Qatar Education & Quality: UDST achieved institution-wide ISO 9001:2015 certification, following a Bureau Veritas audit, as the university says it will strengthen quality across higher education, applied research, training and support services. Qatar Community & Waqf: Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf outlined a 2025–2030 strategy focused on modernising religious services and expanding outreach, including a residential endowment project worth about QR800m to fund community programmes. Qatar Tech & Infrastructure: Nemetschek completed its HCSS acquisition, aiming to accelerate construction digital transformation across the GCC with software for the full infrastructure lifecycle. World Cup Tech & Data: FIFA’s Trionda ball sensors and VAR “connected ball” tech led to multiple disallowed goals, including a Croatia vs Portugal controversy tied to offside decisions based on ball-contact data. AI & Chips: Kioxia and Sandisk started production of 10th-generation 3D flash memory at Japan’s Kitakami plant, scaling output with AI-enabled manufacturing efficiencies. Crypto Meets Sport: Kraken became FIFA World Cup 2026’s first official crypto exchange partner, betting on fan engagement and onboarding as regulators tighten compliance. Middle East Tech-Impact: US–Iran indirect talks in Doha ended without major breakthroughs, while Iran warned oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz to use approved routes—raising uncertainty for regional shipping and energy-linked tech supply chains.