Qatar

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will patronise on Monday morning the graduation ceremony of the seventh batch of cadets of the Police College affiliated with the Police Academy.

The Next Generation School will be representing Qatar at the prestigious MENA UK Study Tour 2025, a landmark event focusing on “Leading in the Digital Age.” The MENA UK Study Tour 2025 will convene education leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from across the MENA region to explore forward-thinking strategies in digital education and leadership. Representing Qatar at this influential gathering will be esteemed Directors of The Next Generation School, Riyaz Ahmed Bakali and his wife. This transformative programme, organised by the British Council, will take place in London from January 19th to January 25th, 2025. TNG’s participation underscores Qatar's commitment to advancing education through innovation and cross-cultural collaboration. Where more than 100 educationist will gather from across the MENA region to share educational leadership experiences and expertise. With an emphasis on emerging challenges and opportunities, the program will address pivotal topics such as the integration of artificial intelligence, recruitment and retention in education, and the implementation of selfevaluation frameworks. Riyaz Ahmed Bakali will be part of an important Panel discussion, “Teacher recruitment and retention”. “The MENA UK Study Tour is a unique opportunity to engage with global education leaders and bring innovative solutions back to our school and community,” said Mr. Riyaz Ahmed Bakali. “As digitization reshapes the educational landscape, it is imperative that we equip ourselves with the tools and insights to prepare our students for the future.” Participants will engage in an immersive week of activities, including workshops, keynote speeches, panel discussions and visits to some of the UK’s leading educational institutions. These sessions are designed to inspire dialogue on critical issues such as teacher shortages, AI’s transformative impact on pedagogy and administration, and enhancing staff wellbeing. Expected actionable insights will support educational leaders in addressing pressing challenges and instill positive change for their learning communities. As the region steps into an era defined by digital transformation, the MENA UK Study Tour 2025 will empower leaders to drive innovation, build resilience and enhance student outcomes.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received Sunday a phone call from the Secretary of State of the United States of America Antony Blinken.During the call, they discussed the close strategic relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them. They also discussed ways to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of prisoners and hostages, in addition to the developments in Syria.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs voiced the State of Qatar's hope that the two parties would commit to implementing the ceasefire agreement and exchanging prisoners and hostages.In turn, Blinken voiced the US appreciation for Qatar's role and its continuous efforts that contributed to reaching the agreement.

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) welcomed the ceasefire agreement that took effect on Sunday in the Gaza Strip following 15 months of violence, destruction, displacement, and human suffering.In a statement QRCS emphasised that this agreement gives the Palestinians a glimmer of hope and a breathing room, amid enormous humanitarian challenges that require an urgent and comprehensive response.It called for an extension of the initial six-week ceasefire, turning it into a permanent agreement that ensures the prevention of further human losses and provision of effective humanitarian support.Throughout the war on Gaza, the personnel and volunteers of Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) have shown exceptional steadfastness. They kept providing necessary humanitarian services, including first aid and medical care, through a large network of emergency centers, hospitals, and medical facilities, the statement reads.The statement highlighted that the volunteers' efforts also included the provision of Psychosocial support and essential relief supplies, despite the great life-threatening risks.Sadly, PRCS has lost 20 personnel while doing their noble humanitarian job. Despite such painful losses, the workers and volunteers continued to perform their humanitarian mission with determination and dedication, the statement continued.QRCS stressed the importance of respecting international humanitarian law (IHL), ensuring the protection of civilians, and upholding their rights to create a safe and stable humanitarian environment, in addition to supporting, protecting, and facilitating the work of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS).It noted that PRCS is recognised by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including the receipt and distribution of humanitarian aid deployed to Gaza.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met at his office Sunday with a delegation from the Palestinian factions.The two sides discussed the progress of all dimensions of the implementation of the deal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip — which entered into force Sunday — especially those related to the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the entry of aid into the Strip, and the return of the displaced to their areas.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed, during the meeting, the need to work to ensure a full and continued implementation of the agreement, in order to achieve the desired sustainable peace and stability in the region.HE the prime minister pointed out the continuation of Qatari support for the brothers in the Gaza Strip by resuming the airlift of aid into the Strip as part of what was agreed upon.He reiterated Qatar's firm position on the justice of the Palestinian cause, the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi received a phone call on Sunday from Sigrid Kaag, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Middle East and Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza.During the call, the two sides discussed areas of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the UN, highlighting the joint efforts to support the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in light of the ceasefire and the detainee and prisoner exchange agreement.They also addressed the mechanisms to ensure the effective and sustainable flow of humanitarian aid to meet the urgent needs of the residents in the Gaza Strip.HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of collective international efforts to mobilize support and strengthen the humanitarian response to the needs of Gaza's residents, as well as taking practical steps to overcome the obstacles hindering the flow of humanitarian aid to the Strip.

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi held a phone call on Sunday with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania Emil Hurezeanu. During the call, they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to the developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in light of the ceasefire and the detainee and prisoner exchange agreement.

The Qatar Publishers and Distributors Forum, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, has launched the fifth edition of the 'Childrens Book Designer' program, in collaboration with the Childrens Literature Center.This year's edition was held over four days, with the participation of 61 children from various age groups.Director of the Qatar Publishers and Distributors Forum Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain stated that the fifth edition of the Children's Book Designer program involved the translation of childrens books that had been printed for display at the upcoming Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), scheduled for May 2025. These books were initially showcased during the Qatar National Day activities at Darb Al Saai in December 2024.He emphasized that the program opens new horizons for children to explore the world of writing. It is part of the Ministry of Culture's ongoing efforts to enhance reading and writing skills among the younger generation, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 which seeks to build an educated and sustainable society.Asmaa Al Kuwari, the Director of the Childrens Literature Center, noted that the fifth edition of the Childrens Book Designer program aimed to encourage children to read, write, and create, while also developing many skills among the participants, including storytelling, public speaking, and more.She added that the program featured a range of creative activities designed to help children learn about the different stages of book design, from writing to printing and public display.

Snoonu, Qatar’s leading super app, has joined forces with PayLater, the first licensed platform in Qatar to provide Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, to transform the e-commerce landscape. This groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is the first of its kind in the country, underscoring both companies’ commitment to enhancing financial flexibility and reshaping the digital shopping experience for consumers.The partnership will integrate PayLater’s innovative BNPL solutions into Snoonu’s platform, allowing customers to split their payments into manageable installments, ensuring affordability and convenience. With Qatar’s e-commerce sector experiencing rapid growth, this collaboration addresses evolving consumer needs by offering greater financial accessibility and empowering customers to shop with confidence.Key Highlights of the Partnership:First Licensed BNPL Platform: PayLater brings its expertise as Qatar’s first licensed BNPL provider, offering secure and compliant installment-based payment solutions to customers.Enhanced Financial Flexibility: The integration of BNPL services enables Snoonu users to break down their purchases into smaller, more manageable payments, making high-quality services more accessible.Pioneering E-commerce Innovation: This collaboration is set to establish new benchmarks for Qatar’s e-commerce sector, delivering a seamless and inclusive shopping experience for all customers.Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri, CEO of Snoonu, commented:At Snoonu, we continuously strive to redefine the e-commerce experience by introducing solutions that add value to our customers' lives. Partnering with PayLater, Qatar’s first licensed BNPL platform, aligns with our mission to empower customers through greater financial flexibility. This is a significant step toward making the shopping experience on Snoonu more inclusive and accessible to all.”Mohammed Al Delaim, CEO of PayLater, said: “This partnership with Snoonu is a proud moment for PayLater as we bring our pioneering BNPL services to one of Qatar’s most dynamic platforms. By offering customers the ability to spread their payments over time, we aim to redefine affordability while promoting smarter financial management. Together, we are shaping the future of e-commerce in Qatar.”Humza Khan, Chief Business Officer of Snoonu, added:“As we scale our e-commerce platform and expand our offerings, the introduction of BNPL services will play a key role in providing unparalleled convenience to our customers. This collaboration not only benefits customers but also supports our merchant partners, enabling them to tap into a broader audience and drive sales growth.”This collaboration is expected to unlock significant growth opportunities for Snoonu’s merchants by increasing customer purchasing power and loyalty. For consumers, the integration of BNPL services marks a new era of convenience and financial accessibility, fostering greater trust and confidence in the e-commerce space.About Snoonu:Snoonu is Qatar’s fastest-growing super app, offering an all-in-one platform for seamless online shopping, food delivery, and logistics services. Snoonu is committed to enhancing convenience and revolutionizing the digital experience for customers across Qatar.About PayLater:PayLater is Qatar’s first licensed BNPL platform, providing secure and flexible installment-based payment options to customers. The company is dedicated to empowering consumers with financial freedom and contributing to the growth of Qatar’s digital economy.

The State of Qatar and the Republic of Cameroon have signed an air services agreement, allowing for the designated airlines of the two countries to operate unlimited and unrestricted traffic rights for both passenger and cargo flights.The agreement was signed by Minister of Transport H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani and Cameroon’s Minister of Transport Ngalle Bibehe Jean Ernest Massena.The pact comes in the context of connecting Qatar with more air services agreements that open airspaces for the national carrier to fly to more destinations around the world.Meeting after the signing ceremony, the two ministers discussed bilateral relations in the areas of transportation, civil aviation, air transportation, and ways to boost them.

Weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Sunday will be relatively cold daytime with some clouds, cold to very cold by night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.Offshore, it will see scattered clouds, the report added, warning of strong wind and high sea.Wind inshore will be northwesterly at a speed of 4 - 14 KT, gusting to 20 KT at places daytime.Offshore, it will be northwesterly at a speed of 8 -18 KT, gusting to 26 KT at times.Sea state inshore will be 1 - 4 ft, rising to 5 ft at times, while offshore will be 2 - 5 ft, rising to 7 ft at times.Visibility inshore and offshore will be 5 - 10 km.

The Supreme Judiciary Council is preparing a five-year digital transformation strategy (2025-2030) as part of its efforts to automate the judicial system, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the national initiative to develop justice systems. This initiative aims to build an advanced national judicial system, achieve prompt justice, and strengthen the principle of the rule of law.In a statement on Sunday, the Supreme Judiciary Council explained that the strategy will address the requirements of the next stage and serves as a roadmap for future technical projects. It continues the achievements made by the Council during the 2019-2024 judicial seasons, during which the e-justice sector saw further development and modernization. This includes the launch of 70 electronic services for litigants through the electronic courts portal, as well as 35 services via the mobile application.These services serve as an interface for the electronic judicial system, enabling lawyers, experts, and individuals to interact with the judiciary. They facilitate communicate through the electronic platform for holding trials, issuing judicial notices and announcements to the national addresses, exchanging memoranda electronically, depositing expert reports, receiving judgments, submitting requests, and obtaining decisions.

Egypt has expressed its gratitude to Qatar for its continuous and fruitful co-ordination to ensure reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and praised the pivotal role played by the new US administration under President-elect Donald Trump in ending the crisis, in addition to that of current US President Joe Biden.In a statement issued Saturday, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that, in co-ordination with its partners in Qatar and the US, Egypt is committed to constantly work on consolidating the ceasefire agreement and the full implementation of its provisions, by establishing a joint operations room based in Egypt to oversee the exchange of the hostages and detainees, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the movement of individuals after the reopening of the Rafah Crossing.Egypt expressed its hope that this be the beginning of a path that would require concerted regional and international efforts as to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, calling on the international community, especially the US, to support and consolidate the agreement for a permanent ceasefire and urging the international community to provide all humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people and set an emergency plan to reconstruct Gaza.The statement also stressed the importance of quickly establishing a roadmap to rebuild trust between the two sides, paving the way for their return to the negotiation table and taking the necessary steps to resolve the Palestinian cause within the framework of the two-state solution, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.The statement also highlighted the success of the strenuous Egyptian efforts made since the beginning of the Gaza crisis on Oct 7, 2023, in co-operation with Egypt's regional and international partners, to reach a ceasefire agreement.It pointed out that driven by its belief in its pivotal role toward its Palestinian brothers, Egypt has exerted continuous efforts since the first day of the crisis to contain it at all levels. It added that Egypt set up a permanent operations room to monitor the crisis and focused its efforts from the beginning on intensifying the delivery of aid to the people of Gaza to alleviate the war's repercussions. It also reiterated its commitment to keeping the Rafah border crossing open around the clock to allow the entry of humanitarian aid and to receive the wounded and injured.

HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani met with the Minister of Economy of the sisterly United Arab Emirates (UAE) Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, on the sidelines of His Excellency's visit to the UAE.The meeting discussed the distinguished economic relations between the two countries and explored the available cooperation opportunities in trade, investment and industry.Stressing the significance of this meeting, HE Sheikh Faisal praised the depth of relations between Qatar and the UAE and the continuous development they are witnessing that reflects the fraternal ties between the two countries.He noted the importance of enhancing cooperation in trade, investment and industry in order to achieve common interests and support the prosperity of the two brotherly countries. HE Sheikh Faisal also met with UAE Minister of Investment Mohammed bin Hassan Al Suwaidi, where they discussed investment opportunities available in various sectors to enhance regional cooperation within the framework of the integrated industrial partnership to support economic growth in the Gulf region.In addition, HE Sheikh Faisal met with the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, where they touched on economic and industrial relations between the two countries and discussed opportunities for cooperation in this field in addition to many topics of common interest.His Excellency said that Qatar and the UAE share many visions and ambitions and are constantly seeking to strengthen relations and deepen joint cooperation between them, stressing the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve economic and industrial integration to serve common interests.

President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo received the credentials of Youssef bin Shaaban al-Sada as Qatar's ambassador (non-resident) extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Guinea-Bissau.The ambassador conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the president, and his wishes of good health and happiness, and for the government and people of Guinea-Bissau continued progress and prosperity. For his part, the president entrusted the ambassador with his greetings to the Amir, wishing His Highness good health and happiness, and the people of Qatar continued progress and development.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, held a phone call Saturday with the Foreign Minister of Cyprus, Dr Constantinos Kombos. They discussed co-operation ties between the two countries and ways to bolster them. The two sides deliberated on the developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories based on the ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, in addition to emphasising the importance of the concerted regional and global efforts to ensure getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza. In addition, they discussed latest developments in Syria.HE Dr. al-Khulaifi held a phone call Saturday with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The two sides discussed co-operation ties between the two countries and ways to strengthen them. The deliberated on the developments in Ukraine and avenues for enhancing peace efforts and peaceful settlement of conflicts, in addition to a range of regional issues, especially the developments in Syria.HE Dr. al-Khulaifi held a phone call Saturday with Serbia's Foreign Minister, Marko Djuric. The two officials discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them, as well as the latest developments in Gaza and occupied Palestinian territories, focusing on the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of detainees and prisoners.

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a member of Qatar Foundation, has secured three academic research grants in the latest round launched by Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI). The projects, led by CMU-Q faculty, focus on enhancing undergraduate academic writing skills, exploring quantitative materials in Qatar, and developing advanced indoor positioning systems using mobile network infrastructure.Dean of CMU-Q, Michael Trick, highlighted the significance of research, saying that research is part of the fabric of Carnegie Mellon globally, and Qatar campus is no exception. These research teams were recognized by QRDI Council for advancing scholarship and innovation in Qatar and the world.Senior Associate Dean of Research and Head of CMU-Q Research Office, Jennifer Bruder, reflected on the university's achievements, stating that over the last 20 years, the campus has developed a broad range of research expertise, from literary criticism to quantum physics. These three projects are just a small sampling of their research activity, and the CMU-Q research community is delighted that they have been recognized.The ARG is a highly competitive, prestigious award from QRDI Council that supports investigator-led research and development in key strategic areas.

Msheireb Museums will soon open “Memory of the Land”, a collective art exhibition celebrating the Palestinian identity through artworks donated by regional creatives.The exhibition will be highlighted by an opening reception on January 21 at 7pm at the Bin Jelmood House, Msheireb Museums.The exhibition is organised in collaboration with Bachir Mohammed, Al Markhiya Gallery, and Qatar Charity, reflecting a collective effort to preserve and celebrate Palestinian cultural heritage while supporting humanitarian causes.It will be open to visitors during regular museum hours from January 22.Admission is free.The project will bring together 12 artists from Palestine, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, and Syria, who contributed artwork representing one month of the year in a visual narrative that spans traditional Palestinian life.Through various artistic interpretations, from folk songs and embroidery to imagery of bustling markets and historic architecture, the works portray Palestinian resilience, with each piece telling a story that connects past and present.“Following the impactful ‘For the Children of Gaza’ exhibition, which garnered significant international attention for the plight of Palestinian children, ‘Memory of the Land’ speaks to the need to preserve and rebuild, calling on institutions across all sectors to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue,” said Msheireb Museums general manager Abdulla al-Naama. “This exhibition speaks to the power of art in preserving heritage and cultural understanding while celebrating the richness of Palestinian identity.”The exhibition features works by renowned artists, including Safaa Salama and Mohammad Akleek from Jordan/Palestine, Asala Shouk and Noha al-Habib from Tunisia, Tawfiq Mubarki from Algeria, and Mohammad Kakhi from Syria.As part of this cultural initiative, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase special calendar editions featuring the exhibited artworks, with all proceeds directed to charitable causes through Qatar Charity.

A round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of Qatar and Chile took place in Santiago Saturday. HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, led the Qatari delegation while the Chilean side was headed by Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren Stork.Discussions during the consultations round focused on strengthening and developing bilateral relations, in addition to a host of issues of common concern. Afterwards, the two governments signed two agreements: one to establish political consultations between their foreign ministries, and the other to mutually exempt holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports from visa requirements. The agreements were signed by Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chile's Foreign Minister. (QNA)

It is well known that the preservation of the cultural and historic identity of a nation requires vision and documentation, particularly if this identity is highly significant in terms of safeguarding heritage that is intangible, being made up of practices, mores, knowledge, and skills between generations.Accordingly, the Qatari Society of Al Gannas (AGQS) is making unwavering efforts in advancing its falconry archive project, which was commenced years ago.This project enabled the AGQS to collect sources and references of falconry heritage, including oral narratives and documentary videos that document hunting and falconry expeditions.Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), academic researcher and member of the Union of Arab Historians, Dr Omar al-Ajli, stated that these outputs helped maintain the inveterate cultural legacy.The archiving process, he said, ensures the protection of this legacy with its overall historical facts against manipulation and forgery.This is done, said Dr al-Ajli, by way of accurate documentation for the benefit of generations to come, since archiving offers primary sources and documents that can be cited in academic research and history, nurturing the humanitarian knowledge.He underlined that archiving is a pillar of civilisation and a catalyst of cultural development and diversity to forge bridges of communication between generations.Qatar, Dr al-Ajli said, is a hub of rich and diverse cultural legacy which stockpiles Qatari elements of falconry that combines practices, traditions and knowledge and illuminates the unique identity of the community.He indicated that Qatar's interest in the intangible cultural legacy is predicated upon a combination of key references, including its constitution and the Qatar National Vision 2030.Dr al-Ajli affirmed that the AGQS strives to support falconry within its Arab and human scope by backing falconers and organising their activities, in addition to managing events related to hunting and representing hunters in regional and international contests.Launched in 2015 to document the history of hunting and falconry, he said that the archive is a major step in preserving this intangible heritage.AGQS chairman Ali bin Khatam al-Mahshadi said that the society took upon itself the mission of documenting falconry to be maintained for the next generation.He stressed that its operation is not restricted to this legacy, but rather goes beyond to include other significant projects, in terms of returning falcons to their natural habitats, along with other critical projects.Since the launch of this archive, the AGQS has embarked on establishing its library to be a professional reference for the Qatari, Arab and Gulf falconry, which comprises a diverse collection of photographic, written, and audiovisual materials that document this Qatari heritage.Al-Mahshadi added that the initiative aims to foster specialised scientific, historical, and literary research focused on falconry and traditional hunting practices.He said that the AGQS has previously addressed all media institutions to provide all materials at their disposal that evidently document the ancient and modern history of falconry to enrich the Qatari archive and make it available for all.Al-Mahshadi stated that the AGQS library comprises a roughly 300 books, including 50 books in Arabic, and many books in English, Spanish, German, Russian and so forth, in addition to a monumental archive of global journals specialising in falconry published over the span of more than 50 years, and provide crucial information, reports, and research for both falconers and researchers.The library's contents cover falconry from multiple angles, foremost of which are training in Qatari, Arab, and global falconry which encompasses a wide array of professional skills, including the hunting of quarry with birds of prey, their meticulous training, the craftsmanship involved in the creation of their tools, as well as the sophisticated techniques of tracking.Furthermore, al-Mahshadi said, the library delves into the rich historical context of both Arab and global falconry traditions.He highlighted that the archive also features sources and references pertinent to the veterinary care of falcons and birds of prey, their maintenance, and breeding, as well as specialised scientific texts on birds of prey, their species, life cycles in the wild, migration patterns, and breeding seasons.Additionally, it houses literary and artistic works inspired by falconry, including poetry, novels, and paintings.