Will Smith to Make Appearance at Web Summit Qatar 2025

Will Smith will be a featured speaker at Web Summit Qatar 2025, held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from February 23 to 26.

The Oscar-winning actor and Grammy-winning rapper will appear in conversation with author and podcast host Jay Shetty on the event’s centre stage, discussing the intersection of media, culture, health, and technology, and sharing insights from his life and career.

Web Summit Qatar’s second edition is expected to attract over 25,000 attendees, including 1,500+ startups from 90 countries (46% women-founded), 600 investors, and 600 media representatives.

The event will feature tech and business leaders such as Alexis Ohanian, Eduardo Saverin, Malcolm Gladwell, and Laura Chambers.

Participating startups will engage in exhibitions and networking with top global partners like Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, and Qatar Airways.

Samla Goes Global, Qatar’s Premier Endurance Race Opens to the World in 2026

Samla, Qatar’s toughest endurance race, will go international in 2026, welcoming athletes of all genders and nationalities for the first time.

The Samla International Challenge, set for January 26, 2026, will feature 100 km of endurance disciplines including swimming, running, cycling, and kayaking.

Originally launched in 2017 and previously limited to Qatari men, the race has evolved into a high-profile event incorporating desert and local terrain.

The move to open it internationally follows increasing global interest and aims to place Samla among the region’s top endurance events.

A new partnership between Samla’s organizing committee and Visit Qatar will promote the race globally and integrate it into Qatar’s prestigious event calendar, alongside MotoGP, F1, and FIFA tournaments.

A prize pool exceeding QAR 1 million (~$300,000) will be split across men’s and women’s categories.

Spanish-Argentinian Duo Coello & Tapia Defend Qatar Major Title with Dominant Win

Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia, the top-ranked Spanish-Argentinian duo, defended their title at the Ooredoo Qatar Major on the Premier Padel Tour, defeating second seeds Federico Chingotto and Alejandro Galan in straight sets (7-6, 6-2) at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.

Despite their rivals' recent wins in Miami P1 and Santiago P1, Coello and Tapia delivered a strong performance, marking their 10th win out of 15 matches against Galan and Chingotto this season.

The victory was especially emotional, as both players collapsed to the court in celebration.

This win is Tapia’s third consecutive title in Doha, adding to his 2023 Qatar Major win and FIP World Padel Championship triumph with Argentina.

Qatar Foundation & The King’s Foundation Partner to Advance Sustainability Through Traditional Knowledge

Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Center and The King’s Foundation partnered to launch 4 urban development pilot projects in India, Guyana, Sierra Leone and Tanzania.

The two-year collaboration aims to show how traditional knowledge and cultural heritage can guide sustainable 21st-century practices.

The initiative, announced at The King’s Foundation’s headquarters in Scotland, highlights shared goals of using indigenous wisdom to promote environmental sustainability, local economic growth and community resilience.

Each project will demonstrate traditional construction methods and materials, educate communities, students, and professionals on the value of traditional knowledge, and foster knowledge exchange, tourism, and economic opportunities between the countries and Qatar.

First Look at Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai

The Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, open until 13 October, offers an immersive journey through the country’s rich maritime legacy and its evolving role in sustainability and cultural exchange.

Designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the structure is inspired by traditional Qatari dhows, symbolizing Qatar-Japan maritime connections and celebrating Qatar's deep coastal roots.

Inside, visitors explore Qatar’s transition from desert to sea through interactive exhibits, historical artefacts and panoramic films, including a tribute to pearl divers and coastal communities.

The Pavilion also features contemporary cultural spaces, including a library, majlis, and a showcase of Qatar-Japan artistic collaboration.

Two Qataris Featured on Forbes' 2025 World's Richest List

Forbes released its 2025 “World’s Billionaires List,” featuring two Qatari billionaires among the global elite.

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, former Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, ranks 929th with a net worth of $3.9 billion, largely through his 3% stake in Deutsche Bank via Paramount Services Holdings.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani, chairman of Al Faisal Holding, ranks 1850th with a net worth of $1.9 billion. His conglomerate owns over 20 hotels worldwide, including high-profile properties in Washington, D.C., Miami and London.

Topping the list is Elon Musk with a net worth of $342 billion. The 2025 list includes a total wealth of $16.1 trillion, up over $2 trillion from 2024, with the U.S. leading in billionaire count, followed by China and India.

Idris Elba Speaks at Earthna Summit 2025

Idris Elba delivered a speech during Qatar Foundation’s (QF) 2nd Earthna Summit, held in celebration of Earth Day.

He highlighted the transformative power of film, music and storytelling, describing them as vehicles for “conscious creativity” — tools that not only captivate but also educate and inspire.

Elba emphasized that creativity must be intentional and rooted in awareness, with every act of creation offering the potential to spark change and promote sustainable thinking.

The summit was organized by the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future (Earthna), a non-profit policy, research, and advocacy organization established by QF.

Earthna works to promote a holistic and culturally grounded approach to environmental, social and economic sustainability, with a focus on long-term prosperity for Qatar and other hot and arid countries.

Novo Cinemas Opens Landmark Edition at Centro

Novo Cinemas officially opened its latest location at Centro in Rawdat Al Hamama, marking a major step forward in Qatar’s entertainment scene.

This new cinema complex features 10 high-tech screens with 4K visuals and Dolby Atmos sound, offering a premium and immersive movie experience.

It includes a luxurious 7-star venue for private bookings and events, and customizable catering for occasions like graduations and corporate events.

Marc Marquez Claims Victory at 2025 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar

Marc Marquez stormed to victory at the 2025 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, held at Lusail International Circuit (LIC), seizing the championship lead in dominant fashion.

The Ducati Lenovo Team rider delivered a masterclass over 21 laps, crossing the finish line in 41:29.186—1.800 seconds ahead of Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3). Teammate Francesco Bagnaia secured third place, completing a strong showing for Ducati.

The win marks Marquez’s third victory in four races this season, reinforcing his red-hot form and issuing a clear statement to his championship rivals.

The event wrapped up a thrilling weekend of racing at LIC in front of 50,321 fans.

Georgetown University & Qatar Foundation Renew Partnership for Another Decade

Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) has renewed its partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF) for another 10 years, coinciding with GU-Q’s 20th anniversary as a cornerstone of Education City.

The renewal ceremony, held at the GU-Q campus, was attended by key dignitaries including Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani and Minister of Education Lolwah Al Khater.

The evening concluded with Her Highness receiving Georgetown’s highest honor, the President’s Medal, in recognition of her pivotal role in shaping Qatar’s educational landscape.

Over the past two decades, nearly 1,100 undergraduate and master’s students have graduated from GU-Q.

Qatar’s Metaverse Campaign Draws 15.9 Million Visitors, Sets Record

Qatar’s 8-week immersive campaign in the metaverse has attracted over 15.9 million visits, marking it as one of the most successful nation-branding efforts in virtual space.

Hosted on Roblox, the campaign featured 2 key experiences: Qatar Adventures, showcasing iconic landmarks like Lusail Stadium and Katara Towers through interactive mini-games, and Souq Waqif, a virtual market offering traditional garments and food. Together, these drew millions of sessions and downloads, with over 3.5 million traditional outfits and 5.2 million servings of Machboos distributed virtually.

Compared to its first edition, the campaign saw a 76% increase in engagement. An in-game survey revealed that over 92% of participants are now considering a real-world visit to Qatar, reinforcing the country’s growing influence in digital cultural outreach.

Hamad International Airport Opens Concourses D & E, Boosting Capacity to 65 Million

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has inaugurated Concourses D and E, a major expansion project completed ahead of schedule, increasing the airport's annual passenger capacity to over 65 million.

The new concourses add 17 gates, smart boarding systems, and 2,700 sqm of new retail and dining space, enhancing efficiency and traveler experience. The total terminal area now spans 845,000 sqm.

This development marks the final phase of a multi-year upgrade, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and reinforcing Qatar’s global aviation leadership. The expansion also prioritizes sustainability, targeting LEED Gold and GSAS 4-Star certifications.

Marcello Gandini Exhibition to Run at NMoQ

An exhibition dedicated to legendary Italian car designer Marcello Gandini will be held at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) from 23 April to 2 June 2025. Titled “Ultraleggera: A Design Journey with Marcello Gandini Between Italy and Qatar”.

Co-produced by the Qatar Auto Museum in collaboration with the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile (MAUTO) and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), the exhibition highlights Gandini’s visionary contributions to automotive design.

"Ultraleggera" celebrates Gandini’s legacy by juxtaposing his groundbreaking work with innovative designs by students from VCUarts Qatar.

Co-curated by his daughter, Marzia Gandini, the exhibition features original sketches, prototypes, archival materials, and landmark vehicle models.

Among his most iconic designs are the Alfa Romeo Carabo, Lancia Stratos Zero, Maserati Khamsin, Ferrari GT4, and many Lamborghinis, including the Miura.

Ed Sheeran's +-=÷x Tour is Coming to Qatar

Grammy-winning artist Ed Sheeran will perform in Qatar on 30 April 2025 at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall, as part of his ongoing +–=÷× Tour (The Mathematics Tour).

Launched in 2022, the global tour is scheduled to conclude in September 2025, with a total of 165 shows. To date, it has grossed over $653 million worldwide.

This performance marks Sheeran’s second appearance in Qatar.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio Reopens with a New Look

With summer just around the corner, the Michelin-selected Peruvian restaurant La Mar by Gastón Acurio has reopened with a refreshed look inspired by the vibrant spirit of Peru.

The redesigned space features artworks by artists Pool Guillen, David Goicochea, Tahani Khaled, and Jesús Pedraglio Belmont, adding a rich cultural layer to the dining experience.

Located at the InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa, the restaurant offers stunning beachfront views and direct access to La Mar Beach.

Nairy Baghramian’s Artwork Unveiled at MIA Park

Qatar Museums (QM) has unveiled "Privileged Points", a large-scale installation by Iranian contemporary artist Nairy Baghramian, now on view at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park.

The unveiling was led by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, with the Ambassador of Iran to Qatar Dr. Ali Salehabadi, and QM CEO Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi also in attendance.

"Privileged Points" was originally showcased in 2017 at the 5th Skulptur Projekte Münster, one of the world’s most prestigious exhibitions dedicated to public sculptures.

Travis Scott to Perform in Qatar on 16 May

American rapper Travis Scott is bringing his Circus Maximus Tour for the first time to the region in Doha on 16 May at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.

The tour has grossed $209.3 million so far and was attended by over 1,700,000 people.

His latest album "Utopia" was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards.

Urth Caffé is Coming to Qatar

USA-famous Urth Caffé is set to make its debut in Qatar in Place Vendôme.

Founded in 1989, Urth Caffé is widely considered the first coffee roasting company in the USA to offer exclusively organically grown, heirloom coffees. The menu offers a fresh, healthy, sustainable way of eating, drinking and living by using 100% natural ingredients completely free of any artificial ingredients or GMOs.

With a strong emphasis on mindful, healthy living, Urth Caffé has become a go-to destination for clean eating and exceptional coffee.

The upcoming Lusail branch will join its existing locations in California, Nevada, Tokyo, Riyadh, and Dubai—further expanding its global footprint and bringing its signature blend of conscious dining and laid-back café culture to Qatar.

Qatar Participates in Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai

Qatar is set to inaugurate its 1,846 square meters pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.

Crafted by Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA), the pavilion’s design is inspired by Qatar’s maritime heritage. It will highlight Qatar’s many successes in human development, the environment and more.

Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai will be held in Japan from 13 April to 13 October 2025.

Two Films Produced by Qatar Featured in Cannes Film Festival 2025

Cannes 2025 unveiled its official lineup, featuring two films produced with support from Qatar.

"Aisha Can't Fly Away", directed by Morad Mostafa, is a co-production between Qatar, Egypt, and Tunisia, while "Promised Sky", directed by Erige Sehiri, is a joint effort between Qatar, Tunisia, France, and the Netherlands. Both films are set to compete in the festival’s Un Certain Regard section.

The 78th annual Cannes Film Festival will run from 13 to 24 May 2025, with French actress Juliette Binoche serving as jury president.

Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, is expected to attend and announce the launch of a new film festival in Qatar.

Doha Film Institute to Launch a New Film Festival in Qatar

A new film-focused event by Doha Film Institute (DFI) will be launched in November 2025, replacing Ajyal festival which will be incorporated into the new event.

DFI CEO Fatma Al Remaihi told Variety that the new festival will see DFI “evolving into something that’s more needed for the industry, especially here in Doha, but also for the wider industry in the MENA region”.

Further details will be unveiled at Cannes Film Festival 2025.

Hamad International Airport Recognized Among the World’s Best at 2025 Skytrax Awards

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has been recognized as one of the world's best airports at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards in Madrid, Spain.

It retained its title as the Best Airport in the Middle East for the 11th consecutive year and won Best Airport Shopping globally for the 3rd year in a row. The airport was also awarded the prestigious 5-star Airport Rating.

The airport connects passengers to more than 197 destinations via contemporary shopping and dining options, entertainment and relaxation facilities, including a spacious indoor tropical garden, and a world-class art collection from internationally acclaimed artists.

Lina Ghotmeh Set to Design Qatar Pavilion in the Giardini of La Biennale di Venezia

Renowned architect Lina Ghotmeh has been chosen to design the Qatar Pavilion in the Giardini of La Biennale di Venezia.

The pavilion will be located at the heart of the garden and will be commissioned by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. It will be the third Pavilion added in more than 50 years to the historic and prestigious area.

A conversation between Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa and Lina Ghotmeh will take place at ACP-Palazzo Franchetti on 8 May, moderated by Hans Ulrich Obrist.

The Ned Doha Makes History as the First Hotel in Qatar to Receive LEED Certification

The Ned Doha has become the first and only hotel in Qatar to receive a gold-level LEED O+M certification, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sustainability efforts.

Housed in the former Ministry of Interior building, the hotel blends retro 70s-inspired design with cutting-edge sustainable practices, transforming a historic government structure into a modern architectural landmark.

With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, The Ned Doha was thoughtfully designed to reduce its ecological footprint while offering a dynamic space that serves as both a luxury destination and a vibrant social hub.

This achievement underscores the hotel’s role as a leader in green hospitality and its dedication to reshaping the built environment with sustainability at its core.

Northwestern Qatar’s Media Majlis Museum to co-host Gulf’s first IKT Congress

Alongside NYU Abu Dhabi, Media Majlis Museum will host for the first time in the region the International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art (IKT) from 8 to 14 April 2025, bringing together curators, museum directors, and leading figures in contemporary art.

It will feature visits to key cultural landmarks, including the National Museum of Qatar, Mathaf, Doha Fire Station and Richard Serra’s desert installation.