Author

 In the heart of Mshereib Downtown Doha (MDD), a place where heritage meets innovation, Al Markhiya Gallery inaugurated “Identities of Perfection”, a solo exhibition featuring the works of the late Egyptian artist Hazem El Mestikawy.The exhibition is a dialogue where architectural language merges with contemporary geometry.A collaboration between Msheireb Museums and Al Markhiya Gallery, the works are installed within the historic walls of Mohammed Bin Jassim House, one of four heritage houses restored as part of the Msheireb Museums spaces.El Mestikawy's artistic practice sits at the intersection of architecture, sculpture, and optical illusion.Through site-responsive installations, the works reshape space, seeking to achieve a balance between geometric order and visual harmony.Drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian heritage influenced by modern abstraction, El Mestikawy’s works reinterpret traditional elements.His use of mashrabiyas, Arab ornamentation, and geometric networks create pure, contemplative compositions that speak to both the intellect and emotion.El Mestikawy’s preferred materials – cardboard and corrugated paper – introduce a deliberate fragility that reflects on temporality, colour, and human creativity.Through contrasts of texture and tone, he created a rhythmic visual balance that echoes the logic of geometry.Located within the MDD, a district whose architecture celebrates modernity as a living framework for daily life, the Mohammed Bin Jassim House provides a space where El Mestikawy's works resonate naturally.The Mohammed Bin Jassim House deepens this dialogue between architecture and space, connecting past and present.On the sideline of the inauguration ceremony, Msheireb Museums curator Bashir Mohammed told *Gulf Times: “‘Identities of Perfection’ is a tribute to the late Hazem El Mestikawy.”“His legacy continues to expand our understanding of the form and geometry,” he said. “I see Hazem not only as an artist, but (also) as a researcher and a philosopher.”“His approach in every single work is a profound investigation to the form, the balance, and to the essence of the beauty itself,” Mohammed added. 

The ceasefire in Gaza is holding as Qatar continues intensive efforts to advance to the second phase of the Gaza agreement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dr Majid bin Mohammed al-Ansari said during the weekly media briefing Tuesday.Dr al-Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its global partnerships while sustaining its role as a key mediator in the Gaza negotiations. He cautioned, however, that ongoing Israeli violations were “alarming".Qatar, alongside the United States and Egypt secured a long-elusive truce in Gaza, which came into effect on October 10 and has mostly halted two years of fighting between Israel and Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.“Efforts are continuing through the monitoring room in Cairo to follow up on Israeli violations, and we have confidence in the plan of US President Donald Trump, his role, and the role of the mediators,” he said. Qatar believes the parties “should be pushing to stage two very, very soon,” he added.Highlighting Doha’s diplomatic role, the spokesperson stressed that Qatar is urging all sides to stay engaged in negotiations. “This is the longest-standing truce, and we are playing our part in implementing the agreement, monitoring violations, and trying to prevent its collapse,” he said.Under the second phase of the deal, which gained UN backing in November, Israel is to withdraw from its positions in the territory, an interim authority is to govern Gaza and an international stabilisation force is to be deployed.Dr al-Ansari also condemned Israel’s continued killing of Palestinian journalists, saying such actions aim to silence reporting on the reality in Gaza.On Qatar's efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine crisis, al- Ansari stated that Qatar engaged from day one in exploring possible mediation efforts and supported all global initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict.He highlighted Qatar's success in reuniting over 115 children affected by the war with their families from both sides, underlining the Qatari message to all parties is that conflicts are ultimately resolved through peaceful means, and the dialogue table remains the path to crisis resolution.Turning to domestic developments, he announced that the 23rd Doha Forum will be held on December 6–7, 2025, under the theme “Establishing Justice: From Promises to Tangible Reality.” The event will bring together world leaders, policymakers, and experts from more than 150 countries, reflecting Qatar’s growing role as a hub for dialogue, cooperation, and shared progress. 

Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation announces 11th ceremony program By Tawfik Lamari Staff Reporter The Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding announces the date for its eleventh ceremony, which will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Doha.This international cultural event celebrates translation as a bridge of understanding between peoples and a fundamental driver of cultural convergence and knowledge exchange. The ceremony will be attended by a distinguished group of Arab and international intellectual, cultural, and media figures, along with academics, translators, and those interested in cultural affairs from around the world, reflecting the award's prominent position on the international cultural scene.As part of a comprehensive cultural program, the award will host a series of high-quality events on the morning of the ceremony, including: An open seminar on "Translation and Artificial Intelligence" where experts and specialists will participate to discuss the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the field of translation, particularly those related to quality, accuracy, linguistic biases, and ethical and professional dimensions. The seminar will also address the opportunities these technologies offer for developing translators' tools, accelerating the process, and expanding the exchange of knowledge between languages, thereby strengthening the role of human translation while preserving its cultural specificity. As well as two closed workshops on "Recommendations to support translation between Arabic and German and Albanian".These workshops will feature a select group of leading translators and experts in translation between Arabic and Albanian and German. They will address the challenges facing translation between Arabic and these languages and explore ways to enhance it. The workshops will produce practical recommendations to be submitted to governmental and non-governmental bodies, with the aim of promoting translation between Arabic and local languages and developing mechanisms for cooperation with relevant institutions in this field.The eleventh round of the award marks the culmination of its ongoing evolution, coinciding with its entry into its second decade. It continues to expand its cultural impact and modernize its tools and scope of work to respond to the rapid transformations in the field of translation globally. In this context, the award, for the first time, adopted three of the world's most widely spoken languages: English, German, and Turkish, alongside two less widely spoken languages: Albanian and Thai. This reflects the award's commitment to combining influential global languages with local languages that require further support to enhance their presence in the translation movement to and from Arabic.This cycle was distinguished by the organization of extensive introductory tours in several countries associated with the award's languages. These tours aimed to broaden the partner base, encourage translators and institutions to engage with the award, and assess the realities and challenges of translation within these cultural and linguistic contexts. In keeping with the transformations of the times, the award leveraged AI technologies to reach professionals in the field of translation across all participating languages, both within and outside the Arab world.This contributed to expanding communication with translators, publishers, and researchers, and enhancing international engagement with the award. These combined results confirm that the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding has cemented its position as the "most important and largest award for translation between Arabic and the world's languages," not only in terms of its broad scope and diverse languages, but also in its ability to influence the global translation movement and shape a shared cultural space based on knowledge, openness, and understanding. The award invites those interested in cultural and media affairs to attend the ceremony and participate in its accompanying programs, celebrating translators and their pivotal role in fostering intercultural dialogue.

The Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Children's Literature Center, launched the "Art of Writing and Illustrating Comics" programme. It aims to train participants in creating and executing comics that combine writing and illustration in a modern storytelling style.The programme is part of the "Children's Story Designer" initiative, within the framework of the Ministry of Culture's ongoing efforts to enhance literacy skills among the younger generation, striving to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a learning and sustainable society based on knowledge and creativity.The "Comics" programme is designed for participants aged 12-16 and targets 15 participants. The project will run for three weeks. During the programme, participants will learn the stages of comic book design, starting with writing, then scene layout, character design, and full scene illustration. They then add effects and text, and finally, colour and inking, continuing to produce their stories until the final production stage.Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, Director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, explained the importance of the "Comics" programme, emphasizing that it is not limited to training children but is a genuine investment in the cultural future of Qatar. He stressed that the programme primarily aims to build a generation of authors and designers capable of producing innovative and engaging storybooks.**media[381079]**The director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum explained that this initiative opens up broad horizons for children, giving them the opportunity to explore the world of authorship in its various stages. Instead of being mere readers, children themselves begin writing stories from their own pure imagination and illustrating their comics, drawing inspiration from their surroundings and national values.Writer Asma al-Kuwari, director of the Children's Literature Center, said that the "Art of Writing and Illustrating Comics" programme is part of a series of initiatives implemented by the center in cooperation with the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum to promote reading and develop writing and literary and artistic production skills among children and young adults.She emphasized that the "Comics" programme aims to train participants in innovation and the creation of illustrated stories that combine writing and graphic design in a modern storytelling style. It also contributes to developing aesthetic sense, critical thinking, and the ability to narrate and express themselves both in writing and visually. She explained that the final products will be showcased to the public at the Doha International Book Fair.The "Children's Story Designer" programme is an innovative approach to teaching children and young adults the entire book-making process. Participants learn to write, illustrate, design, and market their stories independently, culminating in their publication in Qatari and Arab markets.

The Ministry of Culture organised a dialogue session Wednesday evening entitled "Opportunities of the Creative Economy in a Changing World," on the sidelines of the "Art and Design Village" festival at Darb Al Saai.The session aimed to highlight the pivotal role of the creative economy as an engine for sustainable development and to explore its new horizons in light of rapid global transformations, particularly in the fields of technology and digital transformation.The session was presented by media personality Iman al-Kaabi.The speakers discussed the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for the flourishing of creative industries and reviewed successful models in this field.Hamid Ibrahim, head of Creative Operations at Kogali, emphasised that the partnership with Disney+ to produce the series "I wago" represents a pivotal step. He explained that the most significant advantage lies in leveraging the immense global reach of the Disney brand, renowned for its rich heritage and extensive experience in animation.Ibrahim summarised the philosophy of working in the creative economy with the phrase, "Thinking in terms of the entire ecosystem". This perspective goes beyond simply creating a character for a film; it encompasses adapting that character into a series or designing them for products like lunchboxes, confirming that the industry is growing and expanding in this way.Abdulaziz al-Kubaisi, owner and founder of Lusail Art Production Studios, highlighted the importance of integrating creativity with the economy, calling for the transformation of studios and creative activities into "sustainable economic platforms in the face of global competition."Al-Kubaisi explained that the creative economy is the art of transforming creativity, activity, and hobbies into income-generating economic value, noting that this concept represents the turning point from pursuing a hobby to establishing a business.Qatar-based filmmaker Obada Jarbi emphasised that documentaries and feature films represent a long-term investment tool and a form of soft power capable of building a creative economy that reflects local identity and culture. He stressed that this type of content can replace traditional public relations and advertising campaigns.Jarbi discussed the pivotal role of cinema as a "long-term investment" for the country, adding that many major global cities owe their popularity primarily to what has been portrayed in films, thus reducing the need for massive advertising campaigns.Qatari entrepreneur Nada Khamis Mohammed al-Sulaiti, founder of Alama Jewellery, revealed the motivation behind launching her brand in 2011. She explained that growing up in a home deeply rooted in heritage inspired her to be the one to tell Qatar's story, emphasising that Qatar is "the most deserving of telling our identity and stories" to the world.Qatari entrepreneur Abdullah al-Mana called on young people and the community to adopt the concepts of the creative economy as a fundamental pillar for diversifying income sources, stressing that this economy opens "new and numerous horizons in industries" away from total dependence on the traditional economy.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the second edition of the Fereej Art and Design Festival on Monday. The festival, organised by the ministry’s Visual Arts Center, will run until Nov 14 at Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal, with wide Arab and international participation.The opening ceremony was attended by HE Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, Minister of Justice; Dr Ahmed Hano, Minister of Culture of Egypt; Dr Mustafa al-Rawashdeh, Minister of Culture of Jordan; Mohammed Yassin Saleh, Minister of Culture of Syria; HE Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari, Chairman of the General Tax Authority; a number of senior officials from the Ministry of Culture; and several ambassadors accredited to Qatar.HE the Minister of Culture toured the festival, where he viewed a number of the participating events and exhibitions. On this occasion, HE Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, affirmed that the festival represents a fundamental pillar in the ministry’s strategy to support and showcase local talent. He noted that the main objective is to promote Qatari art and support Qatari artists across various art forms.He explained that the festival aims to reinforce Qatar’s position as a centre of cultural and artistic influence in the region. This year, the festival has witnessed a significant expansion in the number of art galleries, exhibitions, and workshops, with the participation of more than 120 artists representing over 20 countries.He noted that the festival aims to attract leading artists and art institutions from both within and outside the country, thus fostering cultural and creative exchange. He highlighted the key features of this year’s festival, explaining that it includes exhibitions by pioneering Qatari artists such as Yousef Ahmed, Salman al-Malik, and Mohammed al-Jaida, among others, in addition to a unique digital exhibition titled “Sana Qatar Sana Art”.The festival features more than 12 art exhibitions and 14 workshops, including seven international workshops in diverse fields such as Japanese Bingata art, Kuwaiti glass melting, creating colours from Australian nature, a Spanish gilding workshop, a fabric printing workshop from India, a floral plate workshop from Russia, and a live performance workshop from Kuwait. These and other experiences blend artistic heritage with modernity.The festival houses six main art spaces: the Exhibition House, the Art Workshops House, the Calligraphy House, the Ceramics House, the Artists’ Studios House, and the Seminars House, in addition to the Art and Design Market and the Children’s Courtyard area.The festival celebrates Arabic calligraphy, ceramics, and sculpture, as well as the creativity of young people in design, anime, and digital art. The festival programme also includes art activities for children, such as paint-pouring workshops, art school workshops, and a free drawing area.Furthermore, there are panel discussions and art seminars that bring together artists, critics, and the public, as well as live drawing sessions held in an interactive, open atmosphere.

The Qatar Press Centre (QPC) has participated in the conference "Media Sovereignty: Defending Reason and Awareness in the Face of Disinformation," organised by the Interim Committee for Managing the Affairs of the Press and Publishing Sector, in coordination with the General Union of Arab Journalists, in the city of Laayoune in the Kingdom of Morocco, with the participation of a number of journalists from 18 countries. The participants called for supporting press freedom and developing Arab legislation regulating the activities of digital platforms. Sadiq Mohammad al-Ammari, Director-General of the QPC, affirmed in the discussion session that the control of most governments over traditional media outlets drives a segment of society to turn to social media platforms, which are fertile ground for the dissemination of misleading information and content that incites sedition. **media[378493]** He said: In an era where news flows like a torrent, and where facts intersect with deceits and misleading news, journalism emerges as a compass of truth. The louder the noise of false news on digital platforms, the greater the need for a professional and sound voice that carries the torch of truth and illuminates the paths of public awareness. Al-Ammari noted that combating misleading news is not achieved through slogans, but rather by empowering journalists with their tools, foremost among them the right to access information; that right affirmed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and confirmed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as a cornerstone of freedom of expression and an indispensable pillar for safeguarding integrity and transparency. He added: When information is made available to the press clearly and quickly, areas of ambiguity diminish, and the path is blocked for those who spread rumours. Since accurate information is the most powerful weapon against falsehood, and a society that allows the press access to the truth protects its collective consciousness from the poisons of false news. He affirmed that the free flow of information is not a luxury, but a fundamental guarantee for a public life based on honesty and accountability. Therefore, strengthening the role of the press is not merely an option, but a national, humanitarian, and moral duty for the advancement of nations. He said: It is time for the digital platforms and official news websites of ministries to regain their credibility, in a way that meets the aspirations of citizens in the media sector.

The second edition of the Doha Photography Festival, organised by the Qatar Photography Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, kicked off Tuesday evening. This festival affirms the importance of photography as an effective means of expressing Qatari identity and heritage.The festival continues until November 9th, opposite Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area, with the participation of eight international companies specialising in cameras.On this occasion, Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, stated that the second edition of the Doha Photography Festival is witnessing a significant expansion in local and international participation, along with a diverse range of accompanying events targeting all segments of society.He emphasised that this edition is distinguished by the crowning of the winners of the inaugural Doha Photography Award, with the winners in six main competitive categories to be announced Thursday.He explained that one of the festival’s primary objectives is to support and encourage Qatari photographers, dedicating a special category in the award to local photographers, in addition to another category specifically for children and youth.Dr Ghanem al-Ali added that the festival is not limited to exhibitions but also includes a variety of accompanying events, such as specialised workshops and interactive areas designed specifically for children and families, with the aim of engaging all members of the community in the festival’s activities.He revealed the festival’s intention to expand its scope in future editions to include a greater focus on video photography. This trend was evident in the special exhibition organised as part of the current festival, titled “Space Festival,” a rare event featuring two Qatari photographers who participated in Nasa events. This highlights the international level the festival aspires to achieve.On the sidelines of the exhibition, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, director of the Qatar Photography Center, spoke to Gulf Times and said that: “We found a great turnout of photography enthusiasts and photographers at this opening, and everyone is eager for this big event that we are witnessing today. The Ministry of Culture, through the Doha Photography Festival, seeks to provide an ideal platform for showcasing artistic works, giving local photographers the opportunity to connect effectively and directly with the public and exchange experiences with their counterparts from around the world.He noted the participation of leading international companies such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Insta360, in addition to Qatar 4Cam and iBrand Connect. He explained that this broad participation of international companies and local photography equipment retailers will enrich the experience of participants and visitors, allowing them to explore the latest technologies and products in the world of photography.The programme features a large number of exhibitions, including 24 solo exhibitions and one group exhibition. The festival will also host an exhibition dedicated to the Doha Photography Award, another exhibition focused on astrophotography. There will be exhibitions of antique photographs and cameras, as well as a film exhibition area. The festival features a main stage hosting lectures, seminars and workshops by international photographers.The first day’s events featured a lecture titled “Narrative in Photography” presented by Issa Ibrahim, and a workshop titled “Attachment in Seconds: The Art of Creating Attention-Giving Videos” presented by James Arletta.

The National Archives of Qatar announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to launch a Professional Certificate in Archives and Records Management, as part of the National Archives of Qatar's commitment to developing national competencies and promoting sustainable practices in the fields of document preservation and documentary heritage management. The agreement aims to develop the technical capabilities of those working in the field of documentation, and to provide them with knowledge and expertise based on the latest global practices in the documentation and preservation sector. This partnership reinforces the National Archives of Qatar's approach to establishing professional and knowledge-based foundations for sustainable institutional development, in line with the digital transformation taking place in this vital sector in Qatar. This collaboration also comes within the technical aspect of the "Ousus" program, which was launched by the National Archives of Qatar in May, and includes three integrated training aspects: administrative, technical, and field. The partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi represents a practical embodiment of Qatar National Vision 2030, and an important step toward developing a specialised generation capable of preserving the documentary heritage of Qatar. The programme aims to raise Qatari competencies in the field of public document management within a strategic vision to preserve institutional memory and enhance governance in the country, contributing to building a professional system capable of supporting the sustainability of documentary work in the country, and unifying national practices within an integrated institutional framework that keeps pace with the strategic directions of Qatar. In this regard, Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar Dr Ahmed Abdullah al Buainain emphasized that the partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is an important step toward developing the archives sector in the country, and is part of the archives' commitment to qualifying national cadres who possess the knowledge and skills to manage archives according to the highest international standards. Al Buainain said that document management is not just a technical task, but a national responsibility that contributes to preserving institutional memory and safeguarding documentary heritage, and constitutes a fundamental element in achieving sustainable development for institutions. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will be implementing the programme from Sunday until Dec. 11, and it will be presented in Arabic under the supervision of a select group of experts and practitioners specialising in document management and digital archiving. The programme addresses topics that combine theoretical and practical aspects, including legislation and policies regulating document management, classification and preservation mechanisms, technical processing and restoration, in addition to managing and sustaining electronic documents in light of the accelerating digital transformation. Assistant Secretary-General of the National Archive of Qatar Aisha Khalid al Saad told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is qualitative for the 'Ousus' programme launched by the archives to develop the professional training system in the field of records management and to develop national professional cadres in the field of records management in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030. It also reflects the archives' firm belief in the importance of such effective academic partnerships, which represent a fundamental pillar for enhancing the efficiency of institutional work and achieving sustainable excellence. She said that this cooperation embodies the archive's commitment to investing in human resources as the cornerstone of any sustainable renaissance, especially since knowledge and experience are the real investment in human resources to preserve memory. She pointed out that the partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi can open the door to other partnerships in the fields of training and research, in a way that supports the goals of the National Archives of Qatar in this field. The Assistant Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar added that more than 30 male and female trainees, from the staff of the Archives, are benefiting from the "Ousus" programme in its first phase, in terms of academic qualification, with the intention of expanding it later to include other government agencies in the country.

Under the patronage of Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, the centre announced yesterday the organisation of the second edition of the Leadership Innovation Forum 2025, themed *The Art of Decision Making, to be held on Sunday (November 2), at the Raffles Hotel – Katara Ballroom. This year's forum builds upon the success of the first edition in 2024, further solidifying its position as a leading national platform that brings together promising leaders, experts, and decision-makers from various sectors to explore leadership thinking in critical situations and highlight decisions that make a difference in the paths to success and excellence. In his opening remarks, QLC general manager Abdullah Mohammed Khalifa Albinali said that the Leadership Innovation Forum 2025 focuses on the skill of decision making as the essence of true leadership, noting that conscious leadership is capable of balancing vision and insight and transforming challenges into opportunities. He added that this year's edition is distinguished by the depth of its themes and the diversity of its topics, which include sports, medicine, family, technology, and society. It also features expanded regional and international participation through the hosting of a select group of international speakers and QLC alumni. This year's forum focuses on the dimensions of leadership from the perspective of the art of decision-making, through keynote and interactive sessions that combine experience, practice, and inspiration. The most prominent sessions include: * Leadership in Sports – highlighting the value of collaboration and teamwork in high-pressure competitive environments, and how shared decision-making and team spirit contribute to achieving success and fostering a culture of collaborative leadership. * Medical Leadership: Between Prevention and Precision – addressing critical decisions in modern medicine and their impact on saving lives and enhancing response in evolving healthcare environments. * Leadership at Home: Building Future Leaders – focusing on the role of the family and the Qatari council in instilling the values of leadership, responsibility, and initiative in young people. * Take the Lead – From Idea to Implementation – an interactive session that allows attendees to actively participate in simulating the decision-making process using modern digital tools. * From Legacy to Building the Future – This forum explores the shift from preserving family or institutional legacy to developing and maximising its impact through conscious leadership decisions that ensure the sustainability of achievements. The forum also includes side sessions and interactive workshops, such as: * "Leadership and Youth Empowerment – Preparing an Innovative Generation of Future Leaders" * "Will You Accept Me?" which discusses the impact of fear of rejection on decision-making * "Technology and Legislation – Flexible Decisions in a Rapidly Growing World", which examines the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility in the digital age. The forum features a dedicated pavilion for graduates of national programmes to showcase their success stories and inspiring experiences, fostering communication between generations of leaders and motivating young people to adopt conscious and responsible leadership practices. The forum is expected to attract approximately 1,000 guests, including dignitaries, ministers, speakers, and experts from various sectors, in addition to graduates of the QLC and young leaders in the country.

Unesco Gulf States and Yemen, in partnership with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Al Rayyan Municipality, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, hosted today the concluding session of a regional initiative on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and AI. The Talk was attended by youth, journalists, community leaders, and decision-makers from public, private, and civil society sectors across the Gulf states and Yemen. The opening remarks were made by Salah Khaled, Regional Director of Unesco to the GCC States and Yemen, Mansour Ajraan Alboenain, Director of Al Rayyan Municipality, and Dr Eyad Masad, Vice President for Research, Hamad Bin Khalifa University. In his opening remarks, Khaled, emphasised the importance of inclusive and multi-sector engagement, stating: "In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the intersection of media, information literacy, journalism, and AI has never been more critical. Each sector plays a unique role in adapting to these changes, ensuring accurate and trustworthy communication, and fostering intergenerational understanding." This session marked the wrap-up of a series of three regional talks earlier this year, which targeted the public sector, private sector, and civil society. It brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders to synthesize insights, foster intergenerational dialogue, and co-create a shared roadmap for advancing MIL and responsible AI practices across the GCC and Yemen region. The panel discussion saw the participation of Dr Wael Abdelal, Assistant Professor of Media and Mass Communication, Qatar University; Dr Milan Maric, Head of Digital Communication and Media Production, University of Doha for Science & Technology; Dr Rayana Ahmed Bou Haka, WHO Representative in Qatar; Nasser al Khori, Executive Director of Generation Amazing Foundation and Unesco Chair on Sport Governance and Social Responsibility; Khalifa al Haroon, Founder and CEO of the ILQ Media Network, RaqamiTV and Store974 and founding partner of PayLater; Abdulla al-hor, Lecturer at Qatar University, and it was moderated by Professor Sima Hamadeh, Haigazian University. During the discussion, participants examined the intersection of MIL and AI across sectors, developed strategies to enhance digital literacy, combat misinformation, and promote ethical AI use, and explored opportunities for youth-led initiatives and sector-specific policies. Building on these discussions, participants contributed to a shared roadmap for MIL and AI, which outlines key strategies and practical recommendations for policymakers, institutions, and communities. The roadmap provides guidance on strengthening digital literacy, fostering cross-sector collaboration, promoting responsible AI use, and empowering youth and influencers to actively shape a resilient and inclusive media ecosystem. This discussion is part of Unesco’s ongoing efforts in the region to advance media, information literacy and responsible AI practices, empowering communities and youth to engage critically with media and digital technologies.

The four-day course, held in the Qatar Press Center's headquarters, presented by Dr Amna al-Azza, an expert in digital transformation and entrepreneurship, was attended by a number of media professionals and those interested in modern media technologies from various media and educational institutions in the country. Dr Amna al-Azza stated that the training programme focused on four main themes: the cognitive and historical aspects of AI, its fundamentals and areas of use, ways to enter its professional and technical world, and practical applications in the media. She added that she was keen to design the course content to take into account the differences in experience and professional background among participants. This was achieved after analyzing their data and levels through a previous questionnaire and tests she had previously conducted to gain insight into the participants' backgrounds and knowledge, which helped achieve the highest levels of benefit. She explained that the interaction within the workshop was exceptional, as everyone actively participated in the exercises and practical activities held during the course. She emphasized that AI is no longer an option, but rather an urgent professional necessity, as technological developments are accelerating at an unprecedented pace, requiring media professionals and others to continuously keep pace through training and self-development. She emphasized that AI does not aim to replace journalists, but rather to enable journalists to work more intelligently and efficiently, adding: "AI will not replace journalists; rather, it will replace journalists who do not use AI." She explained that the course contributed to clarifying the new roles that journalists can play in light of the digital revolution, noting that modern media is now based on integration between humans and machines, not competition between them. She also explained that sectors such as education, health, and media are among the areas most in need of adopting AI tools urgently, given the opportunities they provide to accelerate performance and improve service quality. Tamadur al-Hur, a news anchor at Qatar TV, said, "We trained on the Perplexity program, which helps with generating statistics and selecting appropriate sources, facilitating the editing and writing process and lending greater credibility to news and journalists alike. It also helps with the process of selecting guests for interviews." Maryam Hassan al-Mohammadi, an administrator at the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, praised the performance of Dr Amna al-Azza, who was able to simplify technical concepts and integrate them into useful practical applications. She considered AI a positive tool if used properly, and warned against over-reliance on it at the expense of human creativity. In the same context, Mona al-Jahni said that the course was "excellent and extremely useful," noting that it helped participants gain a broader understanding of the applications of AI in daily and professional life, emphasizing that AI is no longer limited to technical fields, but has become an essential part of education, media production, and content creation. Media professional Ahmed Al-Jarbi, programme producer and presenter at the Qatar Media Corporation - Holy Quran Radio, explained that the AI course opened new horizons for him in the field of preparing radio and television programme content. He explained that he learned how to employ AI tools such as ChatGPT to gather information and formulate ideas, especially since it is a programme that excels at providing information. He emphasized that "AI requires intelligence in its handling." Experience and intelligence are required when dealing with AI tools, and knowing exactly what is required. He pointed out the need to review and verify the results provided by these tools before publishing them, as sometimes the information is not accurate and precise 100%. Al-Jarbi praised the course's topic and its suitability for the requirements of the digital age, suggesting that the center organise additional workshops on public speaking skills, and program development to enhance the integration between information and media performance.

Qatar Museums (QM), under the patronage of HE the Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, and in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) and a number of regional and international partners, is preparing to organise the 27th Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World, on October 28-30 in Doha, under the theme *Sustainability of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Strategies for the Future.The QM announced on its Facebook account that the conference is being held as part of efforts to enhance Arab co-operation in the field of protecting and preserving cultural heritage and finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing this vital sector.The QM said that the conference is aimed at highlighting the importance of environmental, technological, and social sustainability of cultural heritage in light of global change, while working to develop future strategies based on scientific methods and innovative practices.It also seeks to enhance the status of heritage as a source of inspiration and knowledge, and a key driver of sustainable development.The conference focuses on key objectives, most notably: addressing environmental and human challenges affecting archaeological and heritage sites in the Arab world; contributing to the development of long-term visions and strategies that ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage; supporting Arab co-operation in the field of heritage preservation and the exchange of expertise between cultural institutions; and ensuring that cultural heritage remains a marker of identity and history, and a source of inspiration and creativity for current and future generations.The conference will address a wide range of vital issues, including concepts, mechanisms, and approaches to sustainability in cultural heritage; the natural, environmental, technological, and human challenges facing heritage sustainability; sustainability strategies and the development of effective approaches to heritage preservation; digital transformation and its role in preserving cultural heritage and transmitting it to future generations; the role of cultural tourism in enhancing the sustainability of heritage sites; and the experiences of Arab countries in protecting and sustaining cultural heritage.The concept of contemporary heritage as a bridge linking the past to the future will also be discussed.The conference will include a high-level opening session featuring representatives of the organisation's Arab member states, keynote addresses by ministers and prominent figures from the Arab world and international organisations, and papers from the organising committee and the Young Researchers Forum.On the sidelines of the conference, the QM will organise the Youth Forum on October 26-30 as a key initiative paving the way for the launch of the conference activities.The forum targets young people and university students specialising in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage, providing an interactive platform for young researchers to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.This embodies the "Doha Youth Declaration 2025”.The forum will conclude with the launch of the visions and aspirations of the new generation of Arab researchers toward a more sustainable future for cultural heritage.The declaration will represent an open call to unify efforts among cultural and academic institutions in the Arab world, affirming the role of youth in leading future cultural work with a spirit of innovation and responsibility.

In celebration of the Arab Document Day, which falls on Oct 17 of each year, the National Archives of Qatar announced the organisation of a special event for this occasion. The event will be held on Thursday, Oct 16, at the Sheraton Grand Doha at 10am.The event will be attended by a select group of specialists, experts, representatives of Arab national institutions, academics, and those interested in the field of archives and documentation.The National Archives of Qatar has invited all interested parties, researchers, and the public to participate. This event falls within the framework of the National Archives of Qatar’s role in promoting Arab co-operation in the fields of archives and preservation of documentary heritage.It also stems from its chairmanship of the Memory of the World Committee for the Arab Region, represented by Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain, and underscores Qatar’s efforts to preserve national memory and support documentary projects with an Arab and regional dimension.In this regard, Dr al-Buainain, Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar, stated: “This celebration affirms the importance of the document as a source of knowledge, a tool for protecting identity and documenting the development process, and an opportunity to exchange expertise and enhance co-operation between Arab documentary institutions.”The event will include a symposium titled ‘Manuscripts and Documents: Arab Memory in International Archives’, which highlights the reality of Arab manuscripts and documents in international archives and ways to enhance their presence and protection, within a vision that seeks to consolidate the position of the Arab document on the global scene. The Arab Document Day is an initiative launched by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) in 2001, with the aim of highlighting the importance of the document as a living memory of nations and a fundamental pillar in preserving Arab identity.The National Archives of Qatar is marking this occasion this year to affirm its commitment to its national role in preserving documentary heritage and enhancing its presence both regionally and internationally.

On the occasion of the launch of the Qatar Calendar events 2025-2026, Ahmed Al-Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, spoke to Gulf Times.“In today’s event we announced the latest statistics about Visit Qatar, we showcased our stakeholders either in the private or in the public sectors. We also announced the Doha Tattoo festival, going to be held from Dec 16-20, 2025, for the first time in the Middle East.**media[368241]**“The upcoming events include Qatar Intercontinental Cup, Steve Harvey Gulf event, the experience of My Craft and Hot Wheels. To date, we have more than 550 events registered in the Qatar Calendar, comprising either exhibitions, festivals, concerts, or family entertainments, and sports events as well.“We have announced a new destination that Qatar is going to promote, which is a race in the second quarter of next year, 2026. So, the calendar is going to be the umbrella that covers all the events and across what is happening during the events and most of all a single window for the tourists, the residents, and citizens.“I take this opportunity to call on all the private and government sectors to submit all their events to Qatar Calendar to support tourism in Qatar as well as to boost awareness about their events, and make easy for tourists, residents, and citizens to know what is happening in Qatar.”The Visit Qatar official stressed that the unified calendar reflects Qatar’s vision for tourism as a strategic tool that simplifies access, streamlines planning, and ensures visibility for the events portfolio. It is continuously updated to capture the nation’s rich diversity across entertainment, culture, and sport. The Qatar Calendar serves as both a practical resource and a platform for showcasing Qatar’s global appeal.The Qatar Calendar achieved a wide reach through 25,000 printed copies distributed monthly, a digital version available via the Visit Qatar website, mobile application and verified social media channels, as well as an interactive pavilion that engages audiences at major events across the country.**media[368245]**The entertainment programme features a diversity of entertaining experiences, including a performance by international star Russell Peters live in Qatar, as part of his Relax World Tour 2025, alongside concerts by leading Arab artists such as Wael Kfoury Concert on Oct 16, 2025; singer Angham Concert on Oct 17, 2025; and Omar Khairat Concert on Dec 5, 2025.On the cultural front, key highlights include the Sealine 2026 Season in Ras Brouq, the Qatar International Food Festival 2026 on Jan 14-24, 2026, which is the nation’s largest culinary celebration, and the Throwback Food Festival 2026, from Feb 17 to March 19, which revives the heritage of Qatari eateries with a modern spirit. These are complemented by ongoing artistic and cultural events at Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and Al Bidda, further enriching Qatar’s cultural landscape.In the realm of sport, Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a premier international destination by hosting major tournaments, including the Asian Padel Championship, the UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship, on Oct 30 to Nov 1, 2025, at Doha Old Port, and the Qatar International Golf Series, offering both residents and visitors world-class sporting experiences throughout the year, Al-Binali said.Qatar’s hosting of major international sports events and their wide audiences plays a pivotal role.The country has successfully staged global tournaments such as the 2015 World Men’s Handball Championship, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and continues to host remarkable editions of world beach games, tennis, squash, padel, and various regional and continental championships.In the second half of this year, Qatar will host several major events, including the World Triathlon Championship Finals Qatar T100 in Doha, in co-operation with the Professional Triathletes Organisation, as well as the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the Qatar Airways Grand Prix Formula 1.**media[368246]**Qatar is also preparing to host the next Basketball World Cup in 2027. Furthermore, the Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar are implementing major events and projects during the latter half of the current year, with the country preparing to welcome the 2025-26 cruise season.This follows the exceptional success of the previous season, which saw the arrival of 87 cruise ships, marking a 19% increase compared to the season before. The number of cruise visitors during that season exceeded 360,000, reflecting a 4% rise compared to the previous season, underscoring the ongoing efforts to diversify and develop the country’s maritime tourism sector.Visit Qatar is the main arm of Qatar Tourism. Its mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, enhancing Qatar’s calendar, becoming the leading MICE destination in the region, diversifying events and luxury experiences. Visit Qatar is rooted in Service Excellence, boosting the entire tourism value chain, and increasing local and international visitor demand in Qatar. Through Visit Qatar’s network of international offices in priority markets, cutting-edge digital platforms, and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is expanding Qatar’s presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.Qatar’s third national development strategyQatar Tourism aims to attract 6mn visitors by 2030. Built on 11 pillars, the Tourism Strategy 2030 guides Qatar Tourism’s efforts to boost tourism and support the sector’s advancement.In January 2024, the third phase of the Qatar Development Strategy 2024-2030 was announced, identifying tourism as a major sector within the economic diversification clusters entrusted with contributing to achieving sustainable economic growth.The tourism sector focuses on developing business tourism while also building on the country’s unique characteristics to become a tourism destination of choice for families. Qatar aims to increase total in-destination spending to QR34bn, and achieve 19mn room nights thereby transforming the country into a premier travel destination.Tourism is a key pillar of Qatar’s economy and a significant contributor to its National Vision 2030. Qatar’s leadership has identified tourism as one of five priority sectors integral to economic diversification and for increasing private sector participation.Qatar offers an enriching tourism experience that blends tradition with modernity. The country has established itself as a must-visit global tourist destination, providing a safe and accessible environment with various cultural iconic landmarks offerings.Iconic sites and landmarksThe Katara Towers in Lusail City, designed in the shape of a crescent that embodies the national identity with a striking presence inspired by the crossed swords of Qatar’s national emblem. Another site is the Greek-Roman amphitheatre in Katara Cultural Village, a unique architectural blend of Islamic and ancient Greek elements, overlooking the sea and regularly hosting concerts and performances. The Mina District is equally captivating at the Old Doha Port, a vibrant artistic scene with colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and a scenic promenade where cruise ships dock.The authenticity of Souq Waqif makes it remain a hub of a melting pot gathering for tourists, where the aroma of tradition mingles with modern vibrancy through its many shops and local dining traditional restaurants, all located near the distinctive Fanar Islamic Cultural Centre and its iconic minaret.The Qatar National Library (QNL) is a must visit international landmark located in the heart of Education City, which houses millions of books alongside advanced educational facilities and programmes.The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect I M Pei, occupies a prime location on the Doha Corniche and holds one of the world’s finest collections of Islamic art.**media[368242]**Equally impressive is the National Museum of Qatar, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and inspired by the desert rose, both serving as homes for world-class art exhibitions and cultural exchange.The iconic modern projects, Msheireb stands out as the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, embodying a futuristic spirit.Equally notable is the Education City Celebration Pavilion, designed by Japanese Pritzker Prize-winning architect Arata Isozaki.

With the distinguished participation from the Ministry of Culture and a number of prominent academic and cultural institutions at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 the Qatari presence enriched the event. This attendance reflected the richness of Qatar's intellectual and creative scene and the state's commitment to expanding cultural exchange with the Arab and international worlds. The Ministry of Culture stated that its participation comes within the framework of its commitment to highlighting Qatar's national cultural identity and promoting local intellectual and literary production. Captain Hamed Mohammed al-Qahtani, from the Police Academy - Center for Security Research and Studies, stated that the academy participated in the fair for the first time, representing Qatar's Ministry of Interior. He explained that this participation aims to introduce the academy's specialised scientific and research publications in the fields of security, law, and administration. Al-Qahtani pointed out that the Academy participated with a diverse group of publications, including a periodical scientific journal, specialised in legal and security studies, in addition to reports on scientific seminars and curricula. This presence is significant for the Academy, emphasising that the first cultural event at the Riyadh exhibition will not be the last, but rather will serve as a gateway to expanding participation in upcoming Arab and international forums. Ali Mohammed, Head of Marketing and Sales at Qatar University Press, emphasised that the publishing house's participation this year was distinguished by the diversity of its academic publications and the richness of their scientific content, which combines original research with deep knowledge. He explained that the publishing house presented a collection of new books with outstanding titles during the exhibition, most notably "Geopolitics," which is being published for the first time in Arabic. The publishing house also displayed the book "Creating National Identity: Qatar," which discusses the elements of building national identity and its manifestations in the contemporary Qatari reality. Among the distinguished publications is the book translated from Italian, "Under the Lion's Rise," which deals with the history of Islamic Italy, in Sicily and Southern Italy. Ali Mohammed pointed to one of the publishing house's most prominent works which is "The Encyclopedia of Occidentalism" (study of Western Civilisation), that is considered one of the largest research projects published in Qatar, as 86 authors from six Qatari government institutions participated in its preparation. It includes more than 1,500 pages distributed over four parts, with the encyclopedia's future plans to expand to 26 parts to be published successively over the coming years. Ayman Abdel Samad, a representative of Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press, explained that this is the fifth consecutive year the publishing house has participated with more than 650 titles, ranging from titles for adult to young adults, and children's books. He noted that novels are the most in-demand, led by works by international author Khaled Hosseini, and followed by children's and young adult books, which are receiving increasing interest from families and visitors.

Jointly organised by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and the Al Jazeera for Public Liberties and Human Rights Centre (PLHRC), the international conference on "Protecting Journalists in Armed Conflict" was held in Doha on October 8-9.The conference brought together experts from United Nations bodies, mechanisms, and agencies, the African Commission on Human Rights, representatives of national human rights institutions, international and regional organisations concerned with promoting freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the protection of journalists, unions, media institutions, and experts and academics.**media[366848]**The participants emphasised the importance of international resolutions issued by the UN Security Council and the Human Rights Council aimed at protecting journalists and ensuring their safety, and renewed their support for the 2012 Doha Declaration on the Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations, the draft Universal Declaration on the Protection of Journalists – Doha Declaration, issued in March 2016, the 2016 Finland Declaration, and other declarations concerned with strengthening the protection of journalists.They expressed their deep regret at the continuing killings and grave violations against journalists in the context of armed conflict, particularly in the most dangerous conflict zones, foremost among them the Gaza Strip, Ukraine, and Sudan.They also expressed their deep regret at the continued impunity of perpetrators and the lack of accountability, justice, and reparation for victims.The participants made the following recommendations:* Call upon states to activate comprehensive political will to ensure the effective implementation of Security Council resolutions, relevant Human Rights Council resolutions, and the recommendations of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety and Security of Journalists.**media[366849]**They should ensure that the safety of journalists is a UN priority and develop and implement relevant national strategies and policies.* Emphasise the need to establish a monitoring and reporting mechanism for crimes and serious violations committed against journalists in areas of armed conflict, to measure compliance, identify violations, and determine legal responsibilities.* Emphasise the need to respect the role of journalists and correspondents in armed conflict zones, ensure their safety, enable them to enjoy freedom of movement and easy access, and respect their professional independence.They should also strive to include the protection of journalists as a permanent item in peace negotiations.* Support the reform of international mechanisms, bodies, and courts by pushing for the conclusion of a binding international instrument to protect journalists, including ensuring their safety in situations of armed conflict.Work to develop the Statute of the International Criminal Court to explicitly criminalise the targeting of journalists, and update the general comments of relevant treaty bodies.Create conditions for effective communication between journalists, human rights defenders, treaty bodies, and special procedures.* Urge governments, national institutions, and businesses to work to promote compliance with the rules of international humanitarian law and the requirements of international human rights law in all uses of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, including working to adopt legislation and public policies to oblige technology companies to refrain from developing unethical systems used in violations, reprisals, and intimidation against journalists.* Establish international and national funds to compensate and support journalists who are victims of armed conflict and their families, and develop social protection programmes to ensure that victims and families of martyrs receive sustainable pensions.* Launch an ongoing global campaign to raise awareness about the protection of journalists in times of armed conflict, achieve accountability, end impunity, and commemorate martyrs of journalism.This campaign should be launched in conjunction with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.In this regard, it should be emphasised the importance of unifying initiatives and strengthening solidarity and joint action among media, human rights, and official institutions, as well as journalists, to achieve these goals.

Under the umbrella of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Qatar Youth Hostels (QYH) organised the closing ceremony of its summer activities for the year on Saturday at the Grand Holiday Hotel.The ceremony was attended by HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth eYasser al-Jamal and Omar al-Jaber, head of the Tourism Development Sector.The ceremony honoured participants in the summer programmes and activities, as well as a group of volunteers who contributed to the success of the events.QYH head of public relations and communications Abdullah Saeed said that summer 2025 activities were a milestone in the centre's journey, with 18 male and female volunteers participating and supervising the implementation of 13 summer programmes and camps benefiting more than 235 participants.He also noted that the ceremony included honouring graduates of the fourth edition of the Tourist Guide Training Programme, implemented in partnership with Qatar Tourism.This programme saw the graduation of the first batch of deaf tour guides, setting a leading example in integrating all segments of society into the development process.At the conclusion of the ceremony, QYH head of programmes and events Fatima al-Sulaiti stated: "We are proud to celebrate the graduates of our training and applied programmes annually in recognition of their efforts and dedication.”“A notable achievement for 2025 is the graduation of the first hearing-impaired tour guides,” she said. “We also celebrated the graduates of the applied training programme for managing summer activities, and the first edition of the Young Tour Guide Programme, which included 19 young men and women who received intensive training in tour guide skills."Al-Sulaiti expressed her gratitude to the trainers who shared their field expertise, as well as to the national partner organisations, including Qatar Tourism, Hamad Medical Corporation, the Ministry of Municipality, the Qatar Cultural Centre for the Deaf, the Qatar Red Crescent, the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim al-Thani Museum, the Development Centre for Training, and the Future Leaders Initiative.