‘Italy proud to be Qatar's largest trading partner in Europe, third globally'
Doha, Qatar: Qatar and Italy enjoy close relations and collaborations in trade, culture, tourism and other areas, said a top Italian official visiting Qatar.
Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H E Maria Tripodi said Italy is Qatar's largest trading partner in Europe and third largest globally. 'In my meeting this morning with the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs H E Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, we emphasised the special relationship that binds Qatar with Italy, the first European and third global trade partner to Doha. This is an achievement of which our country is proud, for the contribution we have made within the ambitious 'Vision 2030' of Qatar,' the Undersecretary of State said. She was speaking at an event to mark Italian Design Day yesterday.
Tripodi said the occasion served as a celebration of Italian design, as well as of the success of commercial relations between Italy and Qatar. Through the annual Italian Design Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy celebrates the creativity, functionality, and good taste of Italian products worldwide, She added.
'Even more satisfying is the ability we have shown as a nation to work together here in Qatar, with the contribution of everyone: businesses, individuals, and institutions. I want all of you to know that we are at your service to make Italy grow together, both at the Farnesina in Rome and here in Doha, at our Embassy and the Italian Trade Office,' Tripodi added.
Some design projects by the students of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) were displayed on the occasion. The undersecretary of state said art and design was an important connection between the two countries. 'Our cultures are becoming increasingly interconnected, and our young people can more and more appreciate the opportunities of connections between Italy and Qatar as a chance for growth, understanding, and for building lasting relationships for the future.'
Addressing the event, Ambassador of Italy to Qatar H E Paolo Toschi highlighted Qatar-Italy ties especially in areas of art, design and culture. 'Design is an important part of our relations. It connects minds, it connects technology, business, people. And it connects Italy and Qatar.'
The Ambassador also emphasised Qatar-Italy collaboration for peace and stability in the region and beyond. 'This is a year of special energy. We have ahead of us time of uncertainty and unsolved issues regionally and globally.
'Definitely there are a lot of questions. We in Italy and Qatar are convinced that to address these questions, these issues, we need dialogue, we need a conversation, and we need to work together in spirit of cooperation and friendship, and our friendship with Qatar is an example of how we can do this. Together we are strong,' Ambassador Toschi concluded.
Addressing the gathering, VCUarts Qatar's Dean Amir Berbić said it was a pivotal time in Qatar-Italy cultural partnership with recent announcement of Qatar to have a permanent pavilion at Venice Biennale. 'We value very much the connection that is developed between VCUarts Qatar campus and the Italian creative community both here in Qatar and abroad. We are so fortunate to have some of Italy's most talented and creative people teaching our students at VCUarts Qatar. They are truly making an amazing impact on the school by being at the top of their fields as designers, artists, and scholars and immersing our students in incredible educational experiences.'
© Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
40 minutes ago
- Zawya
Best cryptos of 2025: BlockDAG, Toncoin (TON), and Bittensor (TAO) price targets revealed!
In the crypto of 2025, every new project strives to make its mark, but some rise above the noise. While Toncoin (TON) and Bittensor (TAO) have their unique strengths, BlockDAG stands out with its strategic approach that blends the power of sports partnerships with solid market performance. Toncoin benefits from its integration with Telegram, and Bittensor shows promise with its technical indicators pointing toward growth. ContentsFrom the Pitch to the Court: BlockDAG's Rise Is Fueled by Sports PowerhousesToncoin (TON) Market Outlook: Riding the Telegram Wave to ProminenceBittensor (TAO) Price Target: Can It Achieve a 46% Rally Amid Market Weakness?BlockDAG Takes the Lead with Strategic Partnerships However, BlockDAG's connections to global sports brands like Inter Milan and the NBA offer a compelling narrative that goes beyond mere technology. This combination of trust, visibility, and strong market statistics makes BlockDAG a notable player. From the Pitch to the Court: BlockDAG's Rise Is Fueled by Sports Powerhouses BlockDAG's rise in the crypto world is nothing short of impressive, and its success is powered by partnerships with two of the world's most iconic sports institutions—Inter Milan in football and the NBA in basketball. These strategic alliances are more than just branding; they tap into the deep emotional connection that fans worldwide have with these sports. It's this passion that BlockDAG is leveraging to not only gain visibility but also drive a sense of loyalty and trust among investors. Football and basketball are universal languages, transcending borders and uniting millions of people. Therefore, BlockDAG's ability to align itself with these globally recognized and emotionally resonant sports brands is what sets it apart. These aren't just sponsorships; rather, they are powerful narratives that draw in investors who are not only looking for financial opportunities but also for projects that align with their passions. The results speak for themselves. BlockDAG has raised $290 million in presale funds and sold over 22 billion coins. Consequently, the ROI since Batch 1 has been a staggering 2,520%, proving that early investments are paying off. Currently, Batch 28 is priced at $0.0262, with a limited-time offer of $0.0018 until June 13th. With these figures, BlockDAG is quickly becoming one of the best performing crypto coins in 2025. By connecting to the heart of sports, BlockDAG is creating more than just a cryptocurrency—it's building a movement that investors can feel emotionally connected to, making it a standout in the world of crypto presales. Toncoin (TON) Market Outlook: Riding the Telegram Wave to Prominence Toncoin (TON) has rapidly gained attention thanks to its strong connection with Telegram, one of the world's most popular messaging platforms with over 900 million active users. This strategic integration offers Toncoin a unique advantage, providing both visibility and real-world utility within Telegram's ecosystem. As of June 2025, Toncoin holds the 18th position in market capitalization, valued at $7.8 billion, with a trading price of $3.16. Furthermore, the TON Foundation's ambitious goal to onboard 30% of Telegram's active users in the next six years further solidifies Toncoin's growth potential. Despite a 25% price drop earlier this year, Toncoin has continued to attract institutional investors, such as Sequoia Capital and CoinFund, who contributed to a $400 million venture raise in March 2025. With a growing user base, institutional support, and upcoming developments in decentralized finance (DeFi), the Toncoin (TON) market outlook remains strong and promising for the future. Bittensor (TAO) Price Target: Can It Achieve a 46% Rally Amid Market Weakness? Bittensor (TAO) has gained attention for its potential to rally by 46%, despite the current market challenges. The Bittensor (TAO) price target is drawing focus as key technical indicators, like the RSI and MACD, suggest that TAO might be positioned for a strong upward move. The RSI indicates that TAO is currently oversold, a condition often associated with price reversals. Meanwhile, the MACD is showing signs of a trend shift, which adds to the growing optimism for a potential rally. Investors are closely monitoring these signals, as they point to a possible price breakout above resistance levels, making the Bittensor (TAO) price target of a 46% rally more achievable. If the momentum continues to build and the market conditions stabilize, TAO could experience significant gains in the short term. Therefore, for those looking to capitalize on market fluctuations, this makes Bittensor an interesting opportunity for investment. BlockDAG Takes the Lead with Strategic Partnerships As the crypto market continues to expand, Toncoin (TON) and Bittensor (TAO) are carving out their spaces with distinct advantages. Toncoin's integration with Telegram gives it an edge in visibility, while Bittensor shows promise through its technical potential. However, BlockDAG's ability to align itself with iconic sports institutions such as Inter Milan and the NBA has set it apart, creating not just visibility but an emotional connection with investors. With impressive fundraising, solid presale performance, and a strong market presence, BlockDAG's strategic approach gives it an edge over the competition, making it a standout in 2025's crypto market.
Campaign ME
an hour ago
- Campaign ME
The summer toolkit for hospitality marketing that beats the heat
As temperatures rise and desert winds roll in, it's easy to assume that the hospitality scene in the UAE takes a seasonal pause. Yet, year after year, summer proves to be not a retreat, but a recalibration. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the city's tourism industry welcomed a record-breaking 18.72 million international visitors in 2024, a 9 per cent increase from the previous year. Notably, July and August each attracted approximately 1.31 million visitors, underscoring the city's year-round appeal. This sustained influx during the traditionally slower summer months challenges the notion of a seasonal downturn and highlights the importance of innovative hospitality strategies. I believe that the perception that Dubai is a 'winter-only' destination is fading fast. What's replacing it? A demand for climate-conscious experiences that make summer not only bearable, but desirable. Shifting summer travel habits among GCC residents Regional travelers, particularly from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, are increasingly looking for local alternatives as European destinations become overcrowded, costlier, and less accessible during peak months. In the summer of 2024, regional travel saw a 15–18 per cent rise in domestic and intra-GCC trips, according to Skyscanner and Cleartrip insights. High airfares and Schengen visa delays are nudging travelers toward luxurious, accessible, and hassle-free summer options within the GCC, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Guest feedback from both 2023 and 2024 reveals a clear shift in expectations: visitors increasingly value venues that respond intelligently to the region's climate challenges. The demand is for climate-conscious comfort that enhances the overall experience. From advanced cooling technologies such as outdoor air conditioning, misting systems, and shaded architectural elements, today's guest seeks spaces that integrate thermal comfort as a core design principle. At Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), this approach has translated into measurable impact. In July last year, we recorded a 23 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings, driven by curated activations such as sunset programming and DJ-led experiences designed to align with cooler evening hours. The summer toolkit At SHG, our summer strategy is grounded in insight. Through competitive benchmarking, guest behavior tracking, and guest feedback, we've developed a data-informed approach to adapt our offerings for seasonal demand. In 2023, our research highlighted a clear guest preference for temperature-controlled pools, wellness-led activations, sunrise and twilight swims, and evening dining. This insight shaped our summer positioning of rethinking how we use time, space, and ambience to create environments that prioritise both comfort and engagement. Take our daylife portfolio – Azure Beach, AURA Skypool, Bâoli Dubai, DRIFT Dubai, and Tapasake. While each has a unique identity, the common strategy is to turn climate-conscious design into a competitive advantage. From shaded cabanas and temperature-regulated pools, to ice baths and twilight activations, each detail is programmed with the guest experience in mind. Across the portfolio, music, lighting, and ambient energy are treated not as background elements, but as critical layers of the guest experience. Whether it's the mellow rhythm of a sunset playlist at DRIFT or a high-energy DJ set at Bâoli, every element is created to reflect each brand's distinct tone. Design experiences that make guests want to stay longer and return sooner, no matter the temperature outside. So how do we reach the right audience? Two mindsets, one strategy Summer audience segments can be grouped broadly into two psychographic archetypes: The laid-back lifestyle guest – wellness-focused, seeking calm, comfort, and slow luxury. The vibrancy-seeking socialite – looking for upbeat energy, music-driven atmospheres, and social momentum. With this in mind, marketing strategies must be designed to serve diverse mindsets simultaneously, with differentiated programming that resonates across touchpoints. The channel mix To market our summer activations, we leverage a focused media mix built around digital, PR, and word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM). These channels are chosen for their agility, reach, and impact within the luxury lifestyle space. Our primary channel is social media, which commands the largest share of our digital ad spend. It allows us to tell stories in real time, tap into culture, and reach our audience where they're most engaged. Print is minimal in our strategy, as our focus is on performance-driven, measurable platforms. My favourite though, is word-of-mouth and brand advocacy. At SHG, we're fortunate to have a community of loyal guests who become natural brand evangelists, sharing reviews, content, and recommendations not because they're incentivised, but because they genuinely love the experience. This form of organic amplification is one of the most valuable marketing levers we have. Personalisation This is where personalisation becomes a strategic advantage. By analysing data from our CRM ecosystem, we track Customer Engagement Maturity, identifying when a guest is ready to move from transactional loyalty to emotional loyalty. Because our guest relationships are long-term, we know not just who they are, but what they value -from their preferred table, to how they like their water served poolside. These micro-insights allow us to create campaigns and communications that feel intuitive, not intrusive, addressing guests by name, anticipating preferences, and delivering moments that feel uniquely theirs. Turning seasonal challenges into growth Summer in the UAE is no longer a low season, it's a strategic window for innovation. As guest behavior evolves and expectations shift across the industry, brands are leaning into creative summer campaigns, from curated indoor experiences to wellness-led programming and exclusive local offers. The challenge is how to keep guests comfortable and engaged. This has spurred innovative solutions such as redesigned outdoor spaces, cooling technologies and guest experience innovation. Climate-conscious design is rethinking how outdoor venues operate in peak heat. Retractable roofs and heat-tolerant landscaping are transforming terraces into versatile all-season spaces. Passive cooling techniques, such as optimised natural airflow and reflective architectural materials, are becoming common. Furthermore, as temperatures soar well above 40°C in the summer, cooling infrastructure has become a baseline. Hospitality brands are investing in tech-forward solutions that enhance guest experience without compromising energy consciousness. By focusing on comfort, service, and differentiated offerings, SHG leverages it as a competitive advantage. From wellness mornings and moonlit swims to twilight dining and sunset DJ sets, this season we'll see guests lean into experiences that are not only cooler in temperature, but cooler in spirit. What was once a novelty, night swimming, has quickly become one of the most sought-after rituals of the season. Throughout summer, both AURA and DRIFT will offer night swims on weekends, providing after-dark access with curated F&B, music, and lighting while maintaining each brand's distinct identity. The harsh summer heat pushes the UAE hospitality sector to think differently, from architectural design and energy management to delivering distinctive guest experiences. Once considered a 'slow season', it's evolved into a testing ground for climate adaptation and innovation. By Iliana Orietta, Senior Director of Marketing Daylife Division – Head of Corporate Marcom, Sunset Hospitality Group.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
QFC appoints Rashed Al-Noaimi as the new Director of Human Capital
Doha – Qatar: Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business centre in the region, has announced the appointment of Rashed Al-Noaimi as Director of Human Capital, effective 1 June 2025. With over 15 years of leadership experience in human capital management, Rashed brings a wealth of expertise in shaping organisational strategy and fostering workplace excellence. Rashed began his professional career as an Employee Supervisor at QatarEnergy (formerly RasGas/ Qatargas). He later assumed the role of Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Finance. Before joining the QFC, Rashed served in multiple senior leadership capacities at Malomatia. His expertise spans career and succession planning, governance and policy development, employee engagement, talent management, and learning and development. He is also recognised for leveraging advanced HR technologies to drive operational efficiency and impact. In his capacity at the QFC, Rashed will lead the human capital strategies that foster a high-performance culture, drive employee engagement, and support the implementation of QFC's values and its strategic objectives. Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC, said: 'We are pleased to welcome Rashed to the QFC. His deep expertise and leadership in human capital management will be instrumental in building a dynamic and inclusive workplace. I'm confident that his experience will enrich our culture of excellence and significantly contribute to fostering an environment where our people can thrive.' Rashed Al-Noaimi holds a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Colorado, USA, and a master's degree in public policy from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar. ABOUT THE QATAR FINANCIAL CENTRE The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is an onshore business and financial centre located in Doha, providing an excellent platform for firms to do business in Qatar and the region. The QFC offers its own legal, regulatory, tax and business environment, which allows up to 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of profits, and charges a competitive rate of 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits. The QFC welcomes a broad range of financial and non-financial services firms. For more information about the permitted activities and the benefits of setting up in the QFC, please visit @QFCAuthority | #QFCMeansBusiness MEDIA CONTACTS QFC Corporate Communications Rasha Kamaleddine | E.
