Qatar

Al Noor Center for the Blind, one of the centers of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work affiliated with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, celebrates International Day of Education, which falls on Jan. 24 of each year, by highlighting its efforts in supporting the education of the visually impaired, using the latest educational devices and technologies that ensure the quality of education and access to knowledge.In this context, Executive Director of Al Noor Center for the Blind Mishaal Abdullah Al Nuaimi, stressed that education is a solid foundation for achieving equality and social justice, noting that the center spares no effort in providing the latest educational technologies to its members, and this approach represents a clear commitment to developing their skills and abilities, so that they become productive individuals in society and able to contribute to the renaissance of the nation.Al Nuaimi explained that the center is keen to keep pace with modern technological developments in the field of educating the visually impaired, with a focus on artificial intelligence technologies and smart applications that facilitate the learning and communication process.He noted that education at the center is not limited to the academic aspect, but extends to include the development of life and vocational skills that enable members to integrate into the labor market and participate effectively in society.The activities provided by the center on this day embody its commitment to the message of education as a human right, as a group of awareness events and workshops will be organized that aim to enhance community awareness of the importance of comprehensive education. The events will include a display of the latest educational devices used in the center, in addition to inspiring success stories of members who were able to achieve their educational and professional ambitions despite the challenges.The comprehensive education provided by the center is a practical reflection of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), which focuses on building a just and equal society that supports all groups, including people with disabilities. The center is also a model to be emulated in achieving this vision, as it has succeeded in providing advanced educational programs that meet the needs of the blind, while providing psychological and social support that enhances their self-confidence.

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, met with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, on the margins of the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland.The meeting discussed cooperation ties between the two countries and ways to strengthen them, as well as developments in Ukraine and latest developments in Syria, in addition to a range of topics of shared interest.HE the President of Ukraine expressed his appreciation to the State of Qatar's efforts in reuniting the Ukrainian children with their families in Ukraine as part of its continuous mediation to reunite families separated due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Qatar has reiterated its commitment to supporting the "Silencing the Guns in Africa" initiative, praising progress in this area and welcoming the African Union's counter terrorism framework. Qatar also reaffirmed its active role in international and regional efforts to combat terrorism across Africa and the world.This statement was delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, at a UN Security Council briefing on African-led counter terrorism efforts and development. The briefing focused on strengthening African leadership and implementation of counter terrorism initiatives.Her Excellency highlighted that conflicts create fertile ground for terrorism, stressing Qatar's significant emphasis on preventive efforts to address the root causes of conflicts that threaten stability, peace, and sustainable development. She noted that Qatar's humanitarian and development assistance in Africa spans critical sectors like food, education, employment, infrastructure, and disaster recovery.She also pointed out that international reports continue to show the persistent terrorist threat, especially in Africa, where terrorist groups exploit conflicts and instability, collaborating with criminal networks.Her Excellency emphasized that peace, security, development, and stability are interconnected, and their absence fuels terrorism and violent extremism, calling for a comprehensive approach that goes beyond security concerns and addresses development aspects.In this context, she stressed the need to prioritize poverty reduction, marginalization, and economic and social discrimination through inclusive economic growth, providing education and employment opportunities, healthcare, and strengthening the rule of law and good governance at national and international levels. She emphasized that achieving these goals requires accelerating the implementation of the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.HE Qatar's Permanent Representative also underscored that the terrorism issue in Africa requires African solutions and leadership, with the African Union already developing frameworks and initiatives to tackle the problem, calling for strengthening African capacities in various areas related to counter terrorism through international support, tailored to the continent's priorities and national needs.In line with its commitment to these needs, Qatar has prioritized supporting counter terrorism efforts in Africa, reflected in its partnerships with African countries both bilaterally and through international organizations. Qatar also participated in the African Union's high-level counter terrorism meeting in Abuja last April, providing support for the event.Her Excellency further explained that, through its partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, Qatar has been a leading donor, contributing 37 percent of the office's total pledges since its establishment, adding that Qatar funds global programs focusing on building capacities and providing technical assistance to African countries to enhance their counter terrorism responses. Qatar also supports the UN's joint call to combat terrorism in Africa, having participated in its launch last year.Her Excellency highlighted Qatar's partnership with the UN's Department of Political and Peacebuilding focuses on Africa, where it has contributed to peacebuilding efforts through support for the Peacebuilding Fund and its membership in the Peacebuilding Commission over the past two years.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani patronized the graduation ceremony of the 12th batch of cadets of Al Zaeem Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Attiyah Air Academy at the academy's headquarters in Al Udeid Air Base on Wednesday morning.The ceremony was attended by several Their Excellencies Sheikhs, and Ministers.The ceremony was also attended by HE Commander of the Air Force of the Republic of Egypt Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Foaad Abd El- Gawad, HE Minister of Defense of the Federal Republic of Somalia Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, HE Commander of the Air Force of Canada Lt. Gen. Eric Kenny, and senior security and military leaders from a number of friendly countries.Their Excellencies, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the State, senior officers from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, the Amiri Guard, the State Security Service, and Lekhwiya, along with senior security leaders and other distinguished guests, were also in attendance.The national anthem was played at the beginning of the ceremony. The commander of the graduates' queue then stepped forward requesting HH the Amir to inspect the queue of the 119 graduates from the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Tunisia, the Federal Republic of Somalia, and the Republic of Rwanda.Following the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, the march of the graduates' queue, and the military parade, HH the Amir honored the outstanding graduates.Next, the flag was handed over from the 12th batch to the 13th batch, the appointment order was read aloud, and the graduates' queue exited.The air show kicked off with Qatar Amiri Air Force aircraft, including F-15s, Rafales, Typhoons, alongside Al Zaeem Air Academy's H-125 and Super Mushshak aircraft.Transport aircraft, including C-17 and C-130, also participated, along with helicopters, featuring Apache, NH90, and Agusta models.At the conclusion of the ceremony, officers of the 12th batch took the oath and recited the Academy's anthem.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani met with Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).The meeting discussed cooperation between the State of Qatar and the UNRWA.HE the Permanent Representative to the UN reaffirmed Qatar's unwavering commitment to supporting UNRWA, in line with its international humanitarian obligations, and its steadfast dedication to the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people.The UNRWA Commissioner-General underscored the importance of strengthening international support to ensure the agency can continue providing vital services to the people of the Gaza Strip, including education, healthcare and humanitarian aid.

The Qatar Amiri Land Forces team claimed first place of the Armed Forces Indoor Volleyball Championship.The General Command Backup Force team secured second place, while the Qatar Amiri Air Force team took third.The Military Sports Association marked the conclusion of the Armed Forces Indoor Volleyball Championship, in the presence of HE Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration and Logistics Staff Major General (Pilot) Ghanem Abdulhadi Al Shahwani.Five teams from various forces and military units of the Qatar Armed Forces participated in the championship.

Elegancia Facilities Management, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C and a leader in innovative facilities management solutions, has announced its accreditation as a Training Member of The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc).BICSc, the largest independent, professional, and educational body within the cleaning industry, sets global benchmarks for training and education in the sector. Elegancia’s new status as an Accredited Training Member affirms its dedication to delivering an excellent service and fostering a skilled workforce.Commenting on this milestone, Abd Almunem Al Sakka, Chief Executive Officer of Elegancia Facilities Management, stated, “Achieving BICSc Accredited Training Member status highlights our focus on professional development and operational excellence. This accreditation reflects our investment in ensuring our teams are trained to the highest international standards, which directly benefits our clients and supports our vision for sustainable and efficient facilities management.”With this accreditation, Elegancia Facilities Management solidifies its position as an industry leader, delivering cutting-edge solutions while upholding the values of quality, professionalism, and innovation.Elegancia Facilities Management is one of the Services cluster companies under Estithmar Holding. The Company employes more than 6000 workers and manage around 4 million square meters of facilities. In 2024, Elegancia FM’s operations expanded to cover KSA, Iraq and Jordan.

Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) has introduced new features on its award-winning mobile application, the QIC app, offering drivers and car owners extra convenience to fulfil their car-related needs.The QIC app users can now request to rent cars from selected dealerships and agencies using the application’s rental feature. The service is innovatively designed to help customers easily find the car that meets their needs, communicate with the service providers, and close the deals in further steps.In addition, vehicle owners can use the QIC app to request booking repairs and detailing services, including mechanical and electrical repairs, vehicle check-ups, tyre services, full car detailing and protection services offered by top providers in Qatar. Users can also request home car wash services from trusted 24/7 service providers on QIC app, and enjoy the convenience of having their vehicles cleaned anytime and anywhere in the country.As part of the new update, QIC has also launched the price checker service on its app, which allows users to find out the fair market price of used vehicles in Qatar. This feature is designed to help customers make informed decisions before buying or selling used cars, and get better comprehensive insurance premiums based on the market value of their vehicles.Ahmed al-Jarboey, QIC chief operating officer – Qatar Operations, said: “Our app is designed to be a one-stop shop for all drivers’ and car owners’ needs in Qatar, and I am confident that our new features will be game changers when it comes to allowing users to have truly hassle-free experiences with their car-related requirements. “At QIC, we are committed to relentlessly upgrading our customers’ mobile experience, and with the growing number of insurance and non-insurance features available on our app, we remain better positioned to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations and to help everyone enjoy worry-free driving and car ownership journeys.”The QIC app has been recognised with a series of accolades, including ‘Mobile App of the Year in Qatar’ at the Insurance Asia Awards 2024, and ‘Best Car Insurance Mobile App in Qatar’ at the Global Brands Magazine Awards 2024. For more information on the QIC app and to download, visit qic.online.

HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani met Tuesday with Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, held from Jan. 20 to 24, 2025.During the meeting, the two officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and industry, as well as exchanged views on key topics on the forums agenda. They also addressed several issues of mutual interest.In a separate meeting, HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry met with President of Alibaba Group Michael Evans. The meeting discussed ways to explore opportunities for collaboration in areas of shared interest.His Excellency highlighted Qatars successful economic policies aimed at supporting the private sector, emphasizing the incentives, legislation, and promising opportunities designed to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to invest in Qatar.The 2025 Davos Forum has seen broad participation from heads of state, government, and international organizations, private sector executives, civil society representatives, thinkers, innovators, and public figures.

Weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Wednesday will see moderate temperatures with some clouds, and will be cold to very cold by night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.Offshore, it will be fine, the report added, warning of expected strong wind and high sea till noon.Wind inshore will be northwesterly to northeasterly at a speed of 5 - 15 KT, gusting to 20 KT at places daytime.Offshore, it will be northwesterly to northeasterly at a speed of 10 - 20 KT, gusting to 26 KT till noon, decreasing to 5 - 15 KT.Sea state inshore will be 2 - 4 ft, rises to 5 ft until noon, falling to 1 -3 ft. Offshore will be 3 - 6 ft, rises to 8 ft until noon, falling to 2 - 4 ft.Visibility inshore and offshore will be 5 - 10 km.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) partnered with Quantum.Tech to bring its premier event to the Arab World for the first time, convening more than 200 internationally renowned experts from January 13 - 15 in Doha to discuss how Qatar and the Gulf region can sustain its emerging quantum technology sector.Conference participants included esteemed figures and thought leaders in the field of quantum computing, as well as multinational companies including BT Group, Citi Global, Microsoft, Rolls Royce, and more.HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, HE Minister of Communications and Information TechnologyMohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, and HE Governor of Qatar Central Bank Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani witnessed the launch of the conference alongside industry leaders and stakeholders.Dr. Saif Al Kuwari, Director, Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2), HBKU, opened the event with a keynote address, giving an overview of the quantum research and innovation landscape in Qatar and beyond.Noting the success of the event, Dr. Al Kuwari said: "HBKU and Quantum.Tech recognize that the Middle East is well-positioned to unlock the potential of quantum technologies and drive transformative impact to our economies and societies. As this field is becoming exceedingly critical for national and global progression, CSE and QC2 are committed to forging robust partnerships that prioritize collaborative education, training, research, and capacity-building to help sustain this revolution."During the event, Dr. Al Kuwari and Dr. Nasser Barghouty, formerly Chief Scientist, NASA Space Communications and Navigation, held a discussion on HBKU and NASAs recent memorandum of understanding on quantum research and education. They outlined the progress made in a feasibility study exploring the joint development of quantum communications and networking technologies.Quantum technology leverages the science behind quantum mechanics to underpin innovations that promise unprecedented capabilities across a number of sectors, including computing, communications, and sensing. The field has recently gained prominence with the UN proclaiming 2025 the year of Quantum Science and Technology

The State of Qatar announced the successful facilitation of a detainee swap between the United States of America and Afghanistan.In a statement to Qatar News Agency, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, stated that the good offices of the State of Qatar have resulted in the release of two American citizens who had been detained in Afghanistan, in exchange for the release of an Afghan citizen detained in the United States of America, stressing that all of them arrived in Doha, and the necessary arrangements were made in preparation for their return to their respective countries.His Excellency expressed Qatar's gratitude to both and the Afghan Caretaker Government and the Government of the United States of America for their positive response to the State of Qatar's efforts and their cooperation in facilitating the detainee swap process. His Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's hope that this agreement would pave the way for achieving further understandings as a means to resolve disputes through peaceful means.His Excellency emphasized that the success of this Detainee swap underscores, once again, the position of the State of Qatar as a reliable partner at the regional and international levels, and reflects, as well, Qatar's effective role in the making of peace and enhancing security and stability in the region and the world.The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs pointed out that Qatar's foreign policy is based on the constructive dialogue as a strategic option to bring viewpoints closer, pointing in this regard to the successes of Qatari diplomacy in a number of important files, emphasizing Qatars pivotal role in the field of mediation, including humanitarian efforts and the reunification of families. He also pointed out that the State of Qatar has emerged as an effective party in providing innovative diplomatic and humanitarian solutions aimed at addressing crises, and its continuous efforts have been able to alleviate the suffering of those affected, the latest of which is its efforts with partners to reach a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip and the swap of detainees and prisoners there.His Excellency affirmed Qatar's steadfast support for all segments of the brotherly Afghan people and reiterated its ongoing endeavors to achieve security, stability, and prosperity in Afghanistan.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met Tuesday with Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Masrour Barzani, on the sidelines of World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland.The meeting discussed co-operation ties and ways to bolster them, the developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as the latest developments in Syria and a range of topics of mutual interest. Barzani expressed his appreciation to Qatar’s role and efforts that contributed to reaching the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the exchange of detainees and prisoners.

The National Bariatric Center (NBC) of the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has earned prestigious recognition as a Collaborating Center — for Obesity Management by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO).EASO is a federation of professional membership organisations from 38 European countries and accredits specialised obesity management centres worldwide that meet stringent European and academic guidelines.This achievement highlights NBC’s dedication to delivering outstanding bariatric care and strengthens its standing as a premier weight management centre in the region. Established in 2010, the National Bariatric Center stands as a state-of-the-art tertiary centre offering comprehensive care for patients with obesity in Qatar. This aligns with HMC’s strategic vision of achieving excellence in service delivery and improving patient experience, which is in line with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.The centre offers a wide range of services, including bariatric surgery, medical weight management, dietary therapy, and exercise coaching. Performing about 10,000 surgeries and treating more than 20,000 patients annually, NBC occupies a role as a regional leader in combating the global obesity epidemic.HMC’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Abdulla al-Ansari said providing comprehensive bariatric and obesity management services is a critical investment in the health and wellbeing of the people of Qatar.“Since its inception, his service has embarked on a remarkable journey, evolving and expanding to meet the growing needs of our community. This commitment reflects the profound importance we place on addressing obesity, a challenge with far-reaching implications for individuals and the nation as a whole,” Dr al-Ansari said.In turn, Director of Qatar Metabolic Institute Prof Abdul Badi Abou Samra said he was “immensely proud of the National Bariatric Center, which has recently become part of the Qatar Metabolic Institute.” “The Qatar Metabolic Institute features a comprehensive approach to obesity and diabetes through state-of-the-art clinical services, research, and education,” Prof Abou Samra said.

The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation will support the Assalam Schools, a flagship initiative of the organisation with a fundraising campaign during the ‘Walk for Education’ event at MIA Park coming Friday. The event will feature three symbolic walks around the park at 2pm, 4pm and 7pm, alongside a range of exciting activities, including football tournaments, art competitions, bouncy castles, raffles, stage performances, food carts, and stalls highlighting corporate social responsibility initiatives. A special fundraising campaign, ‘Buy a Brick, Build a School’, will also take place during the event, allowing attendees to contribute directly to the construction and development of Assalam Schools. Every contribution will help provide a brighter future for children and ensure they have access to the quality education they deserve. The Assalam Schools, a flagship initiative of the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation under its ‘Together Project’, is transforming lives by providing free education to marginalised children and youth in Qatar. Since their inception, these tuition-free institutions have empowered over 18,000 students from diverse Arab and non-Arab communities, ensuring fair access to quality education and transforming countless lives. Working in co-operation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and supported by local donors, the five Assalam Schools have become a symbol of hope and resilience. Enrolment across the Assalam Schools network has grown by over 60%, with an impressive attendance rate of 89%. These schools offer flexible learning options, including dual shifts, adult education, mainstream schooling, and homeschooling, catering to the diverse needs of students. As part of its commitment to expanding access to quality education, EAA Foundation’s Together Project is introducing two groundbreaking initiatives for the academic year 2025-26. The Fourth Assalam School will apply two curricula: the Cambridge curriculum and Qatar’s National Curriculum for Grades 1-6 students from different nationalities. Simultaneously, the Sixth Assalam School will pioneer programmes for children with moderate to severe disabilities, offering a tailored, adaptive curriculum and innovative learning methods such as online classes, home tutor visits, and occasional school trips. These initiatives represent a first in Qatar and demonstrate EAA’s commitment to inclusive education. EAA Foundation encourages everyone in Qatar to join this impactful event and support children in their pursuit of education.

Ooredoo has launched its latest campaign – a bold and entertaining showcase of its network strength designed to resonate with users in a fun and relatable way.The campaign, featuring a series of short, engaging commercials, which brings to life the daily connectivity struggles people face before introducing Ooredoo as the solution for an upgraded, seamless experience. At the heart of the campaign are mischievous characters brought to life using cutting-edge film industry techniques.Developed with the help of AI and high-quality prosthetics, these characters represent the causes of connectivity issues in a funny, exaggerated, and highly entertaining manner. While the mascots are not from Ooredoo, they humorously illustrate the frustrations of a poor network experience, whether it’s lagging during a game or buffering at the worst moment of a video call.The first ad of the series dives into the gaming community, painting Ooredoo as the gaming network. With its unrivalled products and services tailored to gamers, Ooredoo offers a connectivity experience that takes gaming to the next level.Featuring popular local influencers in every market, these highly relatable scenarios capture the humour and drama of gaming interruptions, with Ooredoo stepping in as the ultimate hero to save the day.Bilal Kazmi, group chief consumer officer at Ooredoo, said: “As connectivity becomes the backbone of entertainment, work, and life, Ooredoo is redefining what it means to have a great network experience. This campaign is all about connecting with our audiences in a way that entertains and informs while showing them the difference our network can make.”The campaign highlights Ooredoo’s commitment to using innovation, creativity, and a customer-first approach to deliver services that truly upgrade users’ worlds. Kazmi added: “Stay tuned as the rest of the series unfolds. Each ad is a playful reminder that with Ooredoo, you can leave the frustrations behind and step into a world of uninterrupted connectivity and unparalleled experience.”

A three-day programme, from talks and workshop to concert and Pakistani Food Festival, will mark the end of ‘Manzar: Art and Architecture from Pakistan 1940s to Today’ exhibition on January 31 at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), it was announced.The programme will start at 4pm Wednesday with a talk by Salima Hashmi, a renowned artist, educator, curator and writer whose artworks are included in the exhibition. Her essay is in the catalogue, presenting The Museum: A Space for Our Multiple Lives at NMoQ Auditorium.Hashmi will examine the practices of artists who have defined the past five decades of dynamic artmaking in Pakistan, seen primarily through the lens of women who have been influential as teachers, studio artists and social activists. Hashmi will highlight the work of three generations of artists, spanning various mediums including oil on canvas, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, video, and performance.Following this talk at 7pm will be a musical performance by Aga Khan Master Musicians, renowned for their extraordinary artistry that transcends cultures and continents. They will perform alongside the SAZ Trio, winners of the prestigious Aga Khan Music Awards, and aspiring artists from QM’s Music Lab.This event marks the continuation of the recently established partnership between QM and the Aga Khan Music Programme and is organised in collaboration with Music Lab, Art Mill Museum and the Manzar exhibition.The programme continues tomorrow (January 23) from 11am to 1pm with a roundtable discussion ‘Voices in Art: A Cross-Cultural Dialogue on Art and Education’. Three prominent artists and educators from Lahore and Karachi come to Doha to dialogue with Manzar and with some of Qatar’s most talented and innovative artists and art educators, including Wafika Sultan and Hannan Bu Muzah.The programme concludes on January 24 with ‘Bridging Traditions: Exploring Miniature Painting, Printmaking & Craft in Contemporary Art,’ a full-day workshop led by Huda Iqbal. This immersive session will feature key presentations by Naazish Ata-Ullah and Shehnaz Ismail.The morning session will explore the transition of miniature painting from a traditional art form to a thriving contemporary movement, along with ‘Alif: the Making of a Boxprint Portfolio.’In the afternoon, Ismail will lead a session on Enabling Education via Craft, discussing the evolving role of craft in contemporary art.In collaboration with the Manzar exhibition and the Embassy of Pakistan, a Pakistani Food Festival will also open tomorrow (January 23) at NMoQ, Al Baraha.

Qatar Charity provided shelter tents for disaster victims in Somalia, as part of its ongoing humanitarian response. Qatar Charity has delivered two containers containing 250 tents to the National Disaster Management Authority in Somalia to support its shelter initiatives, it said in a statement Tuesday. This project highlights the commitment of Qatar Charity's global humanitarian efforts, aiming to alleviate the suffering of disaster-affected communities and provide them with adequate shelter in Somalia. Dr Ahmed Abd Adam, Deputy Chairman of the Somalia'a National Disaster Management Authority, expressed his deep appreciation for Qatar Charity's vital role in supporting his country's efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. He said, "These donations are part of an ongoing series of collaborative projects aimed at strengthening the resilience of affected communities," while highlighting the importance of both local and international cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges. This initiative also underscores Qatar Charity's dedication to collaborating with relevant local authorities to enhance humanitarian action and achieve the greatest impact. In June 2024, Qatar Charity signed a strategic agreement with the National Disaster Management Authority aimed at further strengthening cooperation in disaster recovery.

Qatar Foundation (QF) will commemorate the International Day of Education Thursday, with the launch of its ‘Let’s Speak Arabic’ campaign, alongside a series of discussions, workshops, and activities that are open to the community.Observed annually on January 24 by the United Nations, this global occasion spotlights the vital role of education in empowering individuals and communities to drive societal progress.QF is celebrating this day under the theme ‘Education is Everyone’s Responsibility’, through an event that will underscore the shared commitment of providing high-quality education that is rooted in local values, promotes the Arabic language, upholds Islamic principles, and strengthens national identity. It will emphasise the collective role of families, educators, governmental and private institutions, and the wider community in achieving this goal.The event will feature activities highlighting innovation in education, the integration of technology in learning, and efforts to promote Arabic language, cultural identity, and ethical values.The day will feature educational projects from students and teachers, an interactive exhibition showcasing contributions from institutions and companies advancing the education sector, engaging workshops, panel discussions on key topics, and the launch of the ‘Let’s Speak Arabic’ campaign.‘Let’s Speak Arabic’ aims to promote Arabic as the primary language in QF schools, raise awareness among students about the local dialect, and guide families on how the Arabic language nurtures values and strengthens national culture.Public sessions will explore the role of companies, private institutions, and media in supporting education, and an interactive discussion on inclusive education with graduates from Awsaj Academy and Renad Academy – part of QF’s Pre-University Education - sharing their journeys.The event will conclude with a session led by QF’s Doha International Family Institute, emphasising the role of parents in fostering pride in the Arabic language, strengthening cultural identity, and offering practical strategies to integrate Arabic into family life.Students, teachers, and staff from QF schools, alongside schools from across the country, will attend the sessions, and 21 additional organisations will host activities designed to enhance education and promote community engagement.

The regional conference 'Memory in Heritage: Enhancing Cooperation on Documentary Heritage in the Arab Region" kicked off in Doha on Wednesday. Organised by the Qatar National Archives in co-operation with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), the two-day conference is being held at the Sheraton Hotel in the presence of HE Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Qatar National Archives, and HE Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs. The conference was also attended by other dignitaries and a group of senior figures from the GCC and regional countries.In the opening speech, Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain, Secretary-General of the Qatar National Archives, said: “Documentary heritage is not just documents preserved in archives, but rather a living record of our identity and history. Our responsibility today is not only to preserve it, but to transform it into a cognitive tool that contributes to facing the challenges of the era, while ensuring its sustainability for future generations.”Al-Buainain added: “We at the Qatar National Archives are committed to using the latest digital technologies, such as AI and digitisation, to improve archiving processes and protect documents from damage. We also seek to be a leading centre in the digital transformation of national and Arab archives, in co-operation with our regional and international partners.”Salah Khaled, Unesco Representative for the Gulf States and Yemen and Director of the Unesco Office in Doha, praised the role of the Qatar National Archives and its team in organising the event. Stressing that the Arab region is rich in a unique documentary heritage that bears witness to the human civilisations that emerged and developed in this region.He reviewed prominent historical examples of the richness of Arab heritage, such as the Ashur Library in Iraq, and the historical universities in Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt, in addition to great archaeological documentary discoveries such as the Sana’a manuscripts and the Epic of Gilgamesh.Khaled stressed that protecting the Arab documentary heritage is a fundamental task not only for documenting the past, but also for building bridges of communication between generations and promoting global cultural dialogue. However, he drew attention to the weak representation of the Arab documentary heritage in the Memory of the World Register, where it constitutes only 5% of the total register, which calls for urgent action to enhance cooperative efforts and increase attention to the importance of this heritage.Ali al-Maarefi, Secretary-General of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, stressed that the conference constitutes an important platform for unifying efforts and enhancing regional co-operation to preserve documentary heritage, which is an integral part of the cultural and historical identity of the Arab peoples. He explained that this event reflects Qatar’s commitment to supporting cultural and educational efforts, regionally and internationally, in a way that contributes to strengthening ties between the peoples of the region.The first day of the conference witnessed intensive dialogue sessions that addressed pivotal issues in protecting documentary heritage. The first session, titled 'The State of Documentary Heritage in the Arab Region', was attended by Faxon Banda, Head of the Documentary Heritage Unit at Unesco, who gave a presentation on the challenges facing Arab documentary heritage, such as the weak Arab representation in the international register of the Memory of the World Programme. Banda stressed the need to enhance regional co-operation to document heritage and highlight it at the global level.The second session addressed 'The Risks of Climate Change on Documentary Heritage'. The speakers discussed the impact of climate change and natural disasters on historical documents, and called for the adoption of regional strategies to improve preservation conditions and enhance digitisation.The third session focused on 'Protecting Documentary Heritage in Conflict Zones'. Speakers from Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan and Iraq participated in the session, where they presented their experiences in documenting and protecting historical documents during conflicts.The first day concluded with a session on 'The Importance of Digitization in Protecting Documentary Heritage'. The speakers also discussed the challenges of digitisation, such as the lack of resources and technical expertise.On the sidelines of the conference Heidi Mirza, Unesco Cairo Office, said in a statement to 'Gulf Times': “Unesco aims to develop national committees, in every country, that has a field office. These national committees are responsible for prioritising, identifying the documentary heritage that are in dire situation, so that they can be prioritised for digitisation, preservation, and to keep them safe in proper storage conditions. The aim of this conference is to bring all these national committees from the Arab region, and Unesco partners to be able to prioritise and understand which documentary heritage is in most need to be submitted to Unesco and be registered as part of the memory of the world.”The conference was accompanied by an exhibition that reflected the beauty and richness of the Arab documentary heritage. It included a collection of manuscripts, photos and documents that shed light on the history of the region.The second day of the conference will focus on establishing a regional committee for the Memory of the World Programme with the aim of enhancing Arab representation in the Memory of the World Register.