Latest news with #JassimbinMansourbinJaborAlThani
ILoveQatar.net
08-05-2025
- Business
- ILoveQatar.net
GCO delivered media training in collaboration with Google News Initiative & Al Jazeera Media
The Government Communications Office (GCO), in collaboration with the Google News Initiative and Al Jazeera Media Institute, delivered a training program on Best Practices in Digital Transformation. The program brought together news directors, journalists and representatives from across Qatar's media landscape. This initiative aims to empower Qatar's media institutions with cutting-edge digital technologies, particularly AI, to enhance journalistic excellence. Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, GCO Director, emphasised: 'Qatar increasingly recognises the media sector as a cornerstone for building public awareness and engagement. Our collaboration with Google and Al Jazeera Media Institute demonstrates our commitment to fostering a media environment grounded in innovation and digital literacy.' He further noted: 'By forging strategic partnerships with global industry leaders, we're enhancing Qatar's media capabilities and equipping professionals with skills to leverage smart technologies to create a credible, innovative and impactful content. This marks a crucial step toward creating a modern local media environment that aligns with our sustainable development goals.' Mazen Sabbagh, News and Publishing Partnerships Lead for MENA at Google, said: 'The program aimed to empower journalists and news directors to leverage advanced digital tools, including AI, to enhance their journalistic practices.' Al Jazeera Media Institute Director Eman Al Amri emphasised that newsroom innovation—particularly through AI integration—represents a critical investment in the future of media operations. This training forms a part of the GCO's professional development series, designed to strengthen Qatar's media and communications ecosystem. Through capacity-building initiatives, these programs support professionals in navigating developments within the global media landscape, in line with the Third National Development Strategy. Source & cover image credit: Government Communications Office (GCO) Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar Start a discussion
Campaign ME
26-02-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Snap Inc inks MoU with Qatar's GCO to launch AR Academy for the MENA region
Snap Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qatar's Government Communications Office (GCO) to launch an Augmented Reality (AR) Academy in the MENA region. Announced at Web Summit Qatar 2025, the agreement marks a step in unlocking creative potential across the region and driving digital innovation. The partnership with GCO for the AR Academy aims to unlock new opportunities and empower the next generation of AR creators and developers. Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Commitee, said, 'Our partnership with Snap to launch the region's first Augmented Reality Academy marks a strategic milestone in empowering digital talent and driving technological innovation. This initiative aligns with Qatar's National Vision 2030 in building a knowledge-based economy and nurturing the next generation of creators by equipping them with the essential tools and skills to navigate global digital transformations. Through our investment in such pioneering programs, we continue to strengthen Qatar's position as a regional centre for digital excellence and technological innovation.' From retail try-ons to generative AI, Snapchat has evolved AR into a tool for human connection and spatial computing. Today, more than 300 million people use AR on Snapchat and more than 85 per cent of daily users in the MENA region interact with Lenses every day. In Q4 2024 alone, more than 400 million Snapchatters engaged with Gen AI-powered Lenses more than four billion times. Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc. in the Middle East, said, 'We continue to bet on AR technology as we believe its potential is limitless. AR brings joy and utility to everyday life, enables brands to drive real business results, and empowers developers to push creative boundaries.' Freijeh added, 'The long-term success of the technology requires a vibrant developer and creator ecosystem, which is critical to the digital transformation taking place in the region. Once again we are honored to work hand in hand with GCO to drive the growth and digital upskilling of the thriving talent pool and we cannot wait to see the groundbreaking work they produce'. Developers and creators are also central to the potential of this technology and Snap has stated that it remains committed to supporting this community through a variety of programmes, opportunities and tools to help them build experiences and grow their creative potential. Currently, more than 375,000 AR creators, developers and teams from nearly every country in the world have built more than four million Lenses. Many of these are created using fifth generation Snap Spectacles, which have capabilities to better build and experiment with AR, allowing users to interact with the world and each other in entirely new ways. The MOU punctuated an action-packed Web Summit, where Snap showcased the evolution of its AR technology and reinforced the positive role the tech plays in fostering authentic connections across the GCC. Snap's presence included live tech demonstrations, Snap Spectacles, expert-led discussions, and AR masterclasses, bringing the power of AR to life for attendees at Web Summit Qatar.
Broadcast Pro
26-02-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Snap partners with Qatar's GCO to launch first AR Academy in MENA
More than 300mpeople use AR on Snapchat and more than 85% of daily users in the MENA region interact with Lenses every day. Snap Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar's Government Communications Office (GCO) to establish the first Augmented Reality (AR) Academy in the MENA region. Announced at Web Summit Qatar 2025, this initiative marks a major step toward fostering digital innovation and unlocking creative potential across the region. The launch of the AR Academy reflects Snap's commitment to investing in the MENA digital ecosystem by equipping both emerging and established partners with advanced AR capabilities. By empowering the next generation of AR creators and developers, this collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation and expand opportunities within the region. Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Commitee, said: 'Our partnership with Snap to launch the region's first Augmented Reality Academy marks a strategic milestone in empowering digital talent and driving technological innovation. This initiative aligns with Qatar's National Vision 2030 in building a knowledge-based economy and nurturing the next generation of creators by equipping them with the essential tools and skills to navigate global digital transformations. Through our investment in such pioneering programmes, we continue to strengthen Qatar's position as a regional centre for digital excellence and technological innovation.' Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc. in the Middle East, added: 'We continue to bet on AR technology as we believe its potential is limitless. AR brings joy and utility to everyday life, enables brands to drive real business results, and empowers developers to push creative boundaries. The long-term success of the technology requires a vibrant developer and creator ecosystem, which is critical to the digital transformation taking place in the region. Once again we are honored to work hand in hand with GCO to drive the growth and digital upskilling of the thriving talent pool and we cannot wait to see the groundbreaking work they produce.' For over a decade, AR has been central to visual communication, with Snapchat pioneering its evolution into a tool for creativity, self-expression and spatial computing. From interactive retail try-ons to the latest advancements in generative AI, AR has transformed how users engage with digital experiences. Currently, over 300m people use AR on Snapchat, and in the MENA region, more than 85% of daily Snapchat users interact with Lenses every day. In Q4 2024 alone, Snapchatters engaged with Gen AI-powered Lenses more than 4bn times. Snap Inc. continues to support the AR creator and developer community through various programmes, tools and initiatives designed to enhance creative expression. With over 375,000 AR creators and developers worldwide having built more than 4m Lenses, Snap's fifth-generation Spectacles have further expanded opportunities for interactive and immersive AR experiences. The MoU signing was a key highlight of Web Summit Qatar 2025, where Snap played a central role in showcasing its AR advancements. Attendees experienced live demonstrations of Snap's latest technology, including Snap Spectacles and expert-led AR masterclasses, highlighting how AR is shaping authentic connections and digital interactions across the GCC.
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Web Summit Qatar 2025 to see record number of startups, investors participation
Doha, Qatar: Web Summit Qatar has emerged as the region's premier technology conference, and its second edition is set to bring together an increased number of tech entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and industry leaders from around the world. Web Summit Qatar 2025 is expected to see an increase in attendance, with around 35,000 participants, 60% of whom will be local. The event will host 1,500 startups of which 200 are from Qatar, and investor participation has increased by 50% compared to last year, said officials addressing a press conference yesterday. Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee, H E Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, said, 'Last year, we hosted the inaugural edition of Web Summit Qatar, the largest tech event in the MENA region, marking a valuable addition to Qatar's achievements. Our primary goal in hosting this event is to develop the tech sector in Qatar and strengthen its position as a leading regional hub.' Web Summit Qatar 2025 will feature a 140 percent increase in Qatari startup participation compared to last year's event. It will also welcome more than 300 local and international speakers, 600 investors, 150 partners, and 600 media representatives. Web Summit Qatar 2025 has new stages and tracks, including Developer Summit, AI Summit, Creative Summit, New Energy Summit, and Government Summit. 'We are confident that this year's edition will exceed expectations, as these figures show strong interest from major tech leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide who are eager to participate in Web Summit Qatar 2025,' said H E Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani. Web Summit, described as the largest global event in the tech industry, and the Web Summit Qatar will be held five times through 2028. Web Summit 2025 will be held between February 23 and 26 Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Founder and CEO of Web Summit, Paddy Cosgrave highlighted that the increase in the number of startups at Web Summit 2025 compared to last year is a significant achievement and demonstrates strong support for Web Summit Qatar. 'Gathering more than 1,500 startups from over 90 countries around the world is something that doesn't happen anywhere else in the region. There are no other events even close to it. For me, that's the true measure of a technology conference,' he said adding that the number of investors traveling from around the world has also increased sharply in a single year by around 50 percent. In response to a question from The Peninsula about Qatar attracting investors, startups, and partners, Cosgrave said, 'It's clearly attracting people when you look at the numbers and the huge growth in just one year. I believe the world is shifting.' He continued, 'The center of gravity for the world is moving eastward, and Qatar is incredibly well-placed for the 21st century. Despite being a very small country, it's already showing its significance in global affairs. It's becoming a key meeting point, not only for startups and large tech companies but also for some of the most important discussions about the future of the world.' Web Summit Qatar 2025 will host a diverse range of global partners, and this edition features an extensive programme of panel discussions, workshops and keynote sessions designed to explore the latest advancements in technology and digital markets. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
