VCUarts Qatar Holds Comics Retreat
From ideation and storyboarding to scriptwriting and visualization, QF partner university’s three-day workshop was a huge success. Doha, Qatar: A football coach, a psychologist, a musician and an aspiring journalist – in addition to the expected attendee profile of graphic designers and artists, these were just some of the other professionals who participated in the first Comics Retreat to be hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university, recently. The diversity of backgrounds and professions of the participants reminded one of the evergreen and universal appeal of comic books – even in a digital landscape dominated by complex animation, special effects, and computer-generated imagery. The three-day retreat was organized by the Comics Lab, a research lab under the Institute for Creative Research at VCUarts Qatar, led by Michael Wirtz, Head of Research and Library Technology, and Leland Hill, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, at VCUarts Qatar. The retreat was led by Dr. S J Sindu (Sinduja Sathiyaseelan), Assistant Professor of Creative Writing, and Dr. Geoff Bouvier, Instructor, both from the Department of English at VCU, Richmond. Explaining the inspiration behind the lab, and the retreat, Wirtz said, “Part of the Comics Lab’s mission is to facilitate the production of comic and sequential art featuring voices and narratives of Qatar and the people who live here. Generally, when narratives of this region are depicted in comics, they are either stereotypical of how Western cultures view the people who live here, or they feature orientalist tropes that do not reflect the voices of the people who live here. Not only do we want to collect the authentic graphic narratives being produced in the region, or by people from the region, we want to encourage the creative community to create their own narratives.” He continued, “For this retreat, we chose the theme of “Third Culture Kids” due to the ubiquity of that experience in Qatar. Most people who live in Qatar have some experience with living or working in a culture that is different from that of their “home” or family’s culture. How people negotiate that experience can generate authentic narratives that can be shared through comic and sequential art.” Wirtz observed that the success of the first iteration of the retreat demonstrates that many people believe that comics may be a viable way of communicating those stories. He said, “Comics aren’t just stories about superheroes in tights and masks. They can be a powerful medium to depict complex characters and stories.” He also noted how as a format, comics may forge a stronger connection between the story, the characters and the readers. He said, “Unlike certain types of media where the narrative is fed to the reader, in reading a comic, the reader still has to participate in generating the narrative. For instance, the panel structure – the frames that contain the images – of a comic is similar to that of a film. However, unlike a film, the reader controls how quickly that narrative is consumed. One of the participants, Gilson de Souza, a football coach at Aspire Academy, said he always enjoyed reading comics and fiction both as a child and an adult. He said, “At a certain point in my life, I started playing Dungeons and Dunes and other role-playing games which involved creating worlds, characters and stories. This sparked my love for creative writing, and I began to write. “Since childhood, I’ve had two sides: a ‘geek’ side that loved stories, and an athletic side, influenced by my dad steering me more towards sports. This led me to my current career as a football coach. However, I never considered my creative side as something that could develop into a profession or even a hobby. Hence this journey of rediscovering this part of myself through this comic retreat has been deeply important to me as a person.” During the workshop, participants had ample opportunities to work both individually and in groups and share feedback on work produced during the retreat. Anna Luisa Almeida, a Brazilian psychologist who attended the workshop, said she found the topics and sessions to be highly interactive and engaging. She said, “The workshop kicked off with a discussion of the main theme, which was ‘Third Culture Kids’. I feel the topic was excellent, because it was something most of us could relate to, given the large number of expats in Qatar. Our final comics focused on this theme, and it was essential for everyone to share ideas.” She added, “In our introduction to script writing for comic books, I realized it was quite different from other forms of scripts. Our instructors shared tips and examples that we could refer to. For instance, Sindu, one of the retreat instructors, advised me to refer to Neil Gaiman’s scripts for ‘Sandman’. We also learned about the technical terms used in the design of comic spreads, the importance of the kind of media in which your comic will be read – paper or digital – and explored graphic poems.” In 2021, the VCUarts Qatar Art and Design Library, the library of the Qatar campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond, decided to establish a dedicated Comics Lab to foster further exploration within the medium – particularly in the creation, consumption and themes of comic books in the region. Although the Lab is currently building its resources to meet the research and educational needs of the school, it has also embarked on a second phase of its conception – one of coordinating the dissemination of comic and sequential art from the region.
Key events this week: Ras Abrouq activation extended until February 15, and Sealine Season to feature Adani Show
Ras Abrouq has become one of this winter season’s most visited attractions, drawing 38,000 visitors since its opening. Reflecting the overwhelming demand, Ras Abrouq’s duration has been extended until February 15th, allowing more residents and visitors to enjoy its exceptional offerings. Ras Abrouq continues to captivate guests with hot-air balloon experiences, archery sessions, camel parades, children’s workshops, and engaging roaming acts. Visitors can look forward to spectacular drone shows on January 16th and 17th, scheduled at 19:30 and 20:30. Sealine Season offers activities for both adventure seekers and families. It features desert safaris, monster bus rides, ATV buggies, horse riding, and boat trips, with free sports and children’s activities. Weekends include fishing trips, stargazing, and Muay Thai classes. Adani Show, featuring the traditional Yemeni music performance will take place on January 17th, at 21:00 to 23:00, followed by a fireworks display. Doors will re-open for the public at 19:00. Tickets cost 50 QAR and will be available online, to purchase tickets at https://doha.platinumlist.net/ar/event-tickets/sealine Additionally, the Qatar Kite Festival at Sealine will also take place from January 16th till 18th from 12:00 till 17:30, offering a vibrant showcase of colorful kites and aerial artistry. This Week in Qatar Al Wakra Safari Zoo, ideal for families, offers educational and recreational activities amidst a serene environment. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife, camel rides, and interactive exhibits designed to inspire a connection with nature. It is located at Souq al Wakra and scheduled to run until February 1. Abida Parveen Live in Qatar will take place at Qatar Museums January 16th, showcasing the soulful voice of the globally acclaimed Sufi singer. A captivating evening awaits music lovers as they immerse themselves in her enchanting performance. Doha Marathon by Ooredoo is taking place on January 17th at Hotel Park in Doha. With categories for all skill levels, the event promotes fitness and community spirit. Qatar Custom Show is running from January 14th to 18th, offering car enthusiasts a glimpse of extraordinary custom vehicles and innovations in automotive design. The UAE Qatar Super Cup will be held from January 16th to 19th, bringing a competitive edge to football fans and sports enthusiasts alike. The Qatar Kite Festival will be held at various locations which include Old Doha Port, Sealine Season Dunes and Sheraton Hotel Park from January 19th to 25th, featuring vibrant kite displays and interactive activities for families. The Doha Oasis Padel Tournament is scheduled from January 16th to 18th, offering exciting matches in this rapidly growing sport and attracting players and fans from across the region. Shop Qatar 2025, running until February 1st, offers unbeatable discounts, exciting retail experiences, and the chance to win grand prizes, including luxury cars. The second Raffle draw will take place at Old Doha Port at 20:00. Daily entertainment across participating malls enhances shopping experience.The dynamic line-up ensures entertainment for visitors of all ages. For more information on Qatar Calander’s 2025 events, visit www.visitqatar.com, download the Visit Qatar app, and follow @QatarCalendar on social media.
Zeekr at CES 2025: Unveils Industry-leading Technology, Co-Creation Strategy and a Global Energy Solution
Doha, Qatar – 15 January 2025: Blue Lake Motors, a subsidiary of Al Mana Holding, proudly announces ZEEKR’s dynamic presence at CES 2025, where the brand showcased its cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking approach to the electric vehicle industry. ZEEKR demonstrated its commitment to continuous innovation through close collaboration with customers and partners, reinforcing its dedication to delivering world-class solutions. The brand also outlined its strategic plans for global expansion, positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving electric mobility market. Christopher Preston, Executive Director, Blue Lake Motors, commented on the event by saying: “Zeekr’s innovative approach to combining hardware and software engineering is paving the way for safer, more comfortable, and independent driving experiences. As we expand in the Qatari market, we’re excited about how Zeekr’s advanced technologies can reshape luxury and sustainability in the region. We’re eager to bring these groundbreaking solutions to our customers, in line with Qatar’s vision for smart and eco-friendly transportation.” Zeekr believes both hardware and software engineering are crucial to offer safe and comfortable autonomous driving journeys. At booth #5460, West Hall, of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Zeekr is showing its all-new self-designed intelligent driving domain controller, the first for an OEM that integrates the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor system-on-a-chip(SoC) running on the safety-certified DriveOS. The soon-to-be-mass-produced domain controller powered by NVIDIA’s accelerated compute, will roll out in a new model coming 2025, that will be able to handle multiple intelligent driving scenarios and parking capabilities. In addition, Zeekr is announcing that it will extend its partnership with Qualcomm Technologies Inc to bring more immersive infotainment experience to global customers. Featuring the updated, more powerful Qualcomm system-on-chip (SoC), Zeekr models provide users with a richer and smarter cockpit experience at a high-efficiency level. Zeekr RT, some of which are already undergoing real-world road testing, will be the world-first mass-produced purpose-built vehicle for autonomous mobility. Zeekr will begin delivering mass-produced Zeekr RTs to Waymo for further testing this year, in preparation for a future public robotaxi launch. Currently Zeekr vehicles are equipped with an 800V ultra-fast charging e-powertain and Zeekr is the largest ultra-fast charging network operator, with over 800 ultra-fast charging stations in China. To build an all-round energy service ecosystem, Zeekr is unveiling its global fast-charging network strategy to deploy thousands of Zeekr-branded charging piles in key international markets, starting from and particularly in Thailand and Australia. On display at CES is the Zeekr 001 FR, a shooting brake, which offers the best possible balance of luxury, comfort, and ultra-performance. The Zeekr 009 Grand, the four-seater version of the electric Zeekr 009 MPV, which presents a luxurious, secluded, quiet, comfortable and safe oasis on road. The Zeekr MIX, a family five-seater SUV, combines a capsule-style exterior and innovative packaging to maximize in-cabin space. For more information or enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at 8000505.
Visit Qatar hosts first Arabia Luxury Travel Show in Doha
Visit Qatar hosted the Arabia Luxury Travel Show for the first time in Doha, which ran from January 12 to 15. Designed to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading luxury destination in the Middle East, the event welcomed over 160 luxury tour operators and (MICE) Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions agents from key markets, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and the Baltic States. More than 50 distinguished hotels, destination management companies, and tourism boards from across the region including Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey and the Indian Ocean participated in the event. Together, they highlighted the Middle East’s world-class luxury offerings, further solidifying the region as a hub for premium tourism. The four-day event featured a comprehensive agenda, at the event’s Host Hotel, the Ritz Carlton – Doha, including two days of one-on-one B2B meetings to facilitate important business engagements. The last two days were dedicated to networking events between buyers and exhibitors. Commenting on the success of the event, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, said: “The Arabia Luxury Travel Show has provided Visit Qatar a platform to showcase Qatar’s unique luxury offerings to key international markets. By engaging directly with influential buyers and travel professionals, we continue to position Qatar as a leading destination for discerning travellers. This event aligns with our strategic vision to expand Qatar’s footprint in the global luxury tourism sector while strengthening our presence in key markets.” The 2025 Arabia Luxury Travel Show covered key themes including luxury travel, as well as Doha’s appeal as a family-friendly destination. The successful hosting of this event underlines Visit Qatar’s commitment to advance the country’s visibility as a global luxury hub, further solidifying the objectives of the Qatar Tourism Strategy. The participants had the opportunity to explore Qatar, visiting its vibrant souqs, world-class museums, immaculate desert, immersing themselves in the rich culture, and marveling at the stunning skyline.
High Efficiency, Powerful Performance, All-Scenario Capability, Enhanced Safety EXEED REEV Equipped with Multiple Leading Technologies
Doha, Qatar – January 13th, 2025. Silver Lake Motors – a subsidiary of Al Mana Holding, recently introduced EXEED’s groundbreaking REEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) technology at a launch event in Beijing, unveiling the premium EXLANTIX series of new energy vehicles. The event highlighted EXEED’s technological leadership, showcasing the REEV system’s combination of high performance and energy efficiency. The REEV technology achieves a thermal efficiency exceeding 44.5% and an impressive oil-to-electricity conversion rate of 3.7 kWh/L, setting a new benchmark for the global automotive sector. Mrs. Ping Ding, EXEED Brand Manager at Silver Lake Motors, underscored the significance of this launch for the Qatari market: “With EXEED’s innovative REEV technology, we are proud to offer Qatari customers a cutting-edge combination of performance, efficiency, and luxury. As we prepare to launch the EXLANTIX series in Qatar soon, this marks an exciting chapter in EXEED’s journey to establish a strong presence in the region, bringing sustainable automotive innovation to the local market.” Earlier in May 2024, the two-wheel-drive variant of the ET REEV completed an extraordinary range endurance test, covering 2141.5 kilometers with a full fuel tank and a fully charged battery. This achievement also included the first successful high-altitude drop collision test from 31.9 meters in the industry. Additionally, automotive media representatives from Eastern Europe and the Middle East tested the ET REEV four-wheel-drive variant, highlighting its remarkable acceleration, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The EXEED REEV system features an innovative design, integrating a generator and a drive motor. Powered by a fifth-generation high-performance range-extender engine, the system achieves a thermal efficiency of over 44.5%, while the core components maintain transmission efficiencies exceeding 98.5%. This enables the vehicle to achieve an exceptional fuel-to-electric conversion rate of 3.7 kWh per liter of fuel. The REEV technology is also paired with a range-extending battery that supports rapid charging, reaching 20% to 80% in just 17.5 minutes, addressing range anxiety and optimizing user experience. The EXEED REEV system delivers a total output power of 345 kW and peak torque of 7,400 Nm, ensuring a dynamic driving experience. The system’s combination of high efficiency and power ensures stable performance in various driving conditions. The ET REEV four-wheel-drive variant, for example, achieves 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds when fully charged, providing an experience akin to that of pure electric vehicles. An intelligent all-scene four-wheel-drive system enhances the driving experience further. It incorporates advanced technologies like IAS intelligent air suspension and CDC damping, providing precise adjustments to suspension damping for optimal stability and comfort. The intelligent torque vectoring control allows for dynamic front-to-rear axle torque distribution, ensuring efficient power utilization across all driving conditions. Additionally, the system offers seven distinct driving modes, including settings for sand and snow, improving performance in challenging environments. Renowned Qatari automotive Key Opinion Leader (KOL), Jaber Al Malki, praised the vehicle’s performance following his test drive, stating, “The vehicle delivers a perfect blend of speed and passion in the driving experience. The luxurious interior and meticulous craftsmanship further enhance the overall impression, with every detail underscoring a dedicated pursuit of quality.” Safety remains a top priority for EXEED, with the brand introducing a six-dimensional electric safety system, the first of its kind in the industry. The Kunpeng battery, integral to the REEV system, has undergone rigorous reliability testing, including 100,000 kilometers of road testing, 39 hours of vibration testing, and 48 hours of water immersion. These tests confirm its durability and safety. The vehicle body also incorporates 88% high-strength steel and aluminum, improving rigidity and crash resistance to meet global five-star safety standards. The EXLANTIX high-end new energy series, featuring the REEV technology, will be launched in several international markets, including Eastern Europe, the UAE, and Norway, in the first half of next year. This rollout marks a strategic expansion for EXEED, positioning the brand as a world-class luxury automotive leader. As EXEED continues its international expansion, REEV technology will soon be launched in Qatar, offering local consumers a chance to experience cutting-edge performance and energy efficiency in the luxury electric vehicle sector. Customers can explore the EXEED lineup by visiting the flagship showroom in West Walk Doha, a symbol of sophistication and elegance. For more information or to arrange your test drive, stop by the EXEED showroom or call 800 1115.
VCUarts Qatar offers an array of Community Learning opportunities for Spring 2025
QF partner university opens registration for workshops and courses ranging from Journaling to Interior Design Doha, Qatar: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university, has announced its lineup for the Community and Continuing Education (CCE) short courses and taster sessions for spring 2025. The courses cater to various age groups and members of the public who would like to learn more about art and design or take their existing creative skills to the next level. The courses and taster sessions are led by professional artists and designers, many of whom are VCUarts Qatar graduates themselves. According to Rasha Alkasab, Program Manager for VCUarts Qatar’s Community & Continuing Education, “The 2025 line-up reflects our pledge to providing innovative courses that are relevant and responsive to the interests of our community. Our ongoing commitment remains steadfast – to curate engaging and educational opportunities that cater to diverse community interests and age groups, while ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of art and design.” For example, an introduction to journaling two-hour workshop is a tasting session that will take place on January 20th. This workshop is focused on the intentionality of journaling and its contribution to creativity and productivity and is timed to coincide with the new calendar year when people are focusing on a more productive and mindful approach to life. This session will be offered free of charge and take place online. Those with an interest in illustration can join an upcoming online workshop that will be taking place on April 7th, focusing on the art of children’s book cover design and illustration for young readers. This course will be led by the well-known Pakistani artist and designer Hazem Asif. A six-week advanced interior design course is also on offer for those eager to deepen their spatial design skills and explore architectural elements, multifunctional spaces and the impact of cultural influence on design. The course will provide hands on practice in creating space plans, and guide participants in creating their own designs. Later in the Spring, VCUarts Qatar will offer an Introduction to Virtual Reality, an evening course taking place over eight weeks, two nights a week, where participants will be immersed in virtual reality design and become familiar with innovative VR design tools like Tilt Brush and Gravity Sketch. For children, VCUarts Qatar is offering a course in acrylic design painting for kids, planned for Tuesday evenings from January 21st to February 25th. Children from 10-14 years old can explore and develop their artistic talents through color theory, brush skills and painting styles and will be guided through projects like landscapes, animals and imaginative scenes. These are just a few examples of the taster workshops and courses coming up soon at VCUarts Qatar. To register, or for further information including course descriptions, times and costs, please visit https://qatar.vcu.edu/campus-community/community-education/ or contact vcuqcommunity@vcu.edu
Ibtechar Launches New Innovation Services at Doha Media Conference
Doha, Qatar – 12 January 2025: Ibtechar, an award-winning innovation agency based in Doha, has announced the launch of two new service offerings: Ibtechar Academy and Ibtechar Consultancy. The announcement was made at a media conference held on January 9th at the Chedi Katara Hotel in Doha, attended by representatives from major Qatari media outlets. CEO and Co-founder, Eng. Nayef Al-Ibrahim, presented the new services, outlining how they will support organisations and individuals in developing and implementing a sustained culture of innovation. Ibtechar Academy focuses on delivering specialised training programmes in areas such as digital upskilling, innovation methodologies, and personal development. Ibtechar Consultancy works with organisations to embed innovation into their culture, strategy, and operations. Eng. Al-Ibrahim detailed the services offered, referencing Ibtechar’s partnerships with the Global Innovation Institute (GInI) and UQ, and highlighting their work across diverse sectors in Qatar. He also showcased Ibtechar’s history of innovation, including the development and management of innovation spaces, their work with Barzan Holdings, and their recognition by the World Economic Forum. With the floor open to questions, Eng. Al-Ibrahim took the opportunity to engage with individual journalists on Ibtechar’s story so far, and plans for the future. Highlights from the Q&A session are presented below. Q: How does Ibtechar tailor its services to clients’ needs? “We customise our solutions by first understanding the client’s needs through an innovation maturity assessment. This helps us determine whether they want to develop internal innovation capabilities or outsource them. We’ve supported entities in both scenarios. For example, we helped Barzan Holdings develop a drone tracking project by outsourcing to an existing company. In other cases, we help entities build internal competency through tailored programmes, hubs (like incubation labs), and other resources. ” Q: Are there any plans to expand in the region? “While we see high demand in the open market, especially with the rise of innovation officers and government initiatives, our priority is fulfilling requirements in Doha for now. Our focus is on helping public, private and third-sector organisations here to enhance their services, products, or internal procedures. Regional expansion is something we have in mind for the future.” Q: What has been a pivotal moment for the company? “Every year has its moments. Founding Ibtechar was a proud moment for me. The first day we moved into our offices was a big one. The first day we secured funding was another. And of course the establishment of our new service areas, which we’ve showcased today. Each moment has a unique value.” Q: What kind of courses does Ibtechar Academy offer? Who can join? “Our services are primarily B2B and B2G. Ibtechar Academy specialises in end-to-end technology training. Our expertise lies in technology development, covering areas like language learning, cybersecurity, and AR/VR. We focus on developing innovative solutions.” Q: It seems your clients are mainly organisations or government entities. Do you target universities, given your training programmes? “Universities are a potential target audience. Our client base is primarily organisations and government entities due to our focus and engagement model. However, we have worked with universities, such as Qatar University, where we developed an innovation lab for their international innovation centre.” Q: What are the company’s core strengths? “Our integrated service offering, combining content, technology, and training, is a key strength. We’ve been doing this for ten years. We specialise in technology, making it easy to adapt to new technologies and customise training quickly. We also have proven experience in designing, supplying, and operating digital labs. In Ibtechar Consultancy, our ability to design, supply, and operate labs for different sectors is a unique strength. This has allowed us to build a strong service line supporting innovation in the market.” Q: How does the company cope with evolving obligations and market demands? “Every year brings new trends. Our focus is on adapting quickly and understanding the objectives behind those trends. This informs how we integrate new developments into our content and training programmes.” Q: Can you elaborate on the company’s growth from a small company to achieving a 100 million milestone? “It’s been a team effort. It took us ten years to reach this point. Growing from a small local company to achieving this figure demonstrates our dynamism and our credibility in the market — and we’re excited to see what the next ten years will bring.” For further information contact info@ibtechar.com
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.
Place Vendôme & Qatar Tourism Honoured for Innovative Collaboration
Doha, Qatar – January 11th, 2025: Having recently hosted the opening ceremony for Shop Qatar 2025, Place Vendôme is pleased to have presented H.E. Mr Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, with an award commemorating its innovative collaboration with Qatar Tourism during last year’s event. Place Vendôme’s collaboration with Qatar Tourism during Shop Qatar 2024 clinched the coveted ‘Gold award’ in the Marketing Excellence category at the prestigious Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers (MECS+R) Awards. This award recognizes the efforts of both Qatar Tourism and Place Vendôme to enhance Qatar’s reputation as a leading global luxury retail destination. The MECS+R Awards are widely recognized as the gold standard for excellence in the sector, celebrating innovation, creativity, and outstanding achievements in retail, marketing excellence, and property development. Shane Eldstrom, CEO of United Developers, Owners of Place Vendôme, said: “The team at Place Vendôme is proud to have played a role showcasing the Shop Qatar initiative for its past two editions. We have worked tirelessly to bring some of the best brands and experiences from throughout the region and the world to Place Vendôme and are grateful for the support of Qatar Tourism in bringing our destination to new audiences”. This year’s edition of Shop Qatar, the nation’s largest shopping and entertainment festival, launched on January 1 with an elegant opening ceremony at Place Vendôme, featuring a performance by Lebanese singer Abeer Nheme, alongside colourful parades, family activities and a stunning fireworks display. Qatar’s retail sector has been experiencing a boom, with the market expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5% in the coming years. The country’s high GDP per capita, coupled with a population that values quality and innovation, has created a fertile ground for retail excellence. Place Vendôme’s success at the MECS+R Awards reflects this thriving environment and the mall’s ability to capture the essence of Qatar’s dynamic retail landscape. Since its opening in April 2022, Place Vendôme has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone of Qatar’s retail and lifestyle scene. The mall’s unique blend of luxury brands, diverse dining options, and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities has made it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. This latest recognition at the MECS+R Awards adds to Place Vendôme’s growing list of accolades, which include the UNESCO Prix Versailles for World’s Most Beautiful Shopping Mall in 2023; the respected ‘Premier Shopping Mall Experience’ at the Qatar Tourism Awards; Qatar Museums’ Bronze Key; RLI MENA ‘Shopping Center – New Build’ Award; as well as, ‘Best Mall Award’ and ‘Highest Participation Award’ by Shop Qatar. Place Vendôme’s ongoing efforts are aligned with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, that aims to drive economic, social and cultural development in the country. By enhancing Qatar’s appeal as a global retail and tourism destination, Place Vendôme contributes to the diversification of the national economy, promotes cultural exchange, and fosters sustainable growth. The mall’s dedication to this vision reflects its commitment to making a meaningful impact on the country’s economic prosperity, social cohesion, and heritage preservation. These MECS+R Awards not only celebrate Place Vendôme’s achievements but also highlight Qatar’s growing influence in the regional and global retail landscape. For more information about Place Vendôme, please visit www.placevendomeqatar.com
Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2025
Press ConferenceThursday, 9 January 2025 Key Highlights of the ConferenceImportance of the Marathon• A unique sports event aiming to promote health and fitness.• Reflects Ooredoo’s dedication to supporting sports and community. Partnership with Al Kass Channel• Official Broadcaster: Al Kass Channel announced as the official broadcaster of the Doha Marathon.• Live Broadcast: Enhances local and global audience reach. General Information about the 2025 MarathonInclusive and Innovative Edition:• Open to all age groups and abilities, featuring full marathons to kids’ races.• Kids’ race to be held on 16 January, a day before the marathon. • Gold Label Accreditation:• Achieved the Gold Label from World Athletics for the second consecutive time. • Inclusivity for Individuals with Disabilities:• Encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in races up to 21 km, with registration being free. Community Goals• Supporting Charities:• A portion of registration fees will go to charity, a tradition since the marathon’s start. • Encouraging Qatari Participation:• As part of Ooredoo’s dedication to promoting a healthy lifestyle among Qatari runners, special cash prizes will be awarded to participants in the Al Adaam category. Key Statistics• Participant Numbers:• Over 15,000 runners from 140 nationalities.• 1,300 international runners. • Prizes:• Total prize pool of approximately QR 1 million.• Two Toyota cars will be raffled for marathon finishers. Marathon Route and Facilities• Carefully Selected Route:• Ensures a safe and smooth environment for all participants. • Free Parking:• Free parking near the race venue for participants and spectators. Events and Activities at the Marathon Village• Marathon Village Opening:• Located at Sheraton Park from 14 to 16 January.• Includes entertainment activities, live performances, and diverse food offerings. • Kids’ Race:• Dedicated race for children under 12 on 16 January. Summary of Events at the Marathon Village:• Day 1 (14 January 2025):• DJ Tarek’s energetic musical performance.• Jess Trio Band’s harmonious music. • Day 2 (15 January 2025):• DJ Tarek returns.• M&M duo blends music with elegance in their show. • Day 3 (16 January 2025):• Children’s entertainment show with acrobatics and engaging performances.• Science exhibition featuring interactive experiments and exciting demonstrations. • 14, 16, 17 January 2025:• White Parade adds joy with dynamic moves and lively beats.• The Kids’ Race Parade with clowns, costumed characters, and stilt walkers fills the streets with joy and excitement. New Features for 2025• Innovative Technology:o AI-generated participant videos and photos.o Instant digital participation certificates. • Enhanced Photography Services:o Introducing “Sportograf” for the first time to capture participants’ moments. About Sportograf:• A global platform specialising in sports event photography, known for high-quality documentation of marathons, triathlons, and more.Benefits of the Sportograf Service Safety Measures• Comprehensive Safety Plan:• A secure and well-defined route with integrated support services.• Medical drone in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation.• Dedicated safety monitoring team. Safety Details: Marathon Kit Distribution• Details:• Distributed at Sheraton Park from 14 to 16 January, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM.• Kits include a race T-shirt, medal, and timing chip. Sponsors and Partners• Supporting Partners: Ministry of Interior, Qatar Athletics Federation, and Hayya Platform.• Platinum Sponsors: Al Abdulghani Motors, Visir Qatar, Katara Hospitality, and New Balance.• Gold Sponsors: Doha Bank and Korean Medical Center.• Silver Sponsors: Rayyan Water, Qommunication, Qatar Insurance Company, Elan Group, and Rafeeq.• Other Supporters: Ministry of Defence and Ashghal Public Works Authority.
