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The United Nations on Wednesday launched a new global initiative focused on youth mental health on the margins of the Second World Summit for Social  Development held in Doha.The initiative intends to bolster the cognitive and psychological well‑being of young people, enabling them to confront the mounting challenges in a world characterised by uncertainty and rapid development.Briefing the media about the salient features of the initiative, Felipe Paullier, assistant secretary-general for Youth Affairs at the United Nations Youth Office said the initiative was launched at the summit as it was linked with social development.“It is just the start of something very big. We believe that when we are talking about mental health, well-being, it is really about social development and it is really about the societies we are shaping. And this summit is really about renewing hope, rebuilding trust, and that starts by building communities that embed care, connection, and compassion in our social fabric,” said Paullier. He was accompanied at the press conference by Tanatswa Chikaura, young leader for the SDGs and mental health advocate and founder of Ndinewe Foundation.Paullier noted that young people are not only demanding better mental health support and care, they are demanding transforming the systems and inclusion.“For too long, mental health has been understood primarily as a medical issue. But for young people, the absence of illness does not mean that they are well. Well-being is about much more than a treatment. It's about dignity, it's about belonging, and it's about living with purpose and connection,” he elaborated.He highlighted that true progress requires to shift from narrow focuses on treating symptoms to building systems that nurture inclusion, creativity, and care in the schools, at the workplaces, in the communities, and in the digital space.“And this is even more important at this time of history, where young people are navigating a time of profound uncertainty, living within economic instability, within conflict, within raising inequalities, climate anxiety, and a digital culture that often amplifies isolation instead of connection,” he continued.Paullier said that WHO atlas on mental health shows that one in seven young people live with a mental health condition and suicide remains as one of the leading causes of death among young people. “And the trends are not positive. But if we go beyond the numbers, there are lived realities of millions of young people whose potential to thrive is being stiffed by systems that fail to support this well-being,” he highlighted.The official noted that the new initiative is about taking a different approach, and building that at a global level from an advocacy effort.He highlighted:“ It is about taking an ecosystemic approach to mental health and well-being, grounding it in the realities of young people, and proposing a model which is inclusive, holistic, youthful, and youth responsive. The initiative is grounded in three simple but powerful principles. The first one, mental health is a human right. The second one, there is no future without well-being. The third principle is that care, connection, and community are the real building blocks of the future of our societies.” Chikaura hoped that with the UN Youth Office's flagship initiative on mental health and wellbeing, there could be empathy-led communities that prioritise inclusion, and resilience.“We should not act because people have died by suicide. We should act to prevent people from dying by suicide. I have hope for the future of youth mental health, and I invite everyone to be a part of the solution. Let us make a collective effort to create safe spaces in our communities,” she concluded.

Highlighting that education is the core pillar for development, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, United Nations Advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Founder of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) noted Tuesday that there can be no development amidst discrimination, no stability with marginalisation, no prosperity amid exclusion.She was delivering the keynote address at the high-level session on 'Education as the Foundation of the New Social Contract for Social justice and Development' at the Second World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD2) being held at Qatar National Convention Centre.**media[377721]**Her Highness noted that the world must never accept the reality that there are 272mn out-of-school children, according to 2023 Unesco figures.She explained: “The grim figures and statistics carry with them a distressing message, one that appeals to the conscience of humanity. They call for our immediate mobilisation to transform policies and mandates into actions and achievements. Social development is not a fixed matrix, nor is it a set of hollow rhetoric, or a publicity stunt, or a façade masking veiled truths. Rather, it is the story of an individual who uplifts their community when given a fair chance, and who achieves the extraordinary when granted a genuine opportunity to innovate.**media[377720]**“Education is the core pillar for development; there can be no development without knowledge and no renaissance without an enlightened mind. Education is not a luxury, nor a privilege, nor a favour to be granted. It is a right, a responsibility, and a tool to liberate the mind, build human capacity, safeguard our values and generate ideas to reshape our world. To achieve a real sustainable development as we envision it, education must be recognised as equal in importance to development itself, advancing together on the same track.”The founder of EAA Foundation said that much is said about development, but people often refrain from closely examining its true essence.**media[377717]**“Its most prominent pillar is human beings themselves, who make up the heart of social development and its ultimate purpose. If we consider human beings our most valuable assets, then education remains the most enduring form of capital investment. They are the spring from which the streams of progress flow and the foundation upon which the pillars of sustainable development are erected,” Her Highness highlighted.She said that success in achieving sustainable development is not only reserved for those with more abundant resources, but for those who possess the wisdom to invest and manage it effectively.“This is the vision that drove us in Qatar to establish a path of development that places young people in their rightful role as shapers of the future, as learners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and citizens engaged in decision-making. This inspiring vision has led to remarkable achievements by Qatar: successfully utilising natural resources, empowering human capital, and generating meaningful job opportunities that replace traditional job duplication. With a deep-rooted belief that the Sustainable Development Goals are interconnected, Qatar has exerted every effort to instill the foundations of peace and the pillars of diplomacy as the cornerstones of its social development goals,” stressed the QF Chairperson.**media[377718]**She noted that education is the sum of all sectors saying: “There can be no economy, politics, healthcare, culture or even a sustainable ecosystem without education. And if we fail to advance education with innovative sustainable solutions that align with the accelerating technological advancements of our world, then no development project, be it economic, cultural, or social, will succeed, and we will remain trapped in the cycle of failure, regression, and powerlessness, and we will lose our footing in the landscape of development. To the extent that we invest in education, we can better shape a future for humanity.”“This is an ongoing effort that enables the individual to demand from their nations what is unattainable elsewhere: a sense of contentment in belonging and the legitimacy to dream: To dream of a future with unlimited potential, one that encompasses the breadth of the human condition, everything from the primordial cave to the mysterious frontiers of space, from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Let us dream of a more luminous dream—a shared all-encompassing dream: the dream of development,” Sheikha Moza.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered another keynote address at the session, highlighting that education is the foundation of a renewed social policy, anchored in human rights, social justice, and inclusion.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has stressed the need for targeted actions by governments world over to help over 400mn people to escape poverty in its latest report published ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WWSD2) 2025 being held in Doha.At press conference during the WWSD2 today, Haoliang Xu, UNDP acting administrator said that rethinking traditional poverty measures by defining 'prosperity floors' can help vulnerable communities cope with shocks without falling back into poverty.As many as 411mn people worldwide could move from poverty to basic security by 2030 if governments adopt context-specific ‘prosperity floors’ and focus on job-intensive growth, adaptive social protection systems and policies that increase wagesXu said : “Crossing a $3-a-day threshold is not enough if families are still one emergency—one illness, job loss, or climate crisis—away from being unable to afford housing, food, and essential services. Our report demonstrates that, by 2030, 411mn people could move from poverty to basic security—if governments act together, and act now.”The report, titled Poverty-to-Prosperity Transitions highlights strategies to ensure not just poverty reduction but sustained prosperity for low-to-middle income households across the globe. According to the report, established poverty measurements identify people who cannot meet minimum needs.By contrast, a ‘prosperity floor’ identifies the minimum needs for people not only to subsist, but also to be able to withstand unexpected shocks such as a natural disaster or economic downturn.The report also points out that the new benchmark will not only track progress in escaping poverty but also help safeguard against future setbacks, ensuring people remain secure and resilient in the face of unexpected emergencies.UNDP analysis across 126 developing countries finds that more than one-third of people in developing countries live below their prosperity floor. This means these individuals remain vulnerable, with a single crisis threatening to push them back into poverty.The report cautions that relying solely on traditional poverty alleviation policies, such as cash transfers and cash-for-work programmes, will not sustain progress. Instead, UNDP urges governments to adopt a system-wide strategy that fosters job inclusive growth, adaptable social protection, and fairer income distribution to leave no one behind.Across every region, progress on poverty reduction has slowed, and disparities have deepened. While the share of people living in extreme income poverty has fallen globally, nearly 1.1bn people still experience acute multidimensional poverty, lacking access to education, health, and decent living standards.Two-thirds of the world’s population live in countries where income inequality has increased over the past decade. Poverty is increasingly concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected settings, and the effects of climate change and demographic pressures are compounding these vulnerabilities.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the warring factions in Sudan for immediate end of the conflict and expressed his deep concern about the continued violations of the ceasefire in Gaza.Speaking at a press conference at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WWSD2) 2025 today, Guterres said that the horrifying crisis in Sudan is spiralling out of control as for over 18 months, El Fasher and the surrounding areas in North Darfur have been an epicentre of suffering, hunger, violence and displacement.He said: “I once again call for an immediate end to this unimaginable violence. I call for the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all civilians in need. Since the Rapid Support Forces entered El Fasher last weekend, the situation is growing worse by the day. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped by this siege. People are dying of malnutrition, disease and violence.”“I call for the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all civilians in need. I call for an end to the flow of weapons and fighters into Sudan — which is making a desperate situation even worse,’ Guterres appealed.“We need an immediate cessation of hostilities. I call on both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to work with my Personal Envoy for the Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, towards a negotiated settlement. Come to the negotiating table. Bring an end to this nightmare of violence — now. It is time for peace,” he stressed.The secretary general continued that he was deeply concerned about the continued violations of the ceasefire in Gaza.“They must stop and all parties must abide by the decisions of the first phase of the peace agreement. And let’s not forget the need to establish a credible political path towards ending the occupation, realising the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and leading to a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security," he said.He also highlighted that Qatar has long been a committed friend and partner of the United Nations and generous supporter of humanitarian relief around the world.Guterres remarked: “An advocate of education — including for girls in Afghanistan, where Qatar is providing financial aid and technical support to keep girls learning while also hosting the multilateral Doha Process to support the international community’s engagement with Afghanistan. And a peacemaker in the Middle East and globally — including as a permanent mediator in the Gaza conflict and in brokering a peace agreement between the government of the DRC and the M23 armed group,”He also noted that as the host of the Second World Summit for Social Development, Qatar is once again playing a decisive global role as the summit represents a renewed commitment to place people, dignity, and social justice at the heart of sustainable development.Guterres said that the Doha Declaration emerging from the Summit is a clear and bold commitment by the global community to speed up the progress.“The Doha Declaration represents a people’s plan. Today, I am calling for action in four key areas to bring this people’s plan to life: Accelerating our fight against poverty and inequality; Bringing a laser focus to job-creation and employment; Supercharging global efforts to finance development and A people’s plan must include all people, leaving no one behind” he added.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has stressed the need for targeted actions by governments world over to help over 400mn people to escape poverty in its latest report published ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development ( WWSD) 2025 being held in Doha.At press conference during the WWSD today, Haoliang Xu, UNDP acting administrator said that rethinking traditional poverty measures by defining 'prosperity floors' can help vulnerable communities cope with shocks without falling back into poverty. 411mn people worldwide could move from poverty to basic security by 2030 if governments adopt context-specific ‘prosperity floors’ and focus on job-intensive growth, adaptive social protection systems and policies that increase wagesXi said : “Crossing a $3-a-day threshold is not enough if families are still one emergency—one illness, job loss, or climate crisis—away from being unable to afford housing, food, and essential services. Our report demonstrates that, by 2030, 411mn people could move from poverty to basic security—if governments act together, and act now.”The report, titled Poverty-to-Prosperity Transitions highlights strategies to ensure not just poverty reduction but sustained prosperity for low-to-middle income households across the globe. According to the report, established poverty measurements identify people who cannot meet minimum needs. By contrast, a ‘prosperity floor’ identifies the minimum needs for people not only to subsist, but also to be able to withstand unexpected shocks such as a natural disaster or economic downturn.The report also points out that the new benchmark will not only track progress in escaping poverty but also help safeguard against future setbacks, ensuring people remain secure and resilient in the face of unexpected emergencies.UNDP analysis across 126 developing countries finds that more than one-third of people in developing countries live below their prosperity floor. This means these individuals remain vulnerable, with a single crisis threatening to push them back into poverty.The report cautions that relying solely on traditional poverty alleviation policies, such as cash transfers and cash-for-work programmes, will not sustain progress. Instead, UNDP urges governments to adopt a system-wide strategy that fosters job inclusive growth, adaptable social protection, and fairer income distribution to leave no one behind.Across every region, progress on poverty reduction has slowed, and disparities have deepened. While the share of people living in extreme income poverty has fallen globally, nearly 1.1bn people still experience acute multidimensional poverty, lacking access to education, health, and decent living standards.Two-thirds of the world’s population live in countries where income inequality has increased over the past decade. Poverty is increasingly concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected settings, and the effects of climate change and demographic pressures are compounding these vulnerabilities.

A large number of residents and citizens gathered at the second edition of the global event 'Relay for Life 2025' organised by Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) Friday at the Aspire Indoor Track.QCS officials and several prominent community leaders led the event in which hundreds took part to honour cancer survivors and raise awareness about cancer.**media[375732]**This event, held in more than 30 countries worldwide, was a humanitarian occasion dedicated to celebrating life, honouring cancer survivors, remembering those we have lost, and reaffirming the community’s collective commitment to continue the fight against cancer.The event featured a diverse programme of educational and entertainment activities suitable for all ages, making it a special social experience for families and friends. The event brought together cancer survivors, caregivers, and families to celebrate life, honour those we’ve lost, and provide support to cancer patients.**media[375733]**During the event, there were inspiring stories from cancer survivors, who shared their courageous journeys of confronting the disease with strength and determination, becoming a source of hope and encouragement for others going through similar experiences.The event also included touching tributes to loved ones who have passed away, in heartfelt moments that express gratitude and embody the values of compassion and unity – the essence of this global initiative.**media[375734]**“Relay for Life” is characterised by its humanitarian and awareness-driven spirit, as participants engage in a continuous four-hour walk – a powerful symbol of the ongoing battle against cancer and the determination and hope shown by patients, survivors, and their families.The event was as an opportunity to unite efforts and strengthen community solidarity by building an integrated support network that empowers patients and encourages society to adopt healthy lifestyles.**media[375736]**Furthermore, there were awareness and educational sessions to promote the importance of prevention and early detection, highlighting methods of psychological and social support for patients and their families, and shedding light on the latest developments in treatment and healthcare.Relay for Life is one of the largest global events dedicated to supporting cancer patients and survivors. The event reflected the QCS’s mission to support cancer patients and raise public awareness about the disease.

A single bout of resistance training (RT) as well as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can contribute to a lower risk of recurrence of breast cancer among the survivors, a global study has highlighted.A recent article published by a group of global biomedical experts on PubMed, an openly accessible, free database primarily for Medline database, notes the need for strategies to mitigate recurrence and mortality among breast cancer survivors and recommends the high intensity interval training or resistance training as effective options.Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women globally and according to the website, https://www.breastcancer.org, in 2025, approximately 316,950 women could be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.According to Qatar National Cancer Registry, breast cancer is among most common cancers among women, making up 17.39% of all cases which highlights the importance of early detection of breast and bowel cancer.The study titled ‘A single bout of resistance or high-intensity interval training increases anti-cancer myokines and suppresses cancer cell growth in vitro in survivors of breast cancer’ notes that 32 survivors of breast cancer were randomly allocated to a single bout of resistance training or high-intensity interval training. The study examined the effects of a single bout of RT versus HIIT on anti-cancer myokines and in vitro cancer cell suppression.32 blood samples were collected before, immediately post the exercise and 30 minutes post the exercise. The researchers measured the serum levels of decorin , interleukin 6 (IL6) , secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine and oncostatin M and cell growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro using real time cellular analysis at each time point.The results revealed that decorin, IL-6, significantly increased (9 to 47 %,) from baseline in both groups. IL-6 remained elevated in both groups at 30 minutes post-intervention while certain other levels were elevated only in the RT group at 30 minutes post the exercise.The study has concluded that a single bout of RT or HIIT can increase levels of anti-cancer myokines and reduce the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro in survivors of breast cancer, potentially contributing to a lower risk of recurrence. The researchers therefor have highlighted the importance of exercise as a treatment with promising anti-cancer effects.

Mental health is a fundamental human right, HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud has stressed, and it must remain at the heart of the public policy and collective action.“As a result of the complex interplay of genetic predispositions, social and environmental factors, economic hardship, humanitarian emergencies and the long-term effects of conflict, the need for effective and accessible mental health services is increasing worldwide,” he said. “This reflects our conviction that mental health is a fundamental human right, and it must remain at the heart of our public policy and collective action.”HE al-Mahmoud said this after inaugurating the two-day Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, held for the first time in the Middle East, at the opening session of the summit.Held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the ceremony was attended by ministers, representatives of states, international and regional organisations concerned with mental health, as well as global experts and specialists.HE al-Mahmoud stressed the importance of the summit, saying that it is an opportunity “to work together to advance mental health in all regions of the world, through a shared vision of a healthier and more inclusive future”.“Qatar, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, places great importance on public health as part of its commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of the population,” he stated. “We are intensifying efforts to safeguard the population’s physical and mental health and have launched dedicated strategies and national frameworks to promote good mental well-being among the population, including the development of an integrated system that ensures access to appropriate care at the right time and in the right place.”The minister noted that, as part of the “Health in All Policies” approach, Qatar has worked to integrate mental health across all sectors and society as a whole.“We have also aligned our national efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being,” he said.“At the international level, and through our country’s active role in promoting security and stability worldwide, Qatar is committed to working with its international partners to prevent international crises, to address them when they arise, and to mitigate their impact,” HE al-Mahmoud continued. “Our country also supports long-term development policies to serve the population, with particular focus on those most in need of care.”“The summit will strengthen our shared journey and mark a significant step forward that builds on the achievements of previous summits,” the minister stressed. “These summits have fostered international co-operation, forged effective partnerships, and underscored the urgent need to increase investment in mental health as a foundation of public health, social justice and sustainable development.”In a recorded address, United Nations deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed stated that the reality of mental health at the global level highlights the need for decisive action to improve mental health for all and to make it a fundamental pillar of universal health coverage.She emphasised the importance of investment, innovation and digital solutions, while affirming that mental health is a universal human right and a shared responsibility.In a recorded message, World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus affirmed that the issues under discussion at the summit reflect many of the key challenges facing global mental health, including harnessing digital technology while preventing its negative impacts, and financing and scaling up effective mental health interventions, particularly during emergencies and humanitarian crises.The WHO chief emphasised that the summit provides an important platform for moving these commitments forward by advancing concrete solutions, identifying investment priorities and enhancing international collaboration, adding: “There is no health without mental health.”The Ministerial Mental Health Summit features a rich programme of sessions and events, including two panel discussions, six workshops and several accompanying activities.Officials, policymakers and specialists will discuss pressing mental health issues in order to develop strategies at the global level.The summit brings together 64 local and international speakers.

Acclaimed Indian actor Mohanlal is set to perform in Doha after 19 long years along with a star-studded group of performers this October, it was announced on Tuesday.The event marks the celebration of 47 glorious years of the ‘Complete Actor’ Mohanlal in cinema.The mega cultural show, titled, 'Hridyapurvam Mohanlal' on October 16 at the Qatar National Convention Centre is organised by Red Apple Event Management and promoted by entrepreneurs with ventures in visual media and diverse industries worldwide, including John Thomas and Mibu Jose.The three-hour production is being directed by NV Ajith, a veteran with over 25 years of experience in stage and live event productions, with Manju Manoj serving as programme convenor.The evening will feature performances by noted actors Siddique and Manoj K Jayan who are also well known singers.The celebration will showcase the brilliance of acclaimed creative filmmaker, Prakash Varma, whose silver screen debut as 'George Sir' in the movie 'Thudarum' won hearts recently.His directorial genius has shone through global campaigns such as Dubai Tourism with Shahrukh Khan and the iconic Vodafone commercials.The extravaganza will be powered by a mix of music and dance. Leading musicians including Rimi Tomy, Vidhu Prathap, Libin Scaria, Sreerag Bharathan, Sruthy Sivadas, and Nanda J Devan are set to perform.Dance sequences will be presented by the blockbuster duo - Ramzan and Dilsha, alongside celebrated performers Moksha, Sruthi Lakshmi, and Bhama Arun.Actress, Meera Nandan will make a special appearance, taking on the dual role of singer and presenter for the evening. And the highlight of the event, Mohanlal himself has promised to create a true “feast for the audience,” making this celebration even more unforgettable.The Red Apple Event Management led by CEO Jassim Mohammed, director of operations Vicky Melvyn and business executive Julie Maria Joseph has crafted every detail to ensure the evening lives up to its promise: a once-in-a-lifetime tribute to Mohanlal and a gift to his fans.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sunday launched the Ministry of Transport Strategy 2025-2030 under the slogan; “Reaching Beyond Horizons” during a special ceremony at Raffles Doha.The Ministry of Transport Strategy 2025-2030 features an ambitious roadmap focused on developing the transportation and mobility industry in Qatar and enhancing its role in economic growth, sustainability, and innovation.The event was attended by a number of ministers, dignitaries high-profile officials, and representatives of government and private sector entities.Addressing the gathering, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed al-Thani, Minister of Transport ( MoT) said that the “MoT Strategy stems from the Qatar National Vision 2030 and is aligned with the MoT’s endeavours to achieve the goals of the 3rd National Development Strategy by developing a world-class infrastructure that places the country in an advanced position globally in terms of logistics performance, digital transformation, and smart mobility innovation.”The minister said that the MoT Strategy, through 17 specialised initiatives, focuses on raising the efficiency of public transportation system by providing reliable, convenient, and ecofriendly services, connecting all areas countrywide, and serving all sections of the society, including the highly esteemed people and people of determination.“The MoT Strategy encompasses 125 projects cascading from 42 initiatives, with total investments exceeding QR1.2 billion and a private sector participation of about 40% - in such a real partnership to carry national development agenda forward and support economic diversification,” noted, the minister.According to the minister, these projects are not just numbers, but a major artery to solidify Qatar’s profile as a regional and global hub for transportation and logistics services by investing in advanced infrastructures, and strategically connecting with regional and international markets, thereby doubling the transportation industry’s contribution to the GDP and enhancing Qatar’s presence among globally leading countries.“We are proud Qatar ranks first among countries of the region in terms of switching to electric transit. 73% of our public buses are electric and we are laser-focused to reach 100% transformation by 2030 to enhance the integration with the metro and tram electric systems,” added the minister.

Qatar has an important role to play in ensuring Gulf security, especially in the emerging scenario since the open war between Iran and Israel because of its role as a conflict resolution player, noted a Middle East security expert.“The effort that Qatar is making alongside Egypt in bringing Israel and Hamas to a ceasefire in Gaza is extremely significant to de-escalating tensions in the region. So, I think that is an important role that Qatar plays,” Hasan Alhasan, senior fellow for Middle East Policy, International Institute for Strategic Studies told Gulf Times.He was interacting with Gulf Times on the sidelines of a panel discussion ‘Rethinking Gulf Security Following the Iran- Israel War,’ organised by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs.“Qatar is a member of the GCC and obviously it received a lot of GCC support and solidarity during the Iranian attacks at the height of the war. So, I think Qatar is an important diplomatic player and it is using its good offices to broker de-escalation in conflict resolution,” explained the official.As for the readiness of the GCC countries to face any emerging security threats, Alhasan noted that there is significant military modernisation in the Gulf States including Qatar.He feels that the recent war between Iran and Israel has direct security destabilising spillover effects for the Arab Gulf states and the Arab Gulf states are beginning to perceive it increasingly.“I think Israel actually presents more of a direct threat because of the fact that it seems to have embraced the view of the region as an open battleground. This has direct security destabilising spillover effects for the Arab and the Gulf States,” he said.Alhasan highlighted there is a significant improvement in GCC defence and military capabilities over the past few years.“However the GCC states may not be capable of addressing the threat posed by Israel specifically as they continue to rely on Western defence technology. They continue to rely on their defence and security partnership with the US and those might not prove fully effective in deterring and defending against potential, theoretical and hypothetical threats,” he continued.The expert stated that Qatar and the other GCC states are already part of a defence and security alliance, which is called the GCC. “The GCC has a mutual defence undertaking that unites all of the GCC states together. So, the GCC states already have this sort of commitment to defending one another against external threats,” he underlined.“The question is whether the GCC states are actually taking concrete steps and measures for further defence integration to make sure that they can act as a single army in case of conflict. And this is where I think a lot of the work will have to be done to bring GCC military and defence capabilities more closely together to operate cohesively as a single military unit in case of any conflict,” added, Alhasan.

The Gulf countries and the entire Middle East region are going through extraordinary times since the outbreak of open war between Iran and Israel in last June, noted several experts at a panel discussion.Organised by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs earlier this week, the discussion ‘ Rethinking Gulf Security Following the Iran- Israel War' brought four experts on the topic who delved deep into current developments and their implications. They felt that the outbreak of an open war between Iran and Israel in June has considerably intensified challenges to Gulf security.Sanam Vakil, director, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House said that the countries in the region are going through a period very much defined by geopolitical competition. She noted that there are a lot of questions about consistency in these countries' relationship with the United States and the reliability of US as a security partner.“Conflicts have doubled across the world, and we are, of course, seeing that in the region, but we don't have to look too far from the Middle East itself to see the devastating impact of a conflict. And multilateralism and the investment of the international community is not just stabilising conflicts. Settling conflicts is also proving to be ineffective. We see this very visibly in Gaza,” said Vakil.The panelists also noted that the region is confronting complicated questions including charting the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and Israel’s increasing incursions on Gaza, the West Bank, and the wider region.Hasan Alhasan, senior fellow for Middle East Policy, International Institute for Strategic Studies noted that Israel represents and presents an objective threat to the security of the Arab countries.“There are multiple reasons why that is the case. Most certainly, Israel started a war that I would be fairly confident in saying that probably most or at least perhaps all of the Gulf States did not want to be at war. I think Israel actually presents more of a direct threat because of the fact that it seems to have embraced the view of the region as an open battleground. This has direct security destabilising spillover effects for the Arab and the Gulf States,” explained Alhasan.The panel also noted that diplomatic efforts to revive a nuclear deal with Iran have been significantly undermined by the “12-day war.”According to Yasmine Farouk, director, Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Project, International Crisis Group, the picture is much more complex and difficult to manage. “It is very clear that there is a gap in how the US sees the conflicts and this conflict in this region and how the Gulf countries see them. The Gulf countries see the conflicts of the region as interconnected,” she pointed out.Shahram Akbarzadeh, nonresident senior fellow, Middle East Council said that there is a deep distrust, especially among the leadership of the international system, and how the United States manages to utilise the system to its full advantage. The session was moderated by Adel Abdel Ghafar, senior fellow, Foreign Policy Programme director, Middle East Council.

Qatar attaches great priority to modern dispute settlement methods, HE the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed, Monday.He was delivering the keynote address at the two-day conference on the ‘Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Intellectual Property (IP) Protection, and Innovation in Advancing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Sustainable Development.’The conference is organised by the Law College of Hamad Bin Khalifa University ( HBKU) in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Law Association-the Gulf Cooperation Council branch.The minister said that Qatar gives foremost priority to novel techniques of dispute settlement, such as arbitration and mediation, as key pillars of economic development and investment attraction, by virtue of the effective and quick mechanisms they offer for dispute settlement and boosting investors' confidence.Dr al-Sayed said that the forum deliberates on effective tools required to achieve sustainable development, including advancing the avenues for dispute settlement, supporting innovation, protecting intangible assets, and attracting foreign investment.President of the International Law Association - GCC Branch, Ahmed Issa al-Sulaiti, said coordinating the conference aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, through deepening the public-private sector partnership, alongside the academic and research sector, to support IP and modernise its systems in commensurate alignment with international standards.Al-Sulaiti highlighted that Qatar has achieved a remarkable leap in the Global Innovation Index—rising 21 places in just four years, from 70th in 2020 to 49th globally in 2024 and it seeks, through its National Vision 2030 and Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030), to consolidate its position as a leading regional hub for intellectual property dispute resolution.He underlined that this achievement did not come by chance but is the result of strategic investment in legal and legislative infrastructure, the development of specialised human capital, and partnerships with leading international organisations.He explained: “15.1% of inventors in Qatar are women, and 10.5% of patent applications come from universities—demonstrating a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and investment in academic research and Qatar now aspires to achieve an ambitious goal: to rank among the top 30 countries in the Global Innovation Index by 2030. To achieve this goal, Qatar aims to increase the contribution of the knowledge economy to GDP and raise the share of R&D investment, which requires developing an advanced legal framework to protect, commercialise, and resolve disputes related to scientific research and technological innovation.”Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, Ignacio de Castro, highlighted the importance of the conference and that it manifests the efforts for boosting international cooperation and exchanging expertise in advancing IP-associated dispute settlement mechanisms.Dean of the College of Law at HBKU, Dr Susan L Karamanian, said this convention underscores Qatar's commitment to strengthening a supportive legal and legislative environment for investment and sustainable development.Karamanian further highlighted that arbitration has become a key vehicle for IP-associated dispute settlement, given its complexity and the need for specialised expertise. The conference concludes Tuesday.

Government Engineering College, Thrissur Alumni, Qatar Chapter (Qget) has announced Qatar Engineers Summit (Qest) 2025, centred on the theme 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Project Management and Engineering.' The Qest 2025 logo was launched and details announced at a press conference by Qget officials Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, Qget president Tomy Varkey, said: “The summit on October 12 will be inaugurated by Indian ambassador Vipul and a number of leading technocrats will speak on various themes. The session is open to engineers of all nationalities and the participation is by invitation and nomination by various organisations in Qatar.” Qest spokesperson Kshema Andrews highlighted the activities of the summit and explained it will throw light on the use of AI in project management and engineering with the latest developments. “There will be several high-profile speakers during the conference and many of them are known globally for their expertise in the field. They include Dr Saurabh Mishra, founder & CEO, Taiyo. AI, California, US; Susanth Kurunthil, chief executive officer, Infopark & Cyberpark Kerala, India; and Shijaz Abdulla Abdul Kareem, regional director, AI Apps, Microsoft Middle East & Africa among others,” she said. Qest 2025 will bring together over 250 technocrats and leaders from around the world, including leaders from government, oil and gas, public sector undertakings, international construction firms, and consultancy organisations, she added. Qget general-secretary Gopu Rajasekhar spoke about the salient features of the conference and noted that opportunities are available to showcase the products of any company and lead a workshop session as part of the event. Qget comprises more than 400 alumni from Government Engineering College, Thrissur, working across various entities in Qatar, including both government and private sectors. In 2012, Qget launched its flagship initiative Qest as a way of giving back to the engineering community. The previous summits had attracted leading experts in various fields providing a rich learning experience for the attendees.

A first-of-its-kind study on 150 children with cerebral palsy in Qatar has identified undernutrition as a major concern, particularly among those with short stature and low weight."Tailored nutritional interventions and regular monitoring are essential to improve growth outcomes and prevent malnutrition-related complications in this vulnerable population,” notes an article published on Qatar Medical Journal and featured in Qscience.com.The research ‘Nutritional status and growth pattern in children with cerebral palsy: A retrospective study from Qatar’ conducted by a group of researchers from Hamad Medical Corporation observed that children with cerebral palsy are at a high risk of malnutrition due to feeding difficulties and motor impairments, which can further exacerbate their condition.The study assessed the nutritional status and growth patterns in children with cerebral palsy attending a paediatric rehabilitation clinic in Qatar. The researchers highlight that nutritional status plays a critical role in the growth and health outcomes of these children, yet limited data is available on this issue in Qatar.A retrospective observational study was conducted on 150 children with cerebral palsy aged 3-14, who were followed regularly at the Paediatric Rehabilitation Department, Qatar Rehabilitation Institute.Their nutritional status was evaluated using anthropometric measurements - height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) - based on World Health Organisation growth charts. Tests were performed to assess associations between BMI and demographic variables, including gender, nationality, motor type, weight, and height.The study found out that the prevalence of underweight children was 48.7% and 35.3% of them had an underweight BMI. Significant associations were found between BMI and nationality, weight status, and height status.However, no significant associations were observed between BMI and gender or motor type. Short stature and low weight were identified as strong indicators of undernutrition.The researchers point out that children affected with cerebral palsy often face malnutrition due to their limited motor or physical abilities, which may contribute to further deterioration of their condition.Therefore, understanding the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy is crucial for developing effective interventions and improving health outcomes.The study comprehensively assesses the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy and provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to malnutrition within this population, including the unique interplay of motor impairments, feeding difficulties, and diverse socioeconomic and cultural influences.Qatar’s demographic diversity, encompassing various nationalities and socioeconomic backgrounds, offers a rich context for examining undernutrition in children with this disease.By focusing on this multifaceted population, this research aims to fill critical gaps in knowledge and contribute to a broader understanding of cerebral palsy-related malnutrition in the region. The study primarily aims to describe the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy and explore the relationship between the degree of nutritional status and the type of cerebral palsy classified according to topographical categories.These findings offer a foundation for future research and the development of targeted interventions for improving the health outcomes of children with cerebral palsy in Qatar.Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions that affect movement and posture. It's caused by damage that occurs to the developing brain, most often before birth, according to mayoclinic.orgSymptoms appear during infancy or preschool years and vary from very mild to serious. Children with cerebral palsy may have exaggerated reflexes. The arms, legs and trunk may appear floppy. Or they may have stiff muscles, known as spasticity. Symptoms also can include irregular posture, movements that can't be controlled, a walk that's not steady or some combination of these.Cerebral palsy may make it hard to swallow. It also can cause eye muscle imbalance, in which the eyes don't focus on the same object. People with the condition might have reduced range of motion in their joints due to muscle stiffness.

The most professions in demand in Qatar currently are AI, cybersecurity and data science along with professionals in healthcare and STEM teaching, noted an official of Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), founded by Qatar Foundation“Qatar’s labour market is evolving in line with its national development strategy and global transformations. Currently, there is strong demand for professionals in healthcare, particularly nursing and allied medical fields; education, especially in STEM teaching; and technology, including AI, cybersecurity, and data science,” Mohammed A al-Kubaisi, senior career programmes and services officer, QCDC told Gulf Times.“These sectors align with the country’s goals for a diversified, knowledge-based economy. QCDC works closely with national stakeholders to keep our guidance aligned with these trends, ensuring students and job seekers understand where opportunities lie and how to prepare for them,” explained al-Kubaisi.Al-Kubaisi advised the students that choosing a major for higher education should be a strategic decision grounded in self-awareness and a clear understanding of labour market needs—not something based on impulse or peer influence. “Students should take time to reflect on their personal interests, strengths, and long-term goals, while also researching emerging industries and job opportunities. It is important to explore both local and international universities and programmes, keeping in mind the academic environment and opportunities for further study. We also encourage students and their support networks — parents, teachers, counsellors and mentors — to rely on trusted resources, such as those provided by our centre, to make informed decisions,” he continued.The official also stressed on the role of parents for students in choosing a major for higher studies. He noted: “Parental involvement is most effective when it is based on support and guidance, not imposition. Parents should listen to their children’s aspirations and help them explore suitable academic paths rather than pushing them toward traditional or socially prestigious fields. They can play a vital role by exposing their children to real-world experiences, encouraging internships, and promoting informed discussions.”He also said that while choosing a major with limited demand may present challenges, it does not necessarily close the door to career opportunities. “Many skills are transferable, and with the right development — through training, upskilling, or graduate studies — students can pivot into high-demand sectors.Moreover, niches within low-demand fields may still hold value in specialised contexts. Our role at QCDC includes helping students understand the flexibility of career paths and encouraging lifelong learning to remain adaptable. We also advocate for aligning passion with practicality: a degree should serve as a launchpad, not a limitation,” he pointed out.Al-Kubaisi stated that the rising interest in technology reflects global and national shifts towards digital economies. “However, over-concentration in any field can lead to oversupply, while neglecting others essential to national development. Qatar still needs experts in education, healthcare, social sciences, and other human-centred disciplines.At QCDC, we help students explore a broad spectrum of career options, linking them to real-time labour market data and national development goals,” he added.

Doha stands out as a unique model for smart cities, noted a professor of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) highlighting that smart cities must prioritise people and planet over profit.“Doha stands out as a unique model for smart cities, having embraced a long-term vision for empowerment and education. The Qatari capital’s massive urban development has always been coupled with capacity building, giving locals meaningful and empowering opportunities to grow the GDP per capita of $69,000,” says, Dr Azzam Abu-Rayash assistant professor at the College of Science and Engineering, HBKU in an article published on HBKU website.A recent study by HBKU found that cities like Toronto, Osaka, and Sydney outperformed the likes of London, Moscow, and New York because they chose to focus on environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and governance instead of digital infrastructure development.Through a multidisciplinary model that evaluates 32 performance indicators across 20 global cities, the research demonstrates that a city's intelligence goes beyond its technological features. It also emerges when societies achieve equilibrium between social justice and environmental stewardship, together with economic resilience, and putting people and planet above financial gains.As for Doha emerging as an ideal smart city, Dr Abu-Rayash explains: “The distinction lies in integrating technology development, hand in hand with investments in education and local capacity building. Qatar Foundation and its emphasis on STEM education is a stark example of empowering future generations through education first, followed by technology. Doha, ranked 7th in this study, yet still has room for further innovation by prioritising environmentally friendly and sustainable infrastructure.”The academic who is also a governor at Ontario Tech University noted that smart cities are often portrayed as technological hubs where innovation drives development. “This limited perspective nevertheless risks converting urban development into an efficiency-based transactional process. The revolutionary nature of AI and IoT is derived from its tools, but these technologies do not represent the ultimate purpose,” he continues.HBKU’s research highlights three changes that must take place immediately to create genuinely smart cities. It says: “Policymakers and developers need to rethink what exactly constitutes a ‘smart’ city in the first place. Doing so will require greater incorporation of multidimensional indices that gauge equity, sustainability, and wellbeing, augmenting metrics like GDP and tech adoption rates in the process. Greater emphasis should be placed on democratising innovation and public engagement in planning processes”It highlights Helsinki's "Co-Creation Model," in which citizens use blockchain technology to vote on urban projects, increased civic trust by 40%.“Aspiring smart cities should also prioritise investment in their invisible infrastructure. This reflects that the foundation of resilience is social capital, which includes cultural venues, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. Cities like Copenhagen, which devotes a quarter of its budget to social programs, demonstrate how these expenditures boost innovation and productivity,” added Dr Abu-Rayash.

The Indian expatriate community in Qatar celebrated their homeland's 79th Independence Day on a grand scale Friday.The official ceremony at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in the morning saw ambassador, Vipul offering floral tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and hoisting the national flag amidst the rendering of the national anthem.Other diplomats from the embassy as well as several leaders of the community along with a large number of community members joined the envoy on the occasion in a great display of patriotic pomp and fervour.Following by the flag hoisting, ambassador Vipul read out excerpts from the address of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu to the nation delivered on the eve of Independence Day.Addressing the nation, Murmu said: “Our Constitution contains four values as the four pillars upholding our democracy. They are - justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. These are our civilisational principles that we re-discovered during the Freedom Struggle.”“At the heart of them all, I believe, is the notion of human dignity. Every human being is equal, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Everyone should have equal access to healthcare and education. Everyone should have equal opportunity. Those who had been traditionally at a disadvantage needed to be given a helping hand,” President Murmu, highlighted in her speech.Speaking at the ICC event, ambassador Vipul highlighted the deepening of the diplomatic ties between India and Qatar and stressed the establishment of strategic partnership between the two countries during the highly successful visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to India in February this year.“There were some very significant decisions taken during His Highness's visit including declaring our bilateral relations as strategic partnership. Two agreements and several MoUs were signed during the visit which should take forward our relations in several areas such as trade, investment, business networks, technology, energy, culture and sports,” he said.“I would request all members of our community, especially those in influential positions, to do their best to take forward our relations to newer heights as envisaged by our leaderships. In particular, I would request all businessmen to look into how we can further enhance trade between our two countries. We also need to promote more cultural and tourism exchanges between India and Qatar,” continued the ambassador.The Indian envoy expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir and the Government Qatar for their continued support and patronage to the Indian community. Applauding the role and contributions of the Indian community, ambassador said, " Indians in Qatar play a pivotal role in India's development and growing ties with the world.” He also commended the various Indian community organisations for their unwavering support in advancing community welfare and progress.The formal function was also marked by several cultural performances including patriotic songs and dances presented by various Indian organisations in Qatar. The ceremony came to a conclusion as the ambassador along with leaders of the apex bodies under the embassy cut a cake to celebrate the occasion.ICC president A P Manikantan welcomed the gathering and general secretary Abraham K Joseph proposed a vote of thanks.