Qatar News Online

19/11/2025

Falcon Gold & Precious Metals (FGPM) announces strategic vaulting & logistics partnership with The Brink’s Company

Doha, Qatar: Falcon Gold & Precious Metals QFZ LLC (FGPM) recently announced a strategic partnership with The Brink’s Company to manage FGPM’s secure vaulting and global logistics services. The collaboration leverages Brink’s multi-decade experience in valuables transportation, vault management, and secure logistics to provide FGPM clients with internationally benchmarked custody, transportation and risk-management services.
Brink’s global footprint and integrated secure-logistics capability will ensure FGPM customers benefit from proven security protocols and seamless cross-border connectivity.
Brink’s a leading global provider of cash and valuables management, digital retail solutions, and ATM managed services, and operates in more than 100 countries. Brink’s Global Services business also provides vault facilities, secure transportation and risk consulting, this enables FGPM to offer clients internationally connected, audited custody and logistics. Moreover, Brink’s vaulting and end-to-end logistics allow FGPM to scale storage and distribution for bullion, high-value shipments and institutional clients with confidence.
“Partnering with Brink’s means offering our clients custody and movement of assets that meet the strongest global standards, it’s a cornerstone of trust in today’s cross-border markets,” says Abidin Ayikol, Managing Director at Falcon Gold & Precious Metals QFZ LLC.
Michel Constain, Vice President IMEA Region, The Brink’s Company: “We are proud to support FGPM with secure, world-class vault and logistics services. Our global network and decades of experience will help bring international institutional confidence to Qatar’s precious metals market.”

19/11/2025

19/11/2025

Some time spent with Premier Gymnastics in a photo shoot by Pramod Babu
Locations:
* Edison Global Academy.
* Lusail.
* ⁠Cambridge School.
* ⁠Al Madeed Street.
* ⁠Al Maamora.
Ages: 3 - 18+ (Age Groups)
Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Futures
Professional Certified Gymnastics Coaches
Pro Equipment and Facilities.
For more information and schedules:
WhatsApp or Call: 51107117 / 77274337 to Book Your Spot Today!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

02/11/2025

India clinch historic first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title
Media release

Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma guided India to a historic 52-run victory over South Africa which saw the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 hosts lift the trophy for the first time.

Sharma propelled her country to 298 for seven with a composed 58 before returning a match-winning five for 39 with the ball to bowl South Africa out for 246.

Verma had earlier crashed 87 at the top of the order to get India off to a strong start but Laura Wolvaardt responded during the Proteas’ chase with her ninth ODI century.

But once Sharma removed South Africa’s captain, the hosts were able to finish the job and become world champions for the first time to the delight of an ecstatic crowd in Navi Mumbai.

Verma leads from the front

A two-hour rain delay did little to dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic crowd and India’s openers were keen to put on a show once the action was underway.

Verma hit the first boundary of the innings and followed that with a glorious cover drive off Marizanne Kapp.

Smriti Mandhana backed up her partner with a flurry of fours and took the score past 50 with an imperious flick in the seventh over.

A beautifully timed six from Verma negated the pressure being built by Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nadine De Klerk, as the openers took their stand past 100.

However, two balls later Mandhana was gone, excellently caught for 45 by Sinalo Jafta behind the stumps after trying to cut Chloe Tryon.

Verma reached her first ODI half century in three years from 49 balls soon after but was given a life when on 56 after she was dropped by Anneke Bosch at deep mid-wicket.

That error cost 31 runs as Verma eventually fell for a 78-ball 87 to Ayabonga Khaka, ending her 62-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, before the same bowler then picked up India’s number three for 24 thanks to Wolvaardt’s excellent low catch.

The dismissals of Harmanpreet Kaur (20) and and Amanjot Kaur (12), to Nonkululeko Mlaba and De Klerk respectively, kept the game in the balance with the score 245 for five in the 44th over.

Sharma batted well during the back end of India’s batting effort to reach her 18th ODI fifty but had to ride her luck on more than one occasion after being put down by both Kapp and Wolvaardt.

Richa Ghosh clubbed 34 from 24 balls to help India finish strongly but she became Khaka’s third scalp and Sharma was run out for 58 as South Africa kept their victory target below 300.

Sharma shines with the ball despite Wolvaardt ton

In pursuit of 299 runs to claim a maiden World Cup title, Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits got South Africa off to a solid start.

Brits brought up the 50-run partnership with a boundary in the ninth over, but the 34-year-old was then brilliantly run out by Amanjot Kaur five balls later for 23.

Bosch was then pinned in front for a duck by Sree Charani two overs later to leave the Proteas 62 for two.

A single midway through the 13th over, took Wolvaardt to 40 and also to 510 runs for the tournament – breaking Alyssa Healy’s record of 509 in the 2022 edition for the most at a single ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

The 26-year-old reached her half-century from 45 balls with a four through long-on before a further four boundaries followed in the next 14 balls, via both Wolvaardt and Luus, took South Africa into three figures.

But Verma, India’s star with the bat, then took centre stage with the ball as she removed both Luus (25) and Kapp (4) in quick succession to leave South Africa 123 for four.

With the required run-rate climbing, Sharma sent Jafta back to the pavilion for 16 to put the spinner out on her own as the competition’s leading wicket taker with 18 dismissals.

With South Africa’s hopes requiring a late-order partnership, one came through Annerie Dercksen and Wolvaardt as the former’s two brutal sixes helped the pair to half-century-run stand for the sixth wicket.

But Sharma blitzed through South Africa’s lower order with three wickets in eight deliveries to swing the momentum in India’s favour.

Having been the fielder who dropped Dercksen on 24, Sharma atoned for her error by removing her for 35 before claiming the crucial wicket of Wolvaardt for a brilliant 101 after Amanjot Kaur held onto a brilliant catch in the deep at the third attempt.

Tryon was then given out LBW to become Sharma’s fourth victim to leave South Africa 221 for eight, still 78 runs shy of their target just 8.2 overs left.

Khaka was then run out and despite the best efforts of De Klerk (18), Sharma removed the batter that had hit an unbeaten 84 during the last fixture between the two countries to complete her five-wicket haul and give India a historic global triumph on home soil.

Scores in brief

India v South Africa - Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, India

India 298/7 from 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58; Ayabonga Khaka 3/58, Chloe Tryon 1/46)

South Africa 246 all out from 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Annerie Dercksen 35; Deepti Sharma 5/39, Shafali Verma 2/36)

Result: India won by 52 runs.

02/11/2025

Aspetar Organizes Workshop on Pitch Injury Management Ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA Arab Cup 2025



Doha, Qatar – 23rd October 2025: Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha, organized a workshop on Pitch Injury Management in collaboration with the organizing committee of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA Arab Cup 2025. The initiative forms part of Aspetar’s ongoing efforts to unify global medical standards for managing on-field injuries.

Dr. Khalid Alkhelaifi, Chief Medical Officer of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA Arab Cup 2025, said: "This workshop represents an outstanding model in enhancing the readiness of medical teams to manage emergency injuries during matches. It has achieved great success in unifying medical procedures and training staff on the latest scientific and practical practices, reflecting the vital role played by the Medical Committee in ensuring players’ safety and strengthening on-field medical response. In Qatar, we remain committed to continuing our support and training efforts to ensure the success of these tournaments and the advancement of sports in Qatar and around the world."

The workshop aimed to enhance and standardize medical emergency response protocols during football matches. It also served as practical and preparatory training for medical professionals who will be part of the official medical teams for both tournaments scheduled to kick off next month.

More than 50 medical professionals from Aspetar and Hamad Medical Corporation took part in the event, which featured scientific presentations by Dr. Celeste Geertsema and Dr. Peter Dzendrowskyj from Aspetar.

The program included realistic on-field simulation exercises at the hospital’s adjacent football pitch, replicating real-life emergency scenarios that may occur during matches. These exercises trained medical teams to apply a coordinated and synchronized approach to injury management, ensuring the highest standards of speed, efficiency, and player safety.

This workshop is part of a series of regular training sessions organized by Aspetar, particularly ahead of major tournaments, to ensure the readiness of its medical teams and strategic partners. The local organizing committee of both the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 has appointed Aspetar as the official medical provider for the two tournaments.

Through its National Sports Medicine Programme (NSMP), Aspetar continues to provide specialized medical services to more than 80 international and regional sporting events annually, reinforcing its position as a global leader in sports medicine excellence.

02/11/2025

Aspetar Celebrates Qatar National Team’s Medical Staff Following Qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup



Doha, Qatar : 16 October 2025 - Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, organized a special ceremony to honor the medical staff of the Qatar national football team in recognition of their pivotal role in supporting “Al Annabi” players throughout the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The event was attended by several national team players, including Hassan Al-Haydos, Almoez Ali, Abdulaziz Hatem, Yusuf Abdurisag, and Pedro Miguel, along with the technical staff led by Spanish head coach Julien Lopetegui, and the Executive Director of the National Teams Mr Tala Al Kaabi. Aspetar officials joined the celebration, expressing their pride in this historic national achievement.

This recognition reflects the strategic partnership between Aspetar and the Qatar national team and acknowledges the vital efforts of the medical team in maintaining the players’ fitness and providing them with the highest standards of medical and preventive care.

02/11/2025

release

Aspetar World Conference 2025 Ends on a High Note
 Scientific Insights to Drive the Future of Sports Medicine with Global
Collaboration
 Second Edition in 2027 Marks Two Decades of Aspetar Innovation and
Excellence
Doha, Qatar: 11 th October 2025 – Aspetar today concluded its 2025 World
Conference on Sports Medicine with a successful closing ceremony at the
Aspire Dome. The event attracted over 1,000 participants globally and
featured discussions on the latest innovations and trends shaping the future of
sports medicine.
Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director General of Aspetar, announced the
dates for the hospital’s upcoming major scientific gatherings, including the
Sports Rehabilitation Conference in 2026 and the second edition of the
Aspetar World Conference on Sports Medicine in 2027, which will coincide
with Aspetar’s 20th anniversary celebration. Al Mawlawi encouraged
professionals worldwide to prepare and participate in these future events,
reaffirming Aspetar’s commitment to advancing sports medicine globally.
Conference Chairman Dr. Abdulaziz Jaham Al Kuwari, in his closing remarks,
emphasized the importance of fostering international collaboration and
continuous innovation in sports medicine to enhance athlete health and
performance. He highlighted the conference as a unique platform for
exchanging scientific expertise and advancing innovative medical and
technological solutions for injury prevention and athlete safety.
The organizing committee expressed its gratitude to all participants and
attendees, reaffirming Aspetar’s ongoing leadership and dedication to
advancing sports medicine worldwide.

The scientific program of the last day of the conference featured distinguished
speakers and session leaders. Dr. Celeste Geertsema addressed medical
challenges in extreme environments and best practices for athlete safety.
Professor Dave Collins from the United Kingdom explored psychological
aspects of athlete rehabilitation, emphasizing innovative mental strategies for
successful returns to competition. Dr. Alan Getgood, Chief of Surgery at
Aspetar, provided a comprehensive review of anterior cruciate ligament
surgical advancements. Dr. Rodney Whiteley focused on training load balance
and optimal workload management. Professor Stuart Phillips from Canada
delivered evidence-based strategies for athlete recovery and safe return to
play.

Sessions led by Dr. Mohammeed Al Saey, Director of Sports Dentistry at
Aspetar, examined oral health and its impact on athletic performance. Dr.
Enda King, Head of Elite Athlete Performance Development, explored tendon
and muscle injury management, rehabilitation for hamstring injuries, and
return-to-running protocols. Dr. Juan Manuel Alonso, Aspetar sports medicine
physician, chaired sessions on team travel management and infection
prevention.

The conference also highlighted contributions from Sheikha Abdullah, Aspetar
Nutrition Specialist, who co-led sessions with Professor Stuart Phillips on
advanced sports nutrition trends. Dr. Cristiano Eirale, Chief of Sports
Medicine, and Dr. Milos Bojovic presented the latest in regenerative therapies
including stem cell and biological treatments. Other notable experts included
Mahmoud Ali Mohamed (sports nursing), Dr. Olaf Schumacher (injury risk
management).The conference dedicated special programs to youth athletes
and highlighted national Qatari initiatives supporting female athlete
development and participation.

In addition to the sessions, the closing ceremony featured distribution of
awards for outstanding scientific presentations and recognition of major
sponsors and partners, notably Hamad Medical Corporation, New Balance,
Qatar Datamation, and Al Ameen Medical.
Aspetar concluded the event by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to
innovation, excellence, and international collaboration across sports medicine
disciplines, solidifying its position as a global center of excellence in sports medicine and scientific research.

Send a message to learn more

02/11/2025

Aspetar World Conference 2025: Day Two Highlights Innovation and International Collaboration in Athlete Health



Doha, Qatar: 10th October , 2025 – The second day of the Aspetar World Conference on Precision Athlete Health and Performance brought together leading international and regional experts to showcase the latest innovations and advancements in sports medicine and athlete care.

The day’s sessions and discussions focused on strengthening injury prevention standards, evidence-based diagnostics, and comprehensive health approaches tailored to athletes.

Keynote sessions delivered by world-renowned specialists drew strong engagement and interaction from attendees. Dr. Marco Cardinale presented strategies to safeguard young athletes from injury, while Roula Kotsifaki introduced new protocols to enhance anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treatment. Dr. Marcelo Bordalo explored the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced medical imaging technologies in managing athlete injuries, and Dr. Khalid Al Khelafi together with Dr. Andrea Mosler shared the latest insights on cartilage injury management. Dr. Roald Bahr outlined the International Olympic Committee’s most recent strategies to protect the health of elite athletes.

Specialized sessions provided participants with in-depth knowledge on topics including innovations in sensorimotor rehabilitation programs, mental health and sleep and their impact on sports performance, cardiac conditions in athletes, sports nutrition, national sports medicine programs, regenerative medicine techniques, nursing development in the sports sector, and emergency and first-aid protocols in athlete care.

Accompanying discussions and recommendations emphasized adopting AI-driven diagnostics and data analytics to improve injury assessment and management, prioritizing early screening and tailored training oversight for young athletes to prevent chronic injuries, and integrating mental health and sleep management as essential components in sports medicine practice. Speakers also highlighted the vital leadership role of nurses and healthcare teams as the first line of defence in athlete care.

A hallmark of Aspetar’s approach, reinforcing its unique position in the global sports medicine landscape, is its commitment to addressing all surrounding aspects of athlete health, including psychological and nursing care. Nutrition-related discussions covered evidence-based nutritional strategies for performance enhancement and recovery, as well as cutting-edge regenerative medical techniques.

The conference will conclude tomorrow, on its third and final day, while scientific workshops will continue on Sunday and Monday. These events underscore Aspetar’s dedication to excellence and international collaboration in sports medicine and its drive to embed innovation into athlete care. The insights and recommendations emerging from Day Two promise to have a lasting impact on athlete health, safety, and performance worldwide.

02/11/2025

Aspetar World Conference 2025 Kicks Off in Doha, Cementing Qatar’s Leadership in Global Sports Medicine



Doha, Qatar :9th October , 2025 The Aspetar World Conference 2025, the leading international event in sports medicine, launched today at the Aspire Dome with participation from over 1,000 specialists representing 74 countries from around the world.

The conference opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr. Mansour bin Ibrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health, and His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director General of Hamad Medical Corporation, alongside many prominent medical and academic figures from Qatar and the international sports medicine community.



Opening Address



In his opening remarks, Mr. Khalid bin Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director General of Aspetar Hospital, emphasized Aspetar's pioneering role as an advanced global center in sports medicine and its distinguished contribution to attracting international expertise while enhancing Qatar's position in both sports medicine and medical tourism.

Al Mawlawi stated: "This conference embodies Aspetar's leading position on the international stage and our ongoing mission to promote excellence, innovation, and collaboration in athlete health and performance. Over the next three days, more than a thousand participants from over seventy-four countries will gather here to exchange knowledge and science, sharing the latest research developments, medical advances, and innovative practices that push the boundaries of this field to new horizons."

He continued: "At Aspetar, we take pride in being more than just a hospital; we have become a reference for knowledge and a platform for global collaboration, working with our international partners to innovate new pathways that contribute to improving athlete care and raising sports medicine standards worldwide."



Al Mawlawi also announced in his address that Aspetar will host the International Rehabilitation Conference in 2026 and the second edition of the Aspetar Global Conference in 2027, coinciding with Aspetar's twentieth anniversary celebration. This further strengthens Qatar's position as a major destination for medical tourism in the region.

Dr. Abdulaziz Jaham Al Kuwari, CEO of Aspetar and Conference President, expressed his pride in the organizational efforts that contributed to delivering a distinguished scientific program, praising Aspetar's leadership in pushing the boundaries of research and innovation in sports medicine on a global level.



IOC and FIFA in the Highlights of Day One

The first day featured a series of ground breaking scientific lectures covering crucial topics. Among the most prominent was a keynote by Professor Jane Thornton from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), focusing on health priorities for Olympians and the IOC’s strategic efforts to protect and enhance athlete health. Professor Thornton called on the global sports community to actively engage in these initiatives aimed at building a healthier world through sport.

Additionally, Dr. Andrew Massey, FIFA’s Medical Director, alongside Dr. Guido Pieles from Aspetar, presented on FIFA’s medical approach to injury prevention. Their session outlined strategies for tournament preparation and cardiac screening for youth football players, emphasizing the importance of implementing these medical protocols to safeguard players’ long-term health.

Other sessions highlighted the latest innovations in foot and ankle surgery for elite athletes, integration of biomechanics and neuroscience in football medicine, and cutting-edge advances in cartilage surgery. Aspetar’s experts presented in-depth analyses of the benefits and risks of these surgical techniques, their impact on athletic performance, and recovery enhancement. Furthermore, participants explored the pioneering integration of biomechanical and neurological sciences to improve injury prevention and athletic outcomes in football.



Extensive Media Coverage

Day one attracted broad media interest, with over 50 local and international media outlets covering the event. This robust media presence underscores the conference’s stature as a premier global platform driving the advancement of sports medicine.

Ongoing Conference Activities

The conference will continue over the next two days with specialized sessions and workshops offering practical opportunities for researchers and practitioners alike. The program aims to foster innovation and elevate athlete health and performance across various sports, reinforcing Aspetar and Doha’s status as global hubs for sports medicine excellence and innovation.

Accompanying Exhibition

An international exhibition is being held alongside the conference, featuring key partners and sponsors from leading companies and organizations in sports medicine. The exhibition witnessed significant engagement on the first day, as attendees took advantage of the opportunity to explore the latest technologies, innovations, and solutions in sports healthcare. The interaction between participants and sponsors provided an excellent platform for knowledge exchange and professional networking within this dynamic and vital field.

02/11/2025

QRDI Council’s Small Business Innovation Grant (SBIG) is Now Open for Applications

Doha, Qatar, 17 June 2025: Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council’s Small Business Innovation Grant (SBIG), a new national funding program designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar to implement and transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions.
Launched during Web Summit Qatar 2025, the SBIG program provides phased funding to support the development and commercialization efforts of innovative technologies, products, or services. This grant is part of QRDI Council’s broader strategy to enhance the national innovation ecosystem and promote sustainable economic diversification, in alignment with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS-3).
Applications for this grant are open now until August 4, 2025.
SBIG provides support in two distinct phases. Phase I focuses on early-stage innovation, offering funding for feasibility studies and proof-of-concept development over a 6 to 12-month period. Phase II builds on the outcomes of Phase I, providing additional funding over 12 to 24 months to support prototype testing, technological development, and the achievement of project readiness for marketing.
The grant focuses on SMEs operating in strategic sectors such as Medical and Healthcare, Logistics and Transportation, Smart Cities, Creativity, Arts, Tourism, and Emerging Digital Technologies.
QRDI Council invites all eligible SMEs to utilize this opportunity to access non-dilutive funding and state-of-the-art innovation infrastructure in Qatar. The SBIG initiative reflects QRDI Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting homegrown innovators and driving knowledge-based economic growth in Qatar.
For full details and to begin the application process, visit the Innolight platform or contact the QRDI Council directly.

Send a message to learn more

02/11/2025

QF’s BilAraby Summit Highlights Role of Podcasts in Enriching Arabic Digital Content
Second day of the summit saw leading Arabic podcasters discuss ways to advance Arabic content
Doha, Qatar, 21 April 2025: Arabic podcasts are rapidly growing in popularity, emerging as a leading form of digital content across the region. And speakers at Qatar Foundation’s inaugural BilAraby Summit have highlighted how these podcasts offer a dynamic platform that reflects diverse topics and resonates with audiences across the Arab world.
The session at the summit hosted by Qatar Foundation’s (QF) BilAraby initiative – which was held at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) and concluded on Sunday – was titled ‘Arabic Podcast: How Can We Advance Arabic Digital Content?”, and explored the differences between conversational and narrative podcast styles.
Bashar Al-Najjar, host of the Manbit podcast on the Sawt platform, described podcasts as a manifestation of the “democratization” of content creation. "Ten or fifteen years ago, content creation was confined to traditional TV programs,” he said. “I wouldn’t have been able to be here today and create content. But with the democratization of content creation, I now have the ability to write and share my thoughts.
“As for the responsibility this brings, being able to receive feedback and reactions from listeners gives us a strong sense of duty to provide credible information from trusted sources that respect the listener’s intellect. Our currency is the listener’s time.”
Meanwhile, journalist Mohammed Al-Ramash, host of the Magharib podcast on the Atheer platform, said: "Although podcasts are not the product of traditional academic journalism, but rather content creators, they have imposed themselves on the market. My role as a journalist is to adapt to this development and present the story to the audience as they desire."
Al-Ramash also pointed out that the BilAraby initiative supports this vision, emphasizing the shared belief that even imported ideas should be shaped through a local lens. “Not every initiative or idea that comes from abroad needs to resemble its origin - we can create our own unique school,” he said.
The speakers also discussed whether podcasts strengthen or threaten the Arabic language, with Al-Najjar explaining: "In my podcast, I try to blend colloquial Arabic and classical Arabic. Among younger generations, it's become common to switch to foreign languages when they struggle to find the right word in Arabic.
“Sometimes, Arabic is presented with a sense of pity when used in content creation. But Arabic is a rich language full of diversity, and we must work to enrich the internet with it. There are languages spoken by far fewer people that have far more online content. We are over 400 million Arabic speakers, yet Arabic content remains scarce and often lacks quality.
"We should treat Arabic as a flexible and accessible language through which we can freely express ourselves. Speak Arabic, write in Arabic, communicate in Arabic, listen to Arabic – and let your children listen to Arabic.
“Arabic is a strong language that will endure with or without us. We thank the BilAraby initiative for inspiring us to do our best in celebrating the Arabic language. We don’t have to follow the West in our ideas – on the contrary, we can challenge and even surpass them through our language.”
For more information about QF’s BilAraby initiative, and to stay updated on all its latest news, please visit www.bilaraby.qa

02/11/2025

How Beekeeping in Qatar is Creating a Buzz About the Future

Sustainability and tradition meet in QF’s apiary at Education City

Doha, Qatar, 28 October 2025: Today, beekeeping lies at the heart of a global movement driving sustainable agriculture, restoring ecosystems, and preserving cultural heritage –making bees vital allies in shaping a more resilient future.

And over the past year, beekeeping has taken root within Qatar Foundation (QF), with a dedicated apiary in Education City designed to nurture colonies of honeybees. The initiative is led by Abdulrahman Al Eryani, Advisor to the QF Vice Chairperson’s Office.

Bees directly support the production of many of the world’s fruits, vegetables, and nuts, through pollination. In a time of climate change and rising concerns about food security, protecting their survival is becoming increasingly essential to building resilient and sustainable food systems.

“Globally, bees are very important for crop production,” explains Al Eryani. “Around 30 percent of the world’s food production depends on bee pollination. Without them, we would lose essential produce.”

The team’s current focus is on comparing Arabian bees with imported bees. “Our aim is to eventually replace the bees we currently import with Arabian bees,” Al Eryani notes. “Arabian bees, found in Southern Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman are believed to be better adapted to the region’s environment.

“If they thrive here, we could reduce reliance on imported species that are not well adapted to Qatar’s climate.”

September marks the beginning of the ‘Sidra season’, when bees feed primarily on the flowering Sidra trees. Last year alone, Education City hives produced around 135 kilos of honey from just 18 colonies. “The initiative reinvests profits into sustaining and expanding beekeeping operations, making it a self-sustaining business,” says Al Eryani.

But bees are not only environmental workers. Honey has been a staple of Arab life for centuries – a source of nourishment and a natural medicine. In Islam, an entire Surah of the Qur’an – An-Nahl – highlights their importance.

“Honey is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an as both food and medicine,” Al Eryani reflects. “For me, beekeeping is about continuing that tradition while teaching future generations that these small creatures carry wisdom far greater than their size.”

Community initiatives and educational projects are key to boosting beekeeping in Qatar, and the team is working alongside QF entities to spread the message. Earlier this year, students from Academyati, a progressive school that is part of QF’s Pre-University Education, experienced firsthand the vital role bees play in sustaining ecosystems, and even learned how to handle the bees.

Simon Jones, Business Development and Activations Manager at QF, who is part of the beekeeping initiative, says: “The children got hands-on experience in the apiary: wearing the gear, using the smoker, opening a hive, holding a frame, identifying what they had learnt in the classroom session in the field. It’s great for them to understand how important bees are for the environment and have the opportunity for some learning outside of the classroom.

“Since the summer, interest has grown significantly. We’ve had numerous requests from schools, individuals, and entities who heard about our work through social media. We will be offering limited tours during Qatar Sustainability Week, which runs from 1-8 November, and looking ahead we’d love to develop a curriculum component for schools – something teachers can deliver in the classroom, followed by a guided experience in the apiary.”