ELAN Media, Qatar’s leading advertising company, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its innovative Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) screens at select WOQOD petrol stations across Qatar in May 2024, following an exclusive partnership between ELAN Media and Qatar Fuel (WOQOD).

As part of the 10-year agreement, ELAN Media will spearhead the development and exclusive operation of Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) at five strategically located WOQOD petrol stations at Wholesale Market, New Musherib, Wadi Al Banat, Al Hilal, and at Old Slata.

The newly installed DOOH screens will integrate cutting-edge technology, including InMotion, an analytics platform that was developed by ELAN Media, Ooredoo and Kido Dynamics. This technology will provide advertisers with near-real-time insights into campaign performance.

ELAN Media will manage the DOOH assets from its digital advertising hub, ELAN Live, a cloud-based campaign management software, ensuring seamless and secure operations.

Commenting on the launch, Jaber Al Ansari, Group Chief Executive Officer at ELAN Group remarked: “We are thrilled to partner with Qatar Fuel (WOQOD) to bring our innovative digital advertising solutions to their petrol stations. The launch of our DOOH assets will deliver a blend of technology and creativity, as they are designed to engage consumers effectively and provide our clients with actionable data on their advertising campaigns, thanks to our partnerships with leading tech and telecom providers both in Qatar and globally.”

“The deployment of ELAN Media’s Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) is a game-changer for our advertising efforts,” stated Saad Rashid Al-Muhannadi Managing Director and CEO at Qatar Fuel (WOQOD). He continued: “This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to utilising innovative technologies to improve service and engagement at WOQOD Petrol Stations across Qatar. We also hope to provide data-driven advertising options for those looking to leverage the high footfall at our petrol stations.”

Harnessing ELAN Media’s industry-leading expertise and Qatar Fuel (WOQOD) extensive network, this collaboration is set to elevate audience engagement and advertising effectiveness.

Qatar is emerging as a significant player in the global esports scene, with the MENA region witnessing unprecedented growth and attention due to the investments made in its esports ecosystem. As countries across the region focus on attracting talent, hosting major tournaments, and fostering industry development, Qatar is ready to tackle esports head on, and become one of its main players.

With a tech-savvy population, particularly among the youth, Qatar boasts a vibrant online community deeply engaged in gaming and esports. This presents a unique opportunity for Qatar to establish itself as a prominent hub for esports in the region and beyond. 

In light of this potential for growth and innovation, Media City Qatar, in collaboration with SNRG, a leading esports company, is proud to announce the inaugural Media City Qatar Esports Forum. Scheduled to take place on May 19th, 2024 in Doha, Qatar, this landmark event aims to shape Qatar’s esports future and encourage further developments in the local esports ecosystem.

In keeping with its role as a catalyst for media excellence and entrepreneurship in the region, the inaugural Media City Qatar Esports Forum presented by SNRG will provide a platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and enthusiasts to convene, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities in the rapidly evolving world of esports – through panel discussions, keynote speeches, workshops, and networking sessions.

This forum represents a pivotal moment for Qatar’s esports scene, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s potential and chart a course for future growth and success. With the support of partners such as Visit Qatar and Qatar Esports Federation, the event aims to elevate Qatar’s position as a leading hub for esports in the MENA region.

“We are delighted to partner with SNRG for this new forum and help drive Qatar’s esports evolution. This is a key sector in the new media world and we are determined to support Qatar and the MENA region in their efforts to be at its leading edge,” – Thair Al Anani, Director of Business Development at Media City Qatar.

“The Qatar Esports Federation is proud to be a part of this forum, and to be leading the esports evolution in Qatar. We are dedicated to fostering growth and development in this sector, to propel Qatar into the global esports stage” – Ahmed Al Meghessib, Head of Sports Affairs Sector at Qatar Esports Federation.

“SNRG is proud to collaborate with Media City Qatar to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and shape the future of esports in Qatar and beyond. The forum will aim to unlock opportunities and enlighten its attendees about Qatar and its potential in esports.” – Ibrahim Samha, Co-Founder & CEO of SNRG.

Doha, Qatar, 12 September 2023 – Gulf cities usually experience a slowdown in activities during the summer season,however, Doha seemed to have bucked the trend this year. Delving into realms of data, Uber has identified and compiled the most frequented places in the city that appear to have captured the attention of both residents and visitors alike this summer. The report also offers a fascinating glimpse of how Doha is positioning itself as a year-round destination.

To kick things off, during the months of June to August 2023, there was an impressive jump of nearly 40% in the volume of journeys at Hamad International Airport, in contrast to the corresponding period in the year 2022.

Shopping malls continue to be the preferred destinations in Doha, registering the highest count of trips according to the report. Notably among them, the Place Vendôme, inaugurated last year, experienced a 60% surge in Uber app request traffic this summer. High-end luxury malls like the Al Hazm and Mall of Qatar experienced a rise of 14% and 20% respectively.

In addition to the convenience of air-conditioned shopping malls, the sea also provided a welcome escape from the heat in Doha. Al Maha Island in Lusail, marked a total of 23,241 trips this summer, reaching its peak in June 2023 with 9632 trips, courtesy of the Eid Al Adha holidays. Doha’s prominent coastline beaches that opened in late 2022 witnessed a remarkable surge in numbers, with an impressive total of 31,400 trips between June and August of 2023.

Among the freshly inaugurated or revamped venues, such as the Mina District at the Old Doha Port and the Hamad Ports Visitor Centrewere a bustling hub of activities during the summer period. Responding to the remarkable surge in visitors during the Eid Al Adha holidays in June, the Hamad Port Visitors Center subsequently announced it would be operational all 7 days of the week. A popular tourist destination during FIFA 2022, the Mina District, continued to captivate visitors throughout the summer of 2023, marking an impressive uptick of nearly 200% compared to trips requested in the previous summer.

“These statistics underscore how Doha is increasingly becoming a year-round destination for visitors globally,” said Norhen Ali, Head of MENA Communications at Uber. “The surge in trips to the airport, the vitality of shopping malls, the attraction of Al Maha Island, and the cultural treasures of the Mina District attest to Doha’s enthusiasm for exploration regardless of the season. At Uber, we are humbled to play a part in connecting residents and visitors to these vibrant corners, enabling them to forge memorable experiences that define a Doha summer,” she added.

Qatar, a sovereign state on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, experiences a dry, subtropical desert climate with hot and humid summers and low annual rainfall. The weather can be categorized into two main seasons: hot (May to October) and cool (December to February), with March, April, and November as transitional months.

The best time to visit Qatar is during the cool period from December to February when temperatures are mild, ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 25°C (77°F). January is the coolest month with temperatures between 14°C (57°F) and 22°C (72°F). November and March are also pleasant with warmer temperatures. However, keep in mind that rainfall, though rare, can occur during this period in heavy cloudbursts and thunderstorms.

On the other hand, the hot period from May to October should be avoided due to intense heat, especially in July, where temperatures can reach as high as 50°C (122°F). After October, the weather starts to cool down gradually.

Qatar has little regional weather variation, but coastal areas may be slightly cooler than inland. Doha, the capital, being highly urbanized, may feel slightly hotter. Dressing in lightweight cotton and linen is recommended throughout the year, and a cardigan or jacket might be useful during cooler evenings. Women visitors don’t need to wear a hijab or abaya but should opt for loose-fitting cotton dresses that cover their shoulders and knees. Men should also dress modestly, and beachwear is acceptable only at hotel pools, not in public places.