The Ministry of Labour, represented by the Department of Qualification Skills Development of the National Workforce Affairs in the Private Sector, has signed a co-operation document with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DIGS) to develop job qualification programmes for nationals seeking employment in the private sector and to enhance the skills of job seekers with secondary school diplomas.The document was signed by Shaikha Abdulrahman al-Badi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for National Workforce Affairs in the Private Sector, and Eman Abdullah al-Sulaiti, Executive Director of the Administrative and Financial Division at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.The document aligns with the ministry's goal of empowering citizens, making them competitive in the job market, and supporting the development process in line with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.Sheikha al-Badi said that the document aims to prepare and train job seekers registered in the 'Kawader' platform for employment in private companies through training programs provided by experts from the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DIGS).She emphasised that the Ministry of Labour, through the National Workforce Affairs Department, is working closely with private sector companies to develop a skilled Qatari workforce aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to enhance national workforce participation in the private sector.Eman al-Sulaiti said that the signing of this co-operation document comes as a qualitative step that reflects their joint commitment to supporting the national workforce and developing its capabilities in line with the needs of the private sector. (QNA)###She noted that this partnership aims to implement innovative training and qualification programmes provided by the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, represented by the Excellence Center for Training and Consulting, in cooperation with the Department of Qualification Skills Development at the Ministry of Labour, to enhance the quality of job performance in line with the requirements of the local and international market.The agreement stipulates that the Ministry of Labour and the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies will collaborate to develop and plan training programs for Qatari nationals and the children of Qatari women and to conduct training programs set up by the Excellence Centre for the public. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour's Qualification Department will benefit from sharing expertise and knowledge in training, as some private sector employees will take part in job qualification and training initiatives. (QNA)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has affirmed that establishing diplomatic relations with Israel is contingent on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, said in a speech before the Shura Council on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that the Palestinian issue is at the forefront of the Kingdom's concerns, and we renew the Kingdom's rejection and strong condemnation of the crimes of the Israeli occupation authority against the Palestinian people, ignoring international and humanitarian law in a new and bitter chapter of suffering.The Saudi Crown Prince appreciated the position of the countries that recognized the Palestinian state as an embodiment of international legitimacy, calling on the rest of the countries to take similar steps.He pointed out that the Kingdom is keen to cooperate with all active countries in the international community, certain that what protects humanity and preserves its civilizational values is the joint pursuit of a better future based on fruitful cooperation between countries and peoples, respecting the independence and values of countries, adopting the principle of good neighborliness, non-interference in their internal affairs, and avoiding resorting to force in resolving disputes.He noted that the Kingdom seeks to enhance regional and international security and peace, by making efforts to reach political solutions to crises in Yemen, Sudan, Libya and others, as well as supporting solutions to international crises such as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.The Saudi Crown Prince added that the Kingdom has achieved many essential achievements during the recent stage, and from the models of these non-oil activities in the Kingdom, it recorded its highest contribution to the real GDP at (50%) last year, which enhances the sustainability and comprehensiveness of growth and achieves high quality in economic diversification, and the Public Investment Fund continues its role in achieving its goals to be a driving force for investment, and unemployment among citizens, both male and female, recorded its lowest historical level in the first quarter of 2024 AD, reaching (7.6%), after its rate was (12.8%) in 2017 AD.He added that the percentage of home ownership for citizens increased from (47%) in 2016 to more than (63%), and in the field of tourism, the achievements preceded the target date, as the national tourism strategy launched in 2019 set a target of (one hundred) million tourists in 2030, and this target was exceeded and reached (one hundred and nine) million tourists in 2023, and the Kingdom achieved the sixteenth rank among the most competitive countries, and with the exploration of natural resources, the Kingdom becomes one of the largest natural resource stores in the world, and your country has also achieved an advanced position in the field of renewable energy, and has become one of the most active regionally and internationally.

Approaching a decade since Barcelona last won the Champions League, the Catalan giants face Monaco in this season’s European opener today aiming to make a statement. The club are desperate to battle their way back into the European elite after years in the wilderness and after a strong start under new coach Hansi Flick, their hopes are rising.There were some signs they were on the right track in Europe last season when they reached the quarter-finals for the first time in four years. After a 3-2 win at Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg they collapsed at home after Ronald Araujo was sent off in the first half with Barca leading by a goal.PSG netted three times to oust Xavi Hernandez’s side 6-4 on aggregate and the coach was sacked at the end of a disappointing trophyless season. Flick’s Barcelona have five wins from five in La Liga and have Spain’s teenage Euro 2024 star Lamine Yamal playing a decisive role in their attack. The winger has developed at an alarming rate since making his Barcelona debut aged just 15 in April 2023.Now 17, Yamal struck twice as Barcelona thrashed Girona 4-1 in the league on Sunday, avenging two heavy defeats by their fellow Catalans last season and demonstrating the team’s early progress. “Lamine is a difference-maker... for me, he is already one of the best players in the world at 17 years of age,” said admiring Girona coach Michel Sanchez. “It is difficult to imagine that after (Lionel) Messi another one would come along, but I hope that Lamine keeps improving because he’s a player than can reach that level.”Even though comparisons to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, Barcelona’s best ever player, pile pressure on Yamal, they keep flooding in. Yamal’s emergence is yet another feather in the cap of the club’s feted La Masia youth academy and as shown on the way to glory with Spain in Germany this summer, he can make the difference for his team in any match.The winger already has three goals and four assists this season, well on the way of matching his tally of 12 goal contributions last term. Barcelona are still stricken by economic difficulties, signing only Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig this summer and struggling for a few weeks to register him with La Liga, but they have an immediate superstar in Yamal.Pau Cubarsi, also 17, is another from La Masia playing at a high level, along with other homegrown squad members like Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado and Gavi, who is on the comeback trail after a long-term injury. The emergence of these players can help Barca battle with the continent’s best on a more even footing despite their financial handcuffs. Barca welcome Bayern Munich to their temporary Olympic Stadium home and travel to face last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund in the pick of their group stage fixtures.