Day: 11 June 2023

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QSTP Explores Role of AI in Powering Energy Transition

Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), jointly with its anchor partner, Qatar Shell Research and Technology Center, recently hosted a panel discussion to underline the value of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in propelling the transition toward a low carbon economy.

The session gathered global industry experts to review various aspects of adopting AI-centered technologies to realize emission reduction targets and create a more sustainable world.

Vice President of Computer Science and Digital Innovation Technology at Shell, Dan Jeavons opened the session emphasizing the interplay between the energy transition and digital technology as two prominent forces shaping the world today. “How we think about digital technology, and within that AI, is arguably the most important change that is happening today. And it is not just digital tech that is going to help us accelerate the energy transition, but also our ability to deploy physical solutions”.

Drawing attention to some key areas in which Shell has realized the advantages of AI, Jeavons said: “At the top is the immediate benefit from deploying smarter solutions, to make our existing operations more effective and efficient. For example, weve deployed predictive AI models that are monitoring more than 16,000 pieces of equipment today, enabling us to predict failures. In addition to saving costs, time, and efforts, avoiding these failures also means a reduction in our carbon emissions.” AI is also crucially helping respond to the rapidly increasing customer demand for cleaner and sustainable solutions, pointed out General Manager of Next Generation Breakthrough Research at Shell, Dr. Marwa Al Ansary, who works with a global team of 140 scientists and researchers. Referring to the stages of technology development i.e. discover, develop, demonstrate and deploy, Al Ansary said AI aids in processing large amounts of energy data to generate predictive insights which then facilitates tech innovators to move between each stage relatively faster.

Another panelist, Dr Adnan Abu Dayya, Executive Director at Qatar Mobility Innovations Center, highlighted the centers focus on enabling sustainable, smart and safe living using emerging technologies like AI and Internet of Things (IoT) to develop and deploy homegrown solutions across various industries in Qatar. Under its focus on decarbonizing the energy system, he said that QMIC is working with local stakeholders to use its digital expertise and tools to realize new efficient cooling solutions. The center is also pursuing a number of use cases for utilizing AI to optimize safety operations and remote sensing applications.

Discussing some of the risks associated with AI integration in the energy sector, Dr Ashraf Aboulnaga, Chief Scientist at Qatar Computing Research Institute, said: “While AI applications range from text analysis to predictive maintenance to designing novel materials, we must recognize that this technology comes with its own set of risks and it is important that we manage these risks when adopting AI in industrial projects.” He underlined that the most important issue is the need to tackle quality and trustworthiness of data when deploying AI in safety-critical applications. Another broader issue is that of AI sovereignty which means that when several players utilize the technology, and especially when it involves a third-party, the associated risks such as privacy encroachments are much higher.

Participants also heard from Grant Totten, Head of Cloud, Analytics and Insights for TASMU, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Qatar, who shared some insights on how AI technology is supporting the TASMU platform to fuel partnerships across multiple entities and sectors and advancing its overarching mission to achieve smart city development.

QSTP, a member of Qatar Foundation, via the Meet the Expert sessions seeks to foster collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship to realize Qatars economic diversification and its sustainable development.

Source: Qatar News Agency

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Qatar Foundation Launches Nibras Initiative to Promote Values and National Identity in Schools

Qatar Foundation members, Education Development Institute (EDI) and the Wijdan Cultural Center joined forces launching the Nibras Initiative, to establish a citizenship education framework that integrates values into school curricula through a practical training project.

This partnership will extend across all 13 of Qatar Foundations (QF) schools, benefiting more than 7,000 students and 1,500 staff members at primary, preparatory, and secondary levels. Over the next three years, the collaboration will see joint workshops, seminars, and initiatives being held with the aim of sharing knowledge, implementing effective strategies for citizenship education, and leaving a lasting and positive impact on Qatars educational landscape by cultivating engaged and responsible citizens.

Assistant Director of Culture, Heritage and Identity at EDI Sara Al Hajri said: “We are in the process of developing an extensive educational framework for citizenship within Qatar Foundation schools through the Nibras initiative,” She added: “This framework addresses various aspects of students’ development, including their cognition, behavior, emotions, and social interactions. Our objective is to cultivate exemplary citizens who embody the desired qualities, deeply rooted in their country’s rich history, culture, customs, and traditions,” Al Hajri explained: “Our collaboration with Wijdan represents an exceptional opportunity to nurture responsible citizens and shape the future of education in Qatar. Through the integration of values and the promotion of national identity across the curriculum, we aim to foster well-rounded personalities, where good citizenship becomes an intrinsic part of their character.” She added: “Through our partnership, we aspire to empower students with the knowledge and values necessary to actively contribute to their communities. By reinforcing a deep connection to our culture, heritage, and shared values, our collaboration with Wijdan instills a sense of pride and responsibility towards our nation,” The Assistant Director of Culture, Heritage and Identity at EDI emphasized: “We have full confidence in the collaborative efforts between EDI and Wijdan, envisioning a positive impact on students and the wider community. This partnership epitomizes our dedication to providing a comprehensive and values-centered education, empowering students to become catalysts for positive change in society.

Speaking about the significance of the Nibras initiative in fostering identity through education, Director of Wijdan Cultural Center Dr. Jassim Al Sultan spoke of his hopes that the initiative will seamlessly integrate into school curricula, bringing benefits to students in Qatar and wider society.

Emphasizing the pivotal role of upbringing and education in achieving societal transformation, Dr. Al Sultan said: “The launch of the Nibras program in schools assumes great importance. It serves as a resilient foundation for cultivating a collective social consciousness that will resonate through generations.”

Source: Qatar News Agency

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Workshop on Designing Autism-Friendly Spaces in Qatar Kicks off

Ministry of Social Development and Family’s Qatar Social Work (QSW) launched Sunday a workshop on a project to design autism-friendly spaces in the State of Qatar.

Launched in cooperation with the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities and Empower World, the two-day workshop is part of the QSW’s projects seeking to lead efforts to support social issues and activate international and local partnerships. It also spreads awareness of the needs of people with autism around the world.

Acting CEO of the QSW Rashid Mohammed Al Naimi said in a statement that this workshop comes within the framework of supporting the country’s efforts to break the cycle of social isolation and limited opportunities for people with autism, by establishing an integrated ecosystem.

Establishing autism-friendly spaces in the State of Qatar aims to create a high-quality ecosystem for professional stakeholders and to provide the necessary knowledge and tools to develop autism-friendly cities and facilities, Al Naimi added.

He stressed that the workshop will allow the participating parties from the ministries and concerned institutions, who represent policy makers, influencers and stakeholders from various sectors, to assess the status of autism-friendly spaces in the State of Qatar, which will lead to the development of autism-friendly guidelines specific to the State of Qatar.

Executive Director of the Shafallah Center Laalei Mohammed Abu Alfain said the project has four main goals, which are to set clear guidelines and standards for autism-friendly design in Qatar to help and ensure that new buildings and public places cope with the needs of people with autism.

In a related context, she added that they would collect and revise data on spaces, barriers and opportunities to create autism-friendly spaces in Qatar, as well as to enhance awareness about autism, and get the people with autism further integrated in the Qatari society.

Source: Qatar News Agency

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Ministry of Transport Organizes “Ballast Water Management Agreement” Workshop

The Ministry of Transport held a regional workshop on the Ballast Water Management Agreement, attended by a number of marine specialists from the concerned authorities in Qatar, and representatives of the maritime authorities in a number of countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

This workshop is part of the Ministry’s efforts for updating the connection of specialists in the maritime transport sector to the relevant authorities, to ensure the application of all international agreements concerned with preserving the marine environment, as well as conducting discussions regarding issues of maritime security and safety.

The workshop also aims to help prevent the spread of potential harmful substances and aquatic organisms that may be transported by ships ballast water.

Topics that were also discussed included the plans, procedures and standards set to manage the disposal of ballast water. A practical training was conducted at Hamad Port during the workshop to showcase how to implement the agreement.

Ministry of Transports Assistant Undersecretary of Maritime Transport Affairs Dr. Saleh bin Fetais Al Marri presented at the end of the workshop certificates to the participants.

Due to its impact on preserving the marine environment, the Ballast Water Management Agreement is considered to be one of the most important international maritime agreements. It came into effect in 2017, and with Qatar joining it in 2018.

Source: Qatar News Agency

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Government Spokesman: The PM Will Pay An Important Visit To Egypt Tomorrow, Monday

The government spokesman, Basem Al-Awadi, announced that Prime Minister Muhammad Al-Sudani will pay an important visit to Egypt, tomorrow, Monday.

Al-Awadi told the semi-official (Iraqi News Agency), “Prime Minister Mohamed Al-Sudani will pay an important visit to Egypt on Monday.”

He added, “The visit aims to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation between Iraq and Egypt.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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The First Batch Of Displaced Families Returns To Villages South Of Buhriz In Diyala

The Buhriz District Directorate in Diyala Governorate announced the return of the first batch of the displaced families in 14 years.

The director of the district, Nizar Al-Lahibi, told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency (NINA) that 45 families displaced 14 years ago due to the security situation have returned to their homes in the village of Al-Jil Al-Thaniya within the Basin of Buhriz, south of Baquba, in coordination with the local Diyala administration and security leaders.

He added that the local Diyala administration is determined to end the displacement file in the province.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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The President: There Is A Development In The Health Field And Building Hospitals In Iraq

The President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, confirmed that there is a development in the health field and the construction of hospitals in Iraq.

A presidential statement stated that the President of the Republic received, today, Sunday, at the Peace Palace in Baghdad, the Minister of Health of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Firas Ibrahim Al-Hawari, and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of Health Minister Saleh Al-Hasnawi.

The President of the Republic referred to the strong relations that bind the two countries, and the importance of strengthening them in areas of common interest in a manner that serves the interests of the two brotherly peoples and the peoples of the region, stressing the need for cooperation and exchange of experiences in facing the health challenges facing the world and joint coordination in order to develop the health reality in the two countries.

The President of the Republic confirmed, according to the statement, that there is a development in the health field and building hospitals in Iraq, and we have distinguished models of hospitals in some provinces, and Iraqi doctors have a good reputation in the countries of the world.

Rashid pointed out that the government attaches great importance to the health file, and has set an ambitious program that supports attention and upgrading the medical sector and improving health care for citizens through building and rehabilitating hospitals and providing medical supplies.

For his part, the Jordanian minister expressed his happiness to visit Iraq and meet the President of the Republic, looking forward to consolidating cooperation with Iraq in the health and medical field and providing full facilities in a way that contributes to providing the best health services for the Iraqi and Jordanian peoples.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Olympic Football Team’s Coach: Our Team Preparing For The Olympic Games In Paris Next Year, And Our Group In West Asia Is Strong

The coach of our Olympic football team, Radi Shnaishel, confirmed that our team is preparing for the Olympic Games in Paris next year, and our group in West Asia is strong with the presence of the Emirates and Jordan.

“This tournament is important to us, even though the team did not enter any training camp due to the start of the league,” Shnaishel said in a joint press conference with UAE coaches Denis Silva and Jordan Abdullah Abu Zam.

He continued: “Since Iraq is the host of the tournament, it is important to us, and all the teams are good and competitive.”

He added: “Hosting the tournament and its success in organization is the most important thing, as well as the land,” indicating that “the fans is a double-edged sword for our team, and the most important thing is that we give everything we have.”

For his part, Denis Silva, coach of the UAE Olympic team participating in West Asia for the under-23 Olympic teams, which will start in the capital, Baghdad and Karbala, confirmed that he has good players and talents who are physically ready to compete in the tournament, although the group includes strong teams.

Silva expressed his happiness at their presence in Iraq, pointing out that his team entered a training camp in Egypt before participating in West Asia and preparing for the Olympics.

For his part, the coach of the Jordanian national team, Abdullah Abu Zama, thanked Iraq for hosting the tournament, stressing the readiness of the Jordanian team, which includes good players, and the ambition to reach the final and win the title.

Abu Zama said: “We gathered five days before the tournament because of the Jordanian League and the difficulty of the team’s assembly. We are trying to compensate for the short period of the players with the quality of the players, as we have good playing keys, and the first match will be difficult tomorrow against the host Iraqi team.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Aboul Gheit: Investment Opportunities In The Arab Region Are Many And Promising

The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, considered that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the activities of the tenth session of the Arab and Chinese businessmen conference and the eighth session of the investment symposium, as a continuation of its successful efforts in hosting the first Arab-Chinese summit held in Riyadh, a summit that its outputs gave a new impetus to the Arab-Chinese cooperation in all political, economic and cultural fields, thanks to the sincere desire of both parties to advance cooperation to a broader space.

Aboul Gheit added during his speech, today, Sunday, at the opening of the tenth session of the Conference of Arab and Chinese businessmen and the eighth symposium on investments, which are hosted by the Ministry of Investment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on June 11 and 12 in Riyadh, that the Arab-Chinese relations extend throughout history and strike in its depths. They are relations between two peoples with civilizations that have witnessed continuous exchange to this day, and this communication has formed a common balance of understanding, and a strong desire on the part of the Arab and Chinese sides to build on it and expand it to new areas, indicating that the conference contributes to writing a new page from the pages of that cooperation, which its durability and richness will increase in light of the joint efforts and initiatives we see.”

He explained that the mechanism of the Arab-Chinese Businessmen Conference was the first mechanism established within the framework of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum since its launch in 2004, and it contributed remarkably to introducing entrepreneurs to available investment opportunities, and during which important trade and investment deals were concluded that contributed to the promotion of economic and social development in Arab countries and China.

He explained that this event is also gaining increasing importance, according to the Secretary-General, in light of the negative repercussions of slowing global growth and the crisis of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the resulting effects on technology, financial, energy and food markets, expressing his aspiration for rich discussions in the sessions of this conference to explore the future of investment and business and exploring the best ways to maximize the benefit from the opportunities and capabilities available on the Arab and Chinese sides.

He added that the investment opportunities in the Arab region are many and promising, but on the contrary, it remained a weak magnet for foreign capital coming to it compared to other geographical regions, as the recorded numbers witnessed fluctuations between ups and downs due to the events and crises it witnessed.

He added that despite these data, there are positive indications of overcoming these obstacles in light of the ambitious development plans launched by the Arab countries, according to Aboul Gheit, and the Arab-Chinese cooperation provides a valuable opportunity to attract technology, capital and Chinese companies to invest in our countries, especially within the framework of the “Belt and Road” initiative and the Global Development Initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Secretary-General affirmed the Arab League’s decades-long interest in improving the Arab investment climate and creating a unified Arab economic space, as well as its efforts to build partnerships with regional and international economic groupings, including this forum.

He referred to the adoption by the Arab countries of the “Unified Agreement for Capital Investment in the Arab Countries”, for which a new draft is now being prepared in cooperation with an international institution with great experience in the field, as well as completing the requirements of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area operating under the umbrella of the Arab League, as the recent period witnessed making remarkable progress towards achieving a common Arab market, which would increase the flow of foreign direct investment to take advantage of the advantages and promising opportunities offered by that region.

It is noteworthy that this event, which the Kingdom is hosting for the first time in cooperation with the League of Arab States, the Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Federation of Arab Chambers, witnessed high-level participation and an exceptional attendance of more than 3,000 participants, and it will witness the signing of a number of cooperation and investment agreements between Arab and Chinese businessmen, which is something that would raising the promotion of trade exchange between the two parties.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Lebanon succeeds in ending cholera outbreak

A cholera outbreak in Lebanon has reached its end nearly three months after the last registered case, the health ministry said on Sunday, citing that surveillance and testing capacity will remain scaled up.

Beirut had previously declared a cholera epidemic among “Syrian refugees” in displacement camps, launching a vigorous campaign in collaboration with the World Health Organization to clamp down on the outbreak.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

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Kuwait Amir condoles with Pakistani Pres. over flood victims

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Sunday a cable to Pakistani President Arif Alvi expressing his sincere condolences over the victims of the floods in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

His Highness the Amir expressed condolences to the victims’ families, wishing speedy recovery for those injured.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

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Kuwait Crown Prince condoles with Pakistani Pres. over flood victims

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Sunday a cable to Pakistani President Arif Alvi expressing his sincere condolences over the victims of the floods in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

His Highness the Crown Prince expressed condolences to the victims’ families, wishing speedy recovery for those injured.

Source: Kuwait News Agency