IslamOnline began in 1997 as a student project at the University of Qatar with cash from Sheikha Mozah, an enterprising wife of Qatar's emir, and with an endorsement from the prominent and sometimes controversial Egyptian-born scholar, Yusuf al-Qaradawi.

ECONOMIST: Islam on the web

And earlier this month, Airbus, in association with Shell, Rolls Royce and Qatar Airways, began a research project to test 'Gas to Liquid' (GTL) technologies that convert lower-emission natural gas and other synthetic fuels into liquid kerosene.

CNN: Flight of biofuel fancy?

And, Qatar-based businessman Hesham Ismail AbdulRahman Al Emadi is leading an ambitious project to create a global network of " Energy Cities" to house the oil and gas industry.

CNN: Doha - round table highlights