Qatar

Amiri Guard Commander Lieutenant General Staff Hazza bin Khalil Al Shahwani met at Barzan Camp on Wednesday with British Royal Military Police Provost Marshal (Army) Brigadier Sarah Pringle-Smith and the delegation accompanying her.The meeting discussed military cooperation avenues and ways to boost them.Senior Amiri Guard officers were in attendance.

The State of Qatar has expressed its deep concern over the escalation between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, calling on both sides to exercise maximum restraint, prevail the voice of wisdom, respect the principles of good neighborliness, and resolve the crisis through diplomatic channels.A Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on Wednesday affirmed the State of Qatar's full support for all efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions between the two countries and resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means, based on its firm belief that dialogue remains the best option for addressing regional and international crises and conflicts.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received Thursday at his Amiri Diwan office the credentials of six new ambassadors to Qatar.His Highness the Amir received the credentials of Ambassador of the Republic of Chad Tchonai Elimi Hassan; Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia Odette Yidi David; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain Alvaro Renedo Zalba; Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ahmet Halilovic; Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia Mohammed B.O.S. Kenneth; and Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore Pong Kok Tian.His Highness the Amir welcomed the new ambassadors, wishing them success in their duties and the relations between Qatar and their countries further development and growth.The ambassadors conveyed to His Highness the Amir the greetings of their countries' leaders and their wishes of further progress and prosperity to the Qatari people.The ambassadors were accorded an official reception ceremony upon their arrival at the Amiri Diwan.

Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met on Wednesday morning at his Amiri Diwan office with Ambassador of the French Republic to the State of Qatar, Jean-Baptiste Faivre, who called on His Highness to greet him on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country.HH the Amir granted Al Wajbah Decoration to the Ambassador of France in recognition of his role in contributing to the enhancement of bilateral relations between Qatar and France, wishing him success in his future missions, and the relations between the two countries further development and progress.For his part, the French Ambassador expressed his thanks and appreciation to HH the Amir and to the state officials for the cooperation he received that contributed to the success of his work in the country.

Nineteen Palestinians were martyred, and others were wounded on Wednesday in a series of attacks carried out by the Israeli occupation forces on several areas in the Gaza Strip.The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reported that 12 Palestinians were martyred in the bombing of three homes in Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.Additionally, three other Palestinians, including two girls, were martyred as a result of Israeli airstrikes on a house in Jabalia town in the northern Gaza Strip.A fisherman was martyred after being shot by Israeli naval vessels off the coast of Gaza City, while another person was martyred in the town of Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis, as a result of Israeli shelling of a home sheltering displaced people.WAFA further reported that a person with a disability was martyred after Israeli airstrikes targeted a house in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, and another Palestinian succumbed to wounds sustained earlier in Al-Bureij refugee camp.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Wednesday with Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to the State of Qatar Ahmed Abdel-Rahman Siwar Al Dahab, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs extended thanks to HE the Ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him success in his new duties.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Wednesday with Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to the State of Qatar Mohammed Al-Amin Salman, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs thanked HE the Ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him success in his new duties.

Following the trilateral meeting held in Doha on March 18, 2025, between the Heads of State of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, and the State of Qatar, and in continuation of the ongoing efforts to resolve the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, representatives from the Togolese Republic, the United states of America, France, the State of Qatar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, convened in Doha to reiterate their shared commitment to peace, stability and economic development in the Great Lakes region.The discussions focused on the efforts to address the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the ongoing dialogue between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd (AFC/M23) movement and the humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which continues to demand an urgent and coordinated response. The representatives welcomed the joint declaration between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23, facilitated by the State of Qatar, on their commitments to the ceasefire, an urgent priority to facilitate humanitarian assistance. The representatives also agreed on the importance for the future of the region, to address through dialogue the root causes of the ongoing crises and the challenges to sustainable peace. The representatives reaffirmed their joint position on the urgent need for the disputing parties to resolve this conflict without delay, taking into consideration African Union and United Nations pertinent resolutions, and in line with commitments to the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries.The representatives commended the progress achieved following the joint EAC-SADC summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025, They welcomed the significant advancements marked by the signing of the Declaration of Principles in Washington D.C. on April 25, 2025, and expressed their readiness to contribute to the ongoing efforts that promote mutual trust, sustainable ceasefire, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, including the efforts by the EAC and SADC under the auspices of the African Union led by His Excellency FaureEssozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic and the African Union’s appointed mediator in this conflict.Finally, the representatives expressed their appreciation to the State of Qatar for hosting the discussions, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to continued dialogue and collective action toward a peaceful and stable future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education concluded the Prophet's Biography Competition, which was held under the slogan "How can you love him when you do not know him?" The competition saw the participation of 120 male and female students from 32 private schools. The competition, held in a purposeful educational atmosphere that promoted Islamic values ​​and informed knowledge of the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), was held at the ministry's headquarters in collaboration with the private schools and kindergartens administration and the Edaad International Academy - Ain Khaled branch.The competition launched on February 1, 2025, and saw widespread participation from 40 teams from various private schools. The competition's stages were held in several educational institutions, most notably Edaad International Academy, Al Maha Academy for Girls, Brighton Academy, Itqan International Academy, and the Qatar Scouts and Guides Association.In his speech at the closing ceremony, Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs, Omar Abdul Aziz Al-Numa, emphasized that the nation is in dire need today of a conscious reading of the Prophet's biography and an understanding of its implications in light of contemporary challenges. This will help us draw on its wisdom and build a civilized awareness that reinforces the values ​​of pride and dignity.For her part, Dr. Rania Mohammed, Director of the Private Schools and Kindergartens Department, explained that the competition stems from a deep belief that the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) represents the foundation for building a solid Islamic identity, and that the slogan "How can you love him when you don't know him?" expresses the importance of knowledge and understanding in achieving true love.Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Harmi, Educational Advisor at Edaad Academy, also pointed out that these initiatives contribute to enhancing students' spiritual awareness and instilling noble human values ​​in them, most notably the love of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), emphasizing his life story in daily decisions, and incorporating sound thinking.The competition used the book "The Sealed Nectar" as a unified source for questions. It included four stages covering the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), from his birth to his death. Each stage covered a specific period of time, allowing students to systematically review the sequence of events and understand them within their historical and educational context.The closing ceremony featured a video summarizing the competition's proceedings, and featured the distinguished participation of students Tamim Abu Watfa and Muhammad Allam, who delivered a sermon praising the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Both students had previously won first and second place in the "Fasah" competition.A jury of experts in education and Islamic studies was formed to ensure transparency and fairness in the evaluation process. The final rounds were held in public, with Modern Knowledge School winning first place with a score of 95%, followed by I'dad Academy in second place.At the conclusion of the ceremony, Professor Omar Abdel Aziz Al-Numa and Dr. Rania Mohammed honored the winning students and participating schools, as well as the members of the judging panel. The ceremony was attended by a number of ministry officials, school principals, teachers, and parents, in a festive atmosphere that embodied a spirit of pride in the noble values ​​of the Prophe

The State of Qatar affirmed its commitment to continuing to support the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes Committed in Syria since March 2011, based on its commitment to the principles of accountability and ending impunity for core international crimes and violations of international law. It also noted its support for the sisterly government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the brotherly Syrian people in achieving their aspirations for justice, the rule of law, reconciliation, stability and sustainable peace.This came in the State of Qatar's statement delivered by Her Excellency Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, at the UN General Assembly meeting under the item "Prevention of Armed Conflict" on the report of the International Mechanism, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.Her Excellency said that the issue of "preventing armed conflict" is a fundamental pillar of the State of Qatar's foreign policy, which the State seeks to achieve through its international efforts in the field of mediation or preventive diplomacy, as well as through supporting justice and accountability. In this context, she added that the State of Qatar played a leading role, alongside the Principality of Liechtenstein, in the efforts that led to the establishment of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 71/248.Her Excellency explained that the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) is of particular importance today as a key entity supporting and strengthening accountability efforts in the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic. Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's welcome of the report's reference to the mechanism's response to positive developments in Syria, including its field visit to Syria last December, the first in eight years since its establishment, and the holding of positive contacts and constructive discussions.Her Excellency said: "We commend the Syrian government's responsiveness and constructive cooperation with the international mechanism, within the framework of the government's clear commitment to justice and accountability, which facilitates the mechanism's fulfillment of its mandate. In addition, the Syrian government is taking practical and tangible steps to engage and cooperate with various international and UN bodies, demonstrating its desire to play a positive role at various levels to ensure security, stability, and human rights."Her Excellency noted that the State of Qatar welcomes the progress made by the International Mechanism in implementing its strategic plan, particularly in enhancing its capacity to handle, process, and analyze large amounts of complex information and evidence within the framework of strategic investigations, and prioritizing data integrity and accuracy.She added that the State of Qatar also welcomes continued engagement with civil society and various relevant actors to support preservation, collection, and analysis activities, as well as cooperation with relevant international bodies, particularly the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, access to the archives of the United Nations Mission to Investigate Allegations of the Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria, and communication with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry and the Independent Foundation on Missing Persons. She stated that the State of Qatar commends the international mechanism's reaffirmation of its commitment to inclusive justice for all, to the principles of impartiality and independence, and to a victim- . and survivor-centered approach

QatarEnergy has entered into a long-term condensate supply agreement with the Singapore-based Shell International Eastern Trading Company (SIETCO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of London-listed Shell Plc.The agreement, signed by HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, who is also the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, and Wael Sawan, the CEO of Shell, stipulates the supply of up to 285mn barrels of condensate to Shell during its 25-year term, starting from July 2025.In comments at the signing ceremony, Minister al-Kaabi said: “We are delighted to sign QatarEnergy’s first 25-year condensate sales agreement, the largest and longest duration condensate agreement to date. This agreement is important for being signed with our strategic partner, Shell, with whom we have recently signed a 20-year naphtha sales agreement. These long-term agreements provide stability and certainty, and helps deliver more value to our customer Shell.”On his part, Sawan expressed Shell's pleasure in entering into this long-term agreement and building on the longstanding strategic relationship with QatarEnergy.QatarEnergy and Shell share various fruitful investments and partnerships in the energy industry in Qatar and globally, including QatarEnergy LNG projects, the Pearl GTL Plant, and several other joint investments.

The weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Wednesday will be relatively hot to hot at places daytime with some clouds, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.Offshore, the weather will be hazy with some clouds at times, the report added.Wind inshore will be mainly southeasterly at first, becoming northeasterly to northwesterly at a speed of 6-16 KT.Offshore, it will be variable mainly northeasterly to northwesterly at a speed of 3-13 KT.Sea state inshore will be 1-2 ft, while offshore it will be 1-3 ft.Visibility inshore will be 5-10 and offshore will be 4-10 km.

The Military Secondary School celebrated the graduation of its fifth cohort at Muqdam Camp on Tuesday.During their studies, the graduates received training, military skills, and academic education that prepared them to work in various circumstances.During the graduation ceremony, Acting Commander of the Military Secondary School, Staff Colonel Mohammed Yousef Al Kaabi delivered a speech in which he thanked the training and teaching staff for their efforts and urged the graduates to continue their perseverance in their future endeavors.HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani honored the outstanding students.HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani attended the ceremony.Also attending were HE Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Qatari Armed Forces senior officers and the students' parent

The Ministry of Culture has announced its participation in the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, held under the theme "Knowledge Illuminates Our Community," with publishers and exhibitors from 96 countries.The Ministry is showcasing a diverse collection of its publications alongside books from Qatari publishing houses, aiming to support Qatari publishers and provide them with an opportunity to present their work on an international cultural stage.Among the Qatari participants, Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press is displaying a wide range of titles, including novels, literary works, short stories, and scientific research.Director of Libraries Department and Doha International Book Fair, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, stated that the Ministry's participation highlights Qatar's intellectual output and introduces the ongoing development of the publishing industry in the country. He emphasized the importance of building cultural partnerships and fostering cooperation with experts in culture and publishing.Al Buainain added that the Ministry aims to strengthen relationships with professionals in the publishing and cultural sectors, while promoting Qatari literature and heritage. The exhibition features the latest releases in various fields, including novels, law, social sciences, humanities, and children's books, reinforcing Qatar's commitment to enriching knowledge.The fair runs until May 5 and celebrates Caribbean culture as the guest of honor. It also pays tribute to the Muslim physician and philosopher Ibn Sina, dedicating a special pavilion to highlight his life's milestones and enduring influence on modern science.The event is complemented by a series of cultural and artistic activities, spanning novels, short stories, translation, poetry, music, cinema, and theater, making it a comprehensive platform for literary and artistic dialogue. (

A delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan has visited the Qatar Financial Information Unit (FIU) as part of enhancing joint cooperation between the State of Qatar and Uzbekistan in the field of economic and financial crimes.During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Financial Information Unit (FIU) and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes of Uzbekistan.The MoU aims to develop mechanisms for exchanging information and enhancing joint cooperation, contributing to enhancing the efficiency of national and international efforts to combat money laundering and support for terrorism.The delegation, headed by Deputy Prosecutor General and Head of the Department for Combating Economic Crimes of Uzbekistan Shamsuddin Sukhibnazarov, also included an introduction to the Financial Information Unit, reviewing its tasks and activities, and discussing common challenges and best practices in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

Alfardan Exchange, the trusted and leading name in the field of exchange, financial transfers and precious metals in Qatar, has partnered with iPiD to launch the first real-time beneficiary validation solution in the exchange industry in Qatar. By integrating iPiD Validate, Alfardan Exchange is pioneering a new era of secure, transparent, and fraud-resistant cross-border transfers—setting a new standard for Qatar’s exchange industry.iPiD Validate: Instantly Confirm Payee DetailsThrough iPiD’s global API solution, Alfardan Exchange can now verify payee names and account numbers in real time, before a payment is sent. This advanced Know Your Payee (KYP) solution helps reduce fraud, prevent transaction failures, and deliver peace-of-mind to clients sending money abroad.Mr. Bashar Al Waqfi, CEO of Alfardan Exchange, stated: “Through our partnership with iPiD, we aim to offer a new generation of security and assurance to our clients’ remittance experience. As the first company in Qatar to launch an instant beneficiary validation service, we take pride in leading the adoption of innovations that bring trust, transparency, and efficiency to every transaction. I would like to extend special thanks to the Qatar Central Bank for its ongoing support of the exchange sector in the country and for issuing regulations that encourage improved service quality and innovation.”Mr. Damien Dugauquier, CEO and Co-Founder of iPiD, added: “This partnership is a bold step forward for Qatar’s payments ecosystem, Alfardan Exchange’s leadership in embracing real-time payee verification reflects a shared commitment to building trust, ensuring compliance, and protecting clients across borders. We’re proud to support their journey with the most comprehensive verification network globally.”First of Its Kind in QatarThis integration marks a significant milestone for the exchange sector in Qatar. It is currently the only service of its kind available in the country, underscoring Alfardan Exchange’s leadership in adopting cutting-edge fintech solutions to simplify transactions and enhance the clients experience.

Real Estate Regulatory Authority - Aqarat announced Tuesday the start of the implementation of the provisions of Law No 6 of 2014 regarding the regulation of the real estate sector. This initiative is part of its efforts to develop the sector and enhance the investment environment in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Aqarat chairman engineer Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidli stressed that this step is considered a significant milestone in promoting transparency, protecting the rights of all the parties, and regulates the real estate market according to the highest standards. The initiatives included the launch of preliminary registration for real estate developers, the establishment of licensing and real estate development dispute resolution committees, and the issuance of instructions for real estate development escrow accounts in collaboration with the Qatar Central Bank. Al-Obaidli explained that the Authority will begin licensing real estate developers and development projects based on strict criteria to ensure market credibility and efficiency. It will also strengthen oversight to monitor the implementation of projects and ensure developers’ compliance with approved requirements and specifications to protect the rights of all stakeholders. The conference also saw the signing of strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with JMJ Group Holding and the Commercial Bank, supporting efforts to strengthen public-private partnerships and develop the real estate investment environment. On this occasion, Sheikh Jaber bin Mansour Jaber al-Thani, owner and chairman of JMJ Group Holding, expressed appreciation for the Authority’s efforts in regulating the real estate sector. He commended the steps taken to establish a sustainable investment environment supported by clear legal systems that foster trust and transparency between developers and investors, contributing to the success of real estate projects that meet community needs. Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah al-Thani, assistant general manager and head of the Government Sector at the Commercial Bank, said: “In line with our vision to support national development, the Commercial Bank is proud to be the first bank in Qatar to launch the real estate escrow account in collaboration with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority - Aqarat, a step that enhances transparency and trust and drives the real estate sector toward sustainable growth.” Al-Obaidli reaffirmed the Authority’s full commitment to establishing a fair and transparent investment environment and advancing toward a strong and sustainable real estate sector that supports the state’s aspirations for economic diversification and comprehensive development. “Together, we are not merely building projects; we are shaping the future of our nation and laying the foundation for a legacy of progress, innovation, and prosperity,” he added.

HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, Dr Hamda bint Hassan al-Sulaiti, has reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting development efforts and promoting South-South co-operation through its global development partnerships and humanitarian initiatives.This came at the opening session of the third South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum, held in Rabat under the theme “Interregional and intercontinental dialogues in the countries of the South: an essential lever for meeting the new challenges of international co-operation and achieving peace, security, stability and shared development,” HE Dr al-Sulaiti highlighted Qatar’s efforts in supporting developing countries.She pointed to Qatar’s development and humanitarian aid contributions, as well as its partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in supporting the Accelerator Labs initiative.HE Dr al-Sulaiti also emphasised the role of the Education Above All Foundation, launched by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, which seeks to ensure access to education for marginalised children, describing investment in human capital as essential to achieving genuine development.In addition, she referenced Qatar’s preparations to host the second World Summit for Social Development in November 2025, a platform to address issues of social justice, the empowerment of vulnerable groups, and the promotion of global solidarity.She underlined the importance of digital transformation for supporting development in the Global South, noting that Qatar has become a leading example in leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to drive sustainable growth.She highlighted Qatar’s success in building a cutting-edge digital infrastructure and adopting ambitious national strategies, allowing it to rank among the top countries in technological readiness and innovation, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.Digital progress, she said, plays a crucial role in boosting economic integration among Global South countries and tackling economic, social, and environmental challenges. She called for greater investment in technology and artificial intelligence as a core component of national development strategies.Addressing the challenges facing the Global South amid accelerating global changes, HE Dr al-Sulaiti stressed the interconnectedness of developmental, economic, and humanitarian crises, warning that ongoing double standards in the international community undermine the prospects for fair development.She drew attention to the plight of the Palestinian people under Israeli aggression, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries, and warned that the lack of international accountability for such crimes threatens global peace and raises questions about the effectiveness of international institutions.Achieving sustainable development, she argued, is impossible without ensuring international justice. HE Dr al-Sulaiti called for a stronger role for regional and international parliaments and reforms to the UN system to promote fairness and efficiency.She noted the adoption of two resolutions by the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent regarding the Palestinian issue, calling for a two-state solution. The resolution emphasised the importance of adhering to international law and halting the aggression against Gaza, along with another resolution related to parliamentary strategies to mitigate the effects of conflicts on sustainable development, stressing that they are consistent with the State of Qatar’s positions in support of peace and development.HE Dr al-Sulaiti emphasised the need for comprehensive strategies focused on self-reliance, closing development gaps, infrastructure investment, unified economic policies, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and environmental sustainability through green initiatives and partnerships.In closing, she stressed that achieving the aspirations of the Global South for justice, development, and stability requires strong political will and a shared commitment to collective interests, calling for unified efforts to build a more just and sustainable future.Separately, the Shura Council participated in a forum session on the role of regional initiatives and dialogues in promoting economic integration and joint development among Global South countries. During the session, Shura Council Member Abdullah bin Ali al-Sulaiti outlined Qatar’s efforts to support economic integration among countries of the South.On the sidelines of the forum’s opening day, HE Dr al-Sulaiti met with President of the Chamber of Councillors of Morocco, Mohamed Ould Rachid. The meeting emphasised the importance of the topics discussed at the forum, particularly those related to enhancing South-South co-operation efforts, as well as reviewing ways to enhance bilateral co-operation between the two sides.She also met with President of Chile’s Senate, Manuel Jose Ossandon Irarrazabal, and President of the National Congress of Honduras and Chair of the Forum of Central American and Caribbean Countries, Luis Redondo, to explore prospects for strengthened parliamentary co-ordination.

Mohammed al-Shareef from the Class of 2012 has been named the 2025 Alumnus of the Year by Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq), a Qatar Foundation partner university.Al-Shareef is the 10th Alumnus of the Year named by Tamuq.Previous recipients are Muna al-Mohannadi ’10, Yousef al-Jaber ’07, Mariam al-Meer ’12, Dr Nayef Alyafei ’09, Mariam al-Bishri ’12, Bassam Ahmad ’11, Abeer Abuhelaiqa ’11, Azhar Khan ’13, and Ali al-Dashti ’08.Expressing his gratitude, al-Shareef, said: “It is a tremendous honour to be recognised as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year by Texas A&M University at Qatar. My time at Texas A&M shaped not only my career but also my values, work ethic, and commitment to service.“The Aggie spirit is something that stays with you for life, and I am proud to give back to the university and its community in any way I can. I look forward to continuing to engage with my fellow Aggies, supporting the next generation of engineers and leaders through mentoring, and making meaningful contributions to the energy sector in Qatar.”Al-Shareef graduated from Tamuq with a Bachelor of Science in petroleum engineering and a minor in political science before earning an Executive MBA from HEC Paris. His career began at ExxonMobil Qatar, where he initially interned as a student. Demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership, he rose through the ranks, serving as a business analyst, reservoir engineer and facilities engineer with ExxonMobil in the US.Upon returning to Qatar to contribute to the nation’s energy sector, al-Shareef undertook key roles, including leadership roles in operations and shutdown maintenance at QatarEnergy LNG. He later returned to ExxonMobil Qatar as a joint interests manager and is currently on secondment to QatarEnergy, serving as an offshore installation manager.Beyond his professional achievements, al-Shareef has remained deeply committed to strengthening the network of Aggie professionals in the energy sector. He continually seeks ways to stay engaged with the university and the Qatar campus and his involvement in alumni events, student mentorship and support for the Aggie community exemplify the spirit of Texas A&M.His efforts also include showcasing Qatar’s rich culture and heritage to visitors and delegations from Texas A&M’s flagship campus in College Station, as well as other international delegations, serving as a bridge between the two campuses to foster deeper collaboration and mutual understanding.Tamuq dean Dr César Octavio Malavé, said that al-Shareef has served as a great ambassador for the university.“Mohammed al-Shareef embodies the Aggie core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service, and he serves as an inspiration to current and future Aggies. His continued growth as an engineering leader in Qatar and his strong sense of service toward the university and his fellow Aggies set him apart as a role model in the energy sector. We are honoured to recognise him as our 2025 Alumnus of the Year.”

The Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG), a member of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), participated in the sixth edition of the Al-Azhar University Agricultural Exhibition in Cairo.Organised by Al-Azhar University’s Faculty of Agriculture, the event was an opportunity for QBG to showcase its conservation programme covering plants cited in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith, as well as Qatar’s native flora.QBG participants also displayed diverse plant specimens, seeds of endangered plant species preserved in its Seed Bank, and live samples of various botanical species cultivated within the Garden.Alongside the exhibition, QBG organised a seminar titled ‘The Role of Botanic Gardens in Biodiversity Conservation,’ which attracted the participation of distinguished faculty members, researchers, and students.Commenting on the event, QBG director Fatima Saleh al-Khulaifi, said: “Our participation reflects QBG’s commitment to fostering collaboration with specialised and academic institutions at regional and international levels. It also highlights our sustained efforts in preserving cultural and environmental heritage. We would like to thank Al-Azhar University for inviting us and hosting an event that supports agriculture and environmental sustainability.”Prof Dr Gamal Abdrabboh, dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Al-Azhar University, added: “We were honoured to welcome our distinguished guests from QBG to their second home. We were delighted with their participation in the sixth edition of the Al-Azhar Agricultural Exhibition, which focuses on strengthening sustainable development in rural areas throughout Egypt. I would like to thank the team from QBG for sharing their impressive efforts in conserving plants, particularly those referenced in the Holy Qur’an and the Noble Sunnah.”Besides participating in international exhibitions, QBG presents a comprehensive package of educational and community programmes, based on a future vision that broadens the horizons of the Islamic goals of preserving all plants as the basis of life on earth, a statement added.