Qatar

The Theatre Affairs Centre has announced a new training workshop, titled 'Play Writing', presented by academic and playwright Dr Sharif Manjoud, set to take place from November 15 to December 3 at the Ministry of Culture's Theatre Affairs Centre.This workshop is part of the centre's initiatives aimed at supporting local theatrical talent and honing the skills of young writers. It is expected to combine theoretical and practical aspects, enabling participants to learn the fundamentals of creative writing, the components of a theatrical text, plot development techniques, and character development.The workshop also forms part of the centre's strategy to develop the theatrical movement in Qatar by empowering creative individuals in all aspects of theatrical work, particularly in writing, which is the cornerstone of the creative process.During the workshop, Dr Manjoud will address several key topics, including the concept of dramatic action, conflict construction, and theatrical dialogue. He will also provide an analytical reading of a number of international and Arab texts, encouraging participants to prepare short scripts that will be presented and discussed at the end of the workshop before a specialised committee.

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met Thursday with ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the State of Qatar Ioannis Ioannidis on the occasion of the end of his tenure. His Excellency the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs extended thanks to the ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him success in his new duties.

His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed the belief of the State of Qatar under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, that Gulf unity constitutes a fundamental pillar for preserving the region's security and stability and for strengthening cooperation to achieve prosperity for its peoples. Addressing the 19th meeting of the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, held today in the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency emphasized that the deep-rooted fraternal ties uniting the GCC countries transcend geographical boundaries and immediate interests. These ties are rooted in profound historical, cultural, and social relations, making a shared destiny and common interest a reality, not merely a slogan. He stressed that the Gulf legislative councils, through their regular meetings and ongoing coordination, have proven themselves to be a powerful voice for this Gulf unity, in addition to their unwavering support for unified Gulf policies and positions on various regional and international issues. His Excellency noted that the continued convening of GCC meetings reflects a shared understanding of the importance of parliamentary coordination and the necessity of unifying positions on major issues affecting the security and stability of the region and the world. He emphasized that the increasing political, economic, and security challenges make joint parliamentary action a necessity, not an option, and amplify the responsibility to defend the interests of the GCC states and their people, and to solidify the image of unified Gulf cooperation in various international forums. In his address, HE the Speaker of the Shura Council touched on the Doha Declaration issued by the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted by the State of Qatar in November of this year. He highlighted its international call for achieving more equitable and sustainable development based on eradicating poverty and promoting social justice. He stressed that achieving these goals requires an active role for legislative councils in supporting policies that promote human development and monitoring the implementation of international commitments, thus embodying a genuine partnership between parliaments and governments in serving humanity and enhancing its well-being. On the regional front, His Excellency stressed that Gulf security is indivisible, and that the security of any member state is the security of all. He then addressed the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming the principled and unwavering stance of supporting the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people and condemning the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against innocent civilians, which constitute a flagrant violation of all humanitarian and international laws and norms. In this context, His Excellency commended the honorable positions of the GCC states in supporting the Palestinian cause and standing with the Palestinian people in Gaza. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the fraternal solidarity shown by the GCC member states towards the State of Qatar following the Israeli aggression against its territory, as this solidarity embodies the depth of Gulf unity and the shared position and destiny. HE the Speaker of the Shura Council also emphasized the current need to activate the tools of Gulf parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen dialogue and coordination with Arab and Islamic legislative councils to formulate a unified vision that reflects collective positions and supports the goals of the GCC states in achieving security, stability, and sustainable development. He considered that the strength of the Gulf position in international forums stems from unity and the ability to present a consistent message that reflects the aspirations of the people and defends shared values. His Excellency began his address by expressing his sincere thanks and appreciation to the House of Representatives of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain for its generous hospitality and excellent organization, wishing it success in presiding over the current session and in achieving the aspirations of the legislative councils to enhance joint Gulf cooperation. His Excellency Speaker Al Ghanim, extended thanks and appreciation to the sisterly United Arab Amirates, represented by the Federal National Council, for the remarkable efforts it made during its presidency of the previous session, and for the qualitative initiatives it achieved that contributed to strengthening Gulf parliamentary work and unifying positions in regional and international forums. At the same time, he praised the efforts of the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf for its diligent work in supporting the joint Gulf action and developing mechanisms of cooperation between the Council's institutions.

The Ministry of Sports and Youth team were crowned as champions of the 2025 Ministries and Government Entities Futsal Championship, after defeating the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs' team 3-1. The championship, organised by the Qatar Sports For All Federation (QSFA) at the Lusail Sports Hall, saw the Ministry of Municipality team claim 3rd place after beating the General Authority of Customs team 2-0. **media[381242]** President of QSFA Abdulrahman bin Musallam al-Dosari expressed his happiness with the event's success and the sportsmanship it featured. He noted that the championship has become one of the most important annual events, widely welcomed by employees of government bodies, due to its excellent blend of athletic competition, social interaction, and positive engagement. The QSFA president congratulated the Ministry of Sports and Youth team on their well-deserved victory and emphasised QSFA's commitment to promoting corporate sports and encouraging employees to engage in physical activity as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. **media[381243]** QSFA Executive Director Abdullah al-Dosari said the championship saw wide participation over the course of a month, featuring 10 teams representing various ministries, authorities, and government entities. Al-Dosari said that the event showcased intense competition and exciting matches, praising the enthusiastic crowd and the strong turnout from different ministries and entities. Through this championship and other initiatives under its corporate sports programme, QSFA aims to reinforce sports as an essential part of workplace culture and to support futsal enthusiasts across government institutions. **media[381244]** Executive Director of QSFA stated the Ministries and Entities Championship has become more than just a futsal competition; rather, it is a message promoting teamwork and improving work environment through sports and physical activity, in line with the Ministry of Sports and Youth's goals and strategies.

The price of gold in the Qatari market rose by 5.24 percent over the past week, reaching USD 4,210.10 per ounce, according to data released today by Qatar National Bank (QNB). QNB data showed that the price of gold decreased from USD 4,000.63 recorded last Sunday. As for other precious metals, silver increased by 11.63 percent on a weekly basis to reach USD 53.99 per ounce, up from USD 48.36 at the start of the week. Platinum rose by 4.44 percent, reaching USD 1,624.6 per ounce, compared to USD 1,555.55 at the beginning of the week.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has issued a circular requiring pharmaceutical companies to print essential information about human medicinal products in Braille on their outer packaging. Implementation will be introduced gradually and will become compulsory for all pharmaceutical products available to the public from November 2027.The requirement stipulates that the name of the medicine, its active ingredient and strength must be printed in Braille in both Arabic and English.The MoPH has also issued the Guideline on the Braille Requirements for Labelling Information of Medicinal Products for Human Use, which defines the technical and regulatory standards for implementation.Dr Ghanim Ali Al Mannai, Assistant Undersecretary for Healthcare Regulatory Affairs at the MoPH, affirmed that this measure forms part of the Ministry's efforts to enhance medication awareness across all segments of society, and to facilitate safe access to and use of pharmaceutical products by people who are blind or visually impaired. He noted that this aligns with the priorities of the National Health Strategy (NHS), which seeks to improve population health and wellbeing, deliver excellence in healthcare services and patient experience, and promote quality, key enablers and sustainability.Dr Al Mannai added that the Ministry also aims to ensure the safe use of medicines and to improve access to information about medical products for people with visual impairments.He further explained that the Pharmacy and Drug Control Department at the MoPH will monitor implementation at all stages of pharmaceutical product registration, including new registrations, renewals, and modification requests. Compliance will also be verified during inspection and regulatory visits carried out by the Department's teams to pharmacies and drug warehouses.

The Ministry of Finance announced that government tenders and auctions reached a total value of QAR 15 billion during the third quarter of 2025.Data published Thursday by the Ministry on X, showed that QAR 9.7 billion worth of tenders were awarded to local companies, while QAR 5.5 billion were awarded to foreign companies. This represents a portion of the 1,027 tenders, practices, and direct agreements awarded.The Ministry of Finance indicated that the top four sectors, according to the sector activity index for the third quarter of this year, were Transport and Communications, Municipality and Environment, Energy, and Health.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a written message from the Prime Minister of Romania Ilie Gavril Bolojan, pertaining to bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them.HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received the message during his meeting on Thursday with the Ambassador of Romania to the State Nicusor Daniel Tanase.

The Public Works Authority 'Ashghal' has announced the completion of main works for the Design and Build Project for the TSE Seasonal Storage Lagoons - Phase 1. The project comes as part of the Authority's efforts to promote environmental sustainability and make optimal use of treated water and renewable water resources, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.The project engineer from the Drainage Networks Projects Department at Ashghal Eng. Waled al-Ghoul stated that the first phase of the project included the construction of five reservoirs (lagoons) with a total storage capacity of 22.5mn cubic metres, in addition to an evaporation pond with a capacity of 8.7mn cubic meters.He added that these reservoirs will be supplied with treated water from the Doha South Sewage Treatment Plant through the rising main (D-Line). Eng. Waled al-Ghoul explained that the project aims to balance the usage of treated water quantities produced throughout the year.Surplus water is stored during the winter season for reuse during the summer months when demand for treated water increases for irrigating green spaces, ornamental plants in public parks and along roads, and for supplying fodder farms.The treated water can also be used in cooling systems and dust control at work sites. Eng. Waled emphasised Ashghal's commitment to implementing construction practices that contribute to enhancing environmental sustainability within the project. More than 8mn cubic metres of recycled excavation materials were reused to construct the storage lagoons, thus reducing resource waste.The project also contributes to providing an attractive natural environment for migratory birds such as pink flamingos, plovers, and other wild birds. The project included the construction of a 6km access road and a 25 km-long internal road network.A total of 8km of water pipelines were also laid, including the necessary hydraulic components for supplying the reservoirs and transporting water between them. In addition, 8 buildings were constructed for operation and maintenance, along with electrical substations and other facilities.It is worth noting that Ashghal achieved 10mn man-hours without a lost-time injury (LTI) during the implementation of the first phase of the project, which included deep excavation works carried out at depths of up to 10 metres below the ground, thanks to the authority’s keenness to apply the highest standards of occupational safety and health in all stages of implementation.

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Thursday with the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the State of Qatar Ioannis Ioannidis on the occasion of the end of his tenure.HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs extended thanks to the Ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him success in his new duties.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Thursday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is currently visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to discussing a number of topics of common interest.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and managing blood glucose levels is one of the most critical aspects of diabetes care. For individuals living with diabetes, keeping blood sugar within a healthy range is vital to prevent complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve issues. One of the most effective ways to manage diabetes is through regular blood glucose monitoring. In recent years, advancements in monitoring technologies have given patients more options and greater control over their health. This article explores the various methods available for blood glucose monitoring and their importance in diabetes management. Why Blood Glucose Monitoring Matters Blood glucose (sugar) levels fluctuate throughout the day, influenced by factors such as food, exercise, stress, and medication. If blood glucose levels are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), it can lead to serious health issues. Regular monitoring allows individuals to track these fluctuations and adjust their diet, medication, and lifestyle accordingly. For people with diabetes, staying on top of blood sugar levels can prevent long-term complications such as:Heart diseaseKidney damageVision problemsNerve damage It can also help avoid dangerous episodes of low blood sugar, which can lead to fainting, seizures, or even coma.Methods of Blood Glucose Monitoring There are several methods available to monitor blood glucose levels, each with its own benefits and limitations. Below, we explore the most common approaches used today.1. Traditional Fingerstick Testing How it works: Fingerstick testing is the most widely known method for checking blood glucose levels. It involves pricking the finger with a small lancet to draw a drop of blood, which is then placed on a test strip and inserted into a blood glucose meter. The meter provides a reading of blood sugar levels in just a few seconds. Who should use it: Fingerstick testing is ideal for people with Type 1 diabetes who need frequent monitoring throughout the day or for Type 2 diabetes patients who are on insulin or have fluctuating glucose levels. It is also a good option for people who need to monitor their blood sugar at specific times, such as before or after meals or exercise. Benefits:Quick and easyInexpensive and widely availableProvides immediate results Limitations:Requires multiple daily pricks, which can be painful and inconvenientOnly provides a snapshot of blood glucose at a single point in time, not a continuous picture 2. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) How it works: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a more advanced method that involves wearing a small sensor, usually attached to the skin on the abdomen or upper arm. The sensor continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (the fluid surrounding cells), and sends the data to a smartphone or dedicated receiver every few minutes. Who should use it: CGM is particularly beneficial for people with Type 1 diabetes and those with Type 2 diabetes who require insulin or have difficulty maintaining stable glucose levels. It is also gaining popularity among people without diabetes who are interested in optimizing their health and fitness. Benefits:Provides real-time, continuous data, allowing users to track glucose fluctuations throughout the day and nightAlerts users to dangerous highs or lows, often before symptoms appearReduces the need for frequent finger pricksCan help detect patterns and trends, such as how specific foods or activities affect glucose levels Limitations:More expensive than traditional methods, although insurance may cover part of the costRequires regular calibration with fingerstick tests in some devicesensors need to be replaced every few days to a week 3. Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) How it works: Flash Glucose Monitoring is similar to CGM, but with a key difference: it does not automatically send glucose readings to the user. Instead, the sensor continuously tracks glucose levels, and users can scan the sensor with a reader or smartphone to obtain a glucose reading. This system is known as "flash" because the user flashes the reader over the sensor to see the latest reading. Who should use it: Like CGM, Flash Glucose Monitoring is ideal for people with Type 1 diabetes or those with Type 2 diabetes who want a more detailed view of their glucose levels without the need for frequent finger pricks. Benefits:Offers real-time monitoring with fewer finger pricks than traditional methodsProvides continuous data over several days, helping users track trends and patternsMore affordable than CGM, though still more expensive than fingerstick testing Limitations:Does not provide automatic alerts for high or low glucose levelsRequires user interaction to scan the sensor, so it’s not as passive as CGM 4. Urine Glucose Testing How it works: Urine glucose testing involves using a dipstick to test a urine sample for the presence of glucose. This method used to be more common in the past but is now largely outdated. Who should use it: Urine glucose testing is no longer recommended for routine monitoring of blood glucose levels, as it is not as accurate or reliable as other methods. It is sometimes used as a backup when more advanced methods are unavailable. Benefits:Simple and inexpensive Limitations:Only detects high glucose levels (when they are high enough to spill over into the urine)Does not provide real-time glucose data or track fluctuationsNot as accurate as blood glucose testing methods Which Monitoring Method Is Right for You? The best method for monitoring blood glucose depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and how frequently you need to track your glucose levels. If you're managing diabetes with insulin, a Continuous Glucose Monitor or Flash Glucose Monitor may offer more comprehensive data and help you avoid the peaks and valleys of blood sugar levels. For those with a less complex diabetes regimen, finger-stick testing may still be the most practical and affordable option. It’s essential to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best monitoring method for your specific situation. Together, you can develop a comprehensive plan to manage your blood glucose levels and improve your long-term health outcomes.Conclusion Blood glucose monitoring isn’t just a routine task — it’s the cornerstone of effective diabetes management. By keeping a close eye on your glucose levels, you gain the insight needed to make smarter choices about your food, activity, and medication. Whether through traditional fingerstick testing or advanced continuous glucose monitors, every reading empowers you to take charge of your health. In the journey against diabetes, awareness is strength — and consistent monitoring transforms that knowledge into lasting control and a better quality of life.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received Thursday a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affaisrs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Abbas Araghchi.During the call, the two sides reviewed the relations of cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them. They also discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories in, light of the ceasefire agreement in the Strip, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed, during the call, the importance of concerted regional and international efforts to ensure the full implementation of the agreement, paving the way toward achieving sustainable peace and the desired stability in the region.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani performed the Istisqa (rain-seeking) prayer along with crowds of worshipers at the Lusail prayer ground Thursday morning, reviving the Prophetic Sunnah in asking Allah the Almighty for rainfall.His Highness Personal Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, and HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa al-Thani joined the Istisqa prayer.His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, and a number of Their Excellencies the ministers and senior officials also performed the prayer.In a sermon after the prayer, His Eminence Sheikh Dr Yahya Butti al-Nuaimi urged the worshippers to sincerely repent and return to Allah, reminding them to be certain that all dominion is in His hands.He pointed out that Allah the Almighty withholds rain from His servants so they may awaken from their heedlessness and remember that they are weak and powerless to bring benefit or harm to themselves except by Allah’s will. He also emphasised the importance of supplication, raising hands in earnest prayer for rainfall, seeking forgiveness, and striving for piety.

The Department of Meteorology has warned of expected thundery rain, accompanied by strong wind at places.According to the department's daily weather report, inshore conditions until 6:00 pm on Thursday will be hazy in some areas at first, becoming moderate in temperature and partly cloudy, with a chance of scattered rain that may be thundery at places.Offshore, the weather will be partly cloudy with a chance of scattered rain may be thundery at times in northern areas, accompanied by strong wind and high seas.Inshore winds will be variable, mainly northwesterly to northeasterly at 3 to 13 KT, gusting to 25 KT with thundery rain. Offshore, winds will be variable, mainly northeasterly to southeasterly at 3 to 12 KT, gusting to 25 KT with thundery rain.Sea state inshore will range from 1 to 2 feet, rising to 5 feet with thundery rain, while offshore it will range from 1 to 3 feet, rising to 8 feet with thundery rain.Visibility inshore is expected to range between 4 and 9 km/3 km or less at times, while offshore visibility will range between 5 and 9 km/3 km or less with thundery rain.

The 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC)-Qatar 2025 is set to be organised from November 27 to 29, 2025, under the theme: “Inspiring Tomorrow: The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care”.Assistant Managing Director of Quality & Workforce Development, Dr Zelaikha Mohsin al-Wahedi, said the conference embodies Qatar’s prestigious standing in advancing the health sector and its sustainability and competence.This convention is part of a chain reaction of initiatives stemming from the national vision that places human health at the core of development priorities and underscores the importance of building a health system based on knowledge, prevention, and innovation, al-Wahedi highlighted.She further noted that over 1,000 experts including academics, and medical practitioners hailing from various countries around the world, representing elite global research and medical institutions, will attend this year’s conference – a testament to the enhanced confidence in PHCC as a leading scientific hub, and the incredible success of previously convened conferences in deepening its standing as a platform for scientific dialogue and sharing trailblazing global experiences in the field of primary healthcare.This year’s themes have addressed the rapid global evolution in the health sector and will primarily focus on AI applications, innovation in medical education, and emerging technologies, as well as their role in raising the efficiency of health services and optimising the experience of patients and visitors, al-Wahedi noted.She further indicated that this orientation aligns with the nation’s efforts in moving toward digital transformation in this sector, in PHCC’s pursuit to merge technology with daily practices to ensure high-quality and integrated care.She pointed out that the conference is not merely designed for scientific sessions, but also positions itself as a platform to boost collaboration and partnerships among domestic and international organisations, whether in terms of training, research, or capacity-building.The scientific programme of this event is poised to be structured into professional sessions convening domestic and international speakers, covering a wide spectrum of contemporary health issues that will address strategic subjects, she highlighted.These subjects, al-Wahedi said, include scientific research and its applications in clinical practice, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in healthcare, quality and patient safety, ethics and law in healthcare, inter-professional practice and collaboration, preventive care, priority populations such as older adults, children, and women, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).This is alongside key lectures to be delivered by international speakers to address the future of primary healthcare and collaboration in enhancing preventive services, along with parallel sessions that will cover state-of-the-art clinical updates in family medicine, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory medicine, radiology, nutrition, physiotherapy, and dentistry, al-Wahedi pointed out.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad held a virtual meeting Wednesday with members of the Palestinian government operations room, chaired by Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine.The talks reviewed bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Palestine and addressed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.Discussions focused on easing the humanitarian suffering of civilians in Gaza, enhancing partnerships in development and knowledge exchange, and coordinating the entry and distribution of aid, particularly ahead of the winter season.The meeting was part of Qatar's ongoing efforts to ensure the effective and sustainable delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Representatives from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and around 48 humanitarian organizations and officials took part in the discussions.Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said that Palestinians in Gaza continue to face tremendous hardship, including dire living conditions and insufficient aid one month after the fragile ceasefire went into effect, pointing out that Palestinians are still being killed and injured by Israeli forces almost every day in the areas close to the yellow line, behind which Israel maintains control.In a statement issued in Geneva, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza Caroline Seguin said, " Palestinians often risk their lives by going back to look for their houses, as this line is still not always clearly marked. To make matters worse, some main hospitals are in areas controlled by Israeli forces, which means safe access to health care is reduced. The Israeli authorities continue to impose significant restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza. MSF and other organizations are struggling to bring vital aid into Gaza, especially medical equipment, shelters, hygiene items, and spare parts for vital infrastructure," she added.Seguin also noted that thousands of displaced people are living in tents lacking water and electricity, surrounded by accumulated waste and outbreaks of skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases, as winter approaches.The organization called for the immediate and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Qatar Museums (QM) and the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) announced the launch of the NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project, marking a major step in digital cultural innovation.This initiative, developed in collaboration with Cisco, and in turn, with Web3 implementation partner droppGroup, presents a live and intelligent museum experience that integrates immersive 3D environments, augmented and extended reality, and artificial intelligence.The project aims to place Qatar at the forefront of integrating metaverse and AI technologies to enhance museum engagement, while exploring new technologies intended to promote access to culture.By embracing innovation, QM demonstrates its role as a pioneer in cultural transformation and experimentation while supporting the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.The platform also introduces new opportunities for accessibility and remote learning, allowing students, researchers, and educators to engage with Qatar’s cultural heritage in new ways.In a press statement, NMoQ director Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani said: “With the NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project, we are extending this mission into the digital realm, allowing audiences everywhere to walk through our galleries, engage with our collections, and encounter Qatar’s history in immersive and interactive new ways.“This initiative ensures that NMoQ continues to be not only a guardian of heritage, but also a frontrunner in shaping how museums engage with the world.”QM noted that this project is part of Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme in Qatar. Active in Qatar since 2019, CDA is Cisco’s strategic programme designed to accelerate the nation's digitalisation agenda and generate new value for its citizens, businesses, and the country as a whole.Through public and private partnerships, the programme focuses on leveraging innovative digital solutions to address national challenges across key sectors such as national infrastructure, education, and smart communities.Through the pilot, visitors can explore digital twins of three galleries: The Archaeology of Qatar, The People of Qatar, and Life in Al Barr (The Desert). Twenty-two curated objects are presented with interactive augmented reality features, detailed descriptions, and direct links to the museum’s online collection.The experience is enhanced by Murjana, NMoQ’s customised digital mascot, who provides bilingual narration in Arabic and English with intelligent, personalised guidance. Accessible on mobile devices, desktops, tablets, and VR headsets, the platform also introduces new opportunities for remote learning, allowing students and educators to engage with Qatar’s cultural heritage in new ways.“QM has consistently demonstrated strategic vision in leveraging technology to advance cultural preservation and global engagement, in alignment with Qatar's national digital ambitions. This initiative is a direct testament to that forward-thinking approach,” said Cisco Qatar general manager Hasan Khan.

Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates brings together global thinkers and students for a thought-provoking conversation on whether hard work and talent still determine who rises, or whether “earned success” conceals deeper inequities.Daniel Markovits, Guido Calabresi, professor of law at Yale Law School, argues that the system meant to promote fairness has instead entrenched inequality.“Meritocracy has become the principal obstacle to equality of opportunity, at least in the rich countries of the world,” he says, warning that competition built on elite education and inherited advantage has replaced real mobility.Bryan Caplan, professor of economics at George Mason University, offers a contrasting view. “Meritocracy is pretty real if we actually had open borders where anyone could work anywhere,” he says. For Caplan, prosperity depends on personal responsibility and freedom of movement, not structural intervention.From a human-centred perspective, Dr Poornima Luthra, associate professor at Copenhagen Business School, challenges the idea that opportunity is equally accessible.“Meritocracy is a belief, a system where people are assumed to have opportunity solely on merit,” she says.“In reality, people experience bias and discrimination across many aspects of their identity.”Offering a global outlook, Parag Khanna, founder and CEO of AlphaGeo, sees potential in redefining meritocracy. “Meritocracy can work if the most qualified people are making decisions about the shape and direction of society,” he says, citing governance models that reward expertise and mobility.Adding their voices, students from universities across Qatar reflect on how these ideas resonate with their generation. Sundus Saeed, 26, a social sciences student at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, says, “The system often ensures that people stay out, and if someone rises, hurdles are placed in their way to maintain the status quo.” Carl Jambo, 22, studying international economics at Georgetown University in Qatar, takes an opposing view, saying: “Meritocracy gives you the platform to prove yourself, an individual against the world.”

The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) held the sixth edition of the Productive Families Incentive Award, and the Productive Families Exhibition — From the Homeland, where the winners of the award for the year 2025 were announced. **media[381115]** The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, His Excellency the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud, Her Excellency the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater, a number of senior officials and representatives of supporting entities, in addition to productive families, media professionals and guests of the exhibition, which reflects national creativity in the field of home and craft products, and embodies the journey of empowering productive families in Qatar. **media[381116]** Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs at the MSDF Sheikha Shaikha bint Jassim al-Thani delivered a speech in which she indicated that the journey of productive families in Qatar extends for more than three decades since the launch of the first market dedicated to them in 1986, noting that the MSDF has supported more than a thousand productive families through training, empowerment and marketing, and the number of direct beneficiaries has now reached 680 families, in addition to the families that have established independent brands known today as “ministry-friendly families.” **media[381117]** Sheikha Shaikha emphasised that the incentive award represents an important milestone in the journey of supporting and empowering productive families, in line with the National Strategy for Social and Family Development 2025-2030, which is based on the slogan “From Welfare to Empowerment,” noting that the ministry is continuing to empower families and open new horizons for them to actively participate in the national economy. Dr Nadia Hamad al-Mannai, owner of the Al Mashmom Clothing Workshop project, also gave a speech on behalf of the participants, in which she expressed her gratitude to the MSDF for its continued support for productive families, noting that her passion for Qatari heritage products was the driving force behind the establishment of her project, which has developed to participate in local and international events. She emphasised that the MSDF’s support has been a fundamental pillar in empowering Qatari women and enhancing the presence of national products. The support of the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) for this award comes as an extension of its role in promoting social and economic development initiatives in the country. Daam has contributed through its support to providing award allocations for productive family projects, believing in the necessity of relying on local energies among members of society and enabling them to produce, in line with its vision of supporting people and investing in their capabilities, to be an active partner in achieving comprehensive development in Qatar. The ceremony included a video presentation introducing the winning projects, which showcased the families’ experiences and products, and concluded with the announcement of the winners in the categories of Best Productive Family and Best Product, where HE the Minister of Social Development and Family honored them amidst a festive national atmosphere. Fatima Yousef al-Sulaiti’s project won the first place in the Best Productive Family Award, receiving a prize of QR100,000. Nawal Hilal Ramadan’s project came in second with a prize of QR70,000, while Saud Mubarak’s project came in third place with a prize of QR50,000. She also crowned the winners of the Best Product Award, where the Juma Mubarak al-Kuwari’s project won first place with a prize of QR100,000. Iman Abdullah Ali al-Kuwari’s project won second place with a prize of QR70,000, while the Al-Jazi Fahd al-Hajri’s project won third place with a prize of QR50,000, in recognition of their creativity and the quality of their production, according to precise judging criteria that included quality, innovation, creativity, and professional presentation. Following the honouring ceremony, Her Excellency inaugurated the accompanying exhibition, “Productive Families Exhibition — From the Homeland,” at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, which runs until Nov 15 and includes a range of distinguished national projects.