The Ministry of Municipality has thrown open the gates to three new parks in Al Wakrah and Al Wukair, adding fresh green lungs to the two municipalities and giving residents new spaces to walk, play and unwind close to home.The parks, Al Mashmoum and Al Khuzama in Al Wakrah, and Al Arak in Al Wukair, were developed by the Ministry's Public Parks Department in coordination with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), built to international standards and designed to serve the community for years to come. **media[483939]**The projects support the Ministry of Municipality's 2024-2030 strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly their goals of expanding green spaces, improving quality of life and building sustainable, healthy environments for citizens and residents alike.The opening was attended by Mohamed bin Ali al-Athba, chairman of the Central Municipal Council; Abdullah Ahmed al-Karani, assistant undersecretary for public services affairs at the Ministry of Municipality, alongside a number of senior ministry officials and representatives of Ashghal. **media[483938]**The three parks take their names, Al Mashmoum, Al Khuzama and Al Arak, from the local environment, a deliberate choice that reflects efforts to strengthen national identity, celebrate the country's environmental and cultural heritage, and preserve local names in public facilities for generations to come. **media[483937]**Al-Karani said the openings form part of the ministry's continued drive to improve public services and facilities and expand the development of parks and recreational areas that provide healthy and sustainable environments for all segments of society.He noted that the parks were designed around residents' needs, blending green spaces with recreational, sports and leisure facilities intended to encourage outdoor physical activity and healthier lifestyles.The projects also reflect the ministry's focus on spreading green and recreational facilities across different areas, bringing parks and their amenities closer to residents' doorsteps, he added. **media[483936]**Mohamed Ibrahim al-Sada, director of the Public Parks Department at the Ministry of Municipality, said the three projects are community neighbourhood parks designed to offer a range of services, including sports facilities, walking and running tracks, children's play areas and restrooms.Al Mashmoum Park covers a total area of 4,394 square metres, including 2,396 square metres of agricultural and planted areas and 68 trees. The park also features 927 square metres of pedestrian walkways and a 204-metre running track, encouraging visitors to stay active. A 232-square-metre children's play area and a 45-square-metre outdoor fitness area round out the offering, along with restrooms and seating distributed throughout the park. **media[483935]**Al Khuzama Park spans 3,284 square metres, including 1,376 square metres of green spaces with 59 trees. The park has 900 square metres of pedestrian walkways and a 178-metre running track, in addition to a 276-square-metre children's play area. Its 32-square-metre fitness area is equipped with modern exercise equipment, while restrooms and seating cater to visitors seeking relaxation and recreation.Al Arak Park covers 3,936 square metres, with 2,126 square metres of green spaces containing 56 trees. It includes 844 square metres of pedestrian walkways and a 164-metre running track, alongside a 222-square-metre children's play area. The park also features a 46-square-metre outdoor fitness area equipped with modern exercise equipment, as well as restrooms and seating areas for visitors. **media[483932]**

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), in collaboration with ExxonMobil Qatar, has launched the ExxonMobil STEAM Festival, open from 27 August to 28 November.The festival will take place at NMOQ's Temporary Exhibitions Gallery 2 and presents a new approach to learning by connecting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through Qatar's rich heritage. Spanning multiple museum spaces, the initiative combines hands-on experimentation, interactive workshops, and scientific-based activities designed to link modern enquiry with the nation's culture, environment, and history.CEO of Qatar Museums Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi said: "The festival brings a fresh approach to how we use museum spaces for learning and discovery, creating opportunities for young audiences to learn, experiment and develop new skills. We are pleased to continue our partnership with ExxonMobil Qatar and to give young audiences new ways to learn within the museum."HE Director of the National Museum of Qatar Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani said: "At NMoQ, STEAM learning begins with the stories, knowledge, and environments that have shaped Qatar for generations. At the ExxonMobil STEAM Festival, we invite children and families to learn about the work being done to restore Qatar’s natural heritage and uncover the science and ingenuity behind the rich maritime heritage of the Arab world. By connecting past knowledge with future possibilities, we hope to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and engaged citizens.""We believe education is one of the most important investments we can make, and initiatives like this advance children’s and families' learning through exploration while connecting with the heritage and traditions that shape Qatar’s identity," said Vice President and Manager of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar Rashid Al Hajri. "By supporting STEM education and community engagement, we are proud to contribute to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030."A primary anchor of the festival is The STEAM Lab, featuring zones customised for different age groups. Highlights include the DADU Light Atelier for young children, the ExxonMobil Research Qatar x DADU - Mangroves Lab centred on marine biology activities, and the NMoQ Roots of Routes zone, where visitors will be building traditional tools like the kamal (a traditional celestial navigation device) and dhow boats.The STEAM Festival extends across the National Museum of Qatar, with programmes taking place at the museum's Digital and AI Centre, and Library. Activities will include Evolution of Navigation workshops, a Teen Tech Takeover focused on creating augmented reality filters, a Silk Road board game, and storytelling sessions introducing younger audiences to navigation and traditional boats, and STEAM Storytelling Sessions.In addition to family activities, the festival will host Café Scientifique: Careers in STEAM, connecting young adults aged 16 and above with industry experts to consider about professional pathways across multidisciplinary fields.

Qatar Islamic Insurance Group has obtained a license to open a branch in India to conduct reinsurance business.In a statement posted on Qatar Stock Exchange Wednesday, the Group announced that it had obtained a license from the authorities of the International Financial Services Center in Gift City in Gujarat to open a branch in India to conduct reinsurance business.