CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Qatar

Peninsula
Education
Sheikha Moza marks HEC Paris, Doha’s 15-year milestone in Qatar

Doha, Qatar: HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, today attended the 15th anniversary celebration of HEC Paris, Doha, a Qatar Foundation partner university, at a landmark event at the iconic Museum of Islamic Art. The celebration was also attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, in addition to the leadership team of HEC Paris as well as other distinguished guests, alumni, faculty, and partners. Marking the occasion, Her Highness said: “Today we celebrate 15 years of a thriving partnership between Qatar Foundation and HEC Paris in Doha – a collaboration established in line with QF’s vision to foster an ecosystem of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. That vision is now being realized through the impactful contributions of HEC Paris in Doha alumni, who are driving economic transformation and meaningful societal progress across Qatar and the region.” Her Excellency Sheikha Hind, an alumna of HEC Paris, Doha, said: “Over the past 15 years, HEC Paris, Doha has played a transformational role in advancing Qatar’s vision for a knowledge-based economy. The presence of this world-renowned business school in Qatar has strengthened the nation’s position as a regional hub for executive education and innovation. “Through its collaborations with local institutions, and its focus on developing entrepreneurial talent, HEC Paris, Doha has been instrumental in supporting national priorities such as human capital development, sustainability, and economic diversification. “By empowering entrepreneurs and leaders with world-class education, HEC Paris, Doha has contributed immensely to the diversification and growth of Qatar’s workforce while making an invaluable contribution to capacity-building and knowledge generation across the region’s business landscape. We are proud to celebrate this milestone for a valued and longstanding partner in education, and look forward to continuing to cultivate excellence in education, innovation, and leadership for future generations together.” During the event, HEC Paris, Doha unveiled its new motto, “Dare the Impossible”, reflecting its ambition to inspire leadership, innovation, and transformative impact. A centerpiece of the evening was the debut of ‘Innovation Majlises’: six creative showcases highlighting alumni-led ventures that reflected HEC Paris, Doha’s entrepreneurial spirit, and the transformative impact of its graduates on Qatar’s business landscape. Since 2010, HEC Paris, Doha has enrolled more than 1,500 professionals, 41 percent of whom are women and 53 percent of whom are Qatari, and delivered 181 customized programs to over 5,000 executives across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Oman. Beyond academic programs, HEC Paris, Doha has strengthened Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through initiatives like the Business Research Lab and the creation of case studies on sustainability, digital transformation, and diversity. It has also published a comprehensive entrepreneurship guidebook to empower the next generation of innovators. Today, its alumni hold leadership positions in ministries, boardrooms, and entrepreneurial ventures, advancing Qatar’s development. Professor Éloïc Peyrache, Dean of HEC Paris, reflected on the business school’s journey in the region, saying: “When Qatar Foundation invited us to establish a campus in Doha, it opened a new chapter for HEC Paris – one shaped by the Middle East’s extraordinary transformation. Since then, our Doha campus has been offering world-class executive education and building bridges between Europe and the Gulf. Today, we are proud of the impact we have achieved together, and excited for what lies ahead.” Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris, Doha, paid tribute to the enduring partnership with Qatar Foundation: “For 15 years, HEC Paris and Qatar Foundation have worked together to develop leaders who create lasting impact. This partnership is built on shared values and a deep belief in education as a force for progress. Our graduates lead with purpose and contribute to building a more just, sustainable, and innovative world. Let us continue to pay this legacy forward - one leader at a time.”

Peninsula
General
Doha Film Festival showcases powerful Arab voices to inspire global audiences

Doha, Qatar: Doha Film Institute (DFI) reaffirms its commitment to championing Arab talent with a powerful showcase of stories and bold new voices from the region at the upcoming Doha Film Festival (DFF). The festival’s International Feature Film Competition features the evocative The President’s Cake and My Father and Qaddafi, reflecting the diversity and vitality of cinema from the Arab world and its growing global influence, and ‘Sounds of Saudi’, will take audiences on a musical journey with emerging regional talent, offering an authentic glimpse into their cultural richness, creativity and artistry. For 15 years, DFI has played a transformative role in supporting filmmakers from the Arab world - funding, nurturing, and promoting their work on some of the world’s most prestigious platforms. DFF continues this mission by offering a dynamic space where artists can share their perspectives, challenge narratives, and connect with the global community. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and CEO of DFI, said: "Storytelling has always been the heartbeat of Arab culture, a way of preserving memory, sharing wisdom, and building connection. The Institute is a driving force behind a golden age of Arab cinema, championing voices that are shaping the world’s artistic future. Our stories carry the weight of history and the promise of the future, and we are excited for audiences at Doha Film Festival to connect with the beauty, complexity and strength of our identity." Arab stories showcased at DFF this year reflect the evolving identity of the region’s cinema, from deeply personal reflections to bold artistic explorations. As a cultural catalyst for meaningful exchange through shared artistic experiences, DFF continues to shape a more inclusive global film landscape where Arab perspectives are seen, heard, and recognised. Taking place from Nov. 20-28, 2025, DFF represents the bold next chapter in Doha Film Institute's mission to nurture regional talent and champion urgent and authentic stories in cinema. The festival will transform iconic locations across Doha, including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art, into vibrant hubs of cultural exchange, bringing together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from every corner of the globe, to reaffirm art’s power to inspire, to unite, and to spotlight voices that deepen our shared understanding.

Peninsula
General
Hamad Port breaks Guinness World Records for World's Largest Mangrove relocation project

Doha, Qatar: In a new achievement added to its record of global accomplishments, Hamad Port - Qatar's main gateway to world trade - has broken the Guinness World Records title for the world's largest mangrove relocation project. This marks the port's second entry into the Guinness World Records, highlighting its unwavering commitment to sustainable environmental practices. It crowns years of exceptional environmental efforts that began during the port's construction phase and continued over the years, aimed at preserving marine biodiversity and protecting coastal ecosystems. #HamadPort’s achievement in breaking the Guinness World Record title for the world’s largest mangrove relocation project highlights the port’s commitment to balancing economic development with marine ecosystem preservation. pic.twitter.com/QlLcIArvlE — Mwani Qatar (@MwaniQtr) October 15, 2025 The project involved the relocation and replanting of over 36,000 mangrove trees from development areas to carefully selected coastal sites. It also included the transfer of thousands of coral reefs and seagrass beds, employing advanced technologies, stringent environmental standards, and continuous scientific supervision to ensure the protection of the marine ecosystem from any negative impact. Mangrove trees play a vital role in protecting coastlines, providing natural habitats for marine species, and absorbing carbon emissions, making this initiative a strategic step toward enhancing biodiversity and advancing Qatar's green economy. The project was officially documented according to the highest global standards recognized by Guinness World Records, earning its distinction as the largest initiative of its kind worldwide. On this occasion, Mwani Qatar affirmed that this global environmental achievement underscores Hamad Port's continuous commitment to sustainability and reflects the State of Qatar's vision to integrate environmental considerations into major development and infrastructure projects. The company noted that this success serves as a national model for marine environmental protection, demonstrating the ability of national institutions to achieve harmony between economic growth and environmental preservation. This accomplishment aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which places environmental sustainability at the core of comprehensive development strategies and emphasizes the importance of conserving natural resources for future generations. It also reinforces Hamad Port's standing as a smart and sustainable port that adheres to the highest international environmental standards. This new record adds to Hamad Port's distinguished track record, which already includes a Guinness World Record for constructing the deepest artificial basin on Earth, reaffirming its position among the world's most innovative and sustainable ports.

Peninsula HMC to open Sealine Medical Clinic for new camping season

Doha, Qatar: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) will open its Sealine medical clinic for the 2025/2026 winter camping season in the Sealine area tomorrow, October 16, marking its 16th consecutive year of operation. The clinic will remain open throughout the season...

Peninsula Amir receives Qatar National Football Team

Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, received on Wednesday at Lusail Palace the players of the Qatar National Football Team on the occasion of their qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The meeting was attended...

Picture by Alexandra Evangelista / The Peninsula Cloud movement to shift as Al Wasmi season begins tomorrow

Doha, Qatar: Tomorrow, October 16, 2025, marks the first day of Al-Wasmi season and will last for 52 days, ending on December 6, 2025. In a social media post, the Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) explained this period is characterised by...

 

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