Visit Qatar participates at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Reading Time: 3 minutesVisit Qatar participates in the second edition of Web Summit Qatar, taking place from February 23 – 26, 2025, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). As part of its participation, Visit Qatar is sponsoring the VIP Lounge, providing an exclusive networking space where attendees can experience Qatar’s renowned hospitality. Visit Qatar’s participation highlights its ongoing commitment to technology and digital innovation as key enablers of the tourism sector. This dedication was recently recognized with three prestigious awards, including the Microsoft AI Excellence Award for the Visit Qatar GenAI Travel Concierge and two MENA Digital Awards: The Gold Award for Best Application (Mobile/Tablet) and the Silver Award for Best Web Platform. The Visit Qatar mobile app was recognised with the Gold Award for its seamless integration of the Visit Qatar Pass, which unlocks savings of up to 50% on a wide range of experiences. Building on this success, Visit Qatar continues to drive digital innovation with the latest upgrade of its AI Concierge, introducing a conversational chat interface and engaging visual elements for a more intuitive and immersive experience, from inspiration to planning. This upgrade is designed to cater to diverse visitor profiles, from meticulous planners to spontaneous explorers, and from budget-conscious visitors to luxury seekers. It ensures seamless itinerary planning by addressing the challenges of fragmented booking experiences, consolidating travel resources and offerings in Qatar. Available on both the Visit Qatar website and mobile app, the AI Concierge offers a comprehensive suite of services with advanced GenAI-powered capabilities, including personalized recommendations, dynamically tailored itineraries, and real-time updates about events and cultural experiences, making it a valuable tool for both visitors and the local community. HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: “Web Summit Qatar 2025 presents a prime opportunity to showcase Qatar’s transformation into a leading global destination for both tourism and business. With significant advancements in digital integration and service excellence, we continue to enhance the visitor journey while strengthening our position as a key MICE hub in the region. Hosting large-scale global events has been instrumental in achieving our goal of becoming one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the Middle East, as recognised by UN Tourism’s World Barometer in December 2024.” Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, said: “Qatar is a leading global destination with a proven track record of successfully hosting major events and providing its visitors with memorable experiences. MICE is the one of the most important pillars driving growth in Qatar’s tourism sector. This summit not only provides a powerful platform to showcase Qatar’s ability to host world-class events but also facilitates networking, business and investment opportunities, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in innovation and technology. It reinforces our strategic vision of positioning Qatar a premier international MICE destination.” Web Summit Qatar 2025 will bring together top global speakers and thought leaders to discuss key topics in technology and innovation. The event’s five-year tenure in Qatar is a clear reflection of the country’s broader efforts to diversify its economy as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning Qatar as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and as a premier MICE destination. The summit is a vital catalyst for attracting foreign investment, boosting the tourism industry, and enhancing the country’s business environment.
HEC Paris, Doha Welcomes Diverse Executive MBA Class of 2026
Reading Time: 3 minutesDoha, Qatar – 24 February 2025: HEC Paris, the world’s top-ranked business school for Executive Education, proudly welcomes its Executive MBA (EMBA) Class of 2026 to its Doha campus. This cohort represents one of the most diverse groups in the program’s local history, featuring professionals from 16 nationalities across Qatar, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America. Together, they bring rich expertise from industries including banking, education, and healthcare. Notably, the program’s commitment to gender diversity is reflected in the large number of female participants, accounting for approximately 40% of the cohort. “The EMBA Class of 2026 reflects the strength that comes from bringing together very diverse people who all share a desire to become a better version of themselves,” said Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris, Doha. “What unites them is the love of learning and the desire to grow personally and professionally, and to make a difference – in their organizations, communities, and beyond. The richness of their backgrounds helps them learn from one another and provides innovative solutions to real-world problems.” He added: “Our Executive MBA attracts professionals from across the Gulf and beyond. This group represents the spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and purpose that defines HEC Paris. By helping participants build strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, we prepare them to create a lasting impact, not just in their careers but in their families, in their communities, and in the societies they serve. Over the next 18 months, participants will embark on a transformative journey to refine their leadership and strategic decision-making skills. The program’s curriculum is closely aligned with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, the final phase of Qatar National Vision 2030. This roadmap focuses on sustainable economic growth, workforce diversification, financial resilience, and sustainability. The HEC Paris Executive MBA provides participants with a global edge, offering nine specializations taught by world-renowned faculty in Doha, Paris, and other international hubs. Delivered from the state-of-the-art Doha campus, the program provides the tools and insights required to lead organizations effectively in a rapidly evolving global economy. “Ultimately, the EMBA is not just an academic journey – it’s a personal one,” Dr. Martin de Holan concluded. “Through this experience, participants gain the skills, the tools, and the confidence to lead with purpose and ethics and to adapt to change. With each step, they carry the lessons forward, shaping a brighter future for us all. Learning should never stop.” Participants in the program are eager to apply their learnings to real-world challenges: “The program’s unique blend of core business fundamentals and leadership development is what drew me here. Moreover, the Capstone Project will allow me to directly apply what I learn to elevate my organization’s strategic initiatives,” said Abdulaziz Al-Thani, an EMBA participant.” Dr. Muna Altamimi, another participant, shared her perspective, “I chose this program because of its strong emphasis on immediate real-world application. I look forward to each module providing cutting-edge tools and strategic frameworks that I will be able to implement in my organization right away. The interactive learning environment, combined with insights from world-class faculty and diverse peers, will not only strengthen my leadership abilities but also broaden my perspective on global business challenges. This experience will equip me with the confidence and expertise to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and create a lasting impact in my field.” Graduates of the EMBA Class of 2026 will join the prestigious HEC Paris alumni network, which includes over 1,400 alumni who graduated from the Doha campus and more than 83,000 influential leaders worldwide. Locally, the alumni network boasts 61% Qatari membership, reflecting the institution’s strong ties to Qatar’s business community. Globally, it offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and innovation. In addition to the Doha Track, the HEC Paris EMBA program is also welcoming a new cohort in Riyadh, further expanding the program’s reach, and fostering the development of leaders across the region. A third cohort, offered in partnership with the Public Investment Fund, is set to launch in April this year. The HEC Paris EMBA, now with four tracks in the GCC, allows professionals from across the region to build their networks, and to gain the tools and insights needed to lead with impact. With its rigorous curriculum, commitment to diversity, and alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, the HEC Paris EMBA Class of 2026 is poised to lead change, spur innovation, and contribute to building a thriving, sustainable economy.
Alfardan Premier Motors celebrates remarkable success in Jaguar Land Rover MENA Everyday Legend competition
Reading Time: 2 minutesDoha, Qatar – 20 February 2025: Alfardan Premier Motors Co., the official retailer of Jaguar Land Rover in the State of Qatar, proudly celebrates a momentous achievement as its sales and service team excel in the prestigious JLR MENA Everyday Legend competition. This outstanding recognition reaffirms Alfardan Premier Motors dedication to excellence, customer satisfaction, and continuous professional development, solidifying its position as a leader in the luxury automotive sector. The competition brought together the finest JLR professionals from across the MENA region, testing their knowledge, expertise, and commitment to world-class service. Alfardan Premier Motors very own Abdelmonem Nasr and Bassel Monther stood out among the region’s top talent, with Abdelmonem securing 2nd runner-up in the Service Advisor category, demonstrating exceptional technical expertise and dedication to customer care. Meanwhile, Bassel achieved 1st runner-up among all Sales Executives, showcasing remarkable insight and the ability to deliver tailored luxury automotive solutions. This incredible success is a testament to Alfardan Premier Motors investment in its people, equipping them with the skills and training necessary to not only meet but surpass global luxury automotive standards. The company’s ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that every customer experiences the highest level of service, from the showroom to after-sales support. And by engaging in such prestigious competitions, Alfardan Premier Motors benchmarks its capabilities against regional and global industry leaders, further solidifying its reputation as a premier JLR retailer dedicated to excellence. Nasr Jairoudi, General Manager for Alfardan Premier Motors, expressed his deep pride in the team’s achievements, stating: “At Alfardan Premier Motors, excellence is at the core of everything we do, from sales to after-sales service. The recognition of Abdelmonem and Bassel in the JLR MENA Everyday Legend competition is a testament to their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Their success reinforces our ongoing investment in talent development and our dedication to upholding the highest standards in luxury automotive retail.” This prestigious recognition further strengthens Alfardan Premier Motors reputation as a premier JLR retailer, ensuring that customers in Qatar receive unparalleled service and expertise. With a steadfast commitment to continuous growth and innovation, Alfardan Premier Motors remains dedicated to setting new benchmarks in luxury automotive excellence. Alfardan Premier Motors remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous investment in its people, ensuring that its team is equipped with the latest knowledge, skills, and training to uphold the highest standards of customer care and performance. This aligns with JLR’s global mission of setting new benchmarks in luxury, innovation, and service excellence. As the company celebrates this milestone, it looks forward to even greater achievements, continuing to raise the bar and reaffirm its commitment to delivering an exceptional ownership experience for every JLR customer in Qatar.
New Model Y now available in Qatar
Reading Time: 5 minutesNearly five years ago, the first Model Y units were delivered to their owners, marking the debut of a global best-seller. Today, Tesla is introducing new Model Y in Qatar. New Model Y features extensive reengineering, maximizing efficiency, comfort, connectivity, and safety with a completely redesigned interior and exterior. Model Y, the global best-seller Model Y has been produced in over 3.5 million units at Tesla’s Gigafactories across three continents. Since day one, Model Y has been praised globally for its versatility, ease of use, practicality, safety and efficiency-all at an accessible price point. In 2023, Model Y made history by becoming the first-ever electric vehicle to top the global best-selling vehicle list, across all powertrains and energy types. While final confirmation is pending, Model Y is on track to be the best-selling car in the world again in 2024. This is further proof that electric vehicles appeal to a broad audience and are suitable for a wide range of scenarios. Produced in Europe for the Middle-East at the Tesla Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory in Germany since 2022, Model Y has already had a significant impact on transitioning the local fleet to sustainable transport, in line with Tesla’s mission. With the introduction of new Model Y, Tesla builds on a global best-selling platform to bring a new benchmark to the market. The benchmark just got better Considering the feedback from owners, Tesla’s engineering and design teams have developed new Model Y incorporating significant improvements in refinement, premium-ness and ergonomics in every area, while not departing from what made it a global bestseller. New Model Y is designed with a focus on ride comfort while retaining the agility and connection Tesla is known for. Building on the improvements brought to Upgraded Model 3, new chassis settings and attributes provide a high-level of comfort to all passengers, without compromising handling. A new design serving functionality New Model Y features a fully redesigned exterior that offers exceptional aerodynamic efficiency, high-speed stability, crash safety and build quality. Diverging from Model 3, the front and rear lightbars draw inspiration from Cybertruck and Cybercab designs. The full-width, three-piece lightbar is engineered to be aerodynamically efficient and enable the best possible pedestrian safety performance. The rear light bar spans across the vehicle, making it not only one of the largest lightbars in the industry but the world’s first production application of an indirect, externally reflected lighting system that projects the rear lamp function onto a custom applique. The exterior redesign has reduced the overall drag and combined with new wheels featuring improved aerodynamics and low-resistance tires, it leads to enhanced range. Model Y was already the most efficient SUV in its class. By carefully reworking every energy-consuming subsystem, Tesla has unlocked significant improvements in energy efficiency, resulting in real-world gains for owners without additional costs. A new front camera is now available, located in the front fascia. It offers drivers an expanded view of the surroundings on the center screen and is equipped with a fluid washer and integrated heating to prevent fogging and stay clean in all weather conditions. Refined and more comfortable cabin Excellence in interior refinement and ambience has been a key focus with new Model Y. The cabin is enveloped in premium yet durable materials, including aluminum and textile, while customizable ambient lighting is dynamically integrated for both day and night. Additionally, new manufacturing processes provide an elevated level of craftsmanship. With the introduction of acoustic glass on every surface, paired with new sound-dampening materials, new Model Y offers a whisper quiet ride. Road noise is reduced by 22%, impact noise by 20% and wind noise by 20%. Upgraded new low-E glass roof reflects 7 times more solar energy, reducing heat transfer into the cabin. Combined with best-in-class HEPA filtration and advanced heat pump technology, the thermal system remains highly efficient, quiet, and high-performing—ensuring the perfect temperature for all passengers. The two front seats have been redesigned for improved comfort and are now ventilated. The second-row seats also offer enhanced comfort and convenience with easier-to-access buckles, longer cushions, deeper bolsters, with powered recline and fold-flat operation. Both first and second rows are heated, and all are working seamlessly with integrated climate controls. The new center console now features sliding doors with precise, smooth movement, and is covered in genuine aluminum revealing both a cupholder and extra storage. Additional aluminum accents adorn the steering wheel, door trims, and instrument panels. True to its original uncluttered driving experience, new Model Y includes both haptic switches and physical buttons. Ergonomics and usability are enhanced with customizable steering wheel switches for quick access to frequently used vehicle functions. A new precision-engineered indicator stalk ensures effortless control while driving. Blind spot indicators are now integrated within the front doors’ tweeter area, which complements the existing on-screen functionality. Improved connectivity and entertainment for everyone Second-row passengers can now enjoy their own 8” touchscreen, featuring integrated climate controls and entertainment options, including gaming, audio, and video streaming. Fast-charge laptops and other portable devices is convenient, with one front and two rear USB-C charging ports, with up to 65W of power. The Tesla-developed audio system offering up to 16 speakers has been redesigned to offer an even more immersive music listening experience. Some speakers are invisible thanks to an acoustically transparent textile material developed in-house, which compliments the sleek aesthetic of the interior and enhances audio performance. Improvements have also been made to the microphones, for 66% clearer calls. Connectivity has reached the next generation with redesigned hardware, delivering a significant boost to cellular performance: 50% faster download speeds and a 30% greater range. Wi-Fi connectivity has also been greatly improved, with download speeds up to 300% faster for smoother video streaming and software updates, and a range extension of up to 200%, ensuring sustained connectivity in areas like garages and driveways. Phone key performance and reliability have seen a 10X improvement, thanks to the addition of Ultra-Wideband and other enhancements, which also enable hands-free trunk opening when paired with the Tesla
Doha hosts the debut edition of the Visit Qatar E1 GP for electric powerboats
Reading Time: 2 minutesDoha is set to host the world’s first all-electric race boat series, the UIM E1 World Championship, taking place on February 21st and 22nd, 2025, at The Pearl Island. Titled the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP, it represents a significant highlight on the 2025 race calendar, establishing Qatar as a racing hub in the Middle East. As the Title Partner of the race, Visit Qatar continues to solidify the country’s position as a leading global sports tourism destination. From hosting major football tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ to expanding its portfolio with cutting-edge sporting events such as E1, Qatar remains committed to fostering innovation and excellence in sports tourism. E1 serves as a pioneering platform for advancing sustainable marine mobility, with each race testing and showcasing innovative electric technology on water. Fans will witness high intensity racing while experiencing the future of eco-friendly marine innovation. The tournament will see eight races around the world, with Doha being one of the stops. Spectators can immerse themselves in the excitement at the Acceleration Festival fan zone, offering live DJ performances, children’s entertainment, exclusive E1 merchandise, and opportunities to win special prizes. Free tickets can be booked at https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/qa/sports/28851/visit-qatar-e1-doha-gp-2025 For those seeking a premium experience, MATCH Hospitality Asia is offering exclusive hospitality packages at the Racers’ Lounge, located at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Waterfront Hotel. Guests will enjoy unparalleled race views, gourmet dining, a meet-and-greet with team pilots, and access to an exclusive after-party with VIPs. More details can be found at https://e1.match-asia.com/en/racers-lounge/
The Ministry of Municipality and Mowasalat (Karwa) Collaborate on a Tree-Planting Initiative to Foster Environmental Sustainability
Reading Time: 2 minutesAs part of Mowasalat (Karwa)’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the enhancement of green spaces, the company, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality, organized a tree-planting event at Mesaimeer bus depot. The event was held on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, in the presence of HE Sheikh Suhaim Al-Thani, the Senior Representative of the Municipality and Environment, Public Parks Department, and Mr. Khalid Al Kaabi, Mowasalat (Karwa) HSSE Director. This initiative aims to increase green spaces and raise environmental awareness int the society. It is part of Mowasalat (Karwa) endeavours to reduce carbon emissions, as 350 trees of different types have been planted to help absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and improve air quality. The trees planted were carefully selected to include species suitable for the local environment, such as sidr and jujube trees, Assyrian plum, mulberry, Indian almond, lemon, tamarind, and other plant species. These trees contribute to providing shade, lowering temperatures in surrounding areas, as well as promoting biodiversity and supporting wildlife. This initiative garnered significant participation from Mowasalat (Karwa) drivers, who made a concerted effort to plant the trees themselves. Additionally, they showed a strong interest in understanding the essential information about tree varieties and the best care practices, demonstrating their commitment to environmental and social responsibility and their role in the success of the initiative. To ensure maximum benefit from the initiative, identification plaques were installed for each tree using weather-resistant materials, to spread awareness and knowledge about the types of trees planted and their role in improving the quality of life. This event embodies our dedication to sustainability and preserving the environment, forming an essential part of our vision for a greener future for the coming generations.
Qatar Charity Celebrates International Day for Social Justice
Reading Time: 3 minutesSustainable Projects Reflecting Its Commitment to Achieving a Just Transition Toward a Sustainable Future Doha, Qatar | February 20, 2025: On the International Day for Social Justice, observed on February 20 each year, which aims to promote economic and social justice for all, Qatar Charity highlights its humanitarian and developmental projects implemented in Somalia and Pakistan during 2024. These projects, executed with generous support from philanthropists in Qatar, contribute to achieving a just transition toward a sustainable future by integrating environmental sustainability with social justice, ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities benefit from these initiatives. In this way, they reflect Qatar Charity’s commitment to the principles of “just transition” within the context of sustainable development. A Just Transition Toward a Sustainable Future in SomaliaAfter a series of humanitarian crises in Somalia, including severe droughts, sudden floods, and ongoing conflicts, Qatar Charity committed to supporting the Somali people through the implementation of around 300 humanitarian and developmental projects in various regions and provinces of Somalia, with a total cost exceeding 40 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting more than 600,000 people.These projects focused on balancing the needs of both people and the environment, with initiatives in the sectors of water and sanitation, food security, education, health, social welfare, economic empowerment, and social housing. These projects were part of a comprehensive response Qatar Charity adopted to address the humanitarian crises caused by environmental changes and ongoing conflicts. Water and Sanitation ProjectsThe water and sanitation sector has been a priority for Qatar Charity in Somalia, where the projects contributed to addressing the shortage of clean water exacerbated by the ongoing drought. In this context, 78 projects were implemented at a cost of 10.3 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting over 140,000 people. These projects included drilling deep and shallow wells, constructing sewage networks, and building facilities to provide clean water. These initiatives were not only a response to the drinking water crisis but also part of a long-term strategy to improve residents’ lives and reduce waterborne diseases. Food SecurityIn urgent response to the food crisis caused by drought and conflict, Qatar Charity launched 84 projects with a total cost of 8.6 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting more than 300,000 people. The projects included distributing food baskets to affected families, as well as supporting agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing boats, helping rural communities secure sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives contributed to strengthening resilience against environmental and economic crises and made communities more capable of facing future challenges. Searching for Sustainable Solutions in PakistanQatar Charity implemented sustainable projects in Pakistan during 2024, benefiting more than 990,000 people through approximately 1,800 projects in the fields of water and sanitation, education, health, and economic empowerment. These projects were a direct response to the crises facing the country, whether due to harsh weather conditions or ongoing conflicts.Water and sanitation projects in Pakistan included drilling wells, installing solar-powered water pumps, and building comprehensive health facilities. The economic empowerment sector also included establishing craft workshops and commercial shops, as well as supporting small businesses, which helped provide stable sources of income for many families in rural areas. Global Partnerships for Broader ImpactQatar Charity seeks to enhance its collaboration with international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, with the aim of coordinating efforts and achieving a greater impact in crisis-affected areas. In 2024, several cooperation agreements were signed with these entities in Somalia and Pakistan, reflecting Qatar Charity’s vision of joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and social justice for all sectors of society.
ONE 171 Official Press Conference Highlights & the Best Quotes
Reading Time: 3 minutesFebruary 18, 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship™ (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, in partnership with Visit Qatar, today held the official pre-event press conference for ONE 171: Qatar. In the main event, ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will face off against interim title holder Jarred Brooks for the third time in a highly anticipated World Title unification bout. In the co-main event, ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his belt against Chinese icon Wei Rui. ONE 171: Qatar will be broadcast live on Thursday, February 20, from Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail, Qatar. Fans can visit watch.onefc.com for more information on how to watch. ONE Championship would like to thank Official ONE 171 Presenting Partner Visit Qatar, Official Media Partner Media City Qatar, and Official Telecom Partner Ooredoo, as well as Official Energy Drink Partner Monster Energy, Official Blockchain Partner Walrus, and Official Venue Partner Lusail Sports Arena. BEST QUOTES Chatri Sityodtong – ONE Championship Chairman and CEO: “The world’s largest martial arts organization is coming back to the Middle East to throw the biggest spectacle across all these incredible disciplines, with the world’s greatest athletes, and the greatest martial arts on the planet. We are excited. And I tell you what, the main event and the co-main are absolutely barn-burning, explosive. I think both fights are going to end in a spectacular knockout. But here’s the thing, we have 14 fights. You look around just at this table right here, these are all killers and monsters, the very best of the best on the planet.” Joshua Pacio – ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion: “The difference this time is, of course, I’m going to win. Yeah, I’m going to win. The last time I won, but it’s not the way that we wanted to. And I don’t look [at the] past, I look forward, and here we are. It will be different. It will be different this time.” Jarred Brooks – ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Champion: “I want to be remembered as the true strawweight World Champion. I am very, very grateful for ONE Championship and the things that they have done for me. I promise you, Joshua, and I, we are more than willing and prepared, and I am going to go out and I’m going to finish him on Thursday, whether you like it, or you don’t, I’m going to go out and I’m going to finish him.” Jonathan Haggerty – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion: “I’d like to say thank you for having me. It’s an honor to be here. Thank you for ONE Championship. You know, I’m truly blessed to be doing what I love and traveling to beautiful countries like Qatar. I’m very excited to defend my belt against Wei Rui. You know, he’s a very credible opponent, the number one for a reason. We’ve left no stone unturned. turned. We’ve not overlooked him, and we’re just excited to put on a great performance for everyone.”Wei Rui – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title Challenger: “Yes, this is the first time I come to Doha, and I came here just for this world title belt. I will definitely bring this belt to China. Thank you.”
The Chedi Katara Welcomes Back Hani Akkari as General Manager
Reading Time: 2 minutesA Celebrated Return to Elevate Excellence in Luxury Hospitality Doha, Qatar – The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort is delighted to announce the return of Hani Akkari as General Manager. With a distinguished career in luxury hospitality, Hani rejoins the team to further enhance the hotel’s reputation for excellence, reinforcing its commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences. “Hani’s return reflects our dedication to cultivating leadership from within and maintaining the highest standards in hospitality. With extensive experience across leading international brands and diverse markets, along with his familiarity with the property, Hani brings valuable industry expertise that will strengthen our commitment to operational excellence and outstanding guest experiences.” said Karim Bizid, Vice President of Operations, GHM. As General Manager, Hani will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s operations, setting new benchmarks in service, guest satisfaction, and innovation. His leadership will also focus on elevating the hotel’s culinary offerings and refining service standards to reinforce The Chedi Katara’s standing as one of the region’s most distinguished luxury hotels. With over 18 years of experience across Europe and the Middle East, Hani Akkari has built a reputation for curating refined hospitality experiences with a deep passion for excellence. “I am delighted to return to Doha and lead an exceptional team at The Chedi Katara,” said Hani Akkari. “I look forward to working with the team to ensure our guests continue to enjoy the highest level of hospitality in a setting that reflects both elegance and a deep sense of place.” Nestled within the illustrious Katara Cultural Village, in the vibrant heart of Doha, Qatar, The Chedi Katara seamlessly intertwines contemporary elegance with rich cultural heritage. Exquisite craftsmanship is evident throughout the property’s distinguished architecture, while its collection of opulent accommodations is meticulously curated to provide unparalleled comfort and mesmerizing views of the Arabian Gulf. Guests can expect nothing short of extraordinary, with a commitment to impeccable service and indulgent experiences, ensuring The Chedi Katara remains a beacon of GHM’s hallmark of timeless luxury.
Huawei to Showcase Cutting-Edge Cloud and AI Innovations at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Reading Time: 4 minutesAI Pioneer Accelerates Intelligence with Everything as a Service Doha, Qatar – February 18, 2025 – Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, is set to showcase its latest Cloud and AI solutions at Web Summit Qatar 2025, taking place from February 23 to 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Under the theme “Accelerate Intelligence with Everything as a Service,” Huawei will demonstrate how its advanced technologies enable businesses and industries to harness the power of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation to drive unprecedented innovation and efficiency. Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, Web Summit Qatar returns for its second year, solidifying Qatar’s position as a global technology and innovation hub. The event brings together world-leading technology companies, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors, fostering discussions on the future of AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation. As an AI pioneer in industry applications, Huawei Cloud is driving industry intelligence by providing full-stack AI capabilities, including infrastructure, computing power, algorithms, development frameworks, and its advanced Pangu Large Models. Leveraging its CloudMatrix AI-native infrastructure, Huawei Cloud Stack, and Ascend AI cloud services, Huawei delivers massive AI computing power with unparalleled efficiency, offering flexible deployment options tailored to diverse enterprise needs. Huawei Cloud Stack provides an on-premise deployment mode for enterprises or governments that prefer to save data locally and develop foundation models independently. Meanwhile, Ascend AI cloud services offer a public cloud alternative for organizations that want to avoid the complexities of building and maintaining their data centers. The newly launched Pangu Large Model 5.0 offers advancements in multimodal capabilities, reasoning, and real-world applications across sectors such as autonomous driving, intelligent cities, robotics, industrial design, and drug R&D, solidifying Huawei Cloud’s position as a leader in AI-driven digital transformation. Building on these technical strengths, Huawei is redefining innovation through its “Everything as a Service” strategy, which offers fully digital, cloud-based, and AI-powered solutions across three key pillars: Infrastructure as a Service, Technology as a Service, and Expertise as a Service. At Web Summit Qatar, the company will showcase how this approach enables scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions tailored to the needs of governments, enterprises, and industries, empowering them to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. Rico Lin, President of Huawei Gulf North Region, stated: “At Huawei, we are committed to accelerating intelligence and enabling businesses to thrive in the digital era. Our participation at Web Summit Qatar 2025 underscores our dedication to providing innovative Cloud and AI solutions that empower industries to operate smarter, scale faster, and drive greater efficiency. As Qatar moves toward a knowledge-based economy, we look forward to collaborating with industry leaders, government stakeholders, and technology pioneers to support the country’s digital ambitions and shape the future of AI-driven innovation.” Under Infrastructure as a Service, Huawei Cloud’s KooVerse, which consists of 96 availability zones (AZs) in 33 regions, provides a unified architecture serving customers in more than 170 countries and regions to meet their diverse application scenarios through different modes of public cloud, private cloud, and edge cloud. Technology as a Service solutions enable businesses to innovate easily and modernize applications through Huawei’s R&D advances, delivered to customers, partners, and developers through cloud services. Huawei Cloud has built development production lines designed to accelerate enterprise application modernization. These include ModelArts, a one-stop AI platform that empowers developers and data scientists to rapidly develop and deploy models, driving intelligent upgrades across industries. DataArts, on the other hand, is a comprehensive data lifecycle management platform that provides end-to-end governance of databases, warehouses, data lakes, and AI, unlocking the full value of data. CodeArts is an all-in-one DevSecOps platform offering out-of-the-box cloud services for requirement delivery, code commit, testing, building, verification, deployment, and release throughout the entire software development lifecycle. Meanwhile, MetaStudio delivers cutting-edge tools for virtual avatar video production, livestreaming, and intelligent interaction, revolutionizing content creation across industries. Beyond technology, Huawei Cloud’s Expertise as a Service will highlight shared excellence and cloud-enabled industries. Huawei Cloud MacroVerse aPaaS opens up Huawei’s years of innovation and digitalization experience so that industry developers no longer need to reinvent the wheel, enabling industry scenario-based innovation in more than 10 vertical industries, such as government, finance, manufacturing, transportation, and meteorology. A key focus of Huawei’s participation will be introducing industry-specific AI applications, demonstrating real-world scenarios where AI and cloud technologies drive innovation. From AI-powered diagnostics in healthcare that improve accuracy and speed to predictive maintenance in manufacturing that reduces downtime and enhances productivity, Huawei’s solutions are transforming industries. The financial sector also benefits from Huawei’s AI-driven risk assessment and fraud detection capabilities, while the transportation industry is leveraging AI-powered logistics and fleet management to optimize routes and enhance efficiency. Huawei’s AI for Industries initiative is set to redefine the future of business operations by embedding AI into core decision-making processes. By integrating AI-driven automation across sectors, enterprises can increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and unlock new growth opportunities. Whether through smart urban planning, intelligent infrastructure, or AI-powered governance models, Huawei is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to shape the future of digital economies. This aligns with Qatar’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to harness AI, big data, and cloud computing to enhance public services, drive economic competitiveness, and build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. As Qatar strengthens its role as a digital powerhouse, Huawei remains committed to working alongside local enterprises, government entities, and global partners to build an ecosystem where cloud and AI technologies drive meaningful transformation. Huawei’s presence at Web Summit Qatar reinforces its commitment to supporting Qatar’s national digital agenda, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification, digital innovation, and smart infrastructure as key pillars for sustainable growth. Huawei invites attendees to its booth number E503 to experience live demonstrations, engage with industry experts, and explore how Cloud and AI technologies can transform businesses and industries.
