise from the speakers which triggers a natural protective reflex that can prepare your hearing for accident noises.

The suspension with adaptive damping adapts to you: select from Comfort, Sport or individually according to your wishes very easily via the DYNAMIC SELECT switch. The sports suspension with selective damping increases the fun factor during fast cornering. The firmer setting of the springs, dampers and the sports direct steering, together with the lowering by 15 millimeters, ensure more direct handling. The AGILITY CONTROL suspension with vehicle lowering provides you with optimum road holding without compromising on comfort. The Selective Damping System ensures a superior driving experience because it automatically optimizes damping effect and stabilization.

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LONDON, DOHA – 23 December 2024 – Premier Padel, the leading official professional padel tour worldwide, today announced its eagerly anticipated 2025 calendar – with 24 tournaments across 16 countries, following its successful first season as a global tour. The 2025 season will feature at least 7 new locations including Miami, Buenos Aires, Cancun and Germany for the first time – significant additions across both the North and South American regions and Europe.

The Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour will start on 10 February 2025 – opening with the Riyadh Season P1.There will be two major new highlights in the 2025 calendar in March, with the tour travelling for inaugural tournaments in Miami and Cancun –held at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Cancun – before returning to Chile for a second time. Following a short return to Europe for tournaments in Belgium and the heartlands in Spain, the tour will make its way to Paraguay in May before debuting in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires.

Europe will host several tournaments between June and October – including a mid-season break scheduled in August – with a return to several recognised countries and locations including Italy (Rome, Milano), Spain (Valladolid, Malaga, Madrid), France (Bordeaux, Paris*) and The Netherlands (Rotterdam). The European leg will also include the first tournament in Germany.

The Tour will then return to the Middle East for tournaments in Egypt (NewGiza) and the UAE (Dubai) with the regular season concluding with the Mexico Major at the end of November. The International Padel Federation (FIP) will host its first edition of the FIP Intercontinental Cup in August, the equivalent of the Ryder and Laver Cup – ahead of the planned mid-season break – and FIP World Cup Pairs tournament in November.

In terms of the four Majors, the 2025 season will see the world’s best players return to Qatar (14-19 April) and Italy (9-15 June) for two Major tournaments in the first half of the year, with France (8-14 September) and Mexico (24-30 November) hosting the remaining Major tournaments. The Qatar Airways Premier Padel Finals will return to Barcelona in 2025 for its second edition from 8-14 December. The top 16 ranked players in the FIP Race Ranking – in both the men’s and women’s competitions – will qualify for the Premier Padel season finale.

Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Premier Padel, said: “We are very proud to announce Premier Padel’s fantastic 2025 calendar, as we continue to propel the sport to new frontiers and take all aspects of the professional tour to the highest level. The 2025 calendar – developed in partnership with players and partners – shows our clear commitment to accelerate the global growth of padel and provide new and existing fans and players with an incredible experience of the Tour for many years.” Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Vice Chairman of Premier Padel, said:“This is another thrilling chapter for FIP and Premier Padel and the sport of padel as a whole. Our 2025 calendar brings professional padel to new and established markets and a more efficient schedule for players and fans. This magnificent calendar supports the exciting global growth of padel as one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing sports and is another milestone in our bid for Olympic inclusion.”

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