18 May 2023, Doha, Qatar. The excitement was palpable as the preliminary screening for Ginoo at Mutya ng Kalayaan 2023 took place at the Philippine School Doha (PSD) Gymnasium on May 18, 2023. This is in preparation for the upcoming Philippine Independence Day 2023 Celebration on June 23, 2023, at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel. A total of 11 candidates for Mutya and eight candidates for Ginoo participated in the screening representing various regions of the Philippines. The regions represented by the Mutya candidates are NCR, CAR, Region 3, Region 4A, Region 6, Region 7, Region 9, and Region 12. On the other hand, the Ginoo candidates hailed from NCR, Region 3, Region 4B, Region 5, Region 7, Region 9, and Region 11. All candidates successfully qualified to advance to the official pageantry, a promising sign for what is to come in the upcoming event. A board of judges, composed of Mr. Jyerex Abrasado, Mr. Isaias Marcelo, Mr. Ivan Caceres, Dr. Rosanna Barrera, Engr. Danica Rose Alcantara, and Mr. Mike Saratan, conducted the preliminary screening. The pageant committee is now eagerly looking forward to the next phase of the pageant, which includes rehearsals, official sashing, photoshoots, personality development seminars and workshops, and an official press conference before the main event. The event organizers expect this year’s celebration to be more significant than ever due to the pandemic and all the challenges it has presented. Despite this, the organizers remain committed to providing an enriching experience for the participants and a memorable event for everyone attending.

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Globally renowned #TrainDifferent philosophy by UFC GYM continues to take Qatar by storm promoting athletic inclusion with its unique market offering May 17, Doha, Qatar: UFC GYM Qatar, an extension of UFC® and Al-Mana Holding, celebrated the Grand Opening of their second gym by hosting renowned UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, as he took the gloves off and cut the ribbon at the inauguration event held at The Pearl, Qatar. Global leaders in MMA-inspired fitness, UFC GYM continue to disrupt the fitness industry in Qatar with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) inspired training. The new state-of-the-art gym offers unlimited classes and personal training sessions in MMA, Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Muay Thai, HIIT and an array of Youth Programs, as well as a dedicated gym-area, a UFC Octagon, and much more. There is also an exclusive women’s area in the gym hosting female-only classes. To mark The Pearl gym’s opening, the UFC GYM team are offering a free pass to help unleash your inner fighter - visit the UFC Gym Qatar website to get your spot now and discover the customised membership tiers that fit your needs! During his visit, Islam Makhachev commented: “This gym has everything, its great! We can do our training camps here since it has everything. It’s a major platform for combat sports in Qatar and hopefully MMA’s future champions in the octagon. It’s clear to see how the country’s created this amazing reputation for hosting sporting events and why it’s becoming the sports capital of the world. Inshallah we will see a few UFC events here!” As Qatar continues to become a leading sports destination, what better place to kick-start your fitness goals than MMA. It is a brilliant way to exercise and stay in shape, as well as being far more enjoyable than hours on the treadmill! “The much-anticipated opening of our second location on The Pearl has become a central focus for Al Mana Holding,” said Abdulrahman Hamad Al Mana, Deputy CEO, Al Mana Holding. “Our research shows there is an appetite for an all-inclusive facility offering an MMA-inspired training space and traditional fitness under one roof,” he explained. “We’re very much looking forward to contributing to the growth of Qatar’s vibrant fitness community by continuously expanding our sports offering,” he added. The inauguration of The Pearl is part of Al Mana Holding’s expansion plans to promote UFC GYM’s unique ‘Train Different’ philosophy. This follows the New Salata branch opening last summer (Aug ’22) and another massive location opening in Al Kheesa at the end of the year. For all the latest news follow UFC GYM Qatar - The Pearl on Instagram (@UFCGYMPearl) and Facebook (@UFCGYMQA), visit the website (https://ufcgym.qa/), or contact the team about membership via +974 5111 8501 and +974 5111 8502.

The fully owned subsidiary of Doha Bank, Sharq Insurance, will showcase its comprehensive solutions for Home and Property Insurance Doha, Qatar – 17 May 2023: Sharq Insurance L.L.C, the general insurance company owned by Doha Bank, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Doha Bank at the highly anticipated Build Your House Exhibition, held from May 15 to May 18 at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). This partnership will offer visitors an unparalleled experience and a comprehensive understanding of Sharq Insurance’s home and property insurance services. The Build Your House Exhibition, promises to be a remarkable event for homeowners, property enthusiasts, and industry professionals. Dedicated to the construction, fit-out and renovation needs in Qatar, the exhibition will showcase the latest trends and innovations in the industry. From 10 am to 10 pm during the exhibition days, Sharq Insurance and Doha Bank will showcase their expertise and innovative insurance solutions designed specifically for homeowners and property owners at their dedicated stand. Commenting on the exhibition, David Cook, CEO of Sharq Insurance L.L.C, said: “I am thrilled to participate in this significant exhibition that will provide us with a valuable platform to engage with homeowners, property investors, and industry professionals, and present our ultimate insurance policies to them. We invite everyone to join us and get acquainted with our comprehensive range of policies designed to protect your most valuable assets." Sharq Insurance has been the leader in Home and Property Insurance, offering a wide range of policies to suit everyone’s needs. The company’s Property Insurance policy is designed to provide coverage for losses arising from fire, lightning, and allied perils for properties, buildings, contents, factories, industries, and other premises. Similarly, the company’s Home Insurance policy is designed to provide coverage for the most valuable asset, providing protection against potential hazards that could wreck households such as fire, burglary, and other natural causes. Sharq Insurance provides a broad spectrum of policies that cater to both individual and corporate clients. These policies include Engineering, Property, General Accident and Liability, Marine, Motor, Medical, and Group Medical Insurance. The company is renowned for its streamlined and user-friendly processes that can be conveniently completed online, ensuring a hassle-free experience for its customers. Recently, Sharq Insurance recently received “Digital Transformation of The Year Qatar 2023” Award for the Insurance Sector by the Global Business Review Magazine, recognizing for its excellent digital offerings and rapid digitization.

Doha-Qatar, May 16, 2022: Huawei Middle East & Central Asia and SAMENA Telecommunications Council jointly hosted the 5.5G Leaders' Summit at Atlantis the Palm, Dubai, UAE, with a theme "10Gbps, Striding towards the 5.5G Era". The 5.5G Leaders' Summit brought together ICT leaders, regulators, industry organizations, including GSMA and WBBA, vendors, enterprises, analysts, chipsets, application ecosystem partners, and other experts to share their ideas, discuss various topics on creating sustainable 5.5G connectivity, and ecosystem aggregation platforms to foster collaboration, accelerate digital economic growth. Since the first launch of the 5G network almost four years ago, adoption has accelerated in the ME region. 5.5G is the essential upgrade for 5G, a key milestone for the increasingly integrated intelligent world, while 6G is still in early study. It will offer 100 times more business potential with a ten-times-better network experience than 5G. H.E. Mohammed Al Ramsi, Deputy Director General, TDRA UAE, gave an opening speech at the summit: “Technologies are developing and renewing and presenting us with great challenges and greater opportunities. Providing a sound regulatory environment is crucial for embracing 5.5G's potential fully. As such, the UAE has taken several steps, including the establishment of the ICT regulatory sandbox.” “I am quite sure that this session will lead to relevant and actionable insights on how we can leverage 5.5G technology to drive sustainable development and digital innovation in the UAE and globally.” In his opening speech, Mr. Steven Yi, President of Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, said: “Sustainable digital economic growth relies on three powers: transmission, computing, and storage. To build these powers, it is crucial to consistently invest in connectivity infrastructure like 5.5G, prioritize green deployment methods, and foster local digital talent.” Dr. Philip Song, Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Carrier BG, delivered the keynote about ‘Striding towards the 5.5G Era,’ stating: “With the arrival of the 5.5G era, people will be able to enjoy true-to-life experience such as 3D video. With the maturity of the RedCap technology and the innovation of the Passive IoT technology, the industry digitalization process will be accelerated. We hope that all device and application partners, local content partners and policy makers can work together to create more values to society with the 5.5G era.” In his speech, Martin Creaner, Director General of the World Broadband Association, emphasized: "The WBBA is bringing together service providers, suppliers, users, investors and governments to remove the barriers and help realize the socioeconomic benefits of Giga/10Giga Society for the region." During the summit, Mr. Rashid Alahmedi, COO of InfraX, said: "5.5G with 10x network capabilities compared to 5G, will address the current technology gaps and enable various digital services in the power grid industry. However, business model innovations based on the new opportunities and close collaboration among stakeholders are key to driving the digital transformation in the power grid as well as many other industry sectors in the 5.5G era." Stephen Wilson, Omdia Senior Principal Analyst, delivered a keynote and said: "The demands on broadband networks are developing rapidly, pushed by a combination of rapid growth in connected devices, increasingly bandwidth hungry applications, and greater reliance on the cloud. Service providers need to invest in next-generation broadband technology to not only meet such demand, but also create new business models that will enable future revenue growth and ensure fast RoI." As part of this summit, Huawei also launched FWA², a new generation HBB service that is supported by advanced 5.5G technology. During the launch, Mr. Vanness You, Vice President of Huawei ME&CA CNBG, said: “With the large-scale commercial use of multi-carrier aggregation terminals and the development of RedCap technology, it’s time to upgrade from FWA standard to FWA². FWA² includes FWA Pro represented by up to 1 Gbps speed, FWA Lite and FWA Biz with the feature of low-cost and high-reliability. This is the first wave of use cases that can be generated by 5.5G.” At the summit, led by the UAE TDRA, etisalat by e&, du, infraX, Quanray, HTC, Lierda, and Huawei jointly launched the 5.5G OpenLab. The lab is dedicated to building a 5.5G ecosystem alliance, testing ecosystem interoperability, and developing advanced use cases for consumers, homes, and industry sectors.

Couples are invited to cherish their special day at Al Thuraya Ballroom, one of Doha’s most luxurious and sought-after wedding venues, offering bespoke packages and personalized service. Doha, Qatar – 16 May 2023 – Pullman Doha West Bay, a premium 5-star hotel in the heart of Doha’s West Bay, combining lifestyle and design for business and leisure, is pleased to announce a special summer package for weddings. Couples who book their wedding at the Pullman Doha West Bay between June and August will receive a special package starting at only 200 QAR per person, terms and conditions apply. Pullman Doha West Bay hosts the ideal venue for weddings, offering an exceptional experience with luxurious facilities and a dedicated team that ensures every detail is taken care of. Located in the heart of the city, Al Thuraya, Pullman Doha West Bay’s vibrant ballroom, can accommodate up to 750 guests, set in an impressive space with high ceilings, and boasting Arabesque-designed walls, and a Swarovski chandelier that adds an extra touch of elegance. Al Thuraya ballroom can also be customized to meet the specific needs of any wedding celebration, making it perfect for couples who want to make their special day unforgettable. Furthermore, the wedding package offers the bride and groom a one-night stay in the Executive Suite. The contemporary suite is a stylish retreat for newlyweds, with access to the stunning Club Lounge which adds to the overall exclusive experience. Guests can also enjoy packages for rooms and spa treatments, including massages and facials, as well as access to the outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Moroccan hammam, and beauty boudoir for a modern wellness sanctuary to unwind and relax. Commenting on the special summer package, Hajar Tabbai, Pullman Doha West Bay Wedding Sales Manager, who enjoys over 7 years of experience in the weddings industry said: “Our Al Thuraya Ballroom is a breathtaking gem that will elevate any wedding experience to new heights. The special summer package enables couples to celebrate their big day in an exceptional venue for a sophisticated and refined experience that the Pullman Doha West Bay is renowned for.” “What distinguishes Al Thuraya Ballroom is its secluded setting, ensuring a wedding that is both intimate and unforgettable. From the moment of signing the contract, our team of professionals will work tirelessly to ensure that every detail is taken care of, so that couples can focus on making memories that will last a lifetime,” she added. At Pullman Doha West Bay, every detail counts in making the night unforgettable. Brides can enjoy a cozy Bridal Room located adjacent to the ballroom, offering them and their entourage a comfortable space to prepare and add the final touches before the grand celebration. Meanwhile, the groom and his friends can use the Majlis, a private and intimate setting located just a few steps away from the ballroom, where they can enjoy refreshments and take a break from the wedding festivities. Both the Bridal Room and Majlis feature access to the ballroom and its foyer, a private elevator with direct access to the car park, sitting areas with chaise lounge and armchairs, and a guest bathroom with a large mirror. To view the specially curated wedding packages, guests can visit the hotel's website and browse the Dahab and Crystal packages. Floor plans can be downloaded from the website, while room options are also available for exploration. For more information about Pullman Doha West Bay’s wedding packages and offerings, email H8112-SB@accor.com or call +9744009 4000. For further inquiries, visit www.Pullman-Doha-Westbay.com.

Under the continuous patronage of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani Doha-Qatar, 15 May, 2023: Under the Patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, officially inaugurated the fourth edition of the Build Your House Exhibition (BYH) 2023, along with HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar Chamber, Mr. Rawad Sleem Co-Founder and General Manager, NeXTfairs (Exhibition Organizer), and Mr. Abdul Aziz Bin Hattab Al Kaabi Vice Chairman of Al Hattab Holding Board of Directors. The highly anticipated official opening ceremony at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) was held in the presence of Ministers, Ambassadors, dignitaries, VIPs, industry experts and media representatives. Following the opening ceremony, dignitaries conducted a VIP tour of BYH Exhibition 2023, meeting some of the 250 exhibitors participating in this year's event, including Ministry of Municipality, Ashghal, Kahramaa, Doha Bank, Décor & More, Living Spirit, Al Hattab Holding, Nabina Group, Nabina Holding, Al Emadi Stones, Rankoussi Group, JA&P Group, Bottega Design, Euro Systems and many more key players from the housing, design, and construction fields. They also visited international companies, which features exhibitors from Canada, Iran, Italy, Oman, the UK, Sri Lanka, KSA, Belgium, China, Algeria, India, Jordan, and Türkiye, showcasing advanced design and leading materials. They also visited the Education Above All (EAA) Booth, which demonstrates the work that the EAA Foundation, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, and its human and social legacy programme, Generation Amazing Foundation have conducted to provide schools for hundreds of displaced Pakistani and Syrian children. Mr. Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences, said: "We are honored to receive such incredible support from all facets of Qatar's society. Thanks to the help from esteemed dignitaries, VVIPS, government entities and the local business community, we have been able to strengthen Build Your House Exhibition to become the critical connection between construction, interiors, and design suppliers and the local citizens aspiring to build smart, sustainable homes fit for the future." He added: "Build Your House Exhibition takes its role as a leader in the roadmap towards Qatar becoming an advanced society extremely seriously. We continuously strengthen the event to ensure it enhances the construction sector's growth and empowers Qatari housebuilders. This year's event welcomes more exhibitors and showcases the highest standards from across the world. In addition, we have added another day, increasing the opportunities for attendees to get all the information they need to get their house-building project off the ground." Commenting on their participation as a key supporter and event partner, Major General Hamad Othman Al-Duhaimi, Director-General of the General Directorate of Civil Defence-Qatar, said: “We are pleased to be an active and essential partner of Build Your House Exhibition, the first Qatar-created exhibition of its kind within the country, which is concerned with providing all suppliers, materials and procedures related to the construction of residential and public houses. The exhibition has rapidly become a collaborative forum for knowledge and practical insight, providing the best procedures for obtaining approvals from license applications, engineering plans, safety systems, and the latest equipment and equipment used in rescue, protection, and security operations. It is imperative that we, as a Ministry of Interior department, support and provide practical guidance to introduce security and safety measures in homes and private facilities. We highlight the effective role of the General Administration and Civil Defense and the efforts made to upgrade our services to the highest levels of excellence and efficiency. He added: “We also showcase our care and attention towards other tasks, including licenses and the fulfilment of preconditions and approvals after building inspections. However, our role goes beyond the correct procedures and licenses; we also aim to spread a culture of preventing fires and accidents and how to act should the situation arise. It is a great pleasure to be part of this event. We would like to thank NeXTfairs and our fellow partners and exhibitors for contributing to this educational and empowering exhibition.” Speaking about their participation as Conference Partner, John Robertson, President AIA (The American Institute of Architects), Middle East, said: "AIA Middle East is immensely pleased to be once again part of the Build Your House Exhibition taking place this year from 15th – 18th May 2023 in Doha, Qatar. The BYH exhibition will be a bigger and better event this year, bringing together local homebuilders, contractors, consultants, and suppliers to provide a forum for communication, networking, and education. In addition, the BYH exhibition offers Qatari homebuilders an invaluable opportunity to gain inspiration and key insights into how to make their vision of a home a reality." He added: "The exhibition's organizers, NeXTFairs, deserve praise for their innovative efforts and resourcefulness in contributing to the Qatari design and home-building industry. The AIA Middle East is honored to participate in the BYH Exhibition 2023, and we wish the organizers and the participants a very successful event." Event partners, Ashghal have supported BYH since its inception in 2020. The event's objectives align with Ashghal's 2018-2023 strategic vision, "Excellence in delivering and managing efficient, sustainable infrastructure", and its efforts to make a tangible step towards transforming the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. BYH Exhibition enables Qatari construction and manufacturing companies to showcase their products, expertise and services, helping local citizens to utilize and support local suppliers. Commenting on their participation at Build Your House Exhibition, Jean Saade, Chairman of Living Spirit Interior Design, said: "The people we met at Build Your House Exhibition are invaluable. We have generated new potential clients and established business relationships with other exhibitors. We also received inspiring feedback from the visitors on the products and designs we showcased during the exhibit. On this BYH Exhibition 2023, we are confident about the positive outcome of all the hardship and effort invested by our team. We aim to provide a meaningful experience to valued visitors and highlight our new innovative interior design concepts and furniture. This spectacular event will surely inspire the visitors' perspective." A platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, BYH Exhibition bring together leading industry experts, government entities, and Qatari nationals under one roof. This edition also sees the participation of Education Above All Foundation, which aims to transform lives through education. They believe that education is the single most effective means of reducing poverty, creating peaceful and just societies, unlocking the full potential of every child and youth, and creating the right conditions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). EAA Foundation booth showcases the recent work conducted with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and its human and social legacy programme, Generation Amazing Foundation, in partnership with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to donate 27 tents to use as schools, clinics, and temporary shelters for or displaced communities in Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen. To aid EAA’s valuable work, Qatar interior design company Living Spirit will host anexciting live mural painting created by the internationally renowned painter Giovanni Bressana. Living Spirit’s stand will showcase the mural and auction this to donate 100% of the profits to EAA. Build Your House Exhibition 2023 has a continued commitment to enabling the construction and design sector – present and future – to flourish. This year's annual student design competition in collaboration with VCUarts University's interior design students allows three shortlisted winners to gain vital industry exposure as they showcase their designs at the exhibition. 21 students took place in the design challenge, and the winning entries will be announced and on view from tomorrow, Tuesday 16 May, at 3:00 pm. Build Your House Exhibition 2023 has rapidly become a must-attend event for SMEs and international industry experts to showcase their services to consumers in Qatar and empowering Qatari citizens to fully utilize the government’s provisions for land development, housing vouchers, and loans. The event continues to grow to become more immersive and entertaining. The Ministry of Municipality's booth encourages visitors to test their knowledge with their daily Doha Municipal Competition. Attendees can participate in the competition each day, and a winner will be drawn at 8 pm. The winner will receive a prize for a home agricultural area in the winner's garden. Attendees to Build Your House Exhibition 2023 can look forward to an enhanced array of services and products from consultants, contractors, suppliers – smart homes and general service industry leaders; immerse themselves in the event's extensive local and international participation, which welcomes exhibitors from Qatar, Canada, Iran, Italy, Oman, the UK, and companies from Sri Lanka, KSA, Belgium, China, Algeria, India, Jordan and Turkey; and, participate in the Knowledge Sharing Conference that offers practical workshops from government entities, live Q&As, and a free self-build course. The Knowledge Sharing Conference is open during the four event days, with daily talks and sessions starting at 11 am. Free event registrations for attendees are now available. Visit www.buildyourhouseqatar.com to register today.

Doha, Qatar, 15 May 2023. Msheireb Museums, the cultural and tourist destination at Msheireb Downtown Doha, will celebrate the 2023 International Museums Day by organizing several events that document the Qatari local heritage. The events commence on 16 May at 7 PM at Bin Jelmood House with the signing ceremony of Discovering Arabian Deco, the latest book by award-winning architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah. It showcases never-before-seen photographs, drawings, and buildings from his private collection and the Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB) archives. The book signing will be accompanied by a special exhibition of 3D printed models of buildings featured in the book that highlight the “Qatari Deco” that started in the 1960s. The models will be showcased in the Mohammed Bin Jassim House Exhibition Space starting on 18 May. On 18 May, another event will take place in Bin Jelmood Indoor Courtyard and will feature a day of science activities for 45 primary school-aged children highlighting the importance of STEM through engaging and fun-filled activities. The events will be concluded on 20 May with a cultural evening titled “Sarad: Details of the Past” highlighting young local talents in the fields of writing, poetry and music. The program is organized by Qalam Hebr and Msheireb Museums, and will highlight the importance of the Arabic language and a celebration of local memories and nostalgia. Abdulla Al-Naama, Manager of Msheireb Museums said: “Msheireb Museums is proud to mark the 2023 International Museums Day and celebrate the heritage of our human history. Our events aim to explore our rich legacy and inspire the current generations to recognize the valuable contributions of our ancestors. It is an opportunity for our community to learn more about our local history and preserve it for the years to come. We welcome all people to come and enjoy architecture, poetry, art and science”. International Museum Day has been celebrated on May 18 since 1977. The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness on museums as a symbol of cultural exchange and as beacons of mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among people. Msheireb Museums mark a very significant milestone for Msheireb Properties in realizing the vision of Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar’s first sustainable regeneration project. The Museums celebrate the history of four historic heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. Located within the oldest part of the capital, they form an essential part of Qatar’s national history. These reconstructed buildings and gallery spaces allow the community to engage in the significant aspects of Qatar’s past and memories of life before the country’s rapid economic development.

Developed in partnership with UNWTO, the programme will recognise stakeholder efforts in curating unique and exceptional tourism experiences Qatar Tourism, in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has launched the Qatar Tourism Awards, a programme designed to celebrate and recognise the remarkable contributions made by businesses in delivering outstanding and distinct tourism experiences in Qatar. The Qatar Tourism Awards are designed to shed light on the factors that contribute to curating a visitor's experience at every touchpoint of their journey, by awarding tourism businesses that continually achieve excellence in customer service delivery. This initiative aims to encourage all stakeholders who play a direct or indirect role in the delivery of tourism experiences to continue to develop and emulate exceptional initiatives characterised by uniqueness, sustainability, accessibility, and high-quality service. Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to launch the Qatar Tourism Awards, which are designed to recognise the exceptional work of stakeholders in the tourism sector. Qatar is home to some of the world's most iconic tourism experiences, and this is achieved by the vision, hard work, and dedication of the businesses and individuals in the tourism sector. Through this programme, we hope to inspire and encourage our partners to develop new and innovative initiatives that will continue to elevate Qatar's reputation as a world-class tourism destination.” The Qatar Tourism Awards will focus on three principal categories: Cultural Experiences, Smart Solutions, and Service Excellence, which highlight the different aspects of the visitor experience. Entry to the Qatar Tourism Awards is open to all tourism businesses, operators, entrepreneurs, visitor attractions, organisations, and events that operate in Qatar and promote Qatar to a domestic and international audience. Submissions for the awards are now open, and winners will be announced in a special ceremony later this year. To apply, visit: Qatar Tourism Awards | Qatar Tourism

This year’s celebration to showcase Philippine culture, and heritage through various activities and events. The Philippine Independence Day 2023 (PID23) Executive Committee (ExeCom) organized a press conference to unveil the roadmap for the upcoming Philippine Independence Day celebration in Qatar. The press conference was held on May 6, 2023 at Bos Geo Pares Restaurant in Al Muntazah, Doha and attended by members of the media, community leaders, and various stakeholders. The PID23 ExeCom, consisting of representatives from Filipino community organizations and is led by the Philippine Business Council Qatar (PBCQ), announced the theme of this year's celebration, "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan" (Freedom, Future, History) and the various Fiesta Filipinas - inspired programs and activities lined up for the event. The celebrations aim to showcase and promote the Philippines' cultural heritage, traditions, and achievements, while encouraging inclusivity of every Filipino in the host country. At the prescon, Mr. Jyerex Abrasado, Chair of PID23 ExeCom and current Finance Director of PBCQ, gave opening remarks stressing the importance of PID23 for every Filipino citizen residing in Qatar. Abrasado emphasized the event's significance in promoting Filipino heroism, freedom, and the nation's heritage. “We have to make this PID23 event into something that once you attend and participate in the celebrations, you will go home with honor and pride on the heroism of our forefathers that lead to every Filipino’s freedom and our country’s nationhood”, said Abrasado. Abrasado further went on to lead a 'love connection' activity that involved everyone in attendance, emphasizing the importance of unity and love for the country and community in Qatar. He translated these values into L.O.V.E - Leadership, Openness, Values, and Excellence. Arch. Marvin Tejada, the Co-Chair of PID23, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the successful delivery of this significant event. He also highlighted the importance of promoting inclusivity extending the invitation to every Filipino compatriot in the community. "There is significant value in promoting broader engagement from Filipino residents in Qatar across all job sectors, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of ownership and participation in the event. This marks a notable difference from last year's celebration," said Tejada. During the prescon, the spotlight was on the PID23 Roadmap, presented by Mr. Isaias Z. Marcelo, the Chair of the PID23 Programme Committee. Marcelo unveiled that the one-day celebration would include a range of activities such as Almusalang Bayan, Community Parade, Cultural & Traditional Performances, Bazaar, Regional Exhibits, Filipino Traditional Games, Battle of the Bands, Vocal Solo Contest, and Mutya ng Kalayaan 2023. The PID23 ExeCom panel disclosed that negotiations with a potential sponsor are underway to bring a guest celebrity who will be performing at the celebration. The media representatives were invited to ask questions and clarify any doubts they had regarding the celebration. They were also given a chance to interview the committee members, performers, and sponsors. The prescon was a great way to provide the media and various stakeholders with comprehensive information on the upcoming Philippine Independence Day celebration and encourage their participation and support. The Philippine Independence Day celebration in Qatar promises to be a spectacular event that will showcase the best of Philippine culture and offer an opportunity to build greater unity and understanding among the Filipino community residing in Qatar. The prescon concluded with a dinner sponsored by Bos Geo Pares Restaurant.

The Middle East’s largest gathering of senior business event professionals will be hosted by Qatar Tourism at the Fairmont Doha from May 9-11, 2023 The prestigious UFI MEA Regional Conference will be held in Doha for the very first time, hosted by Qatar Tourism. The three-day annual event by the UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is the Middle East’s largest gathering of business event professionals. Held this year at the Fairmont Doha from May 9-11, senior representatives from several important bodies within the field will attend, including government entities, convention bureaus and some of the region’s most high-profile tourism boards. Hosting this event marks an important step for Qatar Tourism, which regards speciality tourism sectors such as meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) as essential to achieving its long-term goal of increasing the number of visitors. Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to host such a highly regarded conference in Qatar for the first time. Qatar has bold ambitions to become a global leader in business events, which Qatar Tourism views as central to achieving its 2030 tourism goals. Qatar’s strategic location, multi award-winning airline and airport, open visa facilitation and industry-leading selection of conferencing and exhibition facilities, make it an ideal choice for seamless, productive, and enjoyable business travel.” This year’s conference will centre around the theme, ‘Towards a Sustainable Growth,’ delving into actionable strategies and solutions that can assist business leaders in fulfilling their climate goals. The event promises to feature a diverse range of thought-provoking interviews and stimulating panel discussions, all led by highly respected figures within the industry.

Doha, Qatar; May 3, 2023: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) inspired promising contemporary creatives to turn their passion into a career in its recent entrepreneurship workshop for artists at Geekdom, the country’s largest pop-culture event organised by DFI. The workshop provided the creative artists practical skills to understand the intricacies of managing a small and medium enterprise in Doha, and strategies for managing sustainable growth. Ahmad Al-Sayegh, Senior Entrepreneurs Engagement Advisor, provided in-depth training on the business regulations in the country and the differences between various licenses. Participants produced a Business Model Canvas to support growth at any stage. The participating Qatari creative professionals had showcased their projects at Geekdom to visitors’ acclaim more recently during the last edition that took place in 2022. The artists and future entrepreneurs also learned how to scale up businesses and convert creative ideas into winning business proposals, and how to conduct outreach for their work. Abdulla Jassim Al-Mosallam, Chief Administrative Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: “Geekdom has evolved as one of the most impactful platforms for exceptionally talented creative professionals and vendors who are strengthening the diverse economy of Qatar. The success of Geekdom has sparked the growth of a pop culture industry in Qatar, with the opening of new animation studios, pop-culture focused stores, video game developers and Esports organizers. It is exciting to see our promising young talent inspired to forge meaningful careers that showcase their passion and potential, and we are proud to be able to support them through such workshops that add value to their growth story. The continued success of Geekdom highlights the enormous economic potential for a strong creative ecosystem, and we are extremely grateful for the wonderful collaboration with Ahmed Al-Sayegh on the event.” Qatar offers a dynamic environment for small and medium enterprises (SME) to thrive, with numerous policies in place that support growth. Today, 97 per cent of registered private sector companies in Qatar are SMEs, and they contribute over 16 per cent to the national gross domestic product outside of resource-based industries. The country is also investing in the establishment of a strong creative economy, which the Doha Film Institute is a major contributor to through its diverse initiatives. Geekdom, launched by DFI in 2013, has evolved to become Qatar’s largest one-of-a-kind pop culture event offering the community in Qatar unique opportunities for diverse new ways to connect with motion arts and visual storytelling (Art, Film, Music, Video games, Animation and Television). Geekdom has established itself as a cross-generational, communal interactive creative space for people of all ages that supports the development of a diverse range of content creators.