Qatar's Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council concluded its participation in Web Summit Qatar 2025 with a notable announcement. The Council has completed two memorandums (Mous). One used the Ministry of Labor and the other used the Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center. These contracts represent QRDI's commitment to driving innovation across a variety of sectors.
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The MOU with Itqan aims to enhance collaboration within Qatar's healthcare sector. The partnership supports the creation of key policies and regulations to promote this sector, while also highlighting the development of strong research, development and innovation (RDI) strategies. The joint initiative is looking to tackle the national healthcare challenges and develop technology solutions by exploring open innovation opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor and QRDI Council have formalized cooperation to revolutionize certificate authentication through blockchain technology, strengthening the qualification verification process within Qatar's labor market. This initiative is poised to pave the way for more efficient, secure and innovative ways to authenticate certificates.
QRDI also awarded the winners of the Rising Innovators Award during the summit. The winners had the opportunity to present innovative concepts at Qrdi Pavilion. First place was sent to the Modular Automatic Sorting Hub Project from students at Doha University of Science and Technology. The second place was shared between the two projects. This is an electronic medical triage system from Hamadbin Khalifa University's AI-powered Sharia Bot and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.
Aysha Abdulhameed Al-Mudahka, Senior Program Director of RDI Council, said, “We are proud to be able to support and nurture the next generation of innovators at QRDI Council. The Rising Innovators Award embodies our commitment to promoting creativity, collaboration and new solutions among young minds. It is important to announce the winners at the Web Summit Qatar. These students provide a global stage for introducing ideas and gaining international recognition.”
QRDI Council also held several enriched sessions, including the title “Boarding R&D Growth with QRDI's Technology Development Grants.” Other sessions included discussions on the role of artificial intelligence through “Beyond Smart: AI, Startups & The Future of Cities,” and “Bridging Capital & Innovation: The Startup Journey.”
A key highlight was the collaboration with Igut Sweden during the session “Qatar & Sweden: Powering Technology Innovation,” which aims to create a stronger synergy between Qatar's startup sector and established companies.
On another side, Qatar Airways secured approval from Australia and bought a 25% stake in Virgin Australia, strengthening its longtime competition with Qantas. Federal government treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed that the acquisition coincided with national interests and helped compete across the aviation sector.
Chalmers said, “My decision is consistent with the advice of the Foreign Investment Review Board and I have confirmed that this proposal is consistent with the national interest.” Jayne Hrdlicka, vice president of Virgin Australia, expressed confidence that the deal will support market growth and enhance competitiveness.
Domestic airline Qantas noted that profits rose 11% in the first half amid strong passenger demand, and declared its first special dividend more than 20 years later. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson acknowledged the importance of competition, saying, “We've always said we're welcome competition and we're not going to oppose the outcome. We were expecting an announcement today.”
Qantas and its budget division, Jetstar, previously accounted for around 65% of Australia's domestic market share, while Virgin Australia was 35%. In particular, Australian competitive watchdogs recently supported the alliance of Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways is expected to launch by June and will operate long-haul flights to Doha using aircraft leased from its own fleet to increase options for travelers flying to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
MUFG, a renowned Japanese financial group, has appointed Zaeem Khan as its general manager and head of the Doha office, and subsequent Takahashi Village. With extensive experience in banking, Khan will continue to lead corporate compensation and global corporate and investment banks in Qatar.
These developments occur when Qatar's economic activity is gaining momentum. This is evident from recent reports on the nature of private sector export performance. According to the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, private sector exports reached QR4.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 69% year-on-year, with certain goods showing amazing performance.
The report highlighted significant growth across a range of export categories. In particular, we have seen an increase in chemicals that exceed 236%. However, this surge occurred against the background of 41% DIP overall compared to previous year's total. This data illustrate both the opportunities and challenges facing within Qatar's diverse export portfolio.
These developments reflect on continuing efforts to strengthen Qatar's economic and business frontiers, promote innovation and increase competitiveness in various sectors. With strategic investment and cooperation agreements, Qatar aims to solidify its position as a key player in the global economic stage.
