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Doctor, pianist and cultural leader Dr Waseem Kotoub tells Gulf Times that culture, empathy and wellbeing are no longer peripheral, but central to leadership, diplomacy and societal progress in Qatar and the Gulf. A life where disciplines meet Dr Waseem Kotoub does not see medicine, music and cultural leadership as competing identities. He sees them as a single language. “I studied medicine and I studied music, and some people joke and call me ‘MNM’,” he said with a smile. “But both helped shape who I am.” “Medicine taught me empathy. Music taught me discipline,” he explained. “And as a cultural leader, I use both to serve people and connect them.” For Dr Kotoub, the coexistence of science and art is not theoretical. “All three talk to each other,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s about the skills you acquire in life and how you use them.” Culture as trust-building diplomacy As Country Director of the British Council in Qatar, Dr Kotoub places culture and education at the heart of international relations. “Culture is a universal language,” he said. “Through art, culture and education, we build bridges between nations.” Reflecting on the Qatar–UK Year of Culture, he said its impact extended far beyond exhibitions and performances. “Those initiatives created real connections between Qatari and UK organisations,” he said. “From those connections came partnerships—and from partnerships came dialogue.” “Through dialogue, you build trust. And when nations trust each other, everything else becomes possible.” Qatar’s cultural transformation Having arrived in Qatar in 2013, Dr Kotoub says he has witnessed a cultural shift that is both rapid and deliberate. Related Story Source link
Jeanette U Gotangogan, crowned Noble Queen Globe 2025, is set to return to Qatar as one of the distinguished personalities who will grace the ‘Kabayan Connect Qatar Business Conference & Exhibition’, at the Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park on February 16.Gotangogan, who represented the Filipino community in Qatar, was crowned during the Noble Queen of the Universe 2025 Coronation Night held at Okada Manila on December 4, 2025. She also received special recognitions as Best in Advocacy and Legacy Crown Brand Ambassador.Other 2025 Noble crown titleholders include Alexia Nunez Muller Roger of Brazil (Noble Queen of the Universe), Sara Lopez of Luzon, Philippines (Noble Queen International), Brenda Shangme Darrough from the Filipino community in the USA (Noble Queen Earth), Gail De Asis of Mindanao, Philippines (Noble Queen Nation), and Hinata Tarutani of Japan (Noble Queen Princess International).Gotangogan spent over two decades working in Qatar’s oil and gas industry before establishing a multi-awarded manpower recruitment agency in the Philippines. Through her company, she has successfully deployed thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Qatar and other countries worldwide. She remains actively involved in outreach programmes both in Qatar and the Philippines, with a strong advocacy focused on uplifting the lives of OFWs through financial literacy, empowerment events, and community initiativesApparently, Jeanette was also proclaimed as “Best in Advocacy “and “Legacy Crown Brand Ambassador” during the Asia Golden Legacy Charity Awards held on December 20, 2025, at Heritage Hotel, Manila, Philippines.During the much-anticipated Kabayan Connect Qatar event, Gotangogan will lead the ceremonial ribbon-cutting alongside other dignitaries and deliver an inspirational talk on OFW financial literacy, with particular emphasis on practical retirement planning. Source link
MES Indian School Evening Shift acknowledges an exceptional achievement that has brought honour to the institution, as Durga Rajeeva, a bright Grade 1 student, entered the India Book of Records. She successfully recited the names of all 28 Indian states and their capitals in just 50 seconds, demonstrating remarkable memory, focus, and enthusiasm for learning.This notable accomplishment at such a young age reflects both Durga’s dedication and the supportive, nurturing learning environment fostered at MES Indian School. Durga was congratulated and appreciated by principal Dr Hameeda Kadar, senior vice principal Shihabudeen Pulath, and headmistress Sameena Ashfaq, who applauded her confidence and determination.MES Indian School extended its heartfelt congratulations to Durga Rajeeva and her parents on the proud milestone and reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young talent and excellence. Related Story Source link
In a vibrant validation ceremony held at its Conference Hall, MES Indian School announced the official recognition of its record-breaking achievement – the formation of the Largest Human Qatar Flag.The feat was certified by the Worldwide Book of Records, an internationally registered organisation renowned for validating, verifying, and cataloguing exceptional human accomplishments. Unveiling the validation case containing the certificate of authentication and a gold medal, B M Sidhique, president of the MES Governing Board, congratulated the students and staff for their monumental achievement. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the parents for their unwavering support of the school’s initiatives, which contribute significantly to students' overall development and success.The record-setting formation took place recently on the school’s sprawling grass field, involving a total of 7,700 students and staff. Dressed in co-ordinated white and maroon attire representing the Qatari national flag, participants formed the Largest Human Qatar Flag with remarkable precision in 140 rows and 55 columns, maintaining a spacing of 0.5 meters.Covering an area of 1,925 sqm, the display created a lifelike representation of Qatar’s national flag—a visually stunning tribute to the nation’s unity and identity. The extraordinary formation highlighted meticulous planning, discipline, and national pride, leaving an unforgettable impression on all who witnessed it.The ceremony was attended by the directors and esteemed members of the MES Governing Board, Dr Hameeda Kadar, principal of MES Indian School, Pramila Kannan, principal of MES Abu Hamour Branch, school officials, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students.Fiona D'Cruz, teacher representative, delivered the welcome speech, while Rema Devi, a teaching faculty member, proposed the vote of thanks.The event was expertly co-ordinated by Salim J Nadaf, c-oordinator of the department of physical education, and Anver, convener of the Cultural Committee, along with a dedicated team of teachers. Source link
The Al Arabi Stadium buzzed with excitement as Loyola International School (LIS) hosted its Annual Athletics Meet, uniting students from both campuses in a vibrant celebration of excellence and sportsmanship.Held ahead of Qatar National Sports Day, the event highlighted the school’s commitment to fitness, participation, and sporting spirit. The meet began with the arrival of the chief guest, Saman Fonseka, head coach of the Qatar National Women’s and Under-19 cricket teams, accompanied by the managing director of Loyola International Schools – Qatar, Anup Chakravarthy.The event was officially opened with the hoisting of the school flag, a torch relay, and the ceremonial lighting of the cauldron.The march past and salutation were among the ceremony’s highlight. The sports oath was administered by the sports captain.Addressing the gathering, Fonseka praised the school for its structured sports programme and the discipline of its students. Principal Bhavana Vijaykumar highlighted the role of sports in fostering purpose and resilience among students. Chakravarthy also spoke.During the prize distribution, the overall championship was awarded to Diamond House from the Al Wukair Campus and Emerald House from the Al Nasr Campus.The principal has congratulated all participants and the sports department for their dedication and efforts. Related Story Source link
Malayali Samajam felicitated teachers and students of Shantiniketan Indian School for their outstanding performance in Malayalam language in the CBSE class X examination for the 2024–25 academic year across Indian schools in Qatar.The event recognised the teachers whose guidance played a pivotal role in the students’ success.In collaboration with Radio Malayalam (98.6 FM), Malayali Samajam honoured the achievers at the Pratibha Sangamam programme. Students Muhammad Odam Manniyil, Haifa Sherin, and Tamanna Fatima received special awards for their exceptional performance in the Malayalam examination.The Malayalam department head, Prasad, and Malayalam teacher Lini Varghese were also honoured for their dedicated guidance and support, which contributed significantly to the students’ achievements. The programme was graced by Lok Sabha member Adoor Prakash as the chief guest and was held at ICC Ashoka Hall on January 17.As part of the celebrations, an inter-school quiz competition on the Malayalam language and Kerala culture was conducted. Shantiniketan Indian School secured third place, with students Bhagya Sree Binu and Mikha Mary Jinish achieving notable success. Prizes were presented by the chief guest, Adoor Prakash, highlighting the school’s strong performance in both academics and cultural knowledge. Source link
Philippine School Doha (PSD), through its Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), will officially launch PSD Got Talent Season 2 Saturday, highlighting student creativity and strengthening community engagement within the Filipino community in Qatar.The launch event will take place from 9am at the Edgar V Bondoc Gym on the PSD campus. It will feature performances by student representatives from all five school departments, showcasing a wide range of artistic talents and underscoring the school’s commitment to nurturing creativity and self-expression among learners.The event also marks the opening of public voting, a key component of the competition designed to encourage wider community participation and support for young performers.Organisers said the initiative goes beyond competition, aiming to build students’ confidence, discipline, and stage presence while fostering unity within the school and the broader Filipino community.PSD Got Talent has become a platform for students to express their skills in music, dance, and other performing arts, while also serving as a collaborative effort between the school, parents, and community partners. Related Story Source link
Republic Day celebration for the Evening Shift of MES Indian School conducted for students of classes I to VIII was held on January 25, 2026 with vibrant participation and patriotic spirit.The programme commenced with a special talent show assembly, beginning with a prayer that set a dignified and respectful tone for the day.A range of thoughtfully planned, age-appropriate activities were organised to help students understand the significance of Republic Day and the core values of the Indian Constitution. These activities encouraged creativity, confidence, and a deeper sense of national identity. Students of classes VI to VIII participated in a Table Talk Forum, engaging in meaningful discussions on topics such as ‘How Young Minds Shape the Nation’, ‘National Integration in Daily Life’, and ‘The Role of Youth in Nation-building.’The forum enhanced critical thinking and public speaking skills.For classes I and II, a colouring activity featuring the national flag and the Ashoka Chakra helped young learners recognise and appreciate national symbols. Classes III to V took part in a storytelling session on ‘Why Do We Celebrate Republic Day?’, showcasing their understanding of democratic values.The event was conducted under the supervision of senior vice principal Shihabudeen Pulath, headmistress Sameena Ashfaq, and other faculty members. The celebration was a meaningful and enriching experience, fostering patriotism, civic responsibility, and pride in India’s democratic heritage. Source link
As climate-related risks continue to intensify across arid and semi-arid regions, early detection and rapid response are becoming critical components of environmental protection. One technology increasingly viewed as a practical solution is the use of target drones for aerial monitoring, particularly in fire prevention and land surveillance. Entrepreneur and investor Dr. Yaşam Ayavefe has emphasized that drone-based monitoring systems offer a scalable and efficient way to address these challenges, especially in regions where extreme heat, dry landscapes, and limited ground access complicate traditional monitoring methods. Why Target Drones Matter in Fire Prevention Unlike conventional observation methods, target drones equipped with thermal imaging and real-time data transmission can detect abnormal heat patterns before fires spread. These systems allow authorities and environmental agencies to act earlier, reducing damage to land, infrastructure, and ecosystems. According to Dr.Yasam Ayavefe, drones are not positioned as replacements for human expertise, but as support tools that improve situational awareness and decision-making. “The value lies in speed, coverage, and precision,” he notes, particularly in areas where early minutes can determine the scale of destruction. Relevance for Gulf and Regional Environments In Gulf countries, where temperatures regularly exceed seasonal norms, and vegetation is sparse but highly flammable, aerial monitoring plays a strategic role. Drones can patrol large desert and semi-urban zones efficiently by identifying fire risks near industrial sites, transport corridors, and protected natural areas. Dr.Yasam Ayavefe points out that these systems are especially relevant for regions investing in climate resilience, smart infrastructure, and environmental stewardship, aligning with broader sustainability agendas seen across the Gulf. Technology Meets Long-Term Strategy With a background spanning telecommunications, cybersecurity, and cross-border investment, Dr. Ayavefe approaches drone technology from a systems perspective. Rather than focusing on short-term visibility, he advocates for solutions that integrate into long-term environmental and infrastructure planning. His business philosophy centers on scalable tools that deliver measurable value, particularly in regions where resources must be deployed efficiently. Target drones, he argues, fit this framework by offering repeatable monitoring capabilities with relatively low operational overhead. Sustainable Innovation Beyond Borders Dr.Yasam Ayavefe’s work spans multiple regions, including Central Asia, Europe, and the Balkans, giving him insight into how environmental technologies must adapt to local conditions. In each case, he stresses that climate protection requires both innovation and practical execution. Aerial monitoring systems, when supported by clear regulatory frameworks and trained operators, can contribute meaningfully to fire prevention strategies, land management, and broader climate protection efforts. Looking Ahead As climate pressures grow, technologies that support early intervention will become increasingly important. For Dr. Yasam Ayavefe, target drones represent one such tool, quietly operating in the background, but capable of delivering critical information when it matters most. Rather than positioning technology as a standalone solution, he emphasizes collaboration between innovators, regulators, and environmental authorities to ensure that these systems are used responsibly and effectively. Related Story Source link
Nine tourism service providers from across Southeast Asia were honoured at the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in the ASEAN tourism sector. The awards ceremony took place on January 27, 2026, at JPark Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu.Organised by the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) Philippines in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the annual awards recognised excellence among travel and tourism companies, hospitality and resort operators, and MICE venues that have demonstrated exceptional performance across a wide range of categories. The recognition highlighted achievements in tourism marketing, innovation, cultural preservation, sustainability, and service excellence, reflecting ASEAN’s continued commitment to raising industry standards and strengthening regional cooperation.This year’s awardees included Shroff Travel of the Philippines for Best ASEAN Travel Article, CSL Travel & Tours of Cambodia as Best ASEAN Tour Operator, and Sudamala Resorts of Indonesia for Best ASEAN Sustainability Program. The Philippines’ Enchanted Kingdom was recognised as Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction, while AirAsia MOVE of Malaysia received the award for Best ASEAN Marketing and Promotional Program. Malaysia also featured prominently among the winners, with Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa named Best ASEAN Hotel Package, and Borneo Nature Tours receiving honours for both Best ASEAN Hotel Cultural Eco-Lodge and Best ASEAN Cultural Preservation Effort Award. The SMX Convention Center in the Philippines was recognised as the Best ASEAN Convention Centre.Addressing the gathering, TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles commended the award recipients for their contributions to the regional tourism industry. She said the winners represented the very best of what ASEAN has to offer and set benchmarks for excellence, adding that strategic destination promotion guided by shared values and mutual trust has the power to uplift not only destinations, but also the communities that depend on tourism.TPB’s support for the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards underscores its mandate to promote the Philippines as a tourism destination, while further strengthening its partnership with ASEANTA in advancing sustainable and inclusive tourism growth across the ASEAN region. Source link