Qatar

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Dr. Ayman Safadi.The call dealt with discussing bilateral cooperation and the means to enhance it, latest developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to discussing the latest developments in Syria along with other topics of joint interest.During the call, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the State of Qatar was following with great concern the recent developments in Syria, and added that the State of Qatar stressed the need to spare civilians any consequences of this conflict.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani graciously inaugurated the 22nd edition of the Doha Forum 2024 under the theme "The Innovation Imperative" at the Sheraton Doha Hotel this morning. The opening ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Dominican Republic Luis Rodolfo Abinader, President of the Republic of Namibia Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, Chairwoman of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame and President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera. Also in attendance were Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley, President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly Dennis Francis, Secretary-General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, as well as heads of delegations from brotherly and friendly countries. The ceremony was also attended by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, a number of ministers, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the State of Qatar, senior officials, academics, policymakers, parliamentarians, intellectuals, business leaders, media professionals, and representatives of regional and international organizations and civil society groups. During the event, HH the Amir presented the Doha Forum Award to several recipients, including Wael Al Dahdouh and Carmen Joukhadar, correspondents for Al Jazeera Network, independent photojournalist Moataz Azaiza, AFP journalists Dylan Collins and Christina Assi, Director of Arman FM and Arakizia FM Sadaf Popalzai. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani delivered a speech on the occasion. First Lady of the United States of America Dr. Jill Biden also delivered a keynote address.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani received Friday a phone call from Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Dr Badr Abdel Aati. Discussions during the call dealt with co-operation relations between the two countries and means to support and develop them, in addition to the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories; the latest developments in Syria; and a host of topics of common interest.HE Sheikh Mohammed stressed during the call that Qatar is following with great concern the recent developments in Syria, and stresses the need to spare civilians any consequences of this conflict.He reiterated Qatar’s clear position calling on all parties to dialogue and reach an understanding to end the Syrian crisis in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and Security Council Resolution 2245, in a way that achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people and preserves the unity, sovereignty and independence of their country.

The population growth (in terms of live births) among expatriates in Qatar was seen faster than those among the nationals and higher than the national average in September 2024 on an annualised basis, according to the official estimates. Among nationals, live births of boys grew faster year-on-year than those of girls; whereas in the case of non-Qataris, live births of girls grew faster than those of boys in the review period, according to the National Planning Council (NPC).The country witnessed 2,743 live births in September 2024, registering a 23.4% and 4.9% increase year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. Qatar saw 1,412 live births of boys in September 2024, reporting 20.4% and 2.2% jump on an annualised and yearly basis respectively. In the case of girls, live births were 1,331, reporting 26.9% and 7.9% increase year-on-year and month-on-month in the review period.Total live births of nationals were 678 in the review period, registering 20.9% and 11% growth year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. They constituted about 25% of the total live births in the country this September.Among nationals, as many as 371 live births of boys were reported in September 2024, which was up 24.5% and 14.9% on yearly and monthly basis respectively. As many as 307 live births of girls were seen in the review period, which reported 16.7% and 6.6% growth respectively in the review period.Total live births within expatriates were 2,065 in September 2024, registering 24.3% and 3% jump year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. They constituted 75% of the total live births in the country in the review period.Among the expatriates, as many as 1,041 live births of boys were recorded this September, which grew 19% on a yearly basis but declined 1.7% month-on-month. As many as 1,024 live births of girls were seen in the review period, which shot up 30.3% and 8.4% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively.Total population in the country otherwise stood at 3.14mn in September 2024, growing 2.7% and 2.8% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. Total male population in the country stood at 2.21mn in September 2024, registering 0.3% and 2% growth on yearly and monthly basis respectively. Males constituted 70% of the total population in the country in the review period.Total female population in the country stood at 0.93mn this September, growing 8.8% and 4.6% respectively. They constituted 30% of the total population in the review period. On an annualised basis, population of those in the age group of 15-24 years witnessed the fastest growth of 8.5% against the national average of 2.7%; followed by less than 15 years (7.8%), more than 65 years (5.8%) and 25-64 years (0.8%).On a monthly basis, population of those in the age group of less than 15 years saw the maximum growth of 6.5% compared to national average of 2.8%; followed by more than 65 years (4.2%), 25-64 years (2.3%) and 15-24 years (1%).

The Cabinet’s recent approval of a draft decision by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to designate Um Al Sheif area as a natural reserve, stems from its environmental and historical significance and aims to preserve pearl diving sites and biodiversity. Located in the northern part of the country, Um Al Sheif is one of the region’s most prominent pearl diving sites and one of the most famous coral reefs within Qatar’s economic waters, a statement from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change explained. The area is characterised by a rich marine environment due to nutrient-rich currents, making it a thriving habitat for marine life such as fish, shellfish, and coral reefs. The decision includes several measures to protect the area, most notably a ban on fishing, to enhance ecological balance and support biodiversity in Qatari waters. This is particularly important as pearl oysters play a crucial role in improving seawater quality through their feeding process. Studies have shown that the Um Al Sheif area has maintained its good environmental condition compared to other locations that have faced increased environmental pressures. This resolution contributes to preserving the natural pearl oyster stock in Qatari waters. This decision reflects Qatar’s commitment to protecting its natural and marine heritage and supporting sustainable development efforts. It aligns with the implementation of the Third National Development Strategy under Qatar National Vision 2030 and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the statement added.

Orphans Care Centre (Dreama) and Al Nahda Primary School for Girls organised the event ‘Al Nahda for Palestine’ in collaboration with the Palestinian School, coinciding with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.Qatar Foundation for Social Work acting CEO Khalid Mohammed al-Kuwari, Palestine ambassador Fayez Majed, Dreama executive director Sheikha Najla bint Ahmed al-Thani, Palestinian School director Dr Yahya al-Agha and officials of the Palestinian embassy were present.The ceremony opened with a welcome speech by Al Nahda Primary School for Girls director Munira al-Mannai. She emphasised the school’s commitment to supporting humanitarian and national causes that reflect shared values and principles.“The Palestinian cause is not merely a political issue; it is a symbol of truth and justice. Supporting it is a duty that strengthens our sense of belonging and instils in future generations the values of solidarity and unity. We are committed to serving as a platform for these noble messages.”Sheikha Najla al-Thani said: “Our participation in the ‘Al Nahda for Palestine’ event stems from our belief in the importance of standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people and supporting their just cause. This collaboration between Dreama and Al Nahda School reflects a shared commitment to social responsibility and fosters the values of compassion and belonging in future generations. Through this event, we aim to instil resilience in our children and reaffirm our unwavering connection to the Palestinian cause. Palestine will always remain alive in our hearts. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Al Nahda Primary School for their cooperation in making this event a success.”The programme featured several activities, including the recitation of the Qatari and Palestinian national anthems, a presentation on the Palestinian issue, a segment titled ‘Voices from Palestine’, a short play entitled ‘Dreams Under Siege’, and the performance of a Palestinian chant. The programme concluded with a tour of the Palestinian exhibition, which showcased traditional crafts and cultural artifacts.The ceremony was well-received by attendees, who praised the organisers for highlighting the Palestinian cause and promoting the values of solidarity and unity with the Palestinian people, a statement added.

The sixth Fath Al Khair Voyage was launched by Katara – the Cultural Village Friday as part of the 14th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, which concludes Saturday after 11 days.The launch event was attended by Katara general manager Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti in the presence of a large gathering.The journey includes stops in Oman and Sharjah.The Fath Al-Khair dhow embarked on its journey led by Captain Salah Ibrahim al-Mannai, accompanied by around 20 sailors and four Houri-type boats.They sailed toward the Boom Saffar vessel anchored off Katara Beach.Captain al-Mannai then gave instructions to his crew on how to set the sail, marking the beginning of the historic sixth voyage.The journey commences from Qatar’s pearl banks, passing through Shura’awa and Sir Bu Nair Island in the UAE, with the first stop being Musandam Governorate in Oman to participate in the Musandam Winter Festival.From there, the voyage continues to Khor Fakkan in the UAE for the Second Khor Fakkan Maritime Festival.The departure ceremony featured an operetta showcasing traditional maritime arts and scenes inspired by the farewell rituals performed by families as they bid goodbye to sailors and pearl divers.Accompanied by traditional chants, children's folkloric dances, and Naham songs, the ceremony vividly depicted the seafarers' sentiments before they embarked on long fishing and diving expeditions.The performance brought to life Qatar’s maritime heritage and the enduring traditions and noble values passed down through generations.The 14th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival stood out with diverse and engaging programmes that blended tradition, history, and modernity.The festival featured international participation, with displays along Katara's southern waterfront showcasing traditional crafts and maritime handicrafts that emphasise ancestral values and cultural identity.Skilled artisans and craftsmen offered workshops and exhibitions of high-quality handmade products.Visitors to the festival flocked to the Traditional Dhow Exhibition, where they admired the sailing vessels moored along Katara Beach with the modern skyline of The Pearl and Lusail City towers forming a majestic backdrop.The scene symbolised a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity, offering an inspiring setting for contemplation and appreciation of Qatar’s maritime legacy.Families explored the traditional vessels used for fishing, pearl diving, transport, and voyages, interacting with maritime craftsmen demonstrating their skills, such as making fishing nets and fishing traps.

US First Lady Dr Jill Biden visited Qatar Foundation (QF) Friday to learn about the organisation’s vision and mission, and its unique ecosystem of education, science and research, and community development, a statement said.She received an overview of the QF's Education City from the eighth floor viewing balcony at the 2015 Building (QF Headquarters), where she met QF representatives whose work is focused on the fields of education, healthcare, and social progress.Reflecting her work as an educator, and her interest in precision medicine and women’s health, Dr Biden was also given a tour of QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, one of six US universities with branch campuses at Education City, where she met the university’s leadership, a faculty member, and students.

The Qatar University Young Scientists Centre (QUYSC) celebrated the closing ceremony of its scientific programmes for the Fall 2024 semester.The programmes were 'I am Discovering Materials,' 'Technology in Sports' and 'STEM in Sports.' A total of 150 students from six high schools participated in the seventh edition of the 'I am Discovering Materials' programme, from Nasser bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah School, Semsima High School, and Ahmed bin Hanbal School, in addition to three girls’ schools: Umm Hakeem High School, Zubaydah High School and Al-Kawthar High School for Girls.Simaisma Secondary School for Boys won first place, Al-Kawthar Secondary School for Girls secured second place, and Ahmed Bin Hanbal Secondary School for Boys came in third.The eleventh edition of the 'Technology in Sports' programme attracted 140 high school students. This cycle encouraged the participants to innovate scientific projects based on the use of technology and smart sensors to serve the sports field.The participating schools were Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al-Thani Secondary School for Boys, Amr Bin Al Aas Secondary School for Boys, Al-Jamiliya Secondary School for Boys, Doha Secondary School for Boys, Al-Maha Academy for Girls, and Umm Ayman Secondary School for Girls.Ahmed bin Mohamed Secondary School for Boys won first place, Umm Ayman Secondary School for Girls secured second place, and Al-Jamiliya Secondary School for Boys came in third.In its third edition, the 'STEM in Sports' programme evaluated five finalist groups from about 120 high school students from Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Mana Secondary School for Boys, Ibn Taymiyyah Secondary School for Boys, Dukhan Secondary School for Boys, Tariq bin Ziyad Secondary School for Boys, and Omar bin Al Khattab Secondary School for Boys.Ibn Taymiyyah Secondary School for Boys took the first place, Tariq bin Ziyad Secondary School for Boys was second, and Dukhan Secondary School for Boys third.Dr Saeed al-Meer, director of QUYSC, said: “One of the most important goals of the centre is to prepare students to be able to apply the acquired skills and knowledge in the scientific field in order to serve the nation and enhance its sustainable development."

Doha is once again witnessing a rise in the use of eco-friendly transportation, especially e-scooters, during these cooler months, highlighting their popularity among residents.The Doha Corniche, a picturesque waterfront promenade and popular destination for leisurely strolls, is one of the many locations where several e-scooter riders could be seen.Filipino expatriate Allen M said he regularly uses e-scooters at the Doha Corniche not only during the weekend but also when going to work. He added that other modes transportations such as taxis can be costly while long walks could be too tiring for him.Like bicycles, he said that e-scooters are quick, convenient, and “a lot of fun to ride”. “I always reach work faster than taking a bus or the metro”, he said, citing e-scooters’ advantages that enable riders like himself to evade traffic congestion.The influx of e-scooters also brought a noticeable change to the Doha Corniche’s landscape as it continues to embrace innovative and sustainable technologies.Rows of neatly parked scooters and bicycles – ready for use – are a common sight, becoming popular attractions for both residents and visitors and help in raising awareness on the importance of using innovative and eco-friendly public transports. The pleasant weather is a contributing factor, encouraging more outdoor activities and providing the perfect conditions for a breezy ride.Lebanese expatriate Ghina said she recently bought her two sons with e-scooters for them to spend more time outdoors than playing online games for several hours at home.“I actually want them to enjoy the weather nowadays and see other kids playing football or other sports at the park. It motivates them to stay fit and active,” she said. “It is learnt that the growing appeal of e-scooters, along with bicycles, highlights a broader shift towards environmentally conscious transportation choices in the city. This trend aligns with Qatar’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.Authorities, however, have repeatedly advised e-scooter users to prioritise safety by using designated paths, avoiding speeding, and wearing helmets and reflective vests with scooter lights activated to avoid accidents.

The path to peace is a fundamental pillar adopted by the State of Qatar's foreign policy in dealing with burning issues globally, and several factors have helped it excel in this, most notably international confidence in Qatar's ability to resolve severe disputes between conflicting parties.To shed light on Qatar's rich history in the field of mediation globally, the "Path to Peace" mediation exhibition, prepared by the International Media Office, will open at Doha Forum Saturday, and will highlight the State of Qatar's efforts in mediation and its initiatives in peace building.The forum's activities will also feature a discussion session that will address issues of peace and mediation in settling conflicts.The exhibition will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the meaning of mediation, and will review the impact of the State of Qatar's role as a reliable international party in promoting dialogue between conflicting parties around the world, and will provide an overview of Qatar's multiple successes in this field.Qatar's international mediation record has always been full of multiple successes, whether at the level of conflicts between conflicting countries, political groups and factions, armed groups, or opposition forces.The pillars of Qatar's successes in this direction are due to diplomatic capabilities and strong Qatari relations with the various parties, in addition to the importance that the state attaches to this aspect, and its adoption of the principle of neutrality towards the various parties in these files, and its standing at the same distance from all parties, which makes it a party trusted by all.Among the most prominent files that the State of Qatar led in the field of mediation was the release of the Bulgarian nurses in Libya, which culminated in ending the crisis of the Palestinian doctor and the Bulgarian nurses in Libya in 2007, in a deal under which they were released after 8 years in prison.The five Bulgarian nurses and the Palestinian doctor, who was later granted Bulgarian citizenship, were tried in Libya on charges of deliberately transmitting the HIV virus to 450 Libyan children, and were sentenced to death, which was later commuted to life imprisonment, before they were released through successful mediation by Qatar.The agreement to release the six detainees included the establishment of the "Libyan Fund for Children with AIDS," to which the State of Qatar and the Czech Republic contributed.The fund disbursed one million US dollars to the family of each infected child, in addition to Frances pledge to equip a hospital in the city of Benghazi and train its staff for five years, as well as training 50 other doctors.In another file that confirms the success of Qatari diplomacy, the Lebanese parties in Doha signed an agreement on May 21, 2008, mediated by Doha, after 18 months of a political crisis that swept the country.The "Doha Agreement" led to the election of the then army commander, Michel Suleiman, as president of the republic, and the approval of the electoral law that divided the capital Beirut into 3 regions, in addition to the formation of a national unity government.The State of Qatar played a prominent role in reaching a truce between the Palestinian factions and the Israeli entity during the wars launched by the latter on the Gaza Strip in 2009, 2012, 2014 and 2021, as well as mediation efforts in the current Israeli aggression on the Strip that erupted on October 7, 2023.During the Israeli aggression on Gaza between May 10 and 20, 2021, Qatar, in cooperation with the international community, announced a truce between the occupation and the Palestinian resistance after 11 days of bombing and destruction.Doha also worked during the current aggression on Gaza to reach a temporary truce in November 2023, during which prisoners and detainees were exchanged between the Hamas movement and the Israeli entity.Before that, on July 14, 2011, Doha hosted the signing ceremony of the final peace document in Darfur by representatives of the Sudanese government and the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM), with successful Qatari mediation between the two parties to the conflict, who had been engaged in negotiations that lasted two and a half years.In March 2011, after a long period of reconciliation efforts, the State of Qatar succeeded in concluding a peace agreement between the governments of Djibouti and Eritrea, to settle the border dispute between them.On February 6, 2012, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and the Palestine Liberation Movement (Fatah) signed an agreement aimed at accelerating the pace of national reconciliation between them, which was signed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (from the Fatah Movement) and Khaled Meshaal, the head of the movement's political bureau at the time.With Qatari mediation, the Sudanese government on the one hand, and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) on the other hand, reached a ceasefire agreement through Qatari mediation, in an attempt to revive the frozen peace process between them.The agreement came in the wake of the escalation of fighting in the Darfur region, and the breach of another agreement that was also signed with Qatari mediation in 2011. In March 2014, Qatari mediation efforts resulted in the release of 13 nuns held captive in northern Syria. These efforts were the outcome of negotiations that began in December 2013 to mediate their release.In June 2014, through Qatari-brokered negotiations, US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl was released and handed over to US Special Forces in Afghanistan in exchange for the release of five senior Taliban members detained at Guantanamo Bay.Qatar also facilitated the release of 16 Lebanese soldiers who had been abducted by the Nusra Front in August 2014. This mission succeeded on December 1, 2015, in exchange for the Lebanese government releasing 25 prisoners.On November 23, 2015, Qatar played a successful mediating role between the Tebu and Tuareg tribes in Libya. After four days of Qatari-sponsored negotiations, a peace agreement was signed between the two tribes. The conflict stemmed from a quarrel between Tuareg security personnel and Tebu civilians, which escalated into armed clashes.Another example of Qatar's pioneering mediation role was its success in securing the release of Djiboutian prisoners held by Eritrea. Through mediation, the prisoners returned to their homeland on a private plane in March 2015.As part of its peace efforts in Afghanistan, Doha hosted numerous negotiation sessions between the Taliban and the Afghan government. In May 2015, Qatar facilitated talks aimed at ending the war, bringing together representatives of the Taliban and Afghan officials.On January 23, 2017, Doha hosted the signing of an agreement between the Sudanese government and the Sudan Liberation ArmySecond Revolution Movement, marking the completion of the peace process in Darfur under the Doha Document for Peace. Qatar also hosted several rounds of talks in May 2019 between Washington and the Taliban to discuss the withdrawal of US and coalition forces from Afghanistan. This culminated in the signing of the Doha Agreement in late February 2020, which stipulated an end to the 19-year war in Afghanistan through the withdrawal of US forces. This followed Washington's decision to reduce its military presence in Kabul to 4,000 troops from the previous 13,000.Qatari efforts also led to the resolution of the dispute between Kenya and Somalia. On May 6, 2021, Kenya announced the resumption of relations with Somalia after a five-month rift, which began with Mogadishu accusing Nairobi of interfering in its internal affairs.On June 28, 2022, Doha hosted indirect talks between the United States and Iran, under European mediation, aimed at resolving outstanding issues preventing the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal. These negotiations were part of efforts to save the agreement after prolonged talks in Vienna.On August 8, 2022, Chadian transitional authorities and opposition groups signed a peace agreement under Qatari sponsorship. The agreement paved the way for comprehensive national reconciliation dialogue in Chad. The Doha Peace Agreement was signed after talks in Qatar, which began in March 2022, with the participation of representatives from the African Union and various regional and international organisations.In August 2023, Qatar mediated a prisoner exchange agreement between the US and Iran. The agreement included the release of five Iranians held in the US and the unfreezing of USD 6 billion of Iranian funds.During the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, Qatar played a pivotal role in achieving a temporary humanitarian truce. Negotiations led by Qatar and Egypt resulted in an agreement for a prisoner exchange during the seven-day truce. Humanitarian aid convoys entered Gaza following a blockade of more than 46 days, and the agreement included a ceasefire across the entire strip.Qatar, in cooperation with France, reached an agreement between Hamas and Israel to deliver medicine and humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, particularly in the most affected areas, in exchange for the delivery of required medicines to Israeli detainees in Gaza. Qatar also announced the evacuation of Palestinians holding Qatari residency permits and continued to receive injured Palestinians from Gaza for necessary treatment in Doha in several groups.These examples of Qatar's successes in mediation demonstrate its expertise, capabilities, and mechanisms that enable it to play this role effectively on the international stage. Qatar is committed to achieving peace, development, and global stability.

Qatar is well positioned to assume leadership roles in genomics globally, Dr Robert Green, an internationally renowned genetic professor told Gulf Times.“I am really impressed by the sophistication, the collaborative nature, and the ambition of the Qatari scientists that I have met," observed the physician–scientist at Mass General Brigham, an integrated healthcare system in the US, and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School."It is stunning how quickly traction is being gained here in genomics and precision medicine. I think Qatar has the ability to move into leadership positions, as it already is there in some areas, but can move into more and more leadership positions, and I genuinely admire that,” he said.Dr Green, recently in Qatar for the first time, was interacting with Gulf Times at an event. A pioneer in genomics, his work is accelerating the implementation of preventive genomics and precision medicine.He explained: “I admire the commitment and the ambition, and particularly the collaborative nature of the research at so many levels, both within Doha and in the country and with the international community. I think that is what it takes in genomics. This is really an international community, and the scientists here are part of it and are going to continue to be part of it in the years to come.”Dr Green said many countries in the Middle East have ambitions around genomics, and have stated their projects. “I think that creating biobanks, creating screening programmes, creating workflows within the electronic health record, are different stages of piloting and implementation in all the countries I have visited. I am very much impressed with what is going on here in Doha. This is my first visit to Doha, and I am thrilled to be here and looking forward to coming back and contributing in any way I can.”He noted that the field of genomics is looking at large numbers of genes to detect either a diagnosis in somebody who is sick, or the presence of a risk factor in someone with a family history, or even in the general population.He elaborated: “One of the most exciting things that my work involves, is the idea of screening people, both adults and children, who don't manifest symptoms at this particular moment, and screening them for conditions that may manifest later in life. That's called population precision health. It is a very exciting development, made possible by the fact that the technology is becoming cheaper and more sophisticated.”Most countries, according to the genomic expert, has already started screening newborns. “We have what is called newborn screening, which is a blood spot that goes to a laboratory and looks for mostly biochemical abnormalities, and that has been one of the public health miracles around the world and it is working very well. Now the question is, can we add to that, and detect rarer disease using these new technologies. We call that newborn sequencing, which is in addition to conventional newborn screening,” he remarked.The genomics professor highlighted that his project ‘BabySeq’ was one of the first in the world to try this and has generated a lot of scientific reports. “We have demonstrated that it is not dangerous, it is not so stressful. We discover an enormous amount of information, most of that information is actionable, meaning you can do something about it to prevent future disease, or mitigate future disease. A number of companies and countries have followed suit, providing this in different ways,” he said.“We have created a startup company, Nurture Genomics, which is a dynamic platform, so you sequence once, and then you can dynamically update the interpretation every year to find the new 100, 200 or 300 mutations that have been discovered that year, and to find those specific children who need a treatment that year,” added Dr Green.

The Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley arrived in Doha Friday evening to participate in the Doha Forum 2024.Mottley and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by HE the Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim bin Yousef Fakhroo.

The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Doha this evening to participate in the Doha Forum 2024.Tokayev and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by HE Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim bin Yousef Fakhroo and the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the state Issagaliyev Arman.

The Amiri Diwan announced in a statement Friday that the wedding ceremony of HE the Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, to Sheikha Fatima, daughter of HE Sheikh Nasser bin Hassan Al Abdulrahman Al-Thani, will be held Saturday, 6th of Jumada Al-Akhirah 1446 AH, corresponding to the Dec, 7, 2024.In the statement, the Amiri Diwan extended congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani; His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani; His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani; and to HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

The Prime Minister of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Mostafa Madbouly arrived in Doha Friday to participate in the Doha Forum 2024.Madbouly and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by HE Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim bin Yousef Fakhroo and the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the state Amr Kamal El Din El Sherbini.

The President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader arrived in Doha this evening to participate in the Doha Forum 2024.Abinader and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by HE Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim bin Yousef Fakhroo, and HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Dominican Republic Yasser Awad Al Abdullah, and the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the State Georges Bahsa Hazim.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will patronize the opening of the 22nd Doha Forum 2024 Saturday, under the theme 'The Innovation Imperative,' at the Sheraton Grand Doha.A global platform for dialogue, Doha Forum brings together leaders in policy to discuss critical challenges facing the world and to build innovative and action-driven networks.In addition to Qatar’s prime minister and several ministers, the distinguished speakers and attendees include Presidents, Prime Ministers, First Ladies, ministers and other dignitaries from a large number of countries around the world.This year’s theme focuses on several pressing challenges as the world grapples with disruptive forces impacting security, climate, economies, and the global order itself highlighting the need for innovative approaches to cooperation and problem-solving has never been more urgent. In a dynamic world, innovation is not only beneficial – it is existential. Organisations, systems, and even societies that do not innovate will be disrupted.The ‘Innovation Imperative’ includes the need for a shift towards more open, collaborative, and cross-sectoral models of innovation. Critical to the process is the creation of environments that foster innovative thinking and practices that start with diverse, even difficult perspectives and ideas. Under the banner of “diplomacy, dialogue, and diversity” Doha Forum will address issues of geopolitics, economic development, emerging technologies, security, and cultural diplomacy, and serve as a platform for considering how to apply the power and principles of innovation to the most pressing issues facing our planet.

HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Margus Tsahkna and the accompanying delegation, in addition to a number of Estonian companies operating in the IT field who met with ministry officials, in the framework of enhancing partnerships and discussing the available opportunities.The ministry said in a statement that the meeting dealt with enhancing cooperation in the communications and information technology field.A high-level Estonian delegation is visiting the State of Qatar, holding fruitful meetings with officials from the Ministry of Communications to discuss ways to enhance partnership in the field of communications and information technology, and develop joint projects that contribute to achieving digital development for both countries.The meeting also focused on exchanging digital experiences and exploring joint opportunities to support digital transformation in both countries.Both sides discussed the importance of coordination within international initiatives related to digital innovation and sustainable development.The meeting reflects the depth of the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Estonia, which have seen significant growth in recent years. Both countries are keen to strengthen their strategic partnership through cooperation in various fields, especially those related to communications and information technology.

HE the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia Ali Mohamed Omar on the sidelines of the meeting on Somalia, held in London, under the auspices of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom.The meeting dealt with discussing bilateral cooperation and international efforts to achieve security and stability in Somalia.