Doha, Qatar: On the second day of the highly anticipated Kids Expo 2025 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), Dar Al Sharq Group hosted the accompanying conference aimed at creating practical initiatives and solutions to serve children and address their needs.

The event, which is being held from November 4 to 8, brought together experts, educators, government officials, and families to discuss pressing issues that affect children today, while offering guidance on education, health, technology, and social development.

In his opening remarks, the CEO of Dar Al Sharq Group and Chairman of the Organising Committee of Kids Expo Abdul Latif Abdullah Al Mahmoud expressed his delight at welcoming attendees and emphasized the group's commitment to its societal mission.

CEO of Dar Al Sharq Group Abdul Latif Abdullah Al Mahmoud speaking at the conference held yesterday at DECC. Pic: Amr Diab/The Peninsula.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you to the conference accompanying Kids Expo 2025, organized by Dar Al Sharq Group, in line with our media and social mission,” he said.“We are committed to being an active partner in supporting issues that touch our society today and shape the future, particularly in what is most precious to us: our children.”

He highlighted Dar Al Sharq's long-standing dedication to developmental and humanitarian causes, noting that supporting children has always been a core priority.“Since our foundation, we have believed in the importance of spotlighting developmental and humanitarian issues through our media platforms and subsidiaries. Last year's inaugural Kids Expo carried the motto 'Our Children Are the Greatest Trust,' and we continue to carry this responsibility this year and for the years to come,” he said.

The conference provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration between experts and decision-makers, aiming to formulate practical initiatives and solutions that meet children's needs. Key topics included challenges related to parenting, technology, emotional well-being, and social development.

Among the pressing questions addressed were: Should children be advised to hit back when bullied, or does such guidance reflect broader issues of violent parenting? When can parents safely give their children mobile phones, and how can they protect them from negative online influences?

How should parents respond when a child initially suspected of having autism is instead found to have exceptional intelligence, especially in cases of social withdrawal? How can children benefit from technological advances-from calculators and electronic games to artificial intelligence-while being shielded from harmful content and encouraged to pursue educational development online?

The CEO emphasised that answers would not only be scientific, social, and medical but would also incorporate personal experiences.“We will share real-life examples that have proven effective in helping children adapt at home, in school, and in society. These experiences reinforce practical strategies and interventions,” he said.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education H E Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, CEO of Dar Al Sharq Group and Chairman of the Organising Committee of Kids Expo Abdul Latif Abdullah Al Mahmoud and Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah with other officials during the conference.

In closing, the CEO of Dar Al Sharq thanked attendees and emphasised the event's long-term goals.“We look forward to seeing this conference inspire future programs, projects, and initiatives that leave a positive impact on children's lives. Together, we can build a generation that is empowered, confident, and socially responsible,” he said.

Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the conference, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education H H Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi said,“Children visiting the expo are exposed to issues they might not encounter in school or at home. Through interaction with various entities-including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and other activities-students gain space for thinking, practicing, and experiencing real-world applications. Exhibitions like this are essential.”

He also highlighted the value of Dar Al Sharq's initiatives:“The conference today is educational and beneficial for parents and children alike. It blends cultural, educational, and innovative experiences, allowing children to step beyond the school environment and engage in meaningful activities that enhance their learning and creativity. These initiatives must be encouraged and expanded.”

The Ministry of Interior, a strategic sponsor of the event, reaffirmed its commitment to child welfare and community safety.

Speaking at the event, Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Muftah, stated,“We hope this event will enhance sports, security awareness, and social responsibility in Qatar.”

Al-Muftah noted that the Ministry has always prioritised family as a cornerstone of social stability.“Our participation supports awareness programs aimed at protecting children and families, especially in the context of rapid technological developments. These programs foster ethical behaviour, social responsibility, and personal development,” he said.

He detailed the contributions of various government departments participating in the expo: The Civil Defence engages children in safety and fire-prevention activities; the Police Academy and Juvenile Affairs focus on ethical development and community engagement; the Traffic Department raises awareness about road safety; and the Economic and Cybercrime departments promote safe internet practices.

“These activities align with the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Interior and Qatar's National Vision 2030, nurturing responsible and informed future generations,” he added.

MENAFN06112025000063011010ID1110303387