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A talk at the Qatar Real Estate Forum 2023 Sunday highlighted the key role of technology in shaping sustainable and efficient practices in the sector, citing the latest advancements in digital innovation.Seven speakers from GCC countries, including Qatar, discussed a number of successful digital programmes and systems that facilitated faster transactions, enhanced transparency and better customer experience, among other positive impacts.Naif AlSharif al-Zeid, secretary-general of Wafi from Saudi Arabia, cited the success of the Wafi project, which revolutionised the real estate sector by introducing innovative digital solutions.Due to its innovative approach, he said Wafi received positive feedback from stakeholders, including investors, owners, and developers, as it eliminated challenges related to approvals and transactional processes that often take time.“The Wafi system is fair for all parties involved,” al-Zeid. Noting that the programme’s fair and efficient system enabled digital transactions, reducing the need for physical presence and streamlining operations.Maria Ahmed al-Dubaikhi, strategic partnerships manager at the National Housing Company of Saudi Arabia, underlined the transformative impact of the ejar platform (e-leasing platform), serving millions of beneficiaries, ensuring transparency, reducing disputes, and contributing to the country's GDP.She noted that litigation was significantly reduced from two years to two weeks via the ejar platform, which also created more transparency in transactions and supported services in the banking sector and other funding entities.Al-Dubaikhi emphasised the platform's expansion plans to offer even more services, aiming to enhance the real estate sector through smart and effective solutions.Tayseer al-Mufarrej, general manager of strategic communications and spokesperson of the Real Estate General Authority in Saudi Arabia, lauded Qatar's strong infrastructure and real estate platform, saying it serves as a model for the world.Echoing the views of other speakers, al-Mufarrej said digital governance in the real estate sector enhanced transparency and attracted many investors. The mediation process, for example, introduced innovative solutions, providing flexibility and protecting the rights of all parties involved.With a unified platform, he added that the system generated several opportunities and increased work efficiency where people can avail of all the services related to mediation.Amer Saeed al-Ghafri, director of the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice in Qatar, discussed the success of the Sak digital platform, which has significantly reduced the procedures involved in real estate transactions.The platform, he stressed, contributed in generating accurate and authenticated e-registrations. The system's efficiency, where one person performs the work of multiple individuals, has attracted more investors to Qatar's real estate sector. Like similar programmes, Sak can process transactions in 3o minutes or less.Al-Ghafri announced that other digital services and features will be enhanced and launched by the end of 2023 or early 2024, saying that they are looking forward to offering excellent services for interested parties.The second set of panelists continued the discussion and focused on the importance of digital technology in enhancing various services and operations in the real estate sector.Ziyad al-Shammari, strategic general manager of the Real Estate General Authority in Saudi Arabia, highlights the role of innovation in sustainability and the use of digital tools for data analysis, internal design, and market trends.He said the real estate sector still needs a lot of innovative solutions for its further development: from helping speed up procedures to using several tools that can be used to support these efforts.Faris A al-Bassam, international co-operation director of the Real Estate General Authority in Saudi Arabia, praised the Mullak programme, which enables property managers and maintenance companies to offer services to owners' associations, contributing to the realisation of Saudi Arabia's National Vision 2030.Khalifa al-Zeraim al-Suwaidi, CEO and board member of Emirates Real Estate Solutions in the UAE, underlined the importance of digital transformation in real estate regulations and updates.He said the digital platform efficiently links partners, service providers, and government agencies, aiding remote transactions and approval processes. It also helps ease of access to services such as mortgaging, registering, and leasing contracts.The system, al-Suwaidi noted, facilitates hundreds of transactions worth billions of dirhams in the real estate sector, and deals with investors efficiently

Qatar is currently abuzz with a captivating display of art, history and culture as Qatar Museums (QM) presents a wide range of awe-inspiring exhibitions across various galleries and museums.The eclectic lineup of exhibitions – from groundbreaking contemporary artworks to immersive historical reviews – cater to diverse interests, capturing the imagination of local enthusiasts and international visitors.Qatar residents and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the exceptional artworks of renowned Panamanian artist Eduardo Navarro, displayed at the “Free Spirits of Wild Horses” exhibition until June 17 at the Fire Station: Artists in Residence.In collaboration with the Embassy of Panama, QM noted that this unique show highlights the artist’s “rebellious work, featuring paintings that showcase his unique approach using multiple media to express his dynamic energy on canvas.”According to QM, Navarro's pieces capture the untamed essence of wild horses through “implied movements” and vibrant colours, attracting viewers with its fierce and captivating personalities and taking them back to the 20th-century work of Francis Bacon.A visit to Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Education City provides a deeper understanding of an important chapter in Beirut’s modern history with a one-of-its-kind exhibition, titled ‘Beirut and the Golden Sixties: A Manifesto of Fragility’.The show, running until August 5, showcases a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, multimedia works, and archival materials of 37 artists and offers a compelling glimpse into the development of modernism in the city.Tracing “a brief but rich period of artistic and political ferment”, QM noted that the exhibition delves into “a romanticised era of global influence in Lebanon’s capital to highlight how collisions between art, culture and polarised political ideologies turned the Beirut art scene into a microcosm of larger regional tensions”.The exhibition explores the impact of the Lebanese banking secrecy law of 1956, which saw the influx of foreign capital into the city. This led to the flourishing of commercial galleries, independent art spaces, and museums, making Beirut a thriving hub of artistic expression. However, underneath the surface of prosperity, simmering tensions eventually erupted into a 15-year civil war, QM added.Also running at Mathaf until August 5 is the "I Am The Traveler And Also The Road" exhibition, which puts together the perspectives of 12 extraordinary photographers working in West Asia and North Africa (Wana) region.Each of the photographers featured in the exhibition was a recipient of the prestigious Sheikh Saoud Al-Thani Project Award in 2021 and 2022. This annual grant, created by Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar, empowers photographers living in the Wana region to develop or complete their photographic projects.Another thought-provoking QM exhibition includes the “Olafur Eliasson: The Curious Desert”, in two locations: the National Museum of Qatar (until August 15) and the desert near the Al Thakhira Mangrove in Northern Qatar serving as an open-air artistic laboratory.Twelve temporary pavilions present site-specific installations that seamlessly integrate the forces of nature. Harnessing the power of wind, water, and sunlight, these captivating artworks embark on a perpetual journey of transformation, continuously evolving throughout the day and the duration of the exhibition.A unique QM programme, Zwara, has been attracting design enthusiasts as it welcomes visitors to navigate a series of ongoing exhibitions, archives, and collections at M7, Msheireb Downtown Doha.Running until September 10, this initiative provides a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant and innovative creative landscape of Qatar firsthand.

Project Qatar 2023 has garnered global interest as influential representatives from diverse Chambers of Commerce unite to create a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge and industry insights, it is learnt.The significance of sharing expertise and market knowledge among organisers and participants, in addition to highlighting the importance of collaboration among key players during this critical period of Qatar's development, has been highlighted at the event.A panel discussion on *New Trends In Qatar Construction Sector, organised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce, the Italian Trade Agency, the German Business Council Qatar (GBCQ), the Turkish Business Association (TBA), the German Industry and Commerce Office (AHK), and the American, French, and Spanish Chambers of Commerce in Qatar, in collaboration with IFP Qatar, brought together experts who introduced the latest trends in the sector, including sustainable practices and 3D printing.Industry leaders also shared insights and perspectives at the talk, guiding participants toward emerging opportunities.Prior to the talk, attendees had the opportunity to network with industry experts, fostering connections and promoting innovation.The event also attracted selected international companies exhibiting at Project Qatar, offering them the chance to gain valuable market knowledge and explore potential collaborations in the construction industry.Palma Libotte, the president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, told reporters on the sidelines of the talk that Project Qatar, which has been a cornerstone exhibition in Qatar for the past 15 years, has undergone improvements to enhance sector focus, enabling attendees to navigate the exhibition with ease.She noted that the addition of panel discussions and conferences has further enriched the event, providing an additional platform for knowledge sharing and engagement.Libotte emphasised the active role of international business associations in facilitating connections and providing invaluable support to visiting companies, as well as underlining the positive impact of exchanging information and fostering bilateral relationships between countries.According to the organisers, Project Qatar serves as a testament to the importance of proactive market engagement, as companies explore Qatar's burgeoning construction sector.With a concerted effort to stay informed and capitalise on ongoing projects, international businesses can position themselves strategically in this dynamic market.Recognising Qatar's rapid development in recent years and its potential to shift directions swiftly was also underscored at the talk, stressing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the market to seize opportunities effectively.

City Center Doha Sunday unveiled 'Beyond The Threads & Knots', a unique exhibition showcasing more than 40 rare carpets, each with its own fascinating tale and historical significance.Chairman of Board of Trustees of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Museums, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani led the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the mall’s 3rd floor (Arabian Court) and expressed his delight in sharing his passion for art, history, and culture.The exhibition, running until June 28, promises an immersive experience with exquisite carpets on display, brought directly from The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Carpet Museum, described as a testament to Qatar's rich cultural heritage.What sets this show apart is its diverse collection: from various carpets and rugs to saddle textiles for camels and horses from various regions such as China, Iran, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Europe during the Ottoman era.The exhibition also puts a spotlight on the intricacy of carpet-making techniques and the geographical origins of the rugs. With the carpets categorised by themes, it makes it easier for viewers to appreciate the carpets' aesthetics and symbolism, as natural motifs such as the tree of life and animals, are woven into the carpets' fabric.Some pieces were adorned with Quranic inscriptions of Ayat al-Kursi and stunning depictions of lush gardens, complete with a central hanging lamp, blooming plant motifs, delicate roses, and an array of enchanting birds.An Anatolian Ottoman rug, a 19th-century woolen masterpiece crafted with the traditional Gyurdis knot, provides a captivating glimpse into the Sultan's council of the past. It offers a rare opportunity to witness the power dynamics and the intimate moments within the palace walls.City Center Doha has also prepared a variety of children's activities adjacent to the exhibition. These include arts and crafts-themed fun during the weekends until the exhibition concludes.City Center Doha recently welcomed a host of high-end brands, including Boarders and Plaza Hollandi, with many more renowned brands preparing to open their doors soon. Homes R Us has also opened its branch, offering a wide range of household needs and furniture.

As part of its initiatives to foster close collaboration with the corporate sector, Qatar Rail is offering the Corporate Yearly Pass Programme that provides comprehensive travel solutions and services to corporate staff, leveraging the networks of Doha Metro and Lusail Tram.Mohammed Ahmed al-Jaidah, acting sales manager at Qatar Rail, told Gulf Times in an interview that the programme offers exclusive prices and benefits for employees' transportation through the metro and tram systems.This initiative aims to promote the use of cost-effective means of transportation for businesses and companies while supporting sustainability efforts and environmental preservation.Al-Jaidah said that interested companies should have around 100 employees or more to qualify for the programme's benefits.“Providing sustainable and cost-effective transport services for employees is not always easy for companies. The Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks provide an ideal solution for optimising transportation costs. We are glad to see key industry leaders and organisations leverage our networks, benefiting from a world-class and reliable transport service for their employees. We look forward to expanding our portfolio to a wider corporate customer base in Qatar, and ultimately inspiring change in the way people travel”, he said.Prominent organisations belonging to the oil and gas, hospitality, leisure and entertainment, and pharmaceutical industries have embraced the programme and are benefiting from its services, according to al-Jaidah.Currently, over 2,000 employees are reaping the rewards of the programme, enjoying exclusive B2B pricing and unlimited access to the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram Networks. "We are hoping to influence and inspire more major entities to join this programme.”The Corporate Yearly Pass programme provides unlimited access to the Doha Metro & Lusail Tram networks, 365 days a year and is complimented by the first and last-mile services of metroexpress and metrolink.More information on the programme is available from Qatar Rail’s sales team via e-mail: [email protected] , or from 44331827.

Innovative approaches such as producing cultivated meat, backed by new technology and artificial intelligence (AI), play a crucial role in addressing food security across the world, according to Eat Just co-founder and CEO Josh Tetrick.Speaking at a conversation with Bloomberg Live Experiences deputy global editor Mallika Kapur at the Qatar Economic Forum on Thursday, Tetrick puts a spotlight on the advancements and implications of cultivated meat technology. He also underlined the importance of building an infrastructure that produces healthier and more affordable meat.Tetrick pointed out that such advancements would largely help in feeding a growing global population that is expected to reach nine billion by 2040.He said countries like Qatar can spearhead the establishment of a robust meat facility that caters not only to domestic demands but also enable exports to other regions. This, he stressed, will contribute substantially in alleviating food security challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty.“Ultimately we need the cost of chicken, beef, lamb, etc, made through cultivating, to get significantly below the cost of conventional meat,” Tetrick said, adding that such a move would revolutionise the meat industry and provide a vital solution to those lacking access to high-quality protein sources.About health risks associated with cultivated meat, he noted that cultivated chicken shares similar risks with their conventional counterparts such as cholesterol and saturated fat, which are correlated with heart disease.However, Tetrick outlined the company's vision to develop cultivated meat that is inherently healthier, with minimal risk of diseases.“Other safety benefits of cultivated meat are: there’s little to no risk of diseases such as avian flu, and microbiological elements like salmonella, e-coli (and other contamination) are absent or levels that are not relevant.“The very first product that we sold in Singapore is the simplest meat product that you make, a chicken nugget. Now we move to chicken strips, we’re working on a chicken breast, and we’ll keep advancing it,” he said.Noting that the cultivated meat industry is still in its early stages, Tetrick said Eat Just is currently the only company selling cultivated meat though in limited quantities.About the role of AI in solving food security, he said: “I think in the future, it’ll be pretty significant whether it’s the design and the engineering that we make the meat, whether it is optimising the kinds of components that are part of the feed.“You are dealing with a lot of data, and to the extent that machine learning techniques and AI can help us more effectively sort thru data to make smarter, quicker decisions, it’s gonna be relevant”.

Businesses that fail to overcome Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitisation challenges risk being left behind in rapidly evolving industries, according to travel and tourism industry experts who addressed the second day of the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 yesterday.“The booking system now depends so much on AI and chatbots ... If you haven’t been overcoming your digitisation problems quickly, you’re gonna be left way behind and we’re seeing that happen very rapidly,” Minor International founder and chairman William Ellwood Heinecke said.Heinecke, along with Accor Group chairman and CEO Sebastien Bazin, Capital A CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, was speaking at a discussion titled ‘Tourism Opening Up’. It was moderated by Bloomberg Live Experiences Deputy Global Editor Mallika Kapur.Heinecke highlighted the increasing reliance on AI and chatbots, particularly in the booking systems of different business entities. About concerns on the limitations of AI such as the failure of chatbots fail to provide accurate answers and leave customers without any human assistance, he noted that different customer segments have varying preferences.“Today... when we look at those under 35s and over 35s, you’re gonna find people who want luxury but still don’t want that personal contact, and then you’re gonna find other people that are, in the older category, that want that personal contact.“You’re gonna find both, and smart operators and smart hotels are going to be able to find how they can use both, but digitisation in terms of how to make our people more effective is very critical,” he said.Citing the difficulty of achieving multilingual support with human resources alone, Heinecke noted that AI significantly helps in addressing customer inquiries quickly and efficiently due to its language capabilities.Fernandes echoed a similar view saying that AI-powered systems will eventually replace humans in certain customer service areas, especially with companies that handle huge volumes of clients.“But right now you just have the mix of both. To handle and carry 90mn people, to have a call centre to deal with those is not feasible, generally waiting for ages online, so a lot of it can be done self-service.“We’ve been through nightmares, like refunds, etc, so AI definitely will help, it’s gonna make the customer more in control and have quicker decisions so we’re big believers.“So on the operation side in terms of scheduling, in terms of predictive maintenance, we’ll have a much more reliable airline through operational excellence by the use of AI. It just cannot be done by humans. So it’s an exciting period. I don’t see, every industrial revolution, people would predict the end of jobs, it always gets better so we are a big believer,” he said. Bazin, however, highlighted the human aspect of the hospitality industry and emphasised that AI should not be present during a guest’s stay, asserting that no one wants to be served or welcomed by a robot.“Anything before, after the stay, AI is an enhancer and a remarkable tool. During your stay, 24 hours, 72 hours, I do not want to have any AI. None of you wants to be served by a robot, you don’t wanna be welcomed by a robot, or if you do, don’t come with me,” Bazin said.Such industry, he noted, depends on human capital, and telling people that they will be replaced by robots would lead to increased unemployment. “Our hospitality industry is made of men and women and if you have to wait and don’t understand one another for 10 minutes, it is part of our job. You have unforeseen events, three, five times a day in a hotel and it is actually resolved by a man and a woman so I do not want any AI during your stay, period,” Bazin added.

Game-worn sports collectibles, from Michael Jordan jersey and shoes to Diego Maradona’s 1986 jersey, and other unique items continue to captivate many Generation Z (Gen Z), driving their interest in auction rooms, according to Sotheby's CEO Charles F Stewart. “(Gen Z) investing in new categories... game-worn sports collectibles is a huge trend and we have set and broke our own records many times in shoes, in worn jerseys,” he said at a discussion titled ‘The World of Art and Luxury’ with Bloomberg Television anchor Manus Cranny at the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 yesterday. Stewart noted that the Jordan jersey set a new benchmark for game-worn jerseys, sold for a record-breaking $10.1mn. It surpassed the $9.3mn Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" jersey from the 1986 World Cup and the $5.8mn Kobe Bryant jersey, worn during the 2007-2008 NBA season. He acknowledged the basketball legend’s unparalleled status in the field of collectibles, both in terms of jerseys and shoes. “I think Gen Z is interested in things that are unique, in a world of homogeneity, ‘how do you standout’, ‘how do you think about self-expression’, finding unique objects whether it is a 1945 Cartier bracelet or Freddie Mercury collectibles, not something that you get anywhere. That brings interest into our auction rooms over and over,” said Stewart, who also underlined the importance of ‘digital-first engagement’ to capture the attention of Gen Z. About the recent luxury art and jewellery sales in New York and Geneva, he said both events displayed strong resilience, revealing that more than $1.8bn worth of art was sold in a week and with many records being set and notable strength observed in the high-end segment. About the preferences of Sotheby's clients, the super-rich and true buyers, in 2023, Stewart said that clients are particularly attracted to items that possess a unique appeal and scarcity. “What we’ve seen, anything that has a particular appeal, real scarcity, work that is fresh to market or an object, we see these across categories, it might be painting. In Geneva last week, we’ve set a record for a very rare Daytona Rolex John Player special, sold for CHF2.2mn, so things that are fresh and scarce have a particular appeal,” he added.

Cable television is facing a rapid decline, having already diminished by nearly 50% from its peak, and is unlikely to recover, TCG co-founder and partner Peter Chernin told Qatar Economic Forum 2023 on Tuesday.“The world of cable is unfortunately done, it is on its way out, and I don’t see any scenario in which it doesn’t keep going down,” he said at a discussion titled ‘The New Business of Pop Culture’.Chernin, a renowned American businessman and investor, tackled an array of topics shaping the tech industry. His talk with Bloomberg Television anchor Caroline Hyde covered “the future of cinema, the exponential growth of streaming audio and video, the immersive world of sports and gaming, the emergence of web3 and the metaverse”, among others.He said television is transitioning to streaming, noting that news – a vital aspect of television –is also expected to migrate to streaming platforms. As an example, he cited CNN and Fox, which now offer streaming apps.Chernin saidthat currently, linear television relies on programming, news, and sports. However, he predicted that over time, the cable subscriber base will continue to decrease, with the number of cable homes in the US already dropping below 50mn from a previous 90mn.“Make no mistake, this is television. If you look at the US, television is streaming, cable is going away, broadcasting is going away, it is television, and so I think everything that you are used to in television over the past years will ultimately migrate to steaming,” he said.With ongoing challenges in the cable industry, Chernin said the increasing capital investment in streaming, along with potential regulatory changes and the importance of international content, positions it for further transformations in the coming years.About streamers ending up being deeply global companies and all US based, he attributed their success to two primary factors: First, he stressed the importance of capital investment where these companies possess the necessary funds and determination to grow on a global scale; second, the regulatory landscape as a contributing factor where streaming platforms experienced limited regulatory constraints over the past several years, allowing them to expand internationally.Seeing the value of international content, Chernin said TCG recently acquired a Turkish production company and is currently engaged in negotiations to buy a Mexican-Spanish company.“We are investing in international content because it is an area we believe in. I think Turkish is in some ways the most prominent Middle Eastern content. The thing that really attracts us to Turkey was, it is a big country, 130mn people, good economy and their content exports extremely well both to the Middle East and to Latin America, so we look at it as an opportunity to get into the Middle East,” he added.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew highlighted the importance of free expression and the company’s user value at the Qatar Economic Forum 2023 Tuesday, citing its decision to sue the state of Montana in the US in response to the latter’s attempt to ban the popular social media platform by January 1, 2024.At a discussion with Bloomberg Television anchor Caroline Hyde, Chew stressed the company’s belief that the Montana bill is unconstitutional and expressed confidence that they will win the legal battle.He pointed out that some of TikTok’s creators have also filed a separate lawsuit challenging the same bill in the courts, noting that more than 150mn active Americans are on the platform out of the 1bn users across the globe.“People use TikTok as a place for expression. It is a very different experience as you may know from the other apps that are available in the market, and this is one for discovery, for free expression and a lot of our users use TikTok to find their communities, to discover and to express themselves.“I think ultimately it is about providing value to these users and making sure that and we continue to provide them with a great service that benefits them,” he said.Chew underlined TikTok’s positive impact on 5mn small businesses in the US which rely on the app, as well as millions more across the globe, including Qatar and in the region. At the recent congressional hearing where he testified, Chew said provided him the opportunity to tell TikTok's side of the story, addressing the myths and misconceptions about the company.About data security concerns and reported access to user data by the Chinese government, the CEO stressed that TikTok is not available in mainland China has never been asked by the Chinese government for US user data.“TikTok is not available in mainland China today as we said many times. The Chinese government actually never asked us for US user data and we will not provide even if asked,” he said.He cited the implementation of “Project Texas”, which ensures that American data is stored on American soil, managed by an American company, and overseen by American personnel. He added that this project goes beyond industry standards and shows TikTok's commitment to protecting the safety of US user data.About the global trend of data sovereignty and the localisation of data storage, Chew stressed the key role that global interoperability plays and the need to address concerns about data protection.Citing the ongoing conversations in the EU, the US, and other countries about data sovereignty, he said TikTok is “ahead of the curve” with projects like “Project Texas” and “Project Clover” in Europe. These projects, he added, involve building data centres in specific regions and adapting data access protocols to comply with local regulations.“We are slightly ahead of the curve and I think that we need to simultaneously address the concerns about the desire for digital sovereignty while making sure that we don't break the internet, that we don't balkanise this, and we continue to enjoy the benefits of a seamlessly connected global internet,” Chew pointed out.About artificial intelligence (AI) and content moderation and regulation, Chew underlined the integration of machine learning in TikTok's recommendation algorithm, which enhances the user experience.“Now beyond that, some of the latest developments particularly by Open AI and the Chat GPT product, could be very profound for productivity. There are many elements like content moderation or creation as a tool for many of our users on our platform that could be unlocked with this new technology. It is very exciting,” he said.About building TikTok's own language model, Chew said that such is an interesting development in the industry and the company is studying and understanding its implications. “I think it's a very interesting development in the industry and of course, there are many companies that are leading in this, and we're still in the process of making sure that we understand and study this so that's the stage that we are at this moment,” he added.Chew also emphasised the importance of investing in understanding the risks involved with AI while avoiding to suppress innovation. He suggested a combination of regulations, transparency, and disclosure to navigate the evolving landscape of AI. About a backup plan if TikTok is banned in any state or country, he expressed confidence in the platform's positive impact as he cited examples of users, including one with autism, who have found their voice and connected with communities through TikTok.“This kind of connection, this deeply impactful positive impact that our product has on people, gives me a lot of confidence that we can have thoughtful conversations with regulators around the world.“And I'm confident that we are here to stay, not only because of the investments they were putting in to keep the platform safe but because of the impact is having on the users themselves,” Chew added.

An Indonesian musical performance titled *Hayati: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love* made its international debut yesterday (May 22) at Katara – the Cultural Village in Qatar.Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Indonesia's culture director-general Dr Hilmar Farid, Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan and other dignitaries attended the opening night.Directed by Rama Soeprapto, this specially commissioned production brings to life stories from Indonesian folklore, which hold a precious place as part of the world's intangible heritage, as recognised by Unesco.The performance, which concludes tomorrow (May 24), forms part of Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture 2023.The director told reporters that *Hayati weaves a tale of love, self-discovery, and the true essence of life.The central character, Panji, embarks on a quest to find his beloved Sekartaji, only to realise that in searching for love, he ultimately finds himself.“While he is looking for Sekartaji, his love, he discovered that in looking for love, he finally found himself”, which is what life is about, Soeprapto said.Acclaimed Indonesian performers Achmad Dipoyono and Kadek Dewi Aryani star as main characters Panji and Sekartaji, respectively.The production, Soeprapto noted, aims to evoke a deeper understanding of life's meaning through “enchanting music, mesmerising dance, and thoughtful design”.Bringing together a rich tapestry of sounds, the performance incorporates diverse musical instruments from across Indonesia.Accompanied by enchanting melodies and synchronised movements, the dancers from Bali and Java showcase their skills and enthralled the audience.In an interview, Soeprapto said that *Hayati is a reflection of life itself.Panji symbolises the essence of man while Sekartaji represents womanhood.The tree, Hayati, embraces their journey, symbolising the universal essence of love.“Hayati is the tree which embraces it. The essence of love is actually the essence of life,” he stressed.Soeprapto emphasised that the performance transcends language barriers, allowing different cultures to come together and appreciate the beauty of Indonesian culture.As the performance unfolded at Katara, spectators were moved by the profound message conveyed through art and music.Soeprapto said he hopes that *Hayati would serve as an ambassador of diplomacy, bridging cultural gaps and promoting understanding among people from all corners of the world.Highlighting the significance of the venue, Soeprapto noted that Katara is a beautiful space that sets the stage for meaningful connections and unity.He added that the debut of *Hayati in Qatar marks an important milestone, representing Indonesia's first-ever series of performances to be showcased on an international platform.He said that understanding and connecting with people is the key to falling in love with a culture.Saying that if *Hayati is embraced as an ambassador of unity and peace, Soeprapto expressed his enthusiasm for future opportunities to share this fascinating performance worldwide.He said that he has already been invited to bring *Hayati to Mexico.In a press statement, ambassador Hassan said: “Qatar and Indonesia share a lot when it comes to cultural heritage and its influence on our societies today, not least of which is the pride we have in our ancestors’ wisdom and teachings.”Aisha Ghanem al-Attiya, director of Cultural Diplomacy for Qatar Museums, said: “*Hayati: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love* is one of this Year of Culture’s principal events.”“We are grateful to the Indonesian ministry of education and culture, research and technology and the cast and crew for the passion that went into creating this masterpiece,” he said.BOX:Universal meaning behind *Hayati“Hayati” means living, which encompasses a person’s journey through trials in the ultimate search for peace and love that enable deeper appreciation of life itself.Originating in the East Javanese courts of the Kediri and Janggala kingdoms during the 12th century, the stories of Panji and Sekartaji were later adapted and transformed in other parts of Indonesia and the wider region.The Panji story follows the adventures of Prince Raden Panji, who travels to various kingdoms in search of his beloved princess, Dewi Sekartaji.The story is often used to convey moral lessons and cultural values, such as the importance of loyalty, bravery, and perseverance.The Sekartaji story, on the other hand, centres around the character of Dewi Sekartaji, who is said to possess unparalleled beauty.The story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the struggle for power and control.These stories were traditionally performed as *wayang (shadow puppet) plays, accompanied by Javanese gamelan music.Today, the central character is portrayed using different masks throughout the performance.In Panji stories, a mask is a form of nonverbal communication that portrays the character and the personality of the central figure.The character's traits can be recognised through the shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth.The character of Panji can be identified by the mask worn by the performer.The design of the mask determines whether the performer is playing an antagonist, protagonist, animal character, and so on.The colours of the mask also convey different meanings through five colours: red, white, yellow, green and black.Red represents courage, white represents purity, yellow symbolises joy, green means gratitude, and black represents wisdom.Music and design masters bring ancient stories to lifeThe play’s musical concept seeks to transport the audience to the Majapahit era (13th–16th centuries CE), the height of artistic expression in ancient Indonesia, by combining traditional Javanese and Balinese ensemble music.Director Rama Soeprapto said: “There have been so many versions of Panji and Sekartaji and their story over the centuries. I wanted to create a simpler version with *Hayati: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love* that audiences can understand and connect with. It has been a welcome challenge.”Producer Bayu Pontiagust explained that *Hayati is an original show.“What I am trying to visualise within the production is how to maintain its origins from the classic Javanese and Balinese tradition, while imbuing it with a modern touch through musical and visual elements,” he said. “I want the audience to not only experience and understand the essence of the story, but also enjoy the choreography.”Costumes for *Hayati were designed by Era Soekamto, a household name in Indonesian fashion.Known for her batik designs, she often takes inspiration from the ancient Mataram and Majapahit kingdoms of Indonesia and has expressed her hope that the stories she is able to tell through her batik help others learn and understand their history.“To me, the philosophy is like the tree of life,” she explained. “When the roots are stronger, the nation will grow stronger too.”

Qatar’s burgeoning art scene is taking a unique turn, thanks to the growing appreciation of art by citizens and those who call the country home, an international arts manager has said.“I think it (Qatar) is setting itself apart, thanks to the locals and people of Qatar who are appreciating art in a different way than we’ve seen. Over this... the GCC as a whole has changed its approach and point of view towards art,” Garo Bardakjaian, in charge of international relations for renowned Belgian-Lebanese artist, sculptor, and painter Jean Boghossian, said as he lauded Qatar’s vibrant art scene.He noted that people like Boghossian and a number of participating Middle Eastern artists in the ‘Eruption’ exhibition at Msheireb Downtown Doha have showcased their works with pride, serving as ambassadors of the region to the world as well.According to Bardakjaian, the warm reception extended to these artists underlines the welcoming atmosphere for Middle Eastern artists returning to their homeland.“It is always a welcoming and heartwarming scene when we see us being welcomed back to the Middle East,” he said, noting that the globally-renowned artist is a Belgian-Lebanese of Armenian descent.Other exhibiting artists at the Eruption exhibition at Msheireb include Amal al-Aathem, Anachar Basbous, Anastasia Nysten, Clara Carvajal, Houmam al-Sayed, Jumanah Abbas, Mahmoud Obaidi, Maryam al-Homaid, Morrison Pierce, Nadim Karam, Nicolas Panayotou, Nourbanu Hijazi, Peter Zimmermann, Said Baalbaki, Tamara Haddad, Yasmina Nysten, and Zheng Lu.The exhibition was organised by Anima Gallery and Msheireb Properties, and brought together the works of local, regional and international artists at Msheireb. The show will run until June 10 at Sikkat Alwadi.Bardakjaian said Boghossian, who become popular for his unique experimentation with fire as his medium of choice, is exhibiting his work titled ‘Ready, Aim, Fire’, which “depicts the tension and beauty of a canon blast with billowing smoke, reminding us of the fragility and power of anticipation.”He explained that the painting itself has inclusion of damage (by fire), which is part of the artist’s process.The artist, Bardakjaian noted, comes from a family of jewellers and at a very young age was exposed to fire as a medium to create jewellery. Over the years, he then pursued his passion and transitioned to becoming a full-time artist.The artist’s exceptional work at the exhibition, he pointed out, captures the split-second moment when smoke puffs out after a cannon explosion – a depiction of the readiness to pursue his passion and aim for excellence in his chosen field.

The US embassy in Qatar transformed the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) into the vibrant streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, yesterday to mark the 247th US Independence Day.The lively event, led by US ambassador Timmy T Davis, was attended by Qatar’s Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ assistant director of Protocol Saeed al-Hajri, diplomats from various embassies in Qatar as well as other dignitaries.Davis sang and danced at the event, joining a number of performers on a huge parade float that entertained the crowd.The festivity featured jazz and brass music, in addition to a wide range of culinary delights, showcasing a New Orleans tradition that “grew from a French religious festival into a multicultural American celebration”.In his speech delivered in a space decked in the Mardi Gras colours of purple, green, and gold, the envoy underscored the importance of celebrating the rich diversity of the US and the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the US and Qatar.Citing the warm welcome and authentic hospitality he received since arriving to Qatar, the ambassador said: “I’m impressed by the genuine kindness that I see every day from the people of Qatar and others who call Qatar home ... building authentic relationships is a genuine element of Qatari culture.”“In the spirit of building our bonds of friendship, today I have a special opportunity to share with you all a snapshot of where I come from, my roots, my home, the city of New Orleans,” Davis said.“A city that has seen its share of struggle and which has even experienced Qatari generosity in the wake of Hurricane Katrine, New Orleans is a place where music, food, and culture thrive,” he said. “The diversity in New Orleans comes from the rich history of its people ... nicknamed the birthplace of jazz, it is a place where the music is just as vibrant as the food.”For Qatar’s first Mardi Gras, three musicians performed American music throughout the night – the Doha-based “AFCENT Band” of the US Air Force Central Command, and two bands visiting from the US: New Orleans go-go funk and brass band “Brass-A-Holics”, and Minneapolis, Minnesota bluegrass act “Barbaro”.Performers tossed beaded necklaces from the parade float, a popular Mardi Gras tradition, as guests enjoyed beignets and other New Orleanian famous dishes.Besides his achievements as US ambassador to Qatar, Davis also underlined the success of the 5th US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue in Doha, during which the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussing various areas of bilateral relations between the two countries, ranging from trade and investment, education and culture to energy cooperation, labour rights, regional security and defence co-operation, and law enforcement and counterterrorism.

Architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah has launched his newest book, ‘Discovering Arabian Deco, Early Modern Architecture in Qatar’, taking readers “on an architectural journey of urban development since the discovery of oil through the three most significant decades”.The publication features an exceptional collection of rare photographs, drawings, and reproductions, as well as underlines the architectural transformation in the capital city from the “1950s to urban necessity in the 1960s to urban modernity in the 1970s.”“This is my fourth book. I did a history of architecture in Qatar before the oil period, I did the interior designs the Qatari style, the 99 domes, but this book is about Discovering Arabian Deco, the Qatari Early Modern Architecture, from the discovery of oil until the end of the 70’s,” the author said on the sidelines of a signing ceremony at Msheireb Museum’s Bin Jelmood House at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) on Tuesday.Jaidah’s book also puts a spotlight on the 1960s movement, named ‘Arabian Deco’, and presents some of the pivotal moments during these periods that shaped Doha’s development.“You got the first school, first apartment buildings, first banks, it is also documented in this (book). It’s a very important era (1950s, 1960s, and 1970s). The unique thing is... I’ve discovered that there was also a Deco style architecture, and I call it Arabian Deco because it has palm trees, it has eagles, so I think it is so unique and it is something that I want to feature,” he said. “It is the first time this style has been highlighted in our architectural history.”Jaidah noted that he has done an extensive research for the book, which included a huge archive of photos he has taken for the last 35 years, in addition to having a research team within his firm, AEB Qatar.An exhibition was also organised as part of the event, showcasing the book’s highlights depicted through 3D-printed models and architectural illustrations with a focus on the buildings from the Arabian Deco era. The exhibition is open to the public at the Mohammed bin Jassim House Museum at MDD.In a press statement, Msheireb Museums manager Abdulla al-Naama said: “We are proud to host the book launching of one of the renowned Qatari architects and authors. Our hosting of the event reiterates our mission of supporting the creative community and offering them a platform to reach out to the wider community. “Besides, the book will be available in Msheireb Museums’ library to allow researchers, academics, students and readers to purchase or have more information about our rich legacy. This is a crucial step to document our heritage and preserve it for the coming generations”.The book is now available at Msheireb Museum’s gift shop, located on the ground floor of Bin Jelmood House.

UFC Gym Qatar, an extension of the renowned UFC brand, and Al-Mana Holding led the grand opening of their second gym at The Pearl Island on Monday, featuring UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev as guest of honour.“This gym has everything, it's great. We can do our training camps here since it has everything. It’s a major platform for combat sports in Qatar and hopefully MMA’s (mixed martial arts) future champions in the octagon," Makhachev told a press briefing.“It’s clear to see how the country’s created this amazing reputation for hosting sporting events and why it’s becoming the sports capital of the world. Inshallah we will see a few UFC events here.”Noting it was his first time to visit Qatar, he hopes to return back to Qatar in the future – at the UFC gyms in particular – to hold some training sessions.The newly-unveiled state-of-the-art facility provides limitless classes and personalised training sessions in various disciplines such as MMA, boxing, Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai, and HIIT, as well as an array of youth programmes. The gym also features a dedicated gym-area and UFC Octagon, among others, in addition to an exclusive women’s area for female-only classes.The UFC GYM team offers a free pass for enthusiasts and aspiring MMA fighters, urging them to also visit the UFC Gym Qatar website and explore the customised membership tiers.“The much-anticipated opening of our second location on The Pearl has become a central focus for Al Mana Holding. Our research shows there is an appetite for an all-inclusive facility offering an MMA-inspired training space and traditional fitness under one roof.“We’re very much looking forward to contributing to the growth of Qatar’s vibrant fitness community by continuously expanding our sports offering,” Al Mana Holding deputy CEO Abdulrahman Hamad al-Mana said.The inauguration of The Pearl-Qatar branch forms part of Al Mana Holding’s expansion plans aimed at promoting UFC Gym’s unique ‘Train Different’ philosophy. This follows the New Salata branch opening in August 2022 and another massive location opening in Al Kheesa at the end of 2023.It is learnt that the first branch witnessed an increasing number of memberships, giving them the chance to excel in their sport and for others to try something new.As Qatar continues to make significant strides as a leading sports destination, MMA offers an opportunity for people in Qatar to exercise and stay fit in an exciting and enjoyable way.At the press briefing, Makhachev underlined the importance of preparations, hard training, and being in top shape, which includes holding training camps in the mountains as part of their conditioning.He also offered some tips for aspiring MMA fighters, saying that training and having a background in wrestling and Sambo, which he did for a couple of years, would significantly help in advancing their careers.

An exceptional exhibition, titled ‘The Edible Lab: Food, Culture & Design’, takes visitors on a flavourful and intricate journey with the works of 13 students at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar).Led by designer and VCU arts Graphic Design chair Qatar Astrid Kensinger, the exhibition formed part of the Liwan Open Day and Exhibition Openings Sunday. This showcases the latest multidisciplinary design experiments and innovative research projects incubated at Liwan Design Studios and Labs.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, Kensinger said: “The Edible lab is a new elective undergraphic design at VCUarts Qatar. It’s looking at food, culture, design and really activating memories, oral histories, stories, so culture through the kitchen if you will.“Each student chose one food so you can see, we have black seed, chili pepper, fig, we had the olive, mango, the date, pomegranate mushroom, lemon, Kiwi, banana, blackberry and onion.“Each (student) did one and then they spent the semester researching how did that food come to Qatar, when did it come to Qatar, is it in your kitchen? If not, put it in the kitchen and make something with your grandmother and so they explored many different topics and themes through the lens of the kitchen.”The participants included students: Selma Fejzullaj, Sharifa al-Attiayah, Al Maha al-Muftah, Amna al-Humaidi, Shouq al-Kuwari, Ohoud al-Saygh Black, Noof al-Atteya, Almaha al-Mahmoud, Alanood al-thani, Adila Hayati, Dalal Johar, Minseo Kim, and Fae Siddiqui.The exhibition puts a spotlight on both tangible and intangible cultural heritage through personal stories, featuring traditions such as recipes, rituals, celebrations, feasts, and superstitions, in addition to grandmothers’ advice.Visitors are given the opportunity to explore the richness and complexity of these traditions at the exhibition – presented at Liwan for the first time. It combines posters and books that draw from students’ personal experiences and connections to the ingredients.In running a research lab called ‘The Intangible Lab’, which looks at the intangible cultural heritage of Qatar, Kensinger said she hopes to activate students who become activists in cultural preservation, and to listen and seek out memories from grandmothers, mothers, and aunts.“So that's part of what we did so each student made three posters, one poster was the anatomy of the food, one poster was a recipe with the food, one poster was “how to” with the food, and they also made books that house all the information, and if you click on the QR codes you can hear oral histories from the students’ perspectives,” she said.The second exhibition highlights the results of three workshops conducted by different artists at Liwan: first, “Creating Contemporary Wooden Sculptures,” led by interior architect Suzana Joumaa; second, “The Monobloc: A Chair for One, A Chair for All,’ led by interdisciplinary designer Majdulin Nashrallah”; third, “The Kimono and the Abaya: Cultural Hybrids through Fashion”, led by fashion designer Sayuri Kurotsu.

The global art market has seen a significant shift in recent years due to an increasing number of art enthusiasts and collectors have emerged in the Middle East and China, it is learnt. The rising economic prosperity and cultural awareness, as well as the growing interest in contemporary art, are among the factors driving such focus, according to renowned Lebanese artist Nadim Karam.“I feel that things have gone beyond Europe for the moment... they have shifted to this part of the world and I think China, where I'm doing projects also,” he told Gulf Times, noting that these regions “have this awareness of the importance of culture and dialogue” apart from having the resources.“How can you do anything without improving dialogue, communities and culture? There is an awareness here I feel. I think the voice should be raised even further in the direction of cultural improvements and community interaction through projects related to culture, public art and other things... because public art could in one way or another bring cultures together and bring communities together,” Karam said.He was speaking on the sidelines of the opening of the ‘Eruption’ exhibition at Msheireb Downtown Doha on Wednesday, organised by Anima Gallery and Msheireb Properties. Karam was one of the high-calibre artists participating in the show, which will run until June 10 at Sikkat Al Wadi.It is learnt that countries in the Middle East, including Qatar, have been investing heavily in building iconic museums, galleries and cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. China’s major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, meanwhile, are witnessing a huge interest in contemporary art, and are becoming key hubs for arts and culture.The artist also lauded the efforts and vision of Qatar Museums chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani that aim to transform the country into a vibrant cultural centre in the region and even beyond.“That's fantastic. I think to be able to do something like this and to have this vision it's extremely important. I mean to be able to bring all those artists to create work here, works in the desert, works within Qatar and whatever surrounds it... this is great and a huge thing for Qatar, for Doha,” he said.While Karam has done a number of projects in neighbouring GCC countries, he is looking forward to be doing a major work for the city of Doha. “I feel that there are so many potentials and I think the choice of artists for doing the major works is the kind of decision taken by the Qatar Museums in the sense that they're looking for getting works that express what are the needs of the actual societies if you want and it's very important,” he said.

Anima Gallery and Msheireb Properties opened ‘Eruption’, a one-of-its-kind art exhibition that brought together the works of local, regional and international artists at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) yesterday (May 10).The show, which will run until June 10 at Sikkat Alwadi, presents a mixed array of artists from across the globe - including emerging talents and established masters – and puts a spotlight on a wide range of artistic disciplines, from sculpture and painting to digital and sculptural installation.The participating artists are Amal al-Aathem, Anachar Basbous, Anastasia Nysten, Clara Carvajal, Houmam al-Sayyed, Jean Boghossian, Jumanah Abbas, Mahmoud Obaidi, Maryam al-Homaid, Morrison Pierce, Nadim Karam, Nicolas Panayotou, Nourbanu Hijazi, Peter Zimmermann, Said Baalbaki, Tamara Haddad, Yasmina Nysten, and Zheng Lu.“Eruption is an exhibition that tackles in a way the effects of social media such as TikTok and Instagram, as well as journalism and everything in general, how it affects our art, how it affects our life socially, physically, emotionally, politically, in every single way.“Every artist is interpreting the word ‘eruption’ in his or her way. We have local artists, we have artists who live in Qatar, resident artists, and we have artists from all over the world, it is an international exhibition,” Anima Gallery founder Ghada Sholy said.Speaking to Gulf Times, renowned Lebanese artist Karam lauded Anima Gallery for organising a timely and unique exhibition in Doha, one of the cities in the region that has given so much attention to public art.“I think this is phenomenal that we managed to do, Ghada and Anima Gallery has done this exhibition which is really good. It shows hope, it shows moving forward (from the Covid-19 pandemic), which is nice,” he said.Karam’s work titled ‘Media Shout’, which belongs to his ‘Shout and Silence’ series, portrays a relaxed, armchair posture of those seeking to shape how people see the world.Garo Bardakjaian, in charge of international relations for renowned Belgian-Lebanese artist, sculptor, and painter Jean Boghossian, lauded the exhibition describing it as “a very beautiful selection of art”, thanks to Anima Gallery for putting such good calibre artists next to each other.”“I’m also a fan of Nadim Karam, who is also exhibiting. I think he is an amazing artist. It is very lively, very well-curated exhibition,” he said, noting that Doha is a city that welcomes and appreciates art and artists from different backgrounds.Boghossian’s work, titled ‘Ready, Aim, Fire’, “captures the moment of action towards achieving one’s ambition”. “The painting depicts the tension and beauty of a canon blast with billowing smoke, reminding us of the fragility and power of anticipation.”