Author: M Fayiz

Walk through Doha today, and the signs are everywhere, gleaming convention centers, hotel lobbies buzzing with delegates from five continents, and a calendar packed with international summits. In recent years, Qatar has quietly reinvented itself as one of the Middle East’s most dynamic destinations for global events. And behind that transformation is a sector most people outside the industry rarely think about: MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). It may not carry the glamour of a World Cup final or a Formula 1 race, but the MICE sector is arguably doing more sustained work for Qatar’s economy than any single…

Doha: HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani visited the 13th edition of the Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition, “AgriteQ 2026,” on Monday evening at Katara Cultural Village. During the tour, His Excellency visited several exhibition pavilions and was briefed on a wide range of sectors, including plant and animal production, fisheries and aquaculture, horticulture, food industries, transportation and logistics, biotechnology, and smart agricultural systems. The exhibition is being held as the State advances the third phase of the National Food Security Strategy (2024–2030), which focuses on strengthening self-sufficiency, expanding local production, and…

Doha: The Ministry of Municipality honored the winners of the ‘Qatar’s agricultural lens’ competition, which it organized in cooperation with the Qatar Photography Center, at the conclusion of the 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition “AgriteQ 2026.” The ceremony included a visual presentation of the key participating and winning photographs, which reflected a distinguished level of creativity and professionalism in documenting aspects of agriculture in the State of Qatar. Director of the Public Parks Department and Vice Chairman of the Exhibition Organizing Committee Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sada honored the ten winners in recognition of their efforts and artistic contributions. Winners Ayoub…

Doha: The fourth day of the 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2026) witnessed a large turnout of school students, with 92 schools participating and a total of 3,680 male and female students attending as part of organized field visits aimed at promoting agricultural and environmental awareness among youth, and introducing them to concepts of sustainability and food security. Students toured a number of participating company and farm pavilions, including “Haina Salma Farm,” Agrico, the Farmers’ Market and “Mazzraty” zone, the Honey and Dates Market, the Flower Market, as well as the Panda Area and the zoo. During the visits,…

Doha: Visit Qatar has concluded the 2026 edition of Brouq, its signature desert activation, following strong engagement from residents and visitors throughout the winter season. Running for 77 days until 10 February, Brouq welcomed 61,121 attendees, reaffirming its position as one of Qatar’s most popular outdoor attractions during the winter period. Set against Qatar’s desert landscape, Brouq delivered a diverse programme combining adventure, culture and live entertainment. The Desert Escape Zone emerged as a key highlight, featuring the 25-metre Adventure Tower, one of five new activation areas introduced this year, alongside a zipline experience, open-air dining areas and a continuous…

Doha: Old Doha Port has unveiled the renowned “La Menina” sculpture by Spanish artist Antonio Azzato, executed artistically by Qatari artist Muna Al Bader. The unveiling ceremony was attended by HE Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State of Qatar Alvaro Renedo Zalba and Chief Executive Officer of Old Doha Port Eng. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mulla. In a statement on Sunday, the port said the sculpture draws inspiration from the historic painting Las Meninas by Spanish artist Diego Velazquez, reflecting Spain’s rich artistic heritage while reinterpreting the traditional concept through a contemporary creative vision. It noted that “La…

Doha: Lusail International Circuit (LIC) unveiled the FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2026 Show Car, in line with early bird ticket offers, showcasing its striking new livery. The 2026 Car reflects Formula 1®’s new era of racing, ahead of ticket sales opening for the milestone fifth year of Formula 1® at LIC. The FIA Formula One World Championship will enter a new era in 2026 with a comprehensive overhaul of its technical regulations. The next-generation cars have been designed to be shorter, lighter, and more agile, improving racing quality and sustainability. Central to the new rules are advanced…

Doha: Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities launched a forum on innovation, sustainability and achieving social impact, held over two days in partnership with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, with the participation of a select group of experts, academics and specialists. The forum aims to develop the charitable work system, promote institutional innovation, consolidate the concepts of financial sustainability, and build the capacities of non-profit organizations to measure and achieve societal impact in a sustainable manner. Director of the Licensing and Support Department at RACA Rashid Mohammed Al Nuaimi emphasized that the forum comes as part of the Tamkeen 2026…

Doha: The 18th Qatar Robotics & AI Competition kicked off Sunday in Doha. The contest is organized by the Ministry of Sports and Youth, represented by the Qatar Scientific Club (QSC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), buoyed by support from the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM). Held at Lusail Multipurpose Hall, the two-day competition attracts participants from schools and universities, as well as members of youth centers, alongside those interested in cutting-edge technologies from across the nation. The opening ceremony was attended by HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Yasir…

Doha: Record international participation and strong engagement from global startups at Web Summit Qatar 2026 has reinforced Qatar’s position as a leading regional and international hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Held in Doha from 1 to 4 February, the third edition of the summit further highlighted Qatar’s growing role in building an open and attractive business environment for talent and investment, while strengthening links between regional and global markets. This participation also reflects the high level of confidence in the country’s enabling investment environment for startups and entrepreneurs, which provides opportunities for growth and expansion at local, regional, and international…