QIC's brand rating has been upgraded to AA- The company remains the only insurer featured in the prestigious ranking Doha, Qatar – 12th May 2026: Qatar Insurance (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, has retained its position among Qatar’s strongest brands, once again securing a place in Brand Finance’s 2026 ranking of the Top 10 Most Valuable and Strongest Qatari Brands. QIC also remains the only insurer included in this prestigious ranking, further reinforcing its leadership position within the industry. Brand Finance has upgraded QIC’s brand rating to AA- up from A- in the previous year’s report, reflecting the company’s sustained growth and strong performance over the past 12 months. The global brand valuation consultancy attributed this improvement to QIC’s strong underwriting performance, disciplined portfoli ......read full article

Fede Chingotto, Ale Galan, Paula Josemaria and Bea Gonzalez were the number 2 seeds at the ueno Bank Asuncion Premier Padel P2, but they produced number 1 performances on finals night. For both 'Chingalan' and Paulita and Bea, it was their fourth title of 2026. While the men's titles have come at different stages of the season, Josemaria and Gonzalez extended their remarkable winning streak against Delfi Brea and Gemma Triay, defeating them once again in Paraguay after previous victories in Miami, Newgiza and Brussels. WOMEN In the women's final, Delfi and Gemma looked on course to return to winning ways for the first time since Cancun. After taking the opening set, however, Brea – also affected by physical problems – and Triay were unable to stop the comeback from Josemaria (who secured the 50th title of her career) and Gonzalez, who prevailed 4-6 6-3 6- ......read full article

Bogotá, Colombia, 10 May 2026 -- The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation has been awarded the prestigious Simón Bolívar Order of Democracy – Grand Cross by the Congress of the Republic of Colombia, one of the country's highest honours. The distinction recognises the Foundation's contribution to supporting efforts that strengthen the protection of education from attack and expand access to education for vulnerable children across the country. The honour reflects the EAA Foundation's sustained collaboration with Colombian institutions and partners to support the right to education, particularly in communities affected by conflict, displacement, and poverty. The award ceremony took place on 6 May 2026, as part of an official mission, followed by field visits to EAA Foundation education projects in several areas supporting out-of-school children and at ri ......read full article

Accreditation reinforces international recognition, player development pathways, and world-class operational standards Doha, Qatar – 10 May 2026 – Qatar Polo Club (QPC) has officially been accredited by the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), the internationally recognised authority governing the rules and standards of polo in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and one of the most respected institutions in the sport globally. This achievement marks a major milestone for Qatar Polo Club, following the successful completion of all accreditation requirements and procedures. More than a formal recognition, the HPA accreditation represents a strategic advancement that enhances the Club’s technical excellence, operational standards, and international positioning. Through this accreditation, Qatar Polo Club gains immediate global recognition for its adherence to internati ......read full article

Doha, Qatar – 10 May 2026: Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorized general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, has launched a special campaign on selected Mercedes-Benz models marking 140 years of Innovation. Part of a global Mercedes-Benz commemoration, the "For Every Road Ahead" campaign is valid until 30 June 2026 and offers exclusive ownership benefits designed to enhance the customer experience while reflecting the brand's legacy of innovation, luxury, and performance. The campaign includes selected Mercedes-Benz models, namely the E-Class, S-Class, GLC Coupé, and GLE Coupé. Customers purchasing eligible models during the campaign period will enjoy a host of exclusive advantages, including 0% down payment, a 140-day grace period, a 140-week service package, and a 140-week warranty, offering a distinctive opportunity to celebrate this milestone alon ......read full article

Doha, Qatar – 09 May 2026: Msheireb Properties has received four Communitas Awards, underlining its pioneering role as a regional leader in smart, sustainable urban development and recognising its approach to corporate social responsibility through strategic partnerships spanning education, technology, healthcare, inclusivity, and youth development. The Communitas Awards, an international initiative, recognises organisations that go beyond business objectives to deliver social, environmental, and economic value. This marks Msheireb Properties' second major recognition, following its success at the SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Business Sustainability Awards in February earlier this year. Ethical and Environmental Responsibility Achievements Msheireb Properties won three sustainability awards, demonstrating its commitment to reducing ......read full article

Doha, Qatar – 9 May 2026 – Dukhan Bank announced the names of the most recent round of draw winners for Thara’a, its Shariah compliant savings account, at the Bank’s headquarters. The draw was conducted on 4 May 2026, under the supervision of a representative of the qualitative license and market control department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In this month’s draw, Talal Al-Obaidly and Rami AbuSalah each won the top prize of QAR 20,000, while the following winners each received QAR 5,000: Dsilva Dsilva, Ahmed AlHawaj, Andrea Bonfim, Shaikh Ahmed, Ali AlKuwari, Miguel Perez, Saeed Al-Jassim, Jassim Al-Romaihi, Nasser Al-Tamimi, Omer Arslan, Hissa Murad, Ismahine Aissi, Khalid Al-Tamimi, Ruba Abdulaziz, Bakhita Al-Abdulla, Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi, Mashael Al-Ibrahim, Fai Chan, Abdulla Al-Qahtani, Sherif ElMeslemany, Bana Arwani, Abdulaziz AlQatabr ......read full article

DOHA, QATAR – May 9, 2026 — Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation partner university, celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 in a ceremony held at Katara Hall in Raffles Hotel Doha. Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, opened the ceremony with a message reflecting on the class's shared journey and resilience. "Class of 2026, you are an extraordinary and resilient group of students. Twice in your academic careers, world events disrupted your path, and twice you found focus in times of uncertainty and purpose in moments of anxiety. I know I speak for every faculty member at CMU-Q when I say we are very proud of you." Addressing the graduates on behalf of the global Carnegie Mellon community, CMU President Farnam Jahanian praised their steadfastness. "Amid uncertainty and geopolitical turmoil, you continued your studies while n ......read full article

Doha Design District Public Art Open Call Design District invites artists, designers, architects, and creatives from across the region and beyond to propose their creative and innovative installations for Msheireb Downtown Doha. Selected works will be commissioned as semi-permanent installations, activating public spaces, reflecting cultural identity, and engaging communities. Submissions are now open ...read full article

Riyadh, May 06, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Interior affirmed that citizens and residents caught transporting people without a Hajj permit, in violation of Hajj regulations and instructions, will face a fine of up to SAR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and a request for court-ordered confiscation of the vehicle. The ministry added that expatriate violators will be deported after serving their penalties and banned from reentering the Kingdom for the legally specified periods. The ministry stressed that a valid Hajj permit is required to perform Hajj. It urged everyone to comply with regulations governing the 1447 AH Hajj season and cooperate with the competent authorities to help ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, warning that violations are punishable by law. It also called on the public to report violators by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Easte ......read full article

Jaidah Group Executive Director examines shifting consumer demand and new ownership models in a Global Platform video by Oxford Business Group Doha, May 2026: Chinese automotive manufacturers have captured close to 30% of Qatar's car market in just two years, a shift that signals a deeper transformation in how the region's consumers think about mobility. A new Global Platform video by Oxford Business Group, produced in partnership with Jaidah Group, examines what is driving this change and what it means for the future of Qatar's automotive sector. The video, titled Qatar's Evolving Auto and Mobility Sector, features Mohamed Jaidah, who highlights how the country's long-term planning in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup has laid the groundwork for sustained economic transformation. Significant investments in transport and logistics infrastructure & ......read full article

Qatar Tourism has announced that the Hayya platform has been awarded the Silver Stevie Award in the Innovation in Public Administration category at the 2026 Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Award, recognising its role in transforming travel, tourism and event management through advanced digital solutions. Hayya was selected for its continued evolution into a comprehensive digital platform for e-visa processing, event access and accreditation, supported by seamless integration with government systems. This ecosystem is further strengthened by a portfolio of complementary solutions, including the Hayya Mobile App, Hayya Portal (HMP), the Hayya Accreditation and Credentialing System (HACS), Hayya Move, the Hayya Reporting System (HRS), and the Group Visas and Accreditations Service (GVA), collectively enhancing operational efficiency and the overall user experience. ......read full article

New coverage includes a 4-year full unit warranty and a 5-year compressor warranty Doha, Qatar – May 5, 2026: Hisense, in collaboration with its strategic partner in Qatar, Modern Home, has introduced an extended warranty offering on its air conditioning range in Qatar, reinforcing its commitment to long-term reliability and customer confidence. The new coverage includes a 4-year warranty on air conditioning units and a 5-year warranty on compressors, providing customers with enhanced peace of mind and a stronger after-sales value proposition. The extended warranty was announced earlier this year during a dedicated partner gathering hosted by Hisense and Modern Home in Doha, where the brand shared key updates on its product strategy and ongoing investments in the local market. In a region defined by extreme temperatures and continuous cooli ......read full article

Gaza Strip, State of Palestine, 5 May 2026 – Education Above All Foundation (EAA), a global foundation for education and development, with support from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), has supported the completion of 100 learning spaces across 10 school sites in the Gaza Strip, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme/Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP), the The Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and the Gaza Culture and Development Group. The intervention marks a significant step towards restoring access to safe, structured, and dignified learning environments for children and youth whose education has been severely disrupted by the war. It forms part of the broader partnership, “Rebuilding Hope for Gaza: Emergency Support for High School Exam (Tawjihi) for Gaza Students,” which aims to suppor ......read full article

Doha, Qatar, May 5, 2026: Doha Design District (DDD) has issued a final call for submissions to its Public Art Open Call, with the deadline fast approaching on 14 May 2026. Artists, designers, and creatives are encouraged to submit their proposals before the closing date via the official website. The initiative reflects Doha Design District’s ongoing commitment to shaping a dynamic and engaging urban environment through creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange. By integrating public art into the fabric of the district, DDD continues to reinforce its vision of becoming a leading global platform for design while celebrating Qatari identity and fostering meaningful community interaction. Through such initiatives, the District aims to support creative talent, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to the development of a vibrant, sustainable, and culturall ......read full article

As part of 'Hala Summer', the 'Kids Go Free' offer introduces added value for families travelling to Qatar this season Aligned with Qatar's summer season, Visit Qatar's 'Hala Summer' campaign, running from April to September 2026, sets the stage for a vibrant line-up of events and experiences across the country. A key highlight of the campaign, the 'Kids Go Free' promotion allows children to benefit from complimentary access and offers across accommodation, dining and entertainment experiences, reinforcing Qatar's appeal as a family-friendly destination for GCC travellers. Positioned as an accessible destination for GCC visitors, with convenient travel options by air and land, the May edition of Qatar Calendar highlights the beginning of a dynamic seasonal programme, reinforcing Qatar's positioning as a leading summer destination. ......read full article

Artefact wins the Google Cloud Artificial Intelligence Partner of the Year 2026 for EMEA, recognizing its leadership in delivering scalable, production-grade AI solutions with measurable impact across industries and the Middle East. Artefact is also expanding its Google Cloud partnership with the launch of a dedicated Gemini Enterprise practice, accelerating enterprise adoption of agentic AI through Gemini Enterprise, Vertex AI, and advanced AI agent deployment capabilities. Doha-Qatar; April 28, 2026 - Artefact, a leading global consultancy in data and artificial intelligence, announced that it has received the 2026 Google Cloud Artificial Intelligence Partner of the Year Award for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, recognizing its role in delivering scalable, production-grade AI solutions across industries. In the Middle East, this recognition reflects Artefact&# ......read full article

Doha, Qatar, 3 May 2026- Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global foundation for education and development, participated in a series of high- level engagements in Paris under the French G7 Presidency, contributing to international discussions on the future of development finance and the growing role of philanthropy in advancing sustainable and inclusive development. EAA Foundation Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mohammed Al Kubaisi participated as a featured speaker in the official high-level side event of the G7 Development Ministerial Meeting, titled Strategic Partnerships for a Renewed Development Paradigm: Engaging Philanthropy in Blended Finance. The session opened with welcoming remarks from H.E. Éléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, responsible for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Citizens Abroad, and ......read full article

RIYADH, May 3, 2026 — The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is continuing its intensive coordination with international Hajj affairs offices to promote awareness of official procedures. The goal is to ensure that essential guidance and instructional messages reach pilgrims in their home countries well before they arrive in the Kingdom.  These international efforts aim to establish the Hajj permit as the only safe and legitimate pathway for the pilgrimage. By adhering to these regulations, pilgrims ensure their journey is organized from its very first stages. The permit guarantees access to comprehensive field and logistical services and protects the pilgrim's rights from fraud or manipulation. The Ministry reiterated that the slogan "No Hajj Without a Permit" is designed to achieve the highest levels of balance in human density across the Holy Sites. I ......read full article

Visit Qatar has announced the launch of its latest promotional campaign, Kids Go Free, as part of the 'Hala Summer' 2026 season. The campaign introduces a range of family-focused offers for visitors from across the GCC with confirmed hotel bookings, inviting them to experience Qatar through a curated mix of entertainment, leisure, and value-driven summer experiences. Positioned within easy reach of neighbouring markets, Qatar offers a convenient summer destination for GCC visitors, combining international-standard experiences with a familiar cultural environment. The campaign also coincides with Doha's designation as the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2026, further reinforcing its regional positioning. Running from 1 May to 30 September 2026, the five-month campaign centres on a simple proposition: children under 12 can stay, dine, and enjoy a range of experiences free of cha ......read full article