Space & Sovereign Intelligence: Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) joined a €1bn Series F round for Finnish space intelligence firm ICEYE, backing plans to scale satellite production to 100 by 2028 as demand grows across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Digital Twin & Infrastructure Tech: Ashghal highlighted how BIM and GIS are being used to advance Qatar’s National Digital Twin under Project Qatar 2026. Media, Research & Training: Qatar Press Center signed a cooperation agreement with Qatar University to strengthen media, scientific research, education, and professional development. Connectivity for SMEs: Vodafone Qatar launched Business WiFi Pro, a managed WiFi service with central portal management and security features for small and medium businesses. AI & Student Innovation: UDST and Vodafone Qatar honoured winners of the Infrastructure Intelligence Hackathon focused on smart energy and telecom systems using AI and 5G. Energy Security Watch: Asia’s LNG disruption linked to damage at Qatar’s Ras Laffan is pushing utilities toward coal, with Rystad estimating major coal demand increases in 2026. Autonomous Driving Progress: QCraft showcased urban NOA on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride platforms, targeting global mass production in 2026. Water Security: ACCIONA said it supplies close to half of Qatar’s consumed freshwater via RAF3 and Umm Al Houl desalination plants, underscoring resilience as GCC water needs rise. Governance & Rights: HRW and Amnesty reported GCC governments tightening restrictions on expression and assembly, with migrant workers facing heightened surveillance and fear.