Latest news with #MobileWorldCongress
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Nokia, blackned to develop next-gen tactical networks for German army
People walk next to the Nokia stand as they attend the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain February 27, 2024. REUTERS/Bruna Casas/File Photo (Reuters) - Finland's Nokia and defence technology firm blackned, majority-owned by Rheinmetall, will jointly develop next-generation tactical networks for the German armed forces, the companies said on Wednesday. The new mobile communication systems will be specifically "tailored" for Germany's defence requirements, Nokia said, with potential for adaptation to other countries' defense needs. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Nokia and blackned will bring together their 5G technology and software expertise to create tactical networks for battlefield operations, integrated with Rheinmetall's Battlesuite digital platform. Tactical networks allow military personnel to share information, coordinate operations, and maintain situational awareness in the field, even in challenging environments where regular communication infrastructure is not available. The deal comes as the Finnish maker of telecoms gear, which also provides secure defense communications networks, seeks to benefit from growing military spending across Europe. (Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar showcases MICE offerings at IMEX Frankfurt
Tribune News Network Doha Visit Qatar led a delegation of 16 entities from Qatar's tourism sector to participate in IMEX Frankfurt 2025 – one of the world's leading trade exhibitions specialising in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. Held at Messe Frankfurt from May 20 - 22, the exhibition served as a strategic platform to showcase Qatar's latest offerings and services in the business events sector. The Visit Qatar pavilion brought together key partners from across the tourism and hospitality sectors, including Qatar Airways as the official airline partner. Other participants included Hilton Doha, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Park Hyatt Doha, Sheraton Grand Doha, Minor Hotels Doha, Rosewood Doha, The St. Regis Doha, The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha, and The Ritz-Carlton Doha. Destination management companies present included Discover Qatar, Experience Qatar, Q Moments, Arabian Adventures, Maps & Vogs Holidays, and Musafir Online Travel & Tourism. Doha is preparing to host several major international events this year, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators' Global Conference in October, Mobile World Congress and the second United Nations World Summit on Social Development in November, and the tenth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in December. Throughout the year, Doha plays host to a dynamic portfolio of established annual events that have become key fixtures on the regional and international events calendar. These include Web Summit Qatar, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX), the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), as well as the Doha Forum, the Qatar Economic Forum, and the Qatar Real Estate Forum. Together, these events strengthen Qatar's position as a leading global destination for business events.
Qatar Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar a rising hub for emerging technologies: Prime Minister
In the realm of innovation and digital transformation, the prime minister said that Qatar has firmly established itself as a rising hub for emerging technologies. He highlighted the successful hosting of the second edition of the Web Summit in Doha in February 2025, which drew over 25,000 participants from 124 countries. He noted that the event played a pivotal role in fostering meaningful connections between emerging technology ecosystems in Asia and Africa and major international corporations and sovereign wealth funds, further cementing Qatar's position as a global platform for digital convergence. Further validating this momentum, the prime minister announced that Qatar has secured the hosting rights for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) for the next five years, with the inaugural edition set to take place in November. This achievement, he said, places Qatar prominently on the map of the global digital economy. To align with these advancements and ensure meaningful participation in such landmark events, the prime minister revealed that Qatar will soon launch a major new initiative aimed at achieving international recognition in the digital domain. Details of the project are expected to be unveiled later this year. These achievements, he emphasised, reflect Qatar's unwavering commitment to harnessing its role as a global economic and investment hub and to building a future anchored in diversity, innovation, and sustainability. The prime minister elaborated on the dire and escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, emphasizing that despite the relentless efforts of Qatar—working in close partnership with of Egypt and the United States—to end the ongoing war, every opportunity for de-escalation continues to be tragically squandered. The recent release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander initially signalled a potential opening to halt the violence and initiate a broader ceasefire. However, instead of seizing this moment for peace, it was met with a renewed and intensified campaign of bombardment—resulting in the deaths of numerous innocent civilians. Hestrongly condemned this reckless and unjustifiable escalation, stating that such actions only serve to undermine any remaining prospects for a peaceful resolution. He affirmed that Qatar remains unwavering in its commitment to diplomacy. Together with its partners, Qatar will persist in its efforts until the war is brought to an end, all hostages and detainees are released, and meaningful relief reaches the people of Gaza—steering the region away from the constant threat of further devastation. On the Syrian crisis, the prime minister welcomed the United States' decision to lift sanctions on Syria, describing it as a meaningful step forward. He expressed hope that additional measures would follow, sending a clear signal that nations emerging from conflict must be given a real and full chance to rebuild, heal, and envision a better future. Underscoring Qatar's guiding philosophy, he stated that political stability and economic prosperity are deeply interconnected and cannot be pursued in isolation. It is on this foundation, he noted, that Qatar has built its proactive foreign policy—rooted in principled mediation and constructive engagement to resolve conflicts. For Qatar, he emphasised, peace is not just an ideal but the very cornerstone of sustainable development. He further reflected that every diplomatic initiative Qatar undertakes is an investment in a future that is more stable, secure, and prosperous. When a young student in Gaza completes his education, or a Syrian family is able to return home after years of displacement, it becomes clear how profoundly stability shapes human lives and revitalizes economies. In conclusion, the PM expressed hope that the forum's discussions would bear meaningful outcomes, paving the way for sincere and productive dialogue, and fostering new economic partnerships that advance the cause of sustainable development both regionally and globally.
Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Telegram's Durov says French spy chief asked him to ban conservative Romanian voices
FILE PHOTO: Founder and CEO of Telegram Pavel Durov delivers a keynote speech during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 23, 2016. REUTERS/Albert Gea/File Photo PARIS - Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging app, has accused the head of France's foreign intelligence agency Nicolas Lerner of asking him to ban Romanian conservative voices ahead of the country's elections, adding he refused the request. Russian-born Durov is currently under judicial supervision in France, holed up in Paris' glitzy Crillon hotel after being placed under formal investigation for alleged organized crime on Telegram. He said it was there that Lerner, who leads the DGSE foreign spy agency, approached him. "This spring at the Salon des Batailles in the Hôtel de Crillon, Nicolas Lerner, head of French intelligence, asked me to ban conservative voices in Romania ahead of elections. I refused," Durov wrote on X late on Sunday. "We didn't block protesters in Russia, Belarus, or Iran. We won't start doing it in Europe." The centrist mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, won Romania's presidential election on Sunday in a shock upset over George Simion, a hard-right, nationalist rival who had pledged to adopt a path inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump's politics. The Romanian result was a relief for centrist policymakers in Brussels where there is concern that popular anger with mainstream elites over migration and cost of living pressures could bolster support for far-right parties and erode unity on the continent over how to deal with Russia. France's DGSE said in a statement its officials had indeed met with Durov various times over the years "to firmly remind him of his company's responsibilities, and his own personally, in preventing terrorist and child pornography threats." However, the DGSE "vigorously refutes the allegations that requests to ban accounts related to any electoral process were made on these occasions," it said. MUSK TAKES NOTE Durov's accusation was reposted on X by U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, one of various powerful figures on the U.S. right who have accused European nations of suppressing far-right voices. "Wow," Musk wrote. Durov had earlier on Sunday said he had refused a request by a Western government to silence conservative voices ahead of the Romania run-off vote. "Telegram will not restrict the freedoms of Romanian users or block their political channels," Durov said, adding an emoji of a baguette that implied it was France. The French foreign ministry denied any such interference and called on all to "exercise responsibility and respect for Romanian democracy." The arrest of Durov last year ignited a debate about free speech online. Musk, who criticized the arrest of Durov, is also being probed by French prosecutors over alleged algorithmic bias on X. Musk has used X to personally support right-wing parties and causes in countries including Germany and Britain, leading to concerns about undue foreign interference. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Telegram founder says France asked him to ban conservative Romanian voices
FILE PHOTO: Founder and CEO of Telegram Pavel Durov delivers a keynote speech during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 23, 2016. REUTERS/Albert Gea/File Photo Telegram founder says France asked him to ban conservative Romanian voices PARIS - The founder of the Telegram messaging app, Pavel Durov, said he refused a request by the head of France's intelligence service to ban Romanian conservative voices ahead of the country's elections. Romania's centrist Bucharest mayor, Nicusor Dan, won the presidential election on Sunday in a shock upset over a hard-right, nationalist rival who had pledged to adopt a path inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump's politics. "This spring at the Salon des Batailles in the Hôtel de Crillon, Nicolas Lerner, head of French intelligence, asked me to ban conservative voices in Romania ahead of elections. I refused," Durov wrote on X late on Sunday. "We didn't block protesters in Russia, Belarus, or Iran. We won't start doing it in Europe." Earlier on Sunday, the French foreign ministry had denied any such interference after Durov implied French involvement in a prior message on Telegram the same day. That initial message had referred to France by implication, with the emoji of a baguette, but did not name it explicitly. "France categorically rejects these allegations and calls on everyone to exercise responsibility and respect for Romanian democracy," the foreign ministry said. Reuters is seeking comment from the intelligence services. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
