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Qatar Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
New Zealand official urges global AI framework to protect human rights
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Chief Human Rights Commissioner of New Zealand Dr. Stephen Laurence Rainbow has underscored the significance of the discussions that took place at the recently held two-day International Conference on AI and Human Rights in Doha. Talking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the conference, he noted that the forum offered a nuanced examination of AI's promise and the challenges it poses to human rights and social stability, emphasising the importance of international cooperation, particularly for countries like New Zealand, which may be geographically distant but are eager to forge meaningful partnerships to address pressing global challenges. Dr. Rainbow noted that while AI is already influencing various facets of life worldwide, there remains a gap in developing robust frameworks to balance its opportunities and risks. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive global framework to address the human rights implications of AI. 'This conference is significant because it brings people together to discuss one of the greatest challenges of our time — artificial intelligence and technological disruption,' he said. Dr. Rainbow praised the conference organisers, particularly Qatar's National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), for their excellent preparation and dedication to ensuring the event's success, calling it an essential contribution to the global conversation on human rights in the era of AI. He also noted that the recent visit of the Qatar Human Rights Committee to New Zealand highlighted the potential for ongoing collaboration in safeguarding human rights and leveraging AI in a responsible manner. Reflecting on a panel discussion he participated in, Dr. Rainbow observed that it offered a balanced exploration of AI's positive impacts, such as in healthcare and education, alongside the serious risks to personal privacy and other fundamental rights. He expressed deep gratitude to Qatar's NHRC for their warm hospitality and for fostering meaningful dialogue that inspires future collaborations and thoughtful responses to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This event marked Dr. Rainbow's first visit to Qatar, and he took the opportunity to explore some of the city's cultural highlights, including the Museum of Islamic Art and the vibrant Souq Waqif. He was particularly struck by the Souq's energetic atmosphere, bustling with food vendors and serving as a major wholesale market that beautifully reflects Qatar's rich traditions.
Qatar Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Economic Forum redefines global dialogue
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha As the the fifth edition of the Qatar Economic Forum 2025, held under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and powered by Bloomberg, got underway, global experts praised the event not just as a premier economic gathering, but as a strategic platform where politics, humanitarian needs, and visionary planning intersected. Speaking to Qatar Tribune, political analysts, humanitarian experts, and event strategists emphasized that the forum delivered more than economic insights, it created a space for bold conversations about conflict resolution, digital transformation, and inclusive growth, all executed with organizational excellence. A forum that embraced geopolitical realities Dr. Khaled Hammad, a leading political scientist and professor of international relations, described the forum as a timely intervention in an increasingly fragmented to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Hammad highlighted how the discussions held in Doha reflected the urgent need to realign international cooperation amidst global polarization. He explained that while most economic forums typically focus on fiscal growth and trade metrics, Qatar took a courageous step forward by integrating the broader political realities into the agenda.'What we saw here was a forum that acknowledged that global economic resilience cannot be separated from peace, justice, and international law,' he said. Dr. Hammad pointed to the speech of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani as a standout moment. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to promoting global peace through economic diplomacy, stressing that no economy can prosper in the shadow of occupation, inequality, and injustice. 'This is political maturity at its finest,' said Dr. Hammad. 'Qatar is not only calling for peace in theory—it is actively integrating that principle into its investment decisions, partnerships, and regional diplomacy. The forum sent a powerful message that economies must be ethical to be sustainable.' He further noted that Qatar's ability to serve as a neutral mediator in global conflicts enhances the credibility of its economic forums. 'It's not just about numbers and deals. Qatar is building soft power, and this forum was an extension of that larger strategy,' he added. Humanitarian concerns take center stage: The case of gaza While geopolitics formed one pillar of the forum's focus, humanitarian concerns, especially regarding Gaza, were also brought into sharp relief. Dr. Obaida Al Shammary, a humanitarian affairs consultant and academic expert in conflict zones, said the forum offered an important space to align capital with compassion. Dr. Al Shammary noted that the inclusion of humanitarian panels and the presence of leaders working on post-conflict recovery gave the forum a human-centered dimension that is often missing from high-level economic summits. 'This was not a forum that turned a blind eye to suffering,' he told Qatar Tribune. 'It was a forum that asked: How can we mobilize finance and technology to save lives, rebuild societies, and create lasting dignity?' In particular, he praised Qatar's consistent humanitarian stance toward the people of Gaza, referencing its ongoing efforts in reconstruction, energy supply, and social services. He welcomed calls made during the forum to protect civilians, invest in rebuilding vital infrastructure, and rethink the aid-development nexus in protracted crises. Flawless execution: A masterclass in global event management Beyond its thematic substance, the Qatar Economic Forum 2025 won widespread acclaim for its seamless organization, strategic layout, and world-class delivery. According to Laith Al Qaisi, a regional expert in conference logistics and executive affairs, the forum once again demonstrated why Doha has become a global hub for high-level summits. Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Al Qaisi explained that every aspect of the event, from venue design to delegate experience, was handled with meticulous care. 'This was not just a well-organized forum, it was a best-in-class blueprint for how major events should be run,' he said. He credited the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Qatar Tourism for their unified efforts. 'The cross-ministerial coordination was impressive. Security, media, translation, and logistics worked in complete harmony. The experience for international guests, including heads of state, was nothing short of excellent,' he added. Al Qaisi also highlighted the innovative integration of digital platforms, including real-time translation, app-based scheduling, and AI-powered attendee networking tools. 'Qatar made sure this was a smart forum,' he said. 'The technology enhanced, rather than distracted from, the human experience.' A platform for the future The fifth edition of the Qatar Economic Forum 2025 was more than a conference, it was a statement of intent. Under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and with the strategic partnership of Bloomberg, Qatar once again proved its ability to convene critical voices in the global economy and create bridges between capital and conscience. Michael Bloomberg, the forum's global partner and keynote contributor, praised Qatar's role as a leader in sustainable investment and economic diplomacy. He called on participants to ensure that innovation and opportunity reach every corner of the world, not just the traditional power centers. 'Qatar has shown that when a country invests in people, data, and infrastructure, it can amplify its voice and drive meaningful change,' Bloomberg said. He emphasized that inclusive growth, supported by smart policy and global cooperation, must be at the center of the world's next economic chapter. Looking ahead As the world grapples with complex challenges, from wars and climate crises to digital disruption and social inequality, the Qatar Economic Forum 2025 has emerged as a timely and credible platform for problem-solving. Through powerful political dialogue, heartfelt humanitarian appeals, and flawless execution, Qatar has shown the world what it means to host not just a forum, but a future-focused movement. Whether measured by the quality of debate, the diversity of voices, this year's forum set a new benchmark for what global economic gatherings can and should be.
Qatar Tribune
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Bendaoud, Reda set up PFL MENA clash; Seifi, Tairi through to 2nd round
Ayeni Olusegun Jeddah Impressive knockout wins by Morocco's Taha Bendaoud and Egypt's Islam Reda have set up a potentially exciting second-round clash as the Professional Fighters League Middle East and North Africa (PFL MENA) Season 2 kicked off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Bendaoud needed just over two minutes to defeat Algeria's Boualem Drissi by submission. The Moroccan, who was originally scheduled to face Jordan's Abdelrahman Alhyasat, who withdrew due to weight issues, controlled the fight before finishing with a perfectly applied triangle choke. 'I didn't envision it at all for this fight (to end quickly),' Bendaoud told Qatar Tribune. 'I went in there without thinking, did my game exactly how I do in sparring. 'When he took me down, I chose what I wanted to do. I saw so many submissions and remembered my triangle, So, I thought, why not get another one?' His next opponent, Islam Reda, also impressed with a third-round ground-and-pound win over Algeria's Akram Nasri. Reda, who was in contention for last year's championship before pulling out due to injury, controlled the fight from the start. 'After all the effort and preparation, I am happy with this fight. Last season was upsetting because of the injury but that's how it was meant to be,' Reda said. 'I was preparing for Abdullah fight. Then, of course, Abdullah got injured suddenly but Akram fights differently to Abdullah,' Reda said. The Egyptian was initially scheduled to fight Saudi Arabia's 2024 PFL Featherweight Champion, Abdullah Al Qahtani, who pulled out late due to injury. 'Abdullah is a striker, but Akram is more of jiu-jitsu things. He combines several elements but thank God the fight went my way in the third round,' Reda added. On the main card, 2024 PFL Lightweight Champion Mohsen Mohammadseifi of Iran began his title defense with a dominant performance, defeating Egypt's Ahmed El Sisy by unanimous decision. Mohammadseifi showed strong grappling and striking skills and looked sharp throughout, signaling his intent for another title run. Souhil Tairi of Algeria also advanced to the Lightweight semifinals with a second-round TKO win over Kuwait's Abdullah Saleem. A knee to the body followed by heavy ground strikes secured the win for Tairi, who was coming off back-to-back losses last year. 'I'm ready and prepare myself to finish every fight. I'm not looking for a win over decision I want to finish every fight, and I hope my opponents are ready for that,' Tairi said. 'Coming back from two losses is tough, because I was close to finishing in every fight. This has motivated me to keep training. I made a huge adjustment in my preparations and understanding my environment. I'm trying daily to adjust. I'm not the perfect fighter, but I'm learning, and I hope to deliver the best of myself in the next fight,' Tairi added. In other fights, Malik Basahel of Saudi Arabia made a statement in his professional debut, scoring a second-round TKO win over Algeria's Mountasser Boutouta in a Showcase Flyweight bout. Egypt's Assem Ghanem a spot in the Featherweight Semifinals, as he defeated Hussein Salem of Iraq over three rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory. Kuwait's Eman Almudhaf remained undefeated in her MMA career as she edged Brazil's Shamara Braga of Brazil in a Showcase Women's Featherweight bout via split decision. Mohammad Fahmi of Iraq also secured a spot in the Lightweight Semifinals with a dominant performance, submitting Georges Eid of Lebanon via Anaconda Choke in the first round.
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: Real estate trading volume exceeds $274mln in a week
DOHA: The volume of real estate trading in sales contracts registered with the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice from April 27 to May 1 amounted to QR1,004,647,349, while the total sales contracts for the real estate bulletin for residential units during the same period amounted to QR68,035,067. The weekly bulletin issued by the department shows that the list of properties traded for sale included vacant lands, residential homes, apartment buildings, commercial buildings, shops and residential units. The sales operations were concentrated in the municipalities of Doha, Al Wakrah, Umm Salal, Al Rayyan, Al Dhaayen, Al Khor and Al Dhakira, and Al Shamal, in addition to the areas of the Pearl, Lusail 69, Ghar Thuaileb, Umm Al Amad, and Umm Ebairiya. © Copyright Qatar Tribune. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Qatar Tribune
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Zawya
Qatar Airways temporarily suspends flights to Pakistan
DOHA: Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to Pakistan due to Pakistani airspace closure. The airline said it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to prioritise the safety of its passengers and crew. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight information on for affected flights or call our Contact Centre on +974 4144 5555. © Copyright Qatar Tribune. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
