The Care Quality Commission's State of Care report for 2022/23 indicates a maternity system in crisis, with almost half of all maternity services inspected in 2023 rated as needing improvement or inadequate. Staffing shortages, toxic workplaces, leadership issues, safety concerns, and systemic racism are identified as key themes. The report emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of women and birthing people to make informed decisions about their maternity care, as guaranteed by the Human Rights Act 1998. It also highlights the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on services and the need for Trusts to invest in staff retention and reflect the population they serve. Concerns about the lack of translation services and the need for rights-based, person-centred care are also raised.

Elizabeth Prochaska, co-founder and chair of Birthrights, is stepping down after a decade of leadership. Under her guidance, the charity has influenced NHS Trust policies, published significant research on maternity care disparities, and supported numerous women through rights-based resources. Joint Chief Executives Shanthi Gunesekera and Janaki Mahadevan commend her vision and impact. Prochaska will focus on writing her upcoming book, while Birthrights continues its mission to champion maternity rights and justice.

The Qatar National Library (QNL) is integral to Qatar's transition to a knowledge-based economy, housing a vast collection of regional cultural and historical information and advanced digitization technology. The library, designed by Rem Koolhaas and opened in 2018, features the Heritage Library with significant documents like the first printed map mentioning Qatar and early references to Napoleon's Egyptian expedition. QNL's digitization services have processed over 14 million pages, focusing on Arabic content accessibility. The library's Preservation and Conservation Regional Center (PAC) provides training and technical assistance in preserving Arabic and Islamic manuscripts and combats the trafficking of historical records. QNL also collaborates with the British Library and utilizes modern technology to preserve and protect documentary heritage.

Qatar's National Library (QNL) is a modern institution focused on cultural heritage, education, and digitalization. It supports Qatar's strategy to transition from an oil-based to a knowledge-based economy by 2030. The library, designed by Rem Koolhaas, serves as a national, university, and central municipal library, offering extensive resources and innovative spaces. It has partnered with the British Library to digitize historical collections and works to preserve and protect manuscripts and books. The library also combats the smuggling of historical documents, collaborating with international organizations like Interpol.

The Qatar National Library (QNL) is a pivotal institution in Qatar's strategy to transition from a petroleum-based economy to a knowledge-based one. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the library opened in 2018 and serves as a regional center for expertise in restoration and the fight against the trafficking of stolen documents. The library features a Heritage Library with historical maps, manuscripts, and photographs, and is heavily involved in digitizing its collection to make it accessible worldwide. The QNL also collaborates with international institutions like the British Library and Interpol to preserve and protect cultural heritage. The library's modern facilities include study spaces, innovation stations, and sensory rooms, aiming to foster community engagement and lifelong learning.

Qatar, historically cautious about performing arts, embraced a vibrant dance and performance scene during the 2022 World Cup. The Festival in Motion, initiated by Sheikha Al Mayassa, featured performances in iconic Qatari locations, co-curated by Nico Muhly and Benjamin Millepied. The World Cup saw live entertainment from artists like the Black Eyed Peas and installations like Arcadia's fire-breathing spider. The Monsoon Wedding musical adaptation and The Fisherman’s Dream acrobatic show highlighted Qatar's cultural offerings. Fiorella Otero's Brava Studio is impacting the local dance community, offering classes and aerial arts, challenging misconceptions around dance and religion. The article showcases Qatar's efforts to integrate performing arts into its cultural landscape, creating lasting memories for both tourists and locals.

Qatar is leveraging the FIFA World Cup to enhance its cultural profile with new museums and exhibitions under the 'Qatar Creates' initiative. The Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art is showcasing contemporary exhibitions, including Palestinian artist Taysir Batniji's 'No Condition is Permanent' and Qatari-American artist Sophia Al-Maria's 'Invisible Labors, Daydream Therapy'. The 'One Tiger or Another' exhibition combines historical artefacts with contemporary art, part of the Rubaiyat Qatar initiative. The Majaz gallery highlights local and regional artists, while traditional Indian and Pakistani truck art is also featured. The forthcoming Lusail Museum's 'Tales of a Connected World' exhibition previews its vision with over 200 artefacts. The Art Mill museum, still under development, is previewed at Al Najada Heritage House and Qatar’s Old Flour Mills. The Museum of Islamic Art has relaunched with an expanded vision to connect Islamic history strands and provide context for its galleries.

Qatar, the smallest nation to host a World Cup, has enlisted 20,000 volunteers from 160 nationalities to support the event. These volunteers, ranging in age from 18 to 77, will work in various roles across hotels, hospitals, airports, and stadiums. The rigorous selection process included trials, interviews, and training. Volunteers emphasize passion, enthusiasm, and the opportunity to learn from diverse cultures. Local businesses and cultural initiatives are also gearing up to contribute to the World Cup experience, showcasing Qatari heritage and providing unique experiences for visitors.

The Qatar World Cup is set to welcome over a million visitors, with cultural attractions like the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and numerous public art installations enhancing the experience. The museum features a new 'World of Football' exhibition, chronicling the history and global appeal of football, as well as Qatar's journey to hosting the World Cup. Public art, including sculptures at stadiums and throughout the city, aims to inspire and engage visitors, reflecting Qatar's commitment to making art accessible and fostering cultural dialogue.

Qatar is experiencing a surge in entrepreneurial activity as it prepares for the influx of 1.5 million football fans for the World Cup. Innovative businesses like AND Experience, a virtual food hall, and Enbat Holdings, a vegan business empire, are capitalizing on this opportunity. The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy's Challenge 22 initiative has fostered projects like SunPave's solar paving stones and ViaVii's tourist app, aiming to enhance visitor experiences. These ventures reflect a broader trend of local innovation and adaptation, with hopes of sustaining their success beyond the World Cup.