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Maadhavi Bhhatia, who flies in from the UAE to Doha regularly to attend Executive MBA (EMBA) with HEC Paris in Qatar, says that executive education can future proof careers. Bhhatia, vice president governance, Group Compliance Division the UAE’s First Abu Dhabi Bank, the largest bank in the Emirates, is also the holder of a bachelor’s degree of Business Administration in International Banking and began her Executive MBA studies with HEC Paris in Qatar recently. Abu Dhabi-based Indian national Bhhatia feels that executive learning is now essential for preparing business leaders for post pandemic personal and professional challenges. “Today, professionals from all disciplines seek to attain extensive knowledge, whether a training certification, diploma or on programs such as the Executive MBA I am pursuing with HEC Paris in Qatar. This executive education can enhance personal leadership attributes, and foster skills in understanding various aspects of business and the implementation of that learning. The skills I learn from my EMBA programme professors will hopefully enable me to be ready for the jobs of the future within the banking sector,” Bbhatia, said. Bhhatia is of the view that given current global uncertainties due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is becoming imperative for leaders to acquire niche skills. “Rapid globalisation and technological disruptions are playing an essential part in the creation of new jobs that require advanced managerial and technical skills. Today’s leaders should attain the right skills to lead a business unit - this is a need of the hour,” she explained. “The HEC programme has been ranked #1 as per the FT Ranking 2021. I also know that more CEOs of Fortune Global 500 companies have graduated from HEC Paris than any other university in Europe. I took this as an opportunity to connect with HEC Paris’s diverse and global alumni network along to enhance my personal skills,” highlighted, Bbhatia. She also said that Qatar’s proximity to Abu Dhabi was a consideration for choosing the campus here. “However, after researching all the personal and professional factors and my ambitions, it only made sense to pursue my studies at HEC Paris in Qatar,” she stated. “I have several goals. I want to gain global insights on business, to expand my ability to be a ‘Leader with Purpose,’ and to be a role model for other professionals by promoting a ‘Learn Everyday’ message,” she continued. She stressed : “I believe that by attending an EMBA Programme with a strong and recognised university I will elevate my career progression and expand my horizons within my existing scope of work. The soft leadership skills I acquire will enable me to be a better leader within my present organisation so my employer certainly indirectly benefits.” “I greatly look forward to networking with past alumni and draw inspiration from their growth stories to write my own progress. I also would like to inspire future leaders by sharing my success with them. Professionally, I can connect with members in the international financial industry to gain practical knowledge from their past experiences,” added, Bhhatia.    

The research projects being carried out at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), part of Qatar Foundation (QF), are not only relevant to Qatar and the region but are addressing several international challenges, a top official said. “We virtually cover every area of research,” HBKU vice-president of research Dr Richard O’Kennedy told Gulf Times. “Global issues such as climate change and water purification, among other topics, are being researched with intensity at the HBKU.” “We are very strong in sustainability and the environment research areas,” he said. “We have very strong research in health, particularly in precision health and precision medicine.” “We have also a lot of work in the engineering areas, public policy and law. The whole campus is involved in several research areas. All the students are focusing on different areas of research, which means that they can actually translate the learning into practical projects,” Dr O’Kennedy added. According the official, the research at the university has focused on every aspect. “The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic showed the practical application of research as many students got involved in looking at new diagnostics for detecting Covid-19,” he explained. “We have some very nice work going on in relation with autism and detecting it at the early stage with eye tracking method.” “The students are trying to understand how they can take their ideas and do things that can impact the good of the community in Qatar and globally,” Dr O’Kennedy continued. “Qatar Foundation and the HBKU have a number of themes that call for progressive education, social progress, sustainability, artificial intelligence and precision health and many more. “Across all these areas, there is a great deal of research ongoing and many of them address national issues and global challenges.” He said that there are several research activities going on at the HBKU addressing climate change such as effective recycling methods, and how to manage waste materials and reuse them efficiently. “Water utilisation is a big factor in Qatar, he pointed out. “Desalination has been used for a long time to purify water, and much of that has been labour-intensive as well as energy-intensive.” “The programme that we are doing can use membranes to purify water which has a more sustainable and cheaper process and produces extremely good quality water,” the official said. “The HBKU is very clear that the university wants the students to do research on the needs of the community, the region and the world over.” “This is the focus of the research programmes of the university, and we are coming out with several publications at leading international journals which have highlighted the impact of the research,” he added.    

Qatar is making rapid advancements in precision medicine with several researches and pilot studies taking place in various fields, noted a researcher and faculty member of the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), part of Qatar Foundation. “Based on results from our research, three pharmacogenomics pilot studies were initiated by the Qatar Genome Programme in collaboration with the Hamad Medical Corporation. One such study is looking at the clinical utility of genetic testing of patients for appropriate dosage calculation of a widely used blood thinning agent, warfarin,” revealed, Dr Puthen Veettil Jithesh, associate professor, College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), HBKU in an interview with Gulf Times. “Once the clinical utility is established, it is possible to use genetic testing in patients before warfarin is administered, and dosage may be calculated based on the genetic variants in the patient, in combination with other factors such as age, gender, height, weight, and other medications taken at the same time. Once such a testing is done, the result may be stored in the electronic health records system in the hospital, and this will facilitate the retrieval of the result any time the patient needs a prescription,” explained the academic. Dr Jithesh said precision medicine can be implemented at different levels and some may be started with a little effort, while some others require further extensive research and development of appropriate technologies. “In fact, we have already analysed several genes affecting close to 50 medications for the Qatar Genome Programme study participants, and if these results are stored in the electronic health records of these individuals, these may be accessed at any time. Such pre-emptive implementation of pharmacogenomics is the easiest way to start precision medicine-based treatment,” he explained. Dr Jithesh said the CHLS offers both Masters and PhD programmes in Genomic and Precision Medicine. “One of its kind in the whole Middle East region and even beyond, this pioneering programme prepares the next generation of scientists and leaders in the field of precision medicine. There is some coursework to provide the students with a solid background in the concepts and technologies, often taught using a ‘problem-based learning’ approach,” he noted. Dr Jithesh said the major focus is on developing students’ ability to do independent research in this upcoming field, both providing a basic understanding of the disease mechanisms as well as translational research that directly benefits the patients. According to the researcher, despite the college being in its infancy, the talented faculty and the motivated students have conducted excellent research that has led to high impact publications and potential tangible outcomes, such as paving the way for implementing precision medicine. “Dr Kholoud Bastaki, the first Qatari graduate from the programme, identified the distribution of genetic variants affecting response to antidepressants and antipsychotics in the Qatari population, and is currently working on understanding the potential of implementing genetic testing of patients with mental health conditions before prescribing these medications at the Hamad Medical Corporation,” he said. Dr Jithesh feels that another big advantage in the advancement of precision medicine in the country is the biobanking facility that has provided a competitive edge to Qatar when it comes to human subjects’ research. “The Qatar BioBank has certainly played a pivotal role in the realisation of the Qatar Genome Programme by recruiting adult Qataris for collecting multiple types of samples and numerous important phenotypic information among other clinical and biochemical parametres. It also holds several other cohorts including a mother and child cohort and a Covid-19 patient sample and data collection. These are indeed valuable resources for research and development. Seamless access to these resources by interested researchers in Qatar will certainly lead to placing Qatar in the forefront of countries implementing precision medicine, not only in the region, but also across the globe,” he added.

Several of the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) graduates have shared their experiences and ambitions with Gulf Times as the university celebrated the graduation of Class of 2022 on Monday. Sabika Shaban, a graduate from the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) noted that it was her best decision to join HBKU for higher studies. An employee of HBKU and working as the academic journals and publication specialist and a parent, Shaban had to balance her professional and personal life to continue her studies as she joined CIS for Masters in Islamic Global Affairs. “It was the best decision in my life as it is a fantastic programme that compliments very much with what I do outside of my work,” she said. “Personally, I do advocacy in the area of disabilities. I have a platform named Qatar Disability Resources. The acronym for the platform ‘ Qdr’ in Arabic stands for what God has designed for you. The purpose of my platform is to empower the stakeholders in the community to fulfill their purpose and realise their dreams. We address information scarcity, provide information resources to parent educators, therapists and researchers among others,” she said. The graduate said that the programme was so excellent and versatile. She explained: “We could shape the programme to suit our area of study. In our cohort we had diverse areas of interests. We had people exploring gender issues, legal issues among others. I explored disability issues in Qatar. I could shape my programme to focus on my research in my areas of interest. We apply all sorts of innovative thinking models, modules, design thinking among others.” Shaban said she plans to continue her studies and do her PhD. “The programme allows me to still continue to tap into all the networks. It helps me to continue to do the research and advocacy. I am a big believer in advocacy research and I am planning to pursue my PhD in the field in the next couple of years,” she added. Abdul Kawiyu Aswad Sualihu, a graduate from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, from Ghana (West Africa), learnt about HBKU and its programmes through the Internet. “I happened to know about HBKU through the Internet and learned more about the programmes through the web search and social media. I could find a topic of my interest and I applied for the programme. Though I was rejected first time, I persisted with my interest in studying in the college and was finally admitted,” he explained. Sualihu graduated in Digital Humanity and Societies and plans to continue his PhD in the same area as he feels that the topic has a lot of research content and application. According to him, HBKU can be defined in three aspects. “Richness and diversity, high level of inclusiveness and endless support from the faculty are three key hallmarks of the university. My journey has been very exciting and has transcended all my expectations. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with people from diverse backgrounds. We could share our experiences and explain various concepts and subject matters,” he noted. He said that his studies focused on relations between humans and societies in the digital era and digital technologies. Social media and its role in the modern times, cyber bullying as well as cyber abuse, digital media promoting political polarisation among others were among the topics that were part of my studies,” he remarked. Samar Elkhalifa, a PhD graduate in sustainable energy from the College of Science and Engineering had done a project on reusing food waste in a creative way. “It took me five years - slightly longer than expected due to the pandemic of Covid-19 - to complete my research. My project was on studying food waste and how to convert them into useful products. We came up with something that can be used for agriculture,” said Elkhalifa from Sudan, who was born and brought up in Qatar. She said that the programme provided a lot of opportunities for her to travel and learn. “We have had a lot of opportunities to travel to conferences as well as interact with several people at workshops and we were encouraged to do so. We travelled to many countries outside Qatar and participated in several events in Qatar. We were always provided with support and encouragement by the college and the faculty and we could always voice our concerns,” she described. Elkhalifa is currently looking at some career opportunities where she can make use of her knowledge and skills in sustainable energy. “ I am looking at a career where I can meet my ambitions as well as to focus on some of the global energy issues. I am looking at something in the areas of energy research and engineering. I have my options open because that is what I learned from my programme as well as from HBKU. Sustainability is a futuristic kind of topic and through sustainability concepts we are finding new solutions for problems. It can be renewable energy, environment, water treatment, construction related work among others,” she concluded.    

Brands at the Fifty One East pavilion saw a huge response from visitors at the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, which concluded Saturday. These include Rolex, CHANEL and Boucheron, which attracted a large number of visitors while the booths of several other brands at the pavilion also saw a big turnout of jewellery and watch enthusiasts. Yvan Tufenkjian jewellery. PICTURES: Thajudheen Akillis, luxury French jewellery maker, was one of the exhibitors at the pavilion that showcased some of its latest and exquisite collections. Some of its major collections are Animal Tattoo, Capture In Motion, Capture Light, Capture Me News and Tattoo. Akillis is reinventing an instinctive French jewellery with Capture In Motion, a new collection of moving rings for men and women. Akillis completes its jewellery tattoo art line with Animal Tattoo, a collection of 21 exclusives pendants inspired by terrestrial and marine wildlife depicted in ultragraphic lines, “rocking the traditional codes of bestiary creations". << Akillis jewellery The Black & White versions in white gold undergo black DLC treatment - a cutting-edge technique known for its applications in luxury watchmaking and aeronautics. Another prominent brand at the Fifty One East pavilion was Falamank by Tarfa Itani, which showcased some of its latest and prestigious collections at the event. Founded in 2006 by Lebanese designer Tarfa Itani, Falamank by Tarfa Itani matches its rich oriental heritage with traditional craftsmanship to produce unique and handmade pieces of fine contemporary jewellery. Based in Beirut, this jewellery design house produces collections and bespoke pieces that are worn by women throughout the world. From its Beirut main showroom, and through an exclusive network of selected stockists, Falamank by Tarfa Itani presents original designs of sculptural and fine jewellery – today’s contemporary collectibles. Yvan Tufenkjian is another popular Lebenese brand that presented some of its elegant collections at the exhibition. Some of the models on display were the Ivy Collection, Oditi Collection and Stellar Collection. Driven by creative pursuit of excellence, Yvan Tufenkjian draws inspiration from the power of jewellery and the significant place it holds in people’s lives – the jewellery that matters, the jewellery we cherish and the jewellery we covet as markers of milestones, keepsakes of ardors and memories, enhancers of beauty and sources of legacy. Through this passion and commitment to a meaningful and radiating craft, Yvan Tufenkjian has carved out a formidable foothold in the world of fine jewellery. By intertwining cultural heritage and modern luxury, wearable works of art are designed as embodiments of the brand’s philosophy: delight and inspire the world’s elegant rebels. Other major brands present at the pavilion were TUDOR, Piero Milano, Azza Fahmy, David Yurman, Ginette NY, leBebé; Marina B, Pandora and WOLF, among others.

Qatar’s much anticipated, leisure and tourism hotspot, Al Maha Island will open prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, disclosed a top official of Investment Holding Group (IHG). The world-class project is led by the association of Investment Holding Group and IMG, in collaboration with Qatari Diar and Qatar Tourism “Al Maha Island will be opened to the public and tourists prior to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Located in Lusail City, the Island will be offering some of the best entertainment facilities available internationally,” Henrik H Christiansen, Group CEO of IHG, told Gulf Times. The island includes major attraction hubs in various industries including luxury dining experiences and world-class leisure and entertainment. Doha Winter Wonderland, High End District with six of the best internationally acclaimed restaurants, a beach club and a concert area for live music and entertainment are some of the features of the Al Maha Island. Christiansen explained: “Al Maha Island is set to become a hotspot of Qatar tourism - attracting over 1.5 million visitors per year. Al Maha Island sits on 230,000sqm. It includes a concert area as well as the place for restaurants and other food joints and parking slots. Doha Winter Wonderland will be the main attraction along with Nammos the famous the beach club of Mykonos and Dubai and the high-end district restaurants.” According to the Group CEO, Al Maha Island demonstrates the huge potential of Qatar’s tourism sector and is a manifestation of how IHG is adapting to the fast growth in hospitality and internal and external tourism in the country. “The brands that are coming at the Island are internationally refined and top-notch known brands, including London’s award-winning ZUMA, LPM restaurant and bar, the famous French restaurant, Em Sherif, the luxurious Levant restaurant, Billionaire, the famous bar and lounge offers luxury dining paired with nightlife, Dokya - a Turkish taverna that serves a variety of Turkish delicacies and mezze,” remarked, Christiansen. “These major brands have shown great enthusiasm in opening in Qatar. They see the country as a trending destination. In this regard, IHG is ramping up efforts to deliver and expand its tourism portfolio, and develop infrastructure and facilities to cater to this vision,” he continued. The CEO pointed out that another attraction at the Island will be the concert area. “We are planning for some big names in the industry to perform at the Island. The programme of the music festival will be announced in August. The 7,000 spectator capacity concert area will host Global Music Festival, 34 live events annually and is set to attract big names from international and regional superstars to world renowned DJs, singers and comedians,” he highlighted. “The music will be a mix of international as well as regional flavours. This will provide the right ambiance and will adequately cater to the tastes of the audience of the region. It will be an added attraction for the visitors from the region,” stated, Christiansen. He also said that Doha Winter Wonderland will be an affordable facility for all the sections of the population. “The rides and other facilities will be very much affordable for the families. The Island will cater to the tastes of every segment of the population. Except for some of the high-end restaurants, food and other item will be made available at affordable prices for the entire visitors,” described, Christiansen According to the official, the Island will set a strategy to develop a far larger approach to create a stable and diversified market post 2022. “IHG is working on several current and upcoming projects in Qatar. Al Maha Island will be the destination for entertainment in Qatar, with Doha Winter Wonderland, 10 national and international restaurants, a world-famous beach club and a concert area for live music and entertainment. Another exciting project is Katara Hills, a VVIP hospitality area with 20 exclusive units, all with own pool and view of the surrounding green areas of the hills. The project also has a high-end restaurant. The Palace Hotel & Spa LXR is another exciting project which is being built and managed under the IHG banner,” he added.    

Debuting at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition ( DJWE) 2022, and stationed at the Fifty One East pavilion, Piero Milano is showcasing some of its exquisites collections for the audience in Doha and beyond. Founded by Piero Milano, the Italian jewellery maker is synonymous for luxury and excellence for their original collections of fine jewellery. “We are getting very good response from the visitors. We used to participate at all the leading exhibitions around the world from Las Vegas to Geneva to Hong Kong and Doha is a great destination for us. We are happy to partner with Fifty One East for this exhibition and it is a great opportunity for us to expand our reach in the region,” Andrea Milano, the owner of the brand told Gulf Times. Milano noted that the brand is presenting its latest collections at the exhibition and they are all well-crafted and elegantly designed. He explained: “We have some of our latest collections such as Capri, Eden, Goa and Eos among others. We have several more collections and we have brought many of them here. The Goa collection is gold inspired with a touch of diamonds. The bracelet is very flexible and titanium is used inside for the springs.” According to Milano, Eden is a classic collection while Capri is the latest collection, which is based on precious stones and only natural stones are used for the entire jewellery. “We have a special bracelet with diamonds and sapphire. We always use titanium spring inside and it is a very special item. It is all flexible and all the pieces are independent,” he said. “There is a wide price range starting from QR5,000 to QR40,000 for all our collections. The visitors really appreciate these collections and we have received huge response from the very first day of the exhibition. We are happy to partner with a market leader such as Fifty One East,” added, Milano.    

Boucheron is showcasing some of its elegant and charming collections, including several making their Middle Eastern premiere, at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition which concludes on Saturday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Located at the Fifty One East's pavilion, Boucheron collections include some of its stunning high jewellery, such as Histoire de Style, Carte Blanche and Contemplation collections among others. For Histoire de Style, launched every January, creative director, Claire Choisne takes inspiration from the archives; with Carte Blanche collections, Claire lets her creativity flow from within, the themes stemming from her own imagination. The Goutte de Perles necklace from the Paris vu de 26 collection is inspired by the Tuileries Gardens that surround Place Vendome. Its rock crystal centrepiece is carved to encapsulate the gardens, showcasing the immense savoir-faire of Boucheron’s craftsmen. The Goutte de Ciel bracelet from the Contemplation collection underlines Boucheron’s incredible innovation. It features aerogel – a rare material used by Nasa that Claire used to recreate “a piece of the sky”, enclosed in a shell of rock crystal set with diamonds. Also from the dreamy Contemplation collection is the Papillon necklace. Papillon, meaning butterfly, symbolises softness and femininity, and is brought to life in this piece in rock crystal and diamonds, beautifully balanced. Another highlight piece is the Histoire de Style Art Déco Ganse Émeraudes bangle, a striking piece crafted from gold, rock crystal, diamonds and emeralds, that draws on an archival piece created in 1925 and pays homage to the Art Deco era. Comprising sixty-seven pieces, Contemplation represents the most personal and intimate collection of high jewellery ever created by Claire Choisne. The codes of Boucheron are interpreted with an extremely sensorial approach: pieces seem to quiver with the slightest breath on the skin, fragments of stars are caught in airy matter, a cloud of diamonds swirls on a weightless necklace. The first jeweller to open on Place Vendome invites to reconnect with the senses in order to appreciate what is most precious: the present moment. With Goutte de Silence, Boucheron reinvents its iconic Serpent Boheme in the form of a necklace in white gold, mother-of-pearl and diamonds, which can be worn in three different ways: as a sautoir, a double-strand necklace or a short necklace. Boucheron’s tradition of versatility is taken to new heights with the graceful pair of earrings, which offers six separate looks, and may be accompanied by a ring. These incredible high jewellery creations amongst others were specially selected to present to discerning Qatari clientele with a great appreciation for jewellery, and are showcased in Boucheron’s home at the event. Located in a prime location alongside partners, Fifty One East, the Boucheron booth is crafted in a unique Parisian style, designed to reference the historical Boucheron Hôtel Particulier on Place Vendôme in Paris, the stylish Boucheron’s birthplace and home. Its interior integrates the codes of Boucheron’s latest design concept, displaying the most incredible jewellery creations in a contemporary, warm and welcoming space.    

The luxury Swiss watchmaker Rolex is presenting some of its iconic timepieces at the ongoing Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2022. Showcased are classic and new collections of various models that appeal to watch enthusiasts. Located at the Fifty One East Pavilion, Rolex is an all-time favourite of watch lovers as well as collectors. The Rolex booth epitomises the iconic brand with its stellar collections. Rolex recently unveiled its 2022 Oyster Perpetual Air King, Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 at the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022. Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31. (supplied picture) The Rolex booth at DJWE is hugely popular among watch connoisseurs at the exhibition. The new-generation Oyster Perpetual Air-King features a completely redesigned case with a crown guard and straight sides like the majority of professional category models. The proportions of the Oyster bracelet have also been revisited, and notably the centre link has been broadened. In a first for the model, it is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp. The watch’s display has also been refreshed and is perfectly balanced thanks to the addition of a ‘0’ before the ‘5’ on the minutes scale. Oyster Perpetual Air-King. (supplied picture) A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 40mm Oyster case of the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Air King is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100m and its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an antireflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the watch’s movement. Another set of eternal time pieces at Rolex booth In addition, the new-generation Air-King benefits from an optimised Chromalight display, guaranteeing maximum legibility in dark conditions. The new-generation Air-King is equipped with caliber 3230, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the hours, minutes and seconds. Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Air-King carries the Superlative Chronometre certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist. Another 2022 Rolex collection is the elegant Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 which is available in three new versions with striking floral-motif dials. Calling to mind wild summer meadows, the design comprises 24 flowers that stand out distinctly from one another thanks to their finishes – either sunray, matt or grained. Each of the flowers is lit from within by a diamond set into the centre. On the second watch, crafted from 18 carat yellow gold, it is in olive green, and on the third – an Everose Rolesor version, combining Oystersteel and Everose gold – it is in silver. On the second and third watches the bezel is set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds, and they are equipped with a President bracelet and a Jubilee bracelet respectively. The new versions of the Datejust 31 are equipped with caliber 2236, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling them to display the hours, minutes, seconds and date. The Rolex booth also boasts of its other time tested and exotic collections and offers the best of the legendary brand.

CHANEL, with its latest and exotic collections, is a major stopover for watches, jewellery and perfume lovers and collectors at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2022 taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Located at the Fifty One East Pavilion, CHANEL displays some of its latest collections such as the new J12 Caliber 33mm, J12 Diamond Tourbillon Calibre 5, J12 Caliber 12.2 33mm, Mademoiselle J12 La Pausa among others. In addition, the CHANEL booth also boasts of some of the iconic collections of the brand. There are also a wide variety of elegant jewellery collections at the booth. In 2022, CHANEL marks a new milestone in the history of the J12 watch, presenting the first J12 33mm equipped with a self-winding caliber, a true technical tour de force and an encapsulation of the House’s watchmaking savoir-faire. Designed in Paris by Arnaud Chastaingt, director of the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, then developed and assembled at the CHANEL Manufacture at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the J12 33mm is equipped with an unprecedented self-winding movement: the Caliber 12.2. Produced by the Swiss Manufacture Kenissi, the Caliber 12.2 is a miniaturised motorisation in which each component has been adjusted to ensure a unique performance. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, the Caliber 12.2 is decorated and endowed with an oscillating mass in the form of a perfect circle, the signature of CHANEL Watchmaking. It is chronometer-certified by the COSC, the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, and has a power reserve of 50 hours. The J12 33mm Caliber 12.2 is available in black or white highly resistant ceramic. CHANEL also presents the new J12 Diamond Tourbillon Caliber 5, a technical prowess and aesthetic achievement and an expression of CHANEL’s watchmaking savoir-faire. The Caliber 5 is the first Flying Tourbillon movement made in-house. Equally beautiful from both front and back, the exposed mechanism with its sophisticated finish is adorned with a lion’s head, the signature of CHANEL Haute Horlogerie Manufacture movements. The J12 Tourbillon Diamond is available in matte black ceramic and steel or in glossy black ceramic and 18-carat white gold, each limited to 55 pieces. Mademoiselle Chanel and the J12 watch has met again this year in three exceptional creations, each limited to 55 pieces. Mademoiselle J12 La Pausa welcomes the silhouette of Mademoiselle dressed in a Breton top and sailor pants, inspired by a photograph taken in her garden at La Pausa. For the first time, the Mademoiselle J12 is equipped with the Caliber 12.1, in an exclusive all-black version. Mademoiselle J12 XS clings mischievously to the watch case and Mademoiselle Chanel’s silhouette appears in the form of a figurine entwined in white gold and black lacquer, topped off with a two-tone straw hat accentuated with a brilliant-cut diamond. J12 Gabrielle Caliber 3.1 watch pays homage to the iconic silhouette of Gabrielle Chanel placed on the dial, dressed in black and wearing her beloved pearls. A true keeper of time, Mademoiselle Chanel strikes a pose in a painting within a precious frame composed of a white gold bezel set with baguette-cut diamonds.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar Foundation chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and His Highness the Amir's wife Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani attended the annual Qatar Foundation (QF) convocation ceremony at Al Shaqab Tuesday. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar Foundation chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and His Highness the Amir's wife Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani attended the annual Qatar Foundation (QF) convocation ceremony at Al Shaqab yesterday. PICTURE: AR Al-Baker. The ceremony, which sees graduates of universities at Education City step into the next phase of their lives, was also attended by HE the Shura Council Speaker Hassan Abdulla al-Ghanim, ministers, diplomats, university presidents, deans, and faculty, and the families of graduates. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with the Class of 2020, faculty and officials at the ceremony The convocation saw more than 800 students from the Class of 2022 from QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and partner universities graduate. This year’s convocation celebrations also included QF Classes of 2020 and 2021. Hundreds of graduates of these two classes joined their 2022 counterparts in walking through the Door to the Future, the symbolic and traditional convocation moment that represents the start of a new stage in their journeys. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar Foundation chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and QF vice-chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani with a section of Class of 2020, faculty and officials at the ceremony The convocation ceremony also saw QF pay tribute to its first president, Dr Fathy Saoud, who played an instrumental role in the organisation’s evolution and the creation of its education ecosystem. Dr Saoud passed away in January, and during the ceremony, a film chronicling his contribution to QF was shown. It was also announced that the position of Chair Professor of Biological Sciences in the College of Health and Life Sciences at HBKU will be created in his name, with biological sciences having been Dr Saoud’s field of study. The Class of 2022 Addressing graduates, QF vice-chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, said: “There are no orphan ideas, no orphan generations. We will always be connected to those that came before us. We will always be the continuation of our forefathers. “If you find some truths unbearable, listen to them anyway. Take the time to understand what our forefathers stood for and why. Then take the time to understand what your role is in this journey. Your learning journey has just started.” QF vice-chairperson and CEO HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani speaking at the event. With the graduation of the Class of 2022, the number of the alumni of Education City has gone up to almost 8,000. Among them was Weill Cornell-Medicine Qatar graduate Fatima al-Shibani, who said: “Initially, I wanted to be a doctor to help others, but as I’ve gone through my education at QF, I’ve learned more about other ways in which I can help patients, which is why I will now pursue a Master’s in Public Health.” Noof al-Naama, who has graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, said she has “always seen herself as a QF student” having been taking classes and summer courses at the university since she was 13. “I have an artistic background in the family, and I hope I can carry forward that legacy for the next generations to come,” said the grand-daughter of Jassim Zaini, Qatar’s first fine artist. Keynote speaker Dr Mohamed al-Nufal Eid al-Bordaini (HBKU), Khalid al-Emadi (Texas A&M University at Qatar), Waad al-Khenji (Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar), Iman Abdelbagi Ismail (Georgetown University in Qatar) and Hessa al-Khulaifi (Northwestern University in Qatar), also shared their experiences about studying at Education City. HBKU president Dr Ahmed M Hasna The keynote speaker for this year’s convocation ceremony was QF alumnus Dr Mohamed al-Nufal, who graduated from WCM-Q in 2012 and is now a paediatrics physician in the US. As a QF student, he was among the speakers in Qatar’s bid to secure the FIFA World Cup 2022. With less than 200 days to go before the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East kicks off, Dr al-Nufal told graduates: “I have learned that if you want to achieve anything, big or small, that reflects QF’s vision, you have to first believe in your idea as QF believed in its vision. “Define your ambitions and expectations – and when the idea exists, and your ambitions are defined, the real work starts. And what matters is not necessarily the time you give to your work, but the sacrifice you make and how you ensure that the time you give is valuable. “The final lesson I have learned is that you should surrounding yourself with people who have the same spirit, ambitions, and sense of responsibility as you. This team will be the reason for your success, so choose your team wisely.”

TUDOR is displaying its latest stunning collections at the ongoing Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2022 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Located at the pavilion of Fifty One East, TUDOR displays at DJWE all its latest collection, released during the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022, including an entirely new model, Black Bay Pro, with a built-in GMT function. Latest collections of TUDOR on display at the booth. PICTURES: Thajudheen From the Black Bay line, the Swiss watchmaker is showcasing the iconic Black Bay GMT model in its new S&G (Steel & Gold) version that features warm colours and a vintage touch. New versions of the Black Bay Chrono S&G and the TUDOR Royal are also present at DJWE-2022. In addition, TUDOR is also showcasing the Black Bay 31, 36, 39, and 41 S&G models, featuring a curvy design with a rich manufacturing calibre. “It is great to see all the latest collections of TUDOR at DJWE 2022. They were just released last month at the the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022. But it is heartening to see that all these collections are present at the exhibition here. We are getting huge response to these collections from the visitors as they are probably available for the first time in the country and the region," an official told Gulf Times. TUDOR presents a new version of its Black Bay line in steel and yellow gold with a fixed bezel. All fitted with Manufacture Calibres, the models come in four sizes, with a five-link bracelet and clasp with rapid adjustment. The Black Bay 31, 36, 39 and 41 S&G models bring a unique aesthetic to the Black Bay line. Their curved cases, highlighted with polished yellow gold sections, offer a language that departs slightly from the brand’s iconic tool watch spirit. Black Bay Chrono S&G is an elegant chronograph in the Black Bay line in steel and yellow gold, with a self-winding Manufacture Calibre, featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch, follows in the purest tradition of sporting timepieces. The iconic Black Bay GMT model with integrated Manufacture Calibre GMT is also available in a S&G version, featuring warm colours and a nostalgic touch. Black Bay GMT S&G is a model with multiple time zones, a highly functional complication that establishes local time without losing sight of the time in two other time zones. TUDOR also presents a new technical model with a whole new aesthetic. Named Black Bay Pro, it has a 39-mm diametre, a fixed steel bezel and a Manufacture Calibre with built-in GMT function. Black Bay Pro is an entirely new model with a dual time zone feature, a technical complication that establishes local time without losing sight of the time in another time zone. With its integrated metal bracelet, notched or diamond-set bezel and automatic movement, the TUDOR Royal range is the epitome of versatility. Royal is a name first used by TUDOR in the 1950s to emphasise the superior quality of its watches. With this heritage in mind, the TUDOR Royal range offers self-winding sport-chic watches with integrated bracelets.

Fifty One East, Qatar’s 'favourite department store', is displaying some of the latest as well as exotic and immaculate collections from leading global brands at its pavilion in the ongoing Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2022 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. The spectacular pavilion of Fifty One East at the heart of the exhibition has been attracting a large number of visitors from day one and visitors were seen admiring the stunning collections of various brands. During the most-awaited DJWE 2022, held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, Fifty One East has unveiled a never-before-seen collection of exquisite jewellery pieces and watches by world-renowned brands. Fifty One East continues to stand out once again with its distinguished services, expertise, and the inimitable ambiance of the pavilion’s design which consists of six entrances, an elegant reception area, and six VIP rooms that ensure an inspiring and memorable experience for its visitors. The global brands at the pavilion include: Rolex, CHANEL, Boucheron, and TUDOR who are displaying their novelties in dedicated booths, while other trendy names like Akillis, Azza Fahmy, David Yurman, Falamank by Tarfa Itani, Ginette NY, leBebé, Marina B, Pandora, Piero Milano, Wolf, and Yvan Tufenkjian will present their latest collections in a multi-brand area. Bader al-Darwish, chairman and managing director of Fifty One East, said: “It is with great pride that Fifty One East is participating once again in the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition which is returning as an in-person event, marking a renewed optimism as life resumes after two challenging years of the global pandemic. This year, as ever, our focus is on enhancing the customer experience and creating lasting impressions by presenting world-class brands that are renewing their faith in Doha as an epicenter of watches and jewellery in the region. We look forward to welcoming our discerning clients to experience all that Fifty One East has to offer at this year’s event.” “On behalf of Fifty One East, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the organizers of the DJWE, for their vision and professionalism in ensuring its status as the region’s must-visit industry show. May the success continue for many more decades to come,” he added. At a dedicated space, Rolex displays its latest timepieces that underpin the spirit of optimism and innovation in the watchmaking world. In its perpetual quest for excellence, the brand continuously enhances the aesthetics and technologies of its emblematic timepieces. Visitors can choose from classic and new collections of various models that appeal to watch enthusiasts. This year, CHANEL presents pieces from the “Collection N°5”, the first High Jewellery collection ever to be dedicated to a perfume. From the bottle to the sillage, the extraordinary pieces on display express the different facets of the N°5 perfume which is celebrating its 100th year of fame. Moreover, CHANEL invites its clients to discover their vocabulary of style and gives them the codes for choosing how to wear their necklace, bracelet, ring, or earrings from different fine jewellery collections. Boucheron gives its patrons access to select pieces from the brand’s High Jewellry collection, Contemplation, which aims to seize the intangible by revealing the fleeting beauty of the natural world. The French Maison is also presenting its latest Spring Summer novelties from the classic, contemporary, and iconic Quatre collection that is continually being reimagined. In addition, Boucheron showcases pieces from its mesmerising collection, Serpent Bohème, that masterfully embraces femininity and other carefully curated timeless creations. In this edition of the DJWE, TUDOR displays its latest collection which was released during the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022, including an entirely new model, Black Bay Pro, with a built-in GMT function.

The proposed new building of the US embassy in Qatar applies a number of energy efficient initiatives as well as addresses environmental responsibility with a design that invokes rich Qatari culture and American values, noted a top US official. “The design concept of the new embassy honours the important relationship between the United States and Qatar. With Qatar’s rich cultural heritage, it will be a compelling statement to both the nations’ commitment to each other. The design applies a holistic approach to environmental responsibility and a corporate range of energy efficient strategies that address extreme seasonal conditions and enhance building performance,” said James Cuilla, project director of Overseas Building Operations (OBO), US Department of State. __________________________________ Read also US Embassy holds groundbreaking ceremony for new premises __________________________________ “The project is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification by the US Green Building Council — a green building certification programme that recognises best-in-class building design and construction strategies and best practices,” he said. He was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new US embassy premises at the new diplomatic zone in Wadi Al Banat District. Located on a 12.3-acre site the new embassy will support the continued expansion of US–Qatari diplomatic, security, and commercial relations and will provide safe, secure, functional, and resilient facilities. The project's sustainable design, construction, and operations will represent the best of US architecture, engineering, and construction execution. According to Cuilla, the new embassy's design evokes the rich history of Qatar and the Gulf, creating architecture that exhibits American values and responds to Qatari culture and traditions. Large shade structures inspired by traditional Bedouin tent forms, mark entry plazas, recreational areas and residential terraces. There are stone-clad arcades, reminiscent of the historic souqs, unify the campus with shaded pathways between buildings and define outdoor court, plaza, and garden spaces. “Recognising the importance of water to this desert enclave, the landscape design includes water features to create cooler micro-climates around the site. By visually connecting the features to the stormwater capture and irrigation systems, the landscape displays the stewardship of a coveted resource by showing the systems that make it possible,” said Cuilla. The permanent art collection, curated by OBO’s Office of Art in Embassies, will include art in a variety of media, including painting, photography, textiles, and sculpture by both US and Qatari artists and will seek to create a dialogue of shared values between the people of both countries. “The Chancery will include an automated building controls system, high efficiency plumbing fixtures, and a self-shading exterior shell designed to reduce solar heat gain. Photovoltaics will supply 17% of the Chancery's annual electricity use. The landscape design incorporates native, drought-resistant plants and trees that provide shade and reduce site irrigation needs. Additionally, all stormwater will be managed on site through a series of runnels and terraced basins, which will serve double duty as storage and water features,” he added.

The US Embassy on Monday held a ground breaking ceremony of its new embassy compound to be built at the new diplomatic zone in Wadi Al Banat District, north of Doha, as Qatar and the US marks 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. Expected to be completed by 2026 on 12.3 acres of land, the new US Embassy building embodies and evokes the rich history of Qatar and the Gulf and the architecture represents the American values and responds to Qatari culture and values, it was explained in a statement issued by the US Department of State. US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Brian P Mckeon addressing the gathering Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs' American Affairs Department director ambassador Essa al-Mannai, Engineering and General Services Department director ambassador Ismail Ali Abdulla al-Emadi, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Brian P Mckeon, the US Department of State's Overseas Building Operations (OBO) project director James Cuilla, US embassy in Qatar's charge d'affaires Ian McCary and a number of other dignitaries attended the ceremony. A section of dignitaries and audience at the event OBO will oversee the construction of the $385mn project and the new building is expected to support the continued expansion of US–Qatari diplomatic, security, and commercial relations. Richärd Kennedy Architects of Phoenix, Arizona, is the design architect, American International Contractors Inc. (Special Projects), of McLean, Virginia, is the Design/Build contractor, and KCCT of Washington is the Architect of Record of the entire project. “We are currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It is fitting that the groundbreaking for the new US embassy compound takes place on the heels of this important milestone,” said, McCary while addressing the gathering at the groundbreaking ceremony. The site for the construction of the new premises of the embassy “Our plans for this embassy are just one more example of the enduring partnership that exists between the United States and Qatar and one that is expanding quickly. The new embassy will give us the space we need to better advance our common interests in investment, trade, education, humanitarian assistance, security and defence. It will also allow us to broaden and deepen our relationship,” continued, McCary. _______________________________ Read also New US embassy building follows green energy practices _______________________________ He noted that an estimated $110mn of the project will be invested in the local economy and approximately 1,200 third-country nationals will be employed during construction. The new US embassy will provide a future-forward, resilient platform for diplomacy in Doha. “The project represents an estimated $110mn local investment by the US government into the Qatari economy and represents our long-term commitment to this relationship,” added, McCary. "The construction of the new building represents our long term commitment to the relationship with the people of Qatar as well as our diplomatic efforts in the region. The plans to double the facilities in the mission represent our strong relations with Qatar and our desire to continue this well into the future,” said Mckeon. Cuilla gave a description of the proposed building as well as the entire complex and its salient features and how the whole project promotes green energy initiatives. Since the start of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Programme in 1999, OBO has completed 171 new diplomatic facilities. OBO currently has more than 50 active projects in the design phase or under construction worldwide.

National Testing Agency (NTA), India, has announced May 6 as the deadline to apply for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) for all the Central Universities under the Ministry of Education in India for the undergraduate and integrated PG courses for the academic year 2022-2023. Doha has been allotted with a testing centre for the same and those who wish to apply can do so through https://cuet.samarth.ac.in/ until 5pm Indian time, May 6. Students can also find additional information from the website regarding the examination and other aspects. Students appearing for grade 12 board examination this year are eligible to apply for CUET. NTA has been established as an autonomous and self-sustained testing organisation to conduct entrance examinations for admission for undergraduate and integrated post-graduate programmes at these universities in India from this year. In addition NTA also conducts JEE and NEET entrance examination for admission to engineering and medical colleges. CUET is expected to provide a single-window opportunity to students to seek admission in any of the Central Universities and others across the country. This is the first time a common entrance test is conducted for all these universities. It will provide a common platform and equal opportunities to candidates, especially those from rural and other remote areas and help establish better connect with the universities. A single examination will enable the candidates to cover a wide outreach and be part of the admissions process to various central universities. Firos PT, a career guide, based in Doha told 'Gulf Times' that CUET for undergraduate programmes is likely to be the single largest entrance examination in India. “This is the mandatory common platform for securing the admission to several undergraduate courses at 44 Central Universities in India. Many of the Central Universities are centres of excellence with exceptional academic culture and popular for the facilities with high-quality infrastructure and affordable fee structure. Earlier, there were separate entrance examination and admission procedure for many of the central universities which are brought under CUET from this year,” he explained. Some of these universities include Jawaharlal Nehru University, Aligarh Muslim University, Hyderabad Central University, Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University among others. Students can now get selected to any of these universities based on their performance in the CUET. They can apply for all types of courses such as BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, LLB, BTech Integrated PG and BPA (Bachelor in Performing Arts) in line with their aptitude and interest. There are over 500 examination centres in India in addition to the centres outside the country.    

A group of Qatar-based researchers have developed an eHealth platform –System for Integrated Lifestyle Health Analytics (Siha) - to collect data from wearables for clinical use. This has created a new pathways for clinicians to access data for various medical purposes. With copyright in place, it is currently available for licensing. “Lifestyle data captured by wearables can be particularly useful in chronic disease management, but the challenge has been that clinicians don’t have a way to access it,” said Ummar Abbas, senior software engineer at Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), part of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Hamad Bin Khalifa University. According to an article on the QF website, most hospitals and clinics use Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems to store patient history. However, EHR-based systems are yet to integrate data from wearables. “It doesn’t happen anywhere in the world and the reason for that being most consumer-based wearable devices are not US Food and Drug Administration approved. This is slowly beginning to change though,” he pointed out. “The first thing we need is consent from a user to collect their data, and once we have that, the user is instructed to download an app on their phone and this app then fetches the data from their device and sends it to our cloud, which is based in Qatar, where it is stored in a secure encrypted database,” Abbas said. He revealed the process isn’t as simple as it sounds because of differences in the way different wearables collect and store data. “Some wearables upload the data to their cloud; others store it on the device itself,” the researcher said. Another challenge is each device has its own data format and collection frequency, so the team’s first challenge was harmonising data formats from different brands and presenting a unified interface to the clinicians. In addition to the data being used by clinicians to devise treatment plans and track lifestyle changes, it is also being used to build and train AI models. Syed Hashim, a software engineer at QCRI and a member of the Siha development team, noted: “What these models do is predictive analysis. For example, the team is currently working on a model which will use wearable data and data from diabetic patient’s continuous glucose monitor to predict the occurrence of low blood sugar before it happens and can send intelligent notifications to the user to take corrective actions.” The scientist said that having access to data from wearables is particularly useful in managing conditions that require a lifestyle change, for example, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. “Having access to wearable data will allow clinicians to quantitatively track changes in the lifestyle of their patients. It also adds a sense of accountability for the patient because they know the doctor has access to their data and can tell whether the patient is adhering to recommendations,” he highlighted. Currently, Siha supports only wearables by Apple, Google, Fitbit, Huawei, and Withings. “These brands were chosen because of the extensive research they put in to ensure the accuracy of their features, and their constant efforts to further improve their accuracy,” pointed out, Abbas. Siha is currently being tested in various clinical trials locally, including one for diabetes in adults at Hamad Medical Corporation and one for asthma in children at Sidra Medicine. According to Abbas, another advantage of wearables is that they record data even when the user is healthy, “essentially building a personalised physiological health model and baseline for each individual”, which in turn makes it easier to spot anomalies and know when something is unusual, such as the onset of an illness or worsening of a chronic condition. “We would like to see our system being integrated into regular clinical EHR systems and be a part of the regular hospital workflow in the country. When a patient’s records were to be pulled up, in addition to the vitals taken at every doctor's visit, you would also see the data from their wearable device,” Abbas, added.    

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a major role to play in preparing for and responding to future pandemics, a team of top Qatar-based researchers said. “The data generated in the past two years can prove invaluable in terms of tackling the next pandemic,” stated Dr Sanjay Chawla, research director of Qatar Centre for Artificial Intelligence (QCAI) at Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University. QCRI, conducts innovative, multidisciplinary applied computing research that addresses national priorities and one of its main strengths is its expertise in AI. Dr Chawla explained: “Since the outbreak of Covid-19, large amounts of data have been generated, in addition to statistics on transmission and infection patterns. Many predictive and forecasting models have been developed since the start of the pandemic and AI models can learn from all generated data to obtain a better prediction of a future outbreak. This will enable decision-makers to prepare and intervene early in the hope of limiting the impact of future viruses and pandemics.” Covid, noted Dr Chawla, has generated a massive digital footprint and to prepare for the next pandemic AI researchers can extract useful predictive and prescriptive patterns of response from this. He said one area where AI can influence policies is lockdowns, and whether there is a need for a full lockdown or which regions to implement restrictions. Because of the availability of specific data, AI has the potential of designing more calibrated lockdowns. “QCRI’s research has shown that integrating traffic information into epidemiological models results in a better understanding of how the disease is likely to spread. As a specific example, when a virus-infected patient lands at Hamad International Airport, QCRI’s work shows that different parts of Qatar will be impacted differently based on traffic mobility,” continued the researcher. According to another scientist, AI can also assist in predicting what drugs could have the potential to tackle the pandemic. Dr Mohamad Saad, a research scientist in QCAI, stated that AI and digital tools can be used to analyse drugs at the molecular level and can offer advantages at different stages of drug development, such as drug screening and drug designing. “These tools can be used to predict physiochemical properties, bioactivities, toxicity, the structure of the target protein, and interactions with the target proteins of drug molecules to name a few. These tools have shown a lot of potential to predict drug behaviour by providing a better profile analysis, faster elimination of candidate compounds, and selection of potential lead compounds along with estimating absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity drug candidates,” he described. Dr Saad observed that AI can also assist in developing a treatment for future pandemics. “Compared to a traditional drug candidate discovery process that used to take four to five years, AI can reduce this to less than a year. In the case of future pandemics, drug repurposing has a major role to play in identifying cures and treatments for the disease in a short time,” he pointed out. The researcher also highlighted that AI can help correlate disparate pieces of information. “Machine learning techniques can help find connecting patterns between the chemical structure of a drug and the protein structure of a virus. This is possible because there is a large repository of existing drugs and known viruses available,” said Dr Saad. Dr Ehsan Ullah from QCAI who led the project on drug repurposing noted: “The framework developed by QCRI independently tested a number of drugs for treating Covid-19, many of which were in the pipeline for FDA approval. Two potential drugs found by QCRI's drug repurposing framework to be effective against Covid-19 - Brilacidin1 and Ritonavir2 received approval for treating Covid-19.” “In my opinion, machine learning and AI have huge potential in the field of drug repurposing, not only for pandemics but for personalised medicine as well as existing diseases such as cancer,” he added.