Qatar

The Investment and Trade Court recently welcomed more than 40 children of its employees as part of the fifth edition of the 'Little Employee' initiative, organised annually by Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), founded by Qatar Foundation (QF).The event featured a series of interactive workshops led by QCDC’s career guidance experts, focusing on career awareness and planning. The workshops were followed with job-shadowing sessions, where children accompanied their parents through real workplace routines, from administrative work to case preparation and real court proceedings.Participants also had the exceptional opportunity to attend a live sentencing hearing, offering them a first-hand view into judicial decision-making processes and courtroom protocol.“This partnership underscores our shared commitment to instilling early career awareness and equipping future generations with the essential skills needed for a future-ready national workforce—one capable of driving Qatar’s progress and prosperity,” QCDC acting director Saad Abdulla al-Kharji said.“We extend our sincere gratitude to the President of the Investment and Trade Court, HE Judge Khaled bin Ali al-Obaidly, and the Court’s esteemed panel for their support in realising this vision. We encourage families, institutions, and stakeholders to join the Little Employee family and help guide Qatar’s youth toward a thriving, knowledge-based economy,” al-Kharji concluded.HE Judge al-Obaidly, noted that the initiative reflects the Court's ongoing commitment to strengthening family ties and instilling the values of work and responsibility across generations. “By inviting our youngest community members to experience the day-to-day of judicial work, we build their awareness of legal careers while celebrating the important roles their parents play.”The 'Little Employee' invites children aged 7–15 to step into real work environments alongside parental role models to spark their career curiosity and instill early-age career awareness. It also aims to emphasise the important role of parents as essential career guidance and development first-liners, empowering Qatar's youth to make informed career choices down the line.

Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 at its 14th annual ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre.The event brought together university leadership, faculty, staff, families, and guests to honour the achievements of this year’s graduates, who now join a growing global network of NU-Q alumni.The Class of 2025 comprises 118 graduates, hailing from more than 18 countries. They have studied journalism, communication, and liberal arts while also contributing to award-winning student projects, groundbreaking research, and community initiatives in Qatar and beyond.In his address to the graduates, NU-Q dean and CEO Marwan M Kraidy, reflected on the symbolic power of light—or nūr—as a guiding principle for the journey ahead. “A flame is not only burning heat; it is also light and warmth,” said Kraidy. “As you leave here, take that habit of critical reflection with you. Use the flame to build a hearth. Start from a place of openness. Pause. Consider all sides. Then decide where your light should shine.”Encouraging graduates to lead with purpose and integrity, he reminded them that “one small flame can ignite a thousand candles.”In a unique, full-circle moment, HE Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman al-Thani, undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour in Qatar and Class of 2015 alumna, returned to the stage as this year’s graduation speaker, a decade after delivering the student address at her own graduation.Reflecting on the transformation from student to professional, she said, “The Najwa that went to Northwestern feels like a different person from a different life.”Her speech balanced humour with heartfelt advice, encouraging the Class of 2025 to “trust the process, play the long game, and change the way you see yourself.”She also recounted her journey since graduating, from navigating postgraduate studies in Oxford to building a career shaped by rejection, resilience, and reinvention. “While many before me have carved out the space for those of us from the region, we remain underrepresented,” she said. “We have a value to bring to the table, a voice that cannot be substituted by those who write about us.”Drawing from Arabic philosophy, she urged the graduates to embrace wasilah — the means by which we pursue our goals — as the true measure of character.Joining Dean Kraidy and Sheikha Najwa on the stage, Class of 2025 Speaker Fairuz Yosef Issa addressed her fellow graduates, congratulating them on their achievements and reflecting on the spirit of resilience and perseverance that defined them.“We arrived here as individuals,” she noted, “but today, we leave as a collective, bonded by shared challenges, late-night deadlines, and the belief that stories matter.”A journalism student known for her advocacy and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, she reflected on the unique journey of her class: from entering university at the height of the global Covid-19 pandemic to graduating at a time of a rapidly shifting world.“Northwestern didn’t just teach us how to write headlines,” she said. “It taught us how to listen closely, speak honestly, and show up — especially when it’s uncomfortable.”Drawing on moments of uncertainty and growth, she reminded her classmates that “our stories are not just ours — they belong to the people we seek to serve.” She went on to urge her peers to carry forward the values of courage, curiosity, and compassion: “We may not know what’s next, but we know who we are — and that will always be enough.”Another highlight of this year’s ceremony was the attendance of a senior delegation from Northwestern University’s home campus, underscoring Northwestern’s support for the campus and community in Qatar. The group included members of the Northwestern University Board of Trustees, Peter J. Barris, chair of the Board, and Provost Kathleen Hagerty.Alongside dean Kraidy, they participated in the graduation processions and engaged with students, faculty, and staff during the visit.The ceremony concluded with graduates processing out beneath the Weber Arch, a powerful reversal of their symbolic entry into university life.With their degrees in hand and their next chapters just beginning, the Class of 2025 leaves NU-Q as alumni, poised to lead with impact after graduation and make a lasting impact across the globe, the statement added.

More than 200 pre-university students with ambitions to pursue careers in medicine participated in Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) two-day Doctors of the Future Conference, a statement said.The annual event gives pre-university students the chance to explore WCM-Q’s state-of-the-art campus, learn about the college’s world-class educational programmes, and discover the wide range of opportunities that can be accessed by studying for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.Organised by WCM-Q’s Office of Student Outreach and Development, the conference also serves to develop partnerships between WCM-Q and local secondary and high schools, stimulate interest in careers in science and medicine among pre-university students, and help enhance college readiness skills.Noha Saleh, director of pre-medical administration, student outreach and educational development, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many enthusiastic and highly accomplished students to the conference once again this year.”The second day of the conference featured the final round of the research contest, with first prize going to the team from GEMS Wellington International School Qatar for their poster, titled The Effect of Gaming on Promoting Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness of Diabetes. The Second place was shared by teams from Doha College and Swiss International School Qatar. The competition began with a preliminary round in January with an initial field of 54 teams.Dr Rachid Bendriss, associate dean for foundation, student outreach and educational development programmes, said: “Our Doctors of the Future Conference continues to offer pre-university students a highly effective way to engage with the worlds of science, medicine, and higher education, while simultaneously helping them to develop skills that will enhance their readiness to apply to college.”

The Maze, a new fiction from the Qatari Novel Library is to be launched by the Qatari author Abdulrahim al-Siddiqi at the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF).The author of The Maze, which is scheduled to be signed and officially released on the sidelines of the upcoming DIBF, spoke about its humanistic philosophy, the challenges of writing it, and his future projects.Regarding the reason for choosing The Maze as the title for his latest book, Al-Siddiqi said that the Maze is not just a place, but rather a mental and emotional state experienced by the hero, which is reflected in everyone around him.Al-Siddiqi explained that the novel represents a person's journey within themselves, lost between memory and reality, love and betrayal, truth and doubt.He continued: "The novel tells the story of Talal, who experiences a psychological struggle with his fragmented past and a mind filled with gaps."He pointed to the interweaving of scenes of love, betrayal, murder, and Alzheimer's disease in a circular narrative that raises questions about who is the victim. Who is the killer? And is the Maze located outside or inside? Regarding the novel's broad outlines, Al-Siddiqi emphasised that his new novel is built on two axes: memory and identity. He noted that it poses an existential question: What if it's your memory that has betrayed you, not your feelings?He emphasised that the novel's message is that nothing is as it seems; the Maze may be more within us than it is on the city streets.Al-Siddiqi explained that there are personal motivations behind this novel, indicating that the first is artistic, represented by the desire to break with the traditional pattern of narrative fiction. The second is human, represented by writing about those we judge without understanding them. He pointed to the character of Talal, which he described as a character charged with connotations, belonging to the "gray area."

Qatar’s maritime industry received a huge boost Monday with the launch of the first-ever Mina Pre-Owned Boat Show at Old Doha Port’s Mina Corniche.The event will run until tomorrow (May 7), bringing together marine enthusiasts, first-time buyers, and seasoned boaters eager to explore a curated selection of second-hand vessels. It is open daily from 5pm to 9pm.According to the organisers, this boat show offers boat owners a unique opportunity to display their vessels, ranging from jet skis and fishing boats to yachts, superyachts, and traditional dhows, for free. Public entry is also free, making it accessible to a wide audience.“We at Old Doha Port have set objectives and goals that we want to achieve, one of which is definitely enhancing the maritime experience locally, regionally and then globally.“This pre-owned boat show is considered as the first-of-its-kind in Qatar, and the aim is to provide a safe platform for sellers and buyers, whether individuals or companies,” Old Doha Port CEO, engineer Mohammed Abdullah al-Mulla, told reporters.He noted that the event facilitates smoother transactions by providing dedicated spaces for inspection companies and service providers. This, he pointed out, allows potential buyers to obtain initial inspection reports on the vessels, aiding in informed decision-making.He added that stringent criteria are in place to ensure the quality of boats offered, including a requirement of at least one year of valid inspection reports and a registration year of 2007 or beyond. More than 40 marine vessels are participating in this maiden edition, highlighting the strong momentum in Qatar’s pre-owned boat market.The show has transformed the Mina Corniche into a vibrant open-air marketplace, organisers said. It also offers on-site maintenance workshops and inspection services at competitive prices, fostering a supportive environment for both buyers and sellers.Al-Mulla said this latest edition of the show joins other recent initiatives at Old Doha Port, including the first Qatar Boat Show and a fishing exhibition.He said the combination of events caters to local, regional, and international markets, and provides the right infrastructure for yacht owners to safely and easily berth their vessels in Qatar.In addition to the diverse range of boats on display, organisers noted that visitors can also enjoy a unique hospitality experience in a welcoming maritime atmosphere, overlooking Doha’s skyline and the West Bay towers. It also features music and various activities.Organisers stressed that this boat show is poised to become a key event in Qatar’s maritime calendar, underscoring Old Doha Port's commitment to nurturing and strengthening the local industry.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) organised a symposium titled "Journalists in Gaza: Martyrs and Witnesses" as part of the Press Council sessions.The session was held to commemorate World Press Freedom Day. Palestinian journalist Tamer al-Mashal, known for his investigative reports, spoke about the reality of journalistic work in Gaza and the conditions journalists face under the occupation and recurring wars. The session was moderated by journalist Abdullah al-Musalmani.Tamer al-Mashal emphasised that what is happening in Gaza is a redefinition of the concept of press freedom, the journalist, and the ethics and standards of the profession. He pointed out that what has been happening in Gaza for more than 18 months is nothing short of a massacre. Some 216 Palestinian journalists have been killed and assassinated, and 409 Palestinian journalists have been injured.He added: "The Israeli occupation has arrested 48 Palestinian journalists who remain missing in prisons, with nothing known about their conditions except for what leaks from some released prisoners."He said: "The Israeli occupation forces annihilated 28 families of journalists, in addition to directly targeting and completely destroying 44 homes of journalists."Regarding the issue of press and media institutions, Al-Mashal confirmed that 23 digital media outlets, 11 radio stations, 16 satellite channel headquarters, and 27 other media institutions were destroyed in Gaza.Al-Mashal questioned the celebration of media freedom and the double standards in light of what is happening in Gaza. He said: "The occupation seeks to turn Gaza into a graveyard for journalists."Al-Mashal spoke about the Israeli forces' sniper fire on all the surveillance cameras installed in front of the Al Jazeera office building in central Gaza, preventing any images from being released.Al-Mashal recalled the targeting of colleagues Wael al-Dahdouh, Samer Abu Daqqa, Ahmed al-Louh, Hussam Shabat, and their families, emphasizing that assassination is a crime, but the greater crime is justifying the assassination.Al-Mashal explained that the world is witnessing complex crimes that justify the assassination of journalists who do not belong to armed groups, noting that the occupation's fabrications reflect incitement and justification for its ongoing crimes.He emphasised that Gaza's journalists are heroes who have redefined the concept of journalism, because the occupying power has been unable to prevent the spread of images, information, and truth.Al-Mashal said: "Unfortunately, the United Nations has not protected the people in order to protect journalists in Gaza." He emphasised that Gaza is a very serious wound. People are being killed in tents and on live television, with no support.Al-Mashal said: "The targeting of journalists, people, and stones did not begin on October 7, but rather began with the occupation. People in Gaza have been without food or drink for weeks. Elderly people are being killed right in front of their tents." He emphasised that this is not humane. "Now, in this war, we are facing a test of conscience, humanity, morals, journalism, and freedom of the press."He said: "We realise that the pulse of the people, the pulse of the street, and the pulse of the free people of the world is with Palestine. Al Jazeera has done a tremendous job in conveying the truth to the world, despite the great sacrifices."

Qatar CSR Summit 2025, being held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, was inaugurated Monday by HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater.The opening of the three-day event under the theme 'Sustainability in the Digital Age' at Qatar University’s (QU) Student Affairs Building, was attended by a large number of attendees, including representatives from ministries, government agencies, international organisations, businessmen, diplomats, academics and sponsors.In her opening remarks, HE AlKhater stated that as part of its comprehensive educational policy, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is committed to promoting social responsibility within the public sector through a range of initiatives aimed at empowering Qatari youth, encouraging their active participation in the community, and fostering the values of good citizenship."We believe that social responsibility is not limited to individuals alone, but also extends to government institutions, which serve as a model in effectively utilising resources and capabilities for the benefit of society," she said while reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to advancing this approach through sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life and reinforcing Qatar’s global leadership in social responsibility.In his welcoming speech, QU president Dr Omar al-Ansari, stressed that Qatar University's hosting of the Qatar CSR National Programme has enabled students to apply their academic knowledge to address real-world challenges, while fostering concepts of volunteering, community involvement, and environmental and social awareness. It has also contributed to the development of their leadership skills and empowered them to play an active role in improving their communities.Hamad Mohammed al-Nasr, director of Trade Development and Investment Promotion at Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said: “The Ministry is dedicated to encouraging companies to actively contribute to community development by motivating them to adopt sustainable business practices that benefit all segments of society and ultimately contribute to the nation's prosperity."Today, the success of companies is no longer solely defined by profitability; it now extends to their role in advancing social growth and development through their commitment to social responsibility. Qatar has established a developmental strategy as part of Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed at managing the environment in a way that ensures harmony and alignment between the goals of economic and social development and environmental protection.Achieving these objectives requires the business community's commitment to standards that ensure their operations and performance are aligned with this vision."Yousef Mahmoud al-Neama, chief business officer of QNB Group, stated: "As the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, QNB Group remains steadfast in supporting the nation’s sustainability efforts by sponsoring key events and initiatives both in Qatar and beyond. Through this commitment, we strive to build a brighter future, leave a lasting legacy of sustainable development in the local communities where we operate, and ensure that corporate social responsibility practices are at the core of our strategic framework.”This was followed by the recognition of the CSR Person of the Year in Qatar, as the judging committee at QU named HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB), for the honour, in appreciation of his outstanding efforts and distinguished contributions to the field. HE AlKhater, accompanied by Dr al-Ansari, presented the honorary shield.The Conference and Exhibition will see a wide participation of governmental and semi-governmental agencies and private sector companies that come together to highlight the importance of corporate social responsibility for the future of society and business alike.The conference features a series of interventions, panel discussions, and workshops featuring more than 75 speakers across 16 panel discussions, 14 presentations, and four workshops.Commenting on the conference agenda, Prof Rana Sobh, dean of the College of Business and Economics at QU, said this year’s edition explores a range of key topics that play a vital role in advancing CSR practices by examining the strong links between digital innovation and sustainability.

The Katara Library of Arabic Novel, located in Building 48 of the Katara Cultural Village Foundation, hosted a distinguished cultural symposium titled "Arab Culture in Hindi Translation: Creative Models from Qatar."The symposium brought together a group of translators and researchers from leading Indian universities, along with a number of intellectuals and those interested in translation and Arabic literature.The symposium discussed the role of translation as an effective cultural bridge between peoples and an important tool for conveying Arabic creativity into international languages. With a focus on Hindi as one of the most widely spoken languages in South Asia. Participants highlighted examples of Qatari literature translated into Hindi. Emphasising that these works reflect the depth of Qatar's cultural experience and contribute to strengthening the Arab literary presence on the global stage.A number of academics and professionals specialising in translation spoke during the session, emphasising the importance of strengthening co-operation between cultural institutions in the Arab world and their counterparts in India. They also presented successful experiences in translating Qatari narrative and poetic texts into Hindi.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recently hosted the Second Public Health Sector Football Tournament. A friendly match between the health sector leadership team and the former football stars of Qatar took place during the opening ceremony.The former Qatar national football team players included Sultan al-Sufiani, Al-Mirghani Zain, Masad al-Hamad, Saad Sattam al-Shammari, Naif al-Anzi, Ahmed Khalifa, Faisal al-Dosari, and Hussein al-Rumaihi.The tournament matches, held on the outdoor Aspire fields, saw fierce competition between the participating teams vying for the trophy, a statement said.Ghanim Ibrahim al-Mohannadi, director of the Human Resources Department at the MoPH, said: "The success of the first edition of the Public Health Sector Football Tournament was a driving force behind the organisation of the second edition, which is one of the initiatives of the Employee Well-being and Wellness Programme at the Ministry."The number of participating teams rose to 36 from the MoPH, Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation.The training sessions for the teams took place at the Ministry of Youth and Sports fields in Al-Thumama throughout March, in addition to seeking a specialist coach and fitness trainer from Al-Waab Club to ensure the players' safety and readiness."Such tournaments and sports competitions motivate health sector employees, enhance their readiness to work, and improve their creative abilities. Practising sport improves mood and helps alleviate the negative pressures that individuals experience due to the stresses of daily life," he said.The MoPH continues to intensify its awareness of the importance of sport and physical activity in promoting health and quality of life. The ministry and its partners implement many programmes and projects to promote physical activity within the community, the statement added.

Alfardan Sports Motors, the official importer of Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Abarth, and Fiat Professional in Qatar, hosted an exclusive media event to mark the official Qatar premiere of both the fully electric Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e. The unveiling highlighted the brands’ bold shift toward sustainable, connected mobility solutions, a statement said. The reveal took place at the state-of-the-art Alfardan Sports Motors service facility in Jery Al Samur, purpose-built to support the Italian Stellantis brands and their growing electric vehicle lineup. A cultural icon reimagined for the electric age, the Fiat 500e blends unmistakable Italian charm with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. Its exterior retains the instantly recognisable silhouette that has defined the model for generations, now refined with chrome detailing, full LED “infinity” lighting, sculpted bumpers, and an ingenious third rear-hinged door exclusive to the 3+1 version—offering enhanced accessibility while preserving its classic proportions. Inside, the 500e delivers a refined and minimalist atmosphere. Eco-leather seating, a soft-touch wrapped dashboard, and intuitive design elements are seamlessly integrated with advanced digital features, including a 10.25” high-definition touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, ensuring both comfort and connectivity. Beneath its stylish exterior, the Fiat 500e is powered by an 87 kW (118 hp) electric motor paired with a 42 kWh battery. This configuration allows it to travel up to 320km on a single charge, accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in nine seconds, and benefit from fast-charging capabilities of up to 85 kW. The Abarth 500e's aggressive styling includes dynamic bumpers, a prominent rear diffuser, and distinctive 17” or 18” alloy wheels accented by Acid Green Scorpion hubcaps. The cabin reflects Abarth’s motorsport pedigree with a driver-centric layout available in Tecnoprene or Alcantara. A three-spoke sporty steering wheel, premium double-stitched seats embossed with the iconic Scorpion emblem, and digital interfaces with exclusive Abarth graphics create a cockpit designed to thrill. Under the hood, the Abarth 500e houses a potent 114 kW (153 hp) electric motor. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under seven seconds and is equipped with the brand’s unique AVAS acoustic system, simulating the engine note to preserve the emotional connection of performance driving in the electric era. Designed to resonate with a new generation of enthusiasts, the Abarth 500e delivers raw excitement with zero emissions. Both models are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, urban blind spot monitoring, and emergency braking — delivering safety, confidence, and innovation in every drive. “The launch of the Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e underscore our mission to lead Qatar’s transition toward clean, connected, and emotionally engaging mobility," said Charly Dagher, general manager of Alfardan Sports Motors. "We are proud to offer products that not only capture the essence of Italian design and performance but also align with Qatar’s Vision 2030. At Alfardan Sports Motors, we stand at the intersection of heritage and innovation — delivering experiences that reflect our enduring commitment to excellence and the ultimate ownership experience,” he added. Since 2019, Alfardan Sports Motors has showcased Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Abarth, and Fiat Professional through its flagship showroom at Medina Centrale, The Pearl Island. The introduction of the Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e marks a bold new chapter in this ongoing legacy, blending heritage with electric innovation, the statement added.

Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 at its 14th annual ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre.The event brought together university leadership, faculty, staff, families, and guests to honour the achievements of this year’s graduates, who now join a growing global network of NU-Q alumni.The Class of 2025 comprises 118 graduates, hailing from more than 18 countries. They have studied journalism, communication, and liberal arts while also contributing to award-winning student projects, groundbreaking research, and community initiatives in Qatar and beyond.In his address to the graduates, NU-Q dean and CEO Marwan M Kraidy, reflected on the symbolic power of light—or nūr—as a guiding principle for the journey ahead. “A flame is not only burning heat; it is also light and warmth,” said Kraidy. “As you leave here, take that habit of critical reflection with you. Use the flame to build a hearth. Start from a place of openness. Pause. Consider all sides. Then decide where your light should shine.”Encouraging graduates to lead with purpose and integrity, he reminded them that “one small flame can ignite a thousand candles.”In a unique, full-circle moment, HE Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman al-Thani, undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour in Qatar and Class of 2015 alumna, returned to the stage as this year’s graduation speaker, a decade after delivering the student address at her own graduation.Reflecting on the transformation from student to professional, she said, “The Najwa that went to Northwestern feels like a different person from a different life.”Her speech balanced humour with heartfelt advice, encouraging the Class of 2025 to “trust the process, play the long game, and change the way you see yourself.”She also recounted her journey since graduating, from navigating postgraduate studies in Oxford to building a career shaped by rejection, resilience, and reinvention. “While many before me have carved out the space for those of us from the region, we remain underrepresented,” she said. “We have a value to bring to the table, a voice that cannot be substituted by those who write about us.”Drawing from Arabic philosophy, she urged the graduates to embrace wasilah — the means by which we pursue our goals — as the true measure of character.Joining Dean Kraidy and Sheikha Najwa on the stage, Class of 2025 Speaker Fairuz Yosef Issa addressed her fellow graduates, congratulating them on their achievements and reflecting on the spirit of resilience and perseverance that defined them.“We arrived here as individuals,” she noted, “but today, we leave as a collective, bonded by shared challenges, late-night deadlines, and the belief that stories matter.”A journalism student known for her advocacy and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, she reflected on the unique journey of her class: from entering university at the height of the global Covid-19 pandemic to graduating at a time of a rapidly shifting world.“Northwestern didn’t just teach us how to write headlines,” she said. “It taught us how to listen closely, speak honestly, and show up — especially when it’s uncomfortable.”Drawing on moments of uncertainty and growth, she reminded her classmates that “our stories are not just ours — they belong to the people we seek to serve.” She went on to urge her peers to carry forward the values of courage, curiosity, and compassion: “We may not know what’s next, but we know who we are — and that will always be enough.”Another highlight of this year’s ceremony was the attendance of a senior delegation from Northwestern University’s home campus, underscoring Northwestern’s support for the campus and community in Qatar. The group included members of the Northwestern University Board of Trustees, Peter J. Barris, chair of the Board, and Provost Kathleen Hagerty.Alongside dean Kraidy, they participated in the graduation processions and engaged with students, faculty, and staff during the visit.The ceremony concluded with graduates processing out beneath the Weber Arch, a powerful reversal of their symbolic entry into university life.With their degrees in hand and their next chapters just beginning, the Class of 2025 leaves NU-Q as alumni, poised to lead with impact after graduation and make a lasting impact across the globe, the statement added.

Qatar Airways has announced more frequencies to Toronto and São Paulo from June. The airline will serve Toronto Pearson Airport with five weekly flights from June 19, and São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport with 17 weekly flights from June 25.Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “We launched our services to Toronto Pearson Airport less than six months ago and have seen a strong response in the market.“At the same time, we are expanding in South America with additional flights to São Paulo, a key gateway and strategic hub for business and leisure travel. These expansions underscore our commitment to providing seamless global connectivity through Hamad International Airport - voted World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax in 2025.”Qatar Airways inaugurated its flights to Toronto in December 2024 ahead of the festive season. The proposed daily flights to the city this coming winter will provide passengers across Canada enhanced connectivity to Doha and beyond.The national airline is also increasing flights to São Paulo from 14 to 17 weekly flights. Passengers will continue to benefit from Qatar Airways’ “seamless connections” to 55 destinations in Latin America through LATAM Airlines, including Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima and Santiago de Chile.

In the interest of public safety and due to weather forecasts indicating the possibility of dusty conditions on Tuesday, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) on Monday called on school authorities, parents, and students to take necessary precautionary measures.MoEHE urged all to minimize outdoor activities and to follow safety guidelines recommended by Health & Safety Administration.The MoEHE also listed the following tips for students during sandstorms:Protect eyes when leaving the house:Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear to avoid irritation.Wear a mask before going outside:If you do not have a mask, use a clean tissue or cloth to cover your nose and mouth.Remain indoors at school once you arrive:Do not go outside unless necessary.Do not rub eyes:If your eyes feel itchy, wash them with clean water instead of rubbing.If you have asthma or respiratory issues:Follow your doctor's instructions carefully during such weather.If feel dizzy or have difficulty breathing: Inform a nurse or teacher immediately.

Qatar General Electricity and Water Corp (Kahramaa) has signed contracts worth about QR 3.1bn with four companies to boost Qatar's electricity infrastructure. HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi attended the signing of four strategic contracts with Elsewedy Cables Qatar Company (Qatar), Voltage Engineering Ltd Co W.L.L (Qatar), Best and Betash Consortium (Turkiye), and Taihan Cable & Solution (South Korea). Under the new deals, seven high-voltage substations will be set up and 212 km-long underground cables and overhead lines will be provided to connect the substations. Senior Kahramaa executives and representatives of the participating companies were also present. HE al-Kaabi hailed Kahramaa's efforts in meeting the growing electricity requirements saying: "Today's signings are a reflection of our commitment to implement effective and comprehensive plans for our strategic projects that would ensure our network's continued and sustainable ability to accommodate the unprecedented growth of the power sector and meet the increasing electricity demand". HE Kahramaa President Abdulla bin Ali al- Theyab affirmed that the signing of these contracts is an important move towards further developing Qatar's electricity networks infrastructure. "We are proud to collaborate with highly qualified national and international companies, and to stress our commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and supporting the local economy. The awarding of the largest share of these contracts to Qatari companies reflects our great confidence in the capabilities of the local private sector and its pivotal role in achieving our development vision and achieving Qatar National Vision 2030," he said. Under these contracts, these companies will undertake the construction of electrical substations and the connection of cables and overhead lines, as well as the development of some existing substations to increase their capacity. In line with Kahramaa's policy of encouraging Qatari companies and in accordance with the state's strategies to promote the private sector, the share of Qatari companies accounts for 58.4% (QR 1.8 bn) of the total value of these strategic contracts.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) celebrated the graduation of the third batch of its employees who completed the Authority's training programs, in the presence of HE the Ashghal President Engineer Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Meer, and a number of senior officials in the Authority.The ceremony witnessed the graduation of 163 employees and engineers from accredited training programs, organized by the Human Resources Department, with the aim of developing and preparing national cadres.The programs include the Project Management Development Program (PMDP) to prepare newly graduated Qatari engineers and develop their professional capabilities, the Graduate Development Program (GDP), directed at non-engineer fresh graduates, to enable them to perform their job roles efficiently and the Administrative Development Program (ADP), which is dedicated to developing employees who hold a high school degree and diploma in all supporting administrative fields.The Authority stressed its keenness to prepare and provide various training programs and projects in line with various occupational levels, ensuring sustainable professional development and employees' career advancement since joining the authority.The duration of these programs ranges from 12 to 36 months, as they are designed to meet practical needs and enhance the technical, administrative, and behavioral skills required in the work environment within the Authority.HE Al Meer expressed his pride in graduating this distinguished group of the Authority's employees, noting that developing the human cadre constitutes the cornerstone of achieving the Authority's ambitions in the fields of infrastructure and engineering."We pay great attention to training and developing our employees and engineers, as we believe that investing in people is the basis of success, and we seek, through various training programs, to enable Qatari cadres and increase their efficiency in a way that reflects positively on their performance," His Excellency said.Manager of Human Resources Department at Ashghal Rashid Al Hajri said "We are proud of the achievements of graduates of the training programs. These programs are designed to meet the actual needs of various jobs in the Authority, which include technical, administrative and behavioral aspects."We believe in the importance of continuous learning as a way of developing national competencies and achieving the Authority's objectives in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024 - 2030".Head Of Training & Organizational Development Section at Ashghal Ghanem Al Kaabi said: "The Authority is proud of graduating a distinguished Qatari cadre, which stems from its belief of the importance of employees' training, development and enablement."The Public Works Authority was keen to design and provide comprehensive training programs which takes into account different occupational levels with the aim of supporting employees' career development and enabling to achieve career advancement," he added.During the ceremony, HE Al Meer honored a number of partner entities who contributed to supporting training programs, in addition to honoring the graduates.

As part of its ongoing "Your Health, Our Priority" campaign, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) highlighted the exceptional services provided by its Dermatology Department, one of the region's leading centers for skin health.HMC's Dermatology and Venereology Department provides high-quality medical care for patients of all ages with all skin conditions including eczemas, psoriasis, hair fall, vitiligo, skin infections, immune and allergic processes, skin cancer, and other skin manifestations. As a regional hub for outstanding patient care, the department is also building a global reputation for innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and groundbreaking research in skin science."Our dermatology services reflect HMC's broader commitment to delivering specialized, world-class healthcare to the community of Qatar, whether treating common skin conditions or managing the most complex diseases, our goal is always to provide personalized, most updated high-quality care tailored to the needs of each patient," said Chair of HMC's Dermatology and Venereology Department, Prof. Martin Steinhoff, one of the top 2 percent ranked researchers worldwide by Stanford University.Patients have the benefit of accessing cutting-edge treatments delivered by expert clinicians across a wide range of subspecialty clinics at HMC, including Biologic and immunomodulatory therapies for inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, autoimmune diseases; Hair and scalp clinics for complex disorders such as alopecia areata and scarring alopecia; State-of-the-art light-based treatments for conditions such as vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; Dermato-surgery treatments including skin biopsies and excisions for benign and malignant lesions; Advanced laser therapy for scarring, pigmentation disorders, and rosacea; Sclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of venous insufficiencies such as varicose veins, spider veins, and deep vein thrombosis; Skin cancer diagnostics and therapy of benign and malignant skin cancers; and Genetic dermatology and genodermatoses for diagnostics and therapy of genetic skin diseases and haemangiomas.According to HMC, specialized clinics also include services for pediatric dermatology, geriatric dermatology (one of the first globally), sexually transmitted infections, and complex autoimmune skin diseases.The latest advanced technology at HMC allows for real-time skin imaging and non-invasive diagnostics, such as dermoscopy or ultrasound, enabling earlier and more accurate detection of conditions like melanoma and other skin cancers or scleroderma, improving outcomes and reducing the need for unnecessary procedures.HMC's dermatology specialists are expertly trained, playing a crucial role in emergency and inpatient care to manage severe, life-threatening skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson-Syndrome, erythroderma, drug reactions, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.Dr. Ayda Al Hammadi, Senior Consultant at HMC's Dermatology and Venereology Department said: "our vision is to be more than just a center for treatment. We aim to set new standards for dermatological care and to serve as a model for excellence globally."

HE Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani witnessed the signing of a Letter of Intent for strategic cooperation between the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and Cisco Systems.The signing ceremony was also attended by Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, Chuck Robbins and a number of senior officials from both sides.The Letter of Intent was signed for the MOI by Director General of Communications and Information Systems, Brigadier Jassim Al Buhashim Al Sayed and for Cisco by Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, Romania, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), David Meads.The signing of the Letter of Intent comes within the framework of strengthening partnerships with leading global companies in the fields of technology, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure, contributing to supporting the MOI's efforts to develop a smart security system and comprehensive digital transformation.HE the Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) also discussed with the Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems the cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and the company, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure development, and cybersecurity. They also discussed prospects for partnership in future strategic projects.

The Shura Council held its regular weekly meeting at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall on Monday, under the chairmanship of HE the Speaker Hassan bin Abdulla Al Ghanim.During the session, the Council approved a draft law on combating doping in sports and referred it to the esteemed government after having reviewed the report of the Education, Culture, Sports, and Information Affairs Committee and discussing its details with their Excellencies the members.The Council also reviewed the esteemed government's statement regarding the Shura Council's proposals on reorganizing and monitoring domestic worker recruitment offices. The Council decided to refer it to the Social Affairs, Labor, and Housing Committee for study and to report back on its findings.The Shura Council had discussed the aforementioned topic in previous sessions and concluded by submitting a proposal to the esteemed government, which included the Council's views on the matter.Moreover, the council reviewed two reports on its participation in two parliamentary events: the meeting of the Coalition of Women Parliamentarians from Arab Countries to Combat Violence against Women, held via videoconferencing in November 2024, and the 37th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU), held in Cairo last February.At the end of the session, HE Speaker Al Ghanim briefed the members on his participation, leading the Council's delegation to the 38th Conference of the AIPU, which concluded yesterday in Algeria under the theme "The Role of the AIPU in Light of Regional and International Changes".His Excellency explained that the conference discussed the challenges facing the region, as well as a number of issues and challenges facing the Arab nation, foremost among them the Palestinian cause and the tragic developments it is witnessing in light of the ongoing attacks against the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories.HE Al Ghanim also noted that the conference issued a final statement praising the prominent role played by the State of Qatar in supporting the Palestinian cause, appreciating its efforts to continue delivering humanitarian and relief aid to the Gaza Strip.HE the Council Speaker stated that the Union, in his statement, also welcomed the memorandum submitted by the State of Qatar to the International Court of Justice regarding its request for an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations regarding the presence and activities of the UN, other international organizations, and third states. He emphasized the importance of this memorandum in supporting relief and humanitarian organizations and ensuring a decent living for the Palestinian people.

Represented by the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA), the State of Qatar is participating in the 61st meeting of the technical committee of civil retirement and social insurance agencies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which is being held at the headquarters of the Public Institution for Social Security of the State of Kuwait, during the period of May 5-7, 2025.The meeting will address several main topics, including the work plan of the committee of heads of agencies for the period 2026-2030, determining the unified system for insurance protection, and comparing the Gulf retirement systems, in addition to discussing electronic linkage initiatives, training and qualification, and unified awareness, along with related international initiatives.The participants of the meeting will address statistical indicators, mechanisms for developing education, and targeting employees within the unified system. They will also explore ways to support scientific research and professional recognition through the Scientific Research Award and the honoring of leading figures in the retirement and social insurance sector, in addition to studying the benefits offered to retirees.The technical committee of civil retirement and social insurance agencies in the GCC countries meeting is held periodically. It acquires special importance as a coordination platform that contributes to shaping shared visions and formulating essential technical measures that are submitted to the meeting of heads of agencies for appropriate decision-making.Through this participation, the authority affirms its commitment to strengthening joint Gulf cooperation in the areas of social protection and civil retirement, and developing insurance policies in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 of building a sustainable retirement system that enhances the social and economic stability of citizens.

HE Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani met Monday with Minister of Interior and Narcotics Control of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mohsin Raza Naqvi.Discussion during the meeting dealt with cooperation relations between the two countries in the security field and ways to bolster them. The two ministers also discussed a host of topics of common interest.