Qatar

The four-day course, held in the Qatar Press Center's headquarters, presented by Dr Amna al-Azza, an expert in digital transformation and entrepreneurship, was attended by a number of media professionals and those interested in modern media technologies from various media and educational institutions in the country. Dr Amna al-Azza stated that the training programme focused on four main themes: the cognitive and historical aspects of AI, its fundamentals and areas of use, ways to enter its professional and technical world, and practical applications in the media. She added that she was keen to design the course content to take into account the differences in experience and professional background among participants. This was achieved after analyzing their data and levels through a previous questionnaire and tests she had previously conducted to gain insight into the participants' backgrounds and knowledge, which helped achieve the highest levels of benefit. She explained that the interaction within the workshop was exceptional, as everyone actively participated in the exercises and practical activities held during the course. She emphasized that AI is no longer an option, but rather an urgent professional necessity, as technological developments are accelerating at an unprecedented pace, requiring media professionals and others to continuously keep pace through training and self-development. She emphasized that AI does not aim to replace journalists, but rather to enable journalists to work more intelligently and efficiently, adding: "AI will not replace journalists; rather, it will replace journalists who do not use AI." She explained that the course contributed to clarifying the new roles that journalists can play in light of the digital revolution, noting that modern media is now based on integration between humans and machines, not competition between them. She also explained that sectors such as education, health, and media are among the areas most in need of adopting AI tools urgently, given the opportunities they provide to accelerate performance and improve service quality. Tamadur al-Hur, a news anchor at Qatar TV, said, "We trained on the Perplexity program, which helps with generating statistics and selecting appropriate sources, facilitating the editing and writing process and lending greater credibility to news and journalists alike. It also helps with the process of selecting guests for interviews." Maryam Hassan al-Mohammadi, an administrator at the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, praised the performance of Dr Amna al-Azza, who was able to simplify technical concepts and integrate them into useful practical applications. She considered AI a positive tool if used properly, and warned against over-reliance on it at the expense of human creativity. In the same context, Mona al-Jahni said that the course was "excellent and extremely useful," noting that it helped participants gain a broader understanding of the applications of AI in daily and professional life, emphasizing that AI is no longer limited to technical fields, but has become an essential part of education, media production, and content creation. Media professional Ahmed Al-Jarbi, programme producer and presenter at the Qatar Media Corporation - Holy Quran Radio, explained that the AI course opened new horizons for him in the field of preparing radio and television programme content. He explained that he learned how to employ AI tools such as ChatGPT to gather information and formulate ideas, especially since it is a programme that excels at providing information. He emphasized that "AI requires intelligence in its handling." Experience and intelligence are required when dealing with AI tools, and knowing exactly what is required. He pointed out the need to review and verify the results provided by these tools before publishing them, as sometimes the information is not accurate and precise 100%. Al-Jarbi praised the course's topic and its suitability for the requirements of the digital age, suggesting that the center organise additional workshops on public speaking skills, and program development to enhance the integration between information and media performance.

Leaders, experts, and policymakers from across Qatar have discussed the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in education, innovation, and society at a high-level roundtable event organised by Qatar Foundation’s ( QF) global education initiative, World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), in collaboration with the Embassy of Canada in Qatar, The roundtable at Education City took place during the visit of Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, to Doha, with thought leaders in AI from within QF ecosystem contributing to the discussion. Speaking at the session, Minister Solomon highlighted Canada’s global leadership in responsible AI policy and the importance of collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector in shaping human-centred digital transformation. “The Government of Canada is focused on harnessing the benefits of AI for growth and shared prosperity. We see concrete opportunities to strengthen collaboration with Qatar on how our two countries can collaborate on AI, from research and development to commercialization and capital investment,” he said. Speaking at the roundtable, Yousif al-Naama, CEO ,QF said: “QF sees the opportunities that Artificial Intelligence presents, and how, as it becomes increasingly integral to our lives, embracing it is a necessity. “That’s why AI is so central to our efforts in education, science, and community development – from leveraging it to meet the learning needs of students and generate socially impactful solutions, to creating culturally relevant tools and exploring how AI can enhance understanding of our cultural heritage and religion.” **media[370858]** Stavros N Yiannouka, CEO of WISE, emphasised the importance of global partnerships in ensuring AI technologies serve learning and inclusion, saying: “As we stand at the intersection of technology and education, it is imperative that we foster global collaboration to ensure AI solutions are developed responsibly, with the highest standards of quality and safety. Only then can we truly harness their potential to enhance teaching and learning, especially in underserved and low-income communities where the need is greatest.”

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Marine Protection Department has organized an awareness workshop titled “Protecting the Marine Environment: Our Shared Responsibility”. The workshop targeted students from Al Shorouq Model School for Boys as part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and instill the principles of sustainability among younger generations.A total of 45 students participated in the workshop, where specialists from the Marine Protection Department delivered an engaging presentation introducing the components of Qatar’s marine environment, the key living organisms that inhabit it, and the challenges and threats it faces due to human activities. **media[370852]** The workshop also included interactive activities and educational competitions designed to reinforce environmental concepts in a practical and enjoyable way, helping raise students’ awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment and conserving its natural resources. **media[370851]** In the meantime, the ministry stressed that this workshop is part of a series of educational programmes implemented in schools under its strategic plan to promote environmental awareness among youth and foster a sense of responsibility toward the environment, contributing to the protection of biodiversity and the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. **media[370850]**

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has launched 20 new electronic services on its official website as part of the 2024–30 digital transformation strategy. The initiative aims to achieve excellence in governmental service provision and enhance user experience through full digital transformation in line with National Vision 2030. Affirming that the launch of these e-Services marks a significant step towards comprehensive digital transformation, MOCI said this development contributes to faster transactions, streamlined procedures, and enhanced service quality, ultimately strengthening Qatar’s business environment and competitiveness regionally and internationally. The ministry said users can access the new e-Services via its website through the e-Services section, using the National Authentication System (NAS) to ensure data security and confidentiality. The initiative seeks to simplify procedures, accelerate transaction processing, and improve efficiency, thereby enhancing services for consumers and investors and strengthening institutional excellence in government service provision. The newly launched services cover a wide range of MOCI's activities, including specialised licensing, market monitoring for goods and services, and price assessment for commercial establishments. They also include services related to competition and consumer protection, and combating commercial fraud, such as product recalls, handling and tracking complaints, and enabling users to submit complaints electronically and monitor inspection activities. Additionally, the new services integrate directly with the General Authority of Customs to facilitate product registration after customs clearance. Users can also view company information, track applications, and monitor their status through this service. These e-Services serve all user categories interacting with the ministry, including companies with recalled products, citizens and residents reporting consumer law violations, and business owners registering goods and services.

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) delivered an advanced flow cytometry machine to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Pathological Anatomy Laboratory in Idlib, aimed at aiding Syria’s specialised health care services. According to QRCS, this contribution forms part of a project to enhance access, efficiency, and sustainability of specialised health care services in Syria, implemented in co-operation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society (SARCS) and the Idlib Health Directorate. Being the first of its kind in Syria to provide free-of-charge blood cancer diagnosis services, the machine is the most state-of-the-art in the country, used to analyze cells and diagnose and monitor blood cancers with high accuracy, helping improve chances of early detection and therapy personalisation. The flow cytometry machine is one of the main advanced medical diagnostic instruments. It is useful in diagnosing blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, by identifying the type and measuring the number of cancer cells. Other uses include monitoring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, monitoring bone marrow transplants, and assessing autoimmune diseases. According to the medical team at the Pathological Anatomy Laboratory in Idlib, this machine is a substantial upgrade to laboratory diagnostic services in the governorate. **media[370750]** Since two similar machines available across the country are operated by private profit-seeking hospitals, this leading QRCS initiative will provide a huge humanitarian impact, making advanced diagnosis accessible to all underprivileged patients for free. This achievement is part of QRCS’ ongoing efforts to support the Syrian health system and secure the latest medical technologies to raise the quality of health services and ensure sustainability in serving the most vulnerable groups. Another cancer-related project to be launched by QRCS seeks to provide chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs for 100 displaced and poor cancer patients at the oncology centres of Syria, pegged at QR10,000 per patient, or QR1mn in total. QRCS invites donors to show compassion for Syrians suffering from cancer. By contributing, they remove financial barriers, allowing them to receive the essential medical treatment they urgently need. Donations can be received via QRCS’ website (www.qrcs.org.qa), mobile app (https://qrcs.qa/apps), home donation collection (33998898), donor service (66666364), call centre (44027777), or donation collection agents at malls and shopping centers.

M7 is set to present Amazigh Hair Couture, an exhibition that celebrates the artistry, heritage, and cultural symbolism of Amazigh hair traditions, specifically from Morocco, from October 27 to January 12, 2026. Amazigh Hair Couture reclaims authorship of the aesthetic traditions of the Amazigh people, the Indigenous communities of North Africa, whose traditions are rooted primarily across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, the Sahara, and Egypt’s Siwa region, which have been historically co-opted by the global fashion industry. Organised across four thematic zones - Roots and Rituals, Body and Soul, Reframing the Gaze, and Crafting Continuity - the exhibition explores how hair serves as a vital carrier of memory, beauty, resistance, and identity within matrilineal Amazigh cultures. Drawing from a history stretching back to the Neolithic period, around 10,000 BC, the works on view span archival material contemporary practice, and highlight the resilience, creativity, and dignity embedded in these rituals, affirming hair as a medium of care, representation, and intergenerational legacy. In a press statement, M7 director Maha Ghanim al-Sulaiti said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with (creative director) Ilham Mestour and provide a platform for Arab and North African designers and artists such as Lalla Essaydi and Amina Agueznay to continue to champion and reclaim authorship over their narratives, sharing traditions in ways that are both contemporary and rooted in culture”. The exhibition, led Moroccan-born and Netherlands-based artist Mestour and curated by interdisciplinary artist and a curator based in Rotterdam, Rajae El Mouhandiz, brings together fine art photography, scent, hair installations, textile works, and ethnographic archival material. The exhibition offers an homage, reimagining ancestral Amazigh hairstyles as sculptural forms, poetic gestures, and powerful symbols of generational strength. Mestour said: “Through this exhibition, I honour my Amazigh ancestry by transforming inherited rituals into my work globally, carrying forward the voices of the past. My collaboration with M7, from teaching in the Mastering Hair masterclass to presenting my work in this exhibition, enables me to continue to share these traditions and ensure they remain alive for future generations of creatives.” Mouhandiz said: “Amazigh Hair Couture is more than an exhibition; it is a tribute to the women who wove resistance into braids and encoded memory into form. By presenting hair as a living archive of memory, beauty, and resilience, we affirm the matrilineal traditions that have carried Amazigh identity across generations”. “Through a mixture of archival footage, visual art, a scent installation, and pieces from the Qatar Museums collection, the exhibition creates a dialogue between heritage and the present. It reframes these practices as both contemporary and timeless, reclaiming a visual language that has too often been appropriated, restoring it to its rightful context of dignity and creativity.” Celebrated artists such as Lalla Essaydi and Amina Agueznay will also participate in the exhibition, contributing to widening the dialogue around heritage, identity and contemporary expression. Amazigh Hair Couture is organised as a legacy of the Qatar - Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, which was one of the initiative’s most beloved celebrations, with a strong legacy of ongoing partnerships across heritage, creative economies, social and economic development and innovation.

More than 450 artists from 70 countries will participate in the seventh edition of the Qatar International Arts Festival (QIAF 2025) at Katara Cultural Village, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub for visual and performing arts. The six-day event, organised in collaboration with Maps International, is set to take place from December 7 to 12. Among the highlights include: a cultural evening on December 8; interactive workshops by international artists on December 8–9; art conference and interactive dialogues on December 9; cultural connections dinner on December 10; art and sustainable fashion show and art auction on December 11; and QIAF Awards Ceremony on December 12. In a press statement, HE Katara general manager Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said: “Since its inception, the festival has become a pioneering platform that opens its doors to creativity and provides a broad space where artists and creatives can present an exceptional diversity of artistic visions and styles. “We are confident that this edition will add further success and distinction to the festival's journey with its rich and diverse events”. He added that the partnership between Katara and Maps International reflects a shared commitment to supporting the arts and strengthening Qatar’s position as a global centre for culture and creativity. Al-Sulaiti noted that this year’s festival will be held under the theme “Sustainability and Innovation in Art,” highlighting environmentally friendly artistic practices and the role of modern technologies in shaping the future of art. Rashmi Agarwal, founder and president of Maps International Limited, and CEO and director of Qatar International Arts Festival thanked Katara, led by Prof al-Sulaiti, for their continued support in organising the festival, saying: “I am proud to continue collaborating with Katara in organising this major artistic event. The Qatar International Arts Festival has become one of the most prominent global platforms that celebrates artists and brings them together in Qatar for a celebration of cultural and creative diversity”. Throughout the festival, audiences will experience a rich artistic programme, including international art exhibitions, live painting, and live performances, creating an immersive and dynamic atmosphere. According to the organisers, QIAF serves as a platform for cultural and creative convergence. Through its exhibitions, workshops, and live performances, it fosters artistic dialogue between cultures and consolidates Qatar’s position as a global centre for art and cultural exchange.

Qatar Airways’ loyalty programme - Privilege Club, and QIIB have entered a strategic partnership to introduce innovative product propositions that will offer exceptional value to both QIIB customers and Privilege Club members. The organisations will soon launch a joint product curated for Qatar Airways Privilege Club members and QIIB customers. This unique offering – the first banking product of its kind in Qatar – is designed to enhance the banking experience by offering exclusive ‘Avios’ collection opportunities, the rewards currency of Privilege Club. The partnership was signed by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Mohammed al-Meer, and QIIB Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abdulbasit Ahmed al-Shaibei. Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways is pleased to enhance our strategic partnership with QIIB, the leading Islamic financial institution in Qatar. This agreement not only represents our continued commitment to increasing collaboration with the national banking sector, but also delivers added value to our Privilege Club members. This agreement stands as a model of effective cooperation and synergy between the aviation and Islamic banking sector in Qatar.” Dr Al-Shaibei, said: “We are pleased to sign the enhanced strategic partnership agreement with Qatar Airways Privilege Club, the loyalty programme of the national carrier that stands as a symbol of excellence and innovation worldwide. It also reflects the alignment of our shared vision to provide our mutual customers with the best possible solutions and services, in line with their aspirations and diverse needs. Dr. Al-Shaibei continued: “Through this partnership with Privilege Club, we will introduce products that combine modern banking benefits with exclusive rewards tailored for travel enthusiasts, allowing them to enjoy a seamless banking and travel experience that reflects Qatar’s global leadership in both sectors. “We remain firmly committed to developing new and innovative products that enhance the standard of banking services and reflect our alignment with the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan launched by Qatar Central Bank. This commitment also supports the Qatar National Vision 2030 by reinforcing our nation’s position as a global financial leader and hub.” The enhancement of this partnership is in addition to the existing partnership proposition that allows Privilege Club members to convert their QIIB points to ‘Avios’. The latest iteration of the partnership is a testament to Privilege Club’s efforts to fostering alliances that provides its members expanded opportunities to collect and spend ‘Avios’.

Preparation works have begun for the main headquarters of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Hospital for Rehabilitation and Artificial Limbs in the Gaza Strip, funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).Named after His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Father of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the hospital stands as a beacon of Qatar’s enduring humanitarian commitment.**media[370725]**Following the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from northern Gaza, teams have started clearing debris and rehabilitating the site — a vital step toward resuming medical and rehabilitation services through the hospital’s three main departments: Prosthetics, Audiology, and Rehabilitation.This initiative reflects Qatar’s unwavering support for the wounded, persons with disabilities, and the medical system in Gaza — reaffirming its mission to heal, rebuild, and restore hope.**media[370727]**

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has sent a cable of condolence to the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, following the death of former Japanese Prime Minister, Tomiichi Murayama.

His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani has sent two cables of condolence to the Emperor Naruhito of Japan and to the Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, following the death of former Japanese Prime Minister, Tomiichi Murayama.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has sent two cables of condolence to the Emperor Naruhito of Japan and to the Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, following the death of former Japanese Prime Minister, Tomiichi Murayama.

His Excellency Attorney General Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi met today with the President of the Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights and former Prosecutor General of the French Republic Jean-Francois Thony. The meeting discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation and exchange of expertise between the Public Prosecution and the Syracuse International Institute.

The Qatar Calendar House announced that residents of the State of Qatar will be able to see and observe this year's Orionid meteor shower, which will peak on the evening of Tuesday, Rabi' al-Thani 29, 1447 AH, corresponding to Oct. 21, 2025 AD, and will continue until dawn on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Astronomy expert at Qatar Calendar House Dr. Bashir Marzouq said the Orionid meteor shower is an important astronomical phenomenon, as it is active annually from Oct. 2-Nov. 2 and reaches its peak on Oct. 21st. The Orionid meteor shower is a unique meteor shower, with an estimated rate of about 30 meteors per hour when it reaches its peak, according to meteorologists specializing in meteor observation. What distinguishes meteor showers is that observing them requires only a location far from environmental and light pollution. Therefore, residents of the State of Qatar will be able to observe and see the Orionid meteor shower without the need for astronomical devices or telescopes. They can be seen and observed with the naked eye towards the eastern horizon of the sky from after 10:00 pm on Tuesday until dawn on Wednesday. Modern digital cameras can be used to capture images of the Orionid meteor shower, taking into consideration increasing the exposure time during photography to obtain distinctive images. Dr. Marzouq added that the meteor shower will have a good chance this year, as the moon will be in a crescent phase. This means that the moon will not be in the sky when the Orionids are observed, as the moon will set before sunset on Tuesday. The famous Halley's Comet is the source of the Orionid meteor shower. This occurs when the Earth moves in its orbit around the sun and passes close to dust particles left behind by Halley's Comet during October of each year. These particles intersect with the Earth's atmosphere, causing a flash that can be seen in the sky like fireworks. Meteor showers generally occur as a result of the Earth passing close to fine debris and dust particles left behind by comet particles. The best places to view the Orionid meteors are in the darkest areas, far from residential areas where light and environmental pollutants can obstruct the view of the meteors. The best times to see the Orionid meteors are from just before midnight until dawn the next day.

The United Nations marks World Statistics Day on October 20 each year, underscoring the vital role that accurate statistics and reliable data play in accelerating global progress and shaping the future. Since its inception, statistics have formed the backbone of international efforts to address global challenges — from maintaining peace and promoting sustainable development to combating climate change and improving public health.The global statistical community — comprising national and international statistical agencies — stands as a model of international cooperation, bringing together experts from around the world to emphasize the centrality of data-driven policymaking.Accurate data enable governments, institutions, and individuals to understand societal complexities, identify priorities, and make informed decisions that advance development goals. The United Nations affirms that evidence-based knowledge is the cornerstone of sound policy formulation and measurable results.Governments and organizations rely on statistical data to assess conditions in fields such as the economy, health, education, and population. Reliable data help identify actual needs, guide the allocation of financial and human resources, and increase the effectiveness of development planning. Without accurate data, planning becomes guesswork and progress uncertain.Statistics also enhance transparency and accountability by enabling performance monitoring and measuring progress toward national and global development goals. They provide tools to evaluate success, detect shortcomings, and make timely adjustments to ensure that goals remain on track.Experts stress that statistics are crucial for tracking progress on key priorities such as reducing poverty, improving education quality, and strengthening infrastructure. They enhance public trust by providing clear and transparent information, reinforcing accountability, and enabling citizens and the international community to evaluate performance objectively.Reliable statistics are also indispensable to scientific research, which drives innovation and helps develop effective solutions to complex challenges in health, agriculture, industry, and the environment. In the face of global crises — such as climate change, pandemics, and poverty — the exchange of accurate data remains essential for coordinating international efforts and formulating effective global strategies.Statistical data likewise underpin key sectors of development. Economic data support market analysis, fiscal and monetary policy formulation, and job creation strategies. In health, data help monitor disease patterns, plan vaccination campaigns, and improve medical services. In education, they guide efforts to raise achievement levels and target support to the most vulnerable groups. Socially, statistics are instrumental in identifying inequalities and directing programs that promote justice, equality, and poverty reduction. The State of Qatar attaches great importance to the role of statistics in supporting national development and building institutional capacity. In this context, the Statistical Training and Data Center of the National Planning Council (NPC), in cooperation with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, organized in September a specialized training program titled "Economic Statistics for Managers: From Data to Decisions."The initiative forms part of a broader series of programs implemented by the Center to strengthen national competencies and enable government leaders in economic sectors to utilize data and statistics effectively in policymaking.At the conclusion of the program, Hessa Ali Al Maliki, Director of the Statistical Training and Data Center, affirmed that the initiative represents a key step toward enhancing the capabilities of national leaders in the field of economic statistics and data. She noted that the Center is committed to applying international best practices and creating a practical learning environment that supports skills development and raises efficiency at the national level, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Alanoud Ali Al Maadid, Head of the Department of Finance and Economics at Qatar University, emphasized that statistics serve as a fundamental tool of development, as accurate data guide policy formulation, resource allocation, and the prioritization of national goals. She explained that evidence-based data enable the measurement of progress and the adjustment of policies in an objective and transparent manner.Dr. Al Maadid pointed out that the absence of reliable statistics in areas such as infrastructure, economy, and trade often results in decisions based on intuition rather than evidence, leading to wasted resources, misdirected projects, and weak evaluation of growth and employment indicators. She added that investor confidence tends to decline when access to credible information is limited.She also highlighted the importance of statistical data in mitigating natural risks and climate-related events, including earthquakes, heavy rainfall, floods, and rising temperatures. Historical and climate data, she noted, help identify natural patterns, develop risk maps, design early warning systems, and adopt more resilient building codes. Accurate data are equally essential in post-disaster response, facilitating effective relief operations, damage assessment, and reconstruction planning.Regarding the institutions responsible for statistical operations, Dr. Al Maadid stated that national statistical agencies remain the main source of official data. She underlined the importance of professionalism, independence, transparency, and confidentiality, along with the adoption of standardized classifications and methodologies that ensure comparability. She affirmed that reliable statistics constitute the foundation for sound public policies and sustainable development in Qatar.Dr. Al Maadid added that international cooperation plays a significant role in promoting the exchange of data and expertise, harmonizing methodologies, and improving the accuracy of global comparisons, thereby enhancing the quality of indicators and supporting evidence-based policymaking.She noted that despite the growing importance of statistics, several challenges persist, including shortages of qualified personnel, limited funding, restricted data access, and low response rates in some field surveys. She called for continued investment in technological infrastructure, greater utilization of big data with privacy safeguards, and the reinforcement of professional independence to ensure data quality and credibility.Experts around the world share similar views, emphasizing that the lack of financial and technical resources, weak institutional capacities, and inconsistent data standards in some regions hinder the availability of reliable statistics. They agree that trustworthy data form the backbone of any successful development process, transforming national visions into actionable plans that enhance well-being and drive sustainable progress. Strengthening statistical systems, enhancing institutional capabilities, and ensuring the reliability of data remain essential pillars for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.

The Department of Meteorology has forecast hazy conditions at first on Sunday, followed by relatively hot weather during the day and mild conditions by night. Offshore, the weather will be hazy at first, becoming fine later, the daily weather report stated. Inshore winds will be variable at first, becoming northwesterly to northeasterly at 5 to 15 KT. Offshore winds will also be variable, mainly northwesterly to northeasterly at 2 to 12 KT. The sea state inshore is expected to range between 1 and 2 feet, while offshore it will range between 1 and 3 feet. Visibility inshore and offshore will range between 4 and 10 kilometers.

A round of negotiations was held in Doha between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Afghanistan, mediated by Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye.Both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to the establishment of mechanisms aimed at consolidating lasting peace and stability between the two countries.**media[370689]**The two parties also agreed to hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and to verify its implementation in a reliable and lasting manner, in a way that contributes to achieving security and stability in both countries.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Qatar's hope that this important step would contribute to ending tensions along the border between the two brotherly countries and serve as a solid foundation for sustainable peace in the region.The agreement to cease hostilities came after for more than a week, the South Asian neighbours engaged in bloody border clashes.AFP adds: Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached.Afghan Defence Minister Mohammed Yaqub said both sides had "concluded that each country will respect the other".The defence ministers posted a picture on X shaking hands after the signing.

Qatar Museums (QM), under the patronage of HE the Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, and in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) and a number of regional and international partners, is preparing to organise the 27th Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World, on October 28-30 in Doha, under the theme *Sustainability of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Strategies for the Future.The QM announced on its Facebook account that the conference is being held as part of efforts to enhance Arab co-operation in the field of protecting and preserving cultural heritage and finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing this vital sector.The QM said that the conference is aimed at highlighting the importance of environmental, technological, and social sustainability of cultural heritage in light of global change, while working to develop future strategies based on scientific methods and innovative practices.It also seeks to enhance the status of heritage as a source of inspiration and knowledge, and a key driver of sustainable development.The conference focuses on key objectives, most notably: addressing environmental and human challenges affecting archaeological and heritage sites in the Arab world; contributing to the development of long-term visions and strategies that ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage; supporting Arab co-operation in the field of heritage preservation and the exchange of expertise between cultural institutions; and ensuring that cultural heritage remains a marker of identity and history, and a source of inspiration and creativity for current and future generations.The conference will address a wide range of vital issues, including concepts, mechanisms, and approaches to sustainability in cultural heritage; the natural, environmental, technological, and human challenges facing heritage sustainability; sustainability strategies and the development of effective approaches to heritage preservation; digital transformation and its role in preserving cultural heritage and transmitting it to future generations; the role of cultural tourism in enhancing the sustainability of heritage sites; and the experiences of Arab countries in protecting and sustaining cultural heritage.The concept of contemporary heritage as a bridge linking the past to the future will also be discussed.The conference will include a high-level opening session featuring representatives of the organisation's Arab member states, keynote addresses by ministers and prominent figures from the Arab world and international organisations, and papers from the organising committee and the Young Researchers Forum.On the sidelines of the conference, the QM will organise the Youth Forum on October 26-30 as a key initiative paving the way for the launch of the conference activities.The forum targets young people and university students specialising in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage, providing an interactive platform for young researchers to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.This embodies the "Doha Youth Declaration 2025”.The forum will conclude with the launch of the visions and aspirations of the new generation of Arab researchers toward a more sustainable future for cultural heritage.The declaration will represent an open call to unify efforts among cultural and academic institutions in the Arab world, affirming the role of youth in leading future cultural work with a spirit of innovation and responsibility.

Al Mana Enterprises has hosted senior leadership from Anteo SpA, Italy, reaffirming the strong and enduring partnership between the two companies. Since 2014, Al Mana Enterprises has served as the exclusive distributor of Anteo Tail Lifts in Qatar, delivering premium lifting solutions that play a vital role in the nation’s growing logistics and transport sector. The official visit was marked by the presence of Matteo Cevolani, CEO of Anteo SpA, and Paolo Leccese, export sales manager. The delegation engaged in a series of high-level meetings with Al Mana Enterprises’ senior management to review the partnership’s progress, identify new areas of collaboration, and align on strategic priorities for Qatar’s evolving market landscape. Qatar has seen rapid expansion in logistics, infrastructure, and cold chain solutions, fueled by large-scale development projects, the growth of modern retail, and rising demand for last-mile delivery. In this context, Anteo Tail Lifts have gained strong recognition for their European engineering, reliability, and safety standards, making them the preferred choice for fleets across various applications, including refrigerated transport, distribution, and logistics. Speaking during the visit, Cevolani reiterated Anteo’s commitment to the region: “Qatar represents a highly dynamic market with enormous potential in logistics and commercial transport. Our partnership with Al Mana Enterprises has been central to establishing Anteo’s presence here over the past decade. By working closely together, we have been able to deliver advanced lifting solutions tailored to customer needs, and we remain committed to supporting Qatar’s development journey in the years ahead.” Representing Al Mana Enterprises, Amr Dajani, Corporate Development Officer, said: “Anteo has been a trusted partner for over 10 years. Their confidence in the Qatari market mirrors our shared vision of bringing world-class transport solutions to our customers. With Anteo’s innovation and Al Mana’s strong local presence, we are well-positioned to expand our reach and deliver superior service and support across the country.” The discussions also focused on the importance of after-sales service, training, and spare parts support, which remain critical in ensuring maximum uptime and reliability for customers. Both companies agreed on strengthening technical training programs for local teams and introducing the latest Anteo product innovations to Qatar in the near future. The visit highlights Anteo’s recognition of Qatar as a hub for logistics growth in the Gulf, and reinforces the partnership’s shared mission to deliver solutions that combine innovation, durability, and sustainability. By building on a decade of collaboration, Anteo and Al Mana Enterprises are poised to further contribute to the nation’s logistics efficiency and transport reliability.

As part of joint national efforts to attract Qatari talent to the government sector, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in co-operation with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), concluded the first round of the 'Rapid Recruitment Campaign'.This campaign targeted candidates through the 'Kawader' platform and lasted two days. It witnessed a strong turnout from national candidates. During the campaign, a number of in-person interviews were conducted with Qatari candidates over two days, resulting in the selection of several candidates to join various departments across the ministry. The campaign also provided candidates with the opportunity to learn more about MCIT’s work environment and gain insights into the major national digital projects it oversees.The initiative aimed to facilitate the integration of qualified national professionals into MCIT by enabling direct interviews, assessing their skills and capabilities, and expediting their recruitment into a digital work environment. It further sought to expand their participation in major national projects and contribute to advancing Qatar’s digital transformation.The campaign is fully aligned with the objectives of Digital Agenda 2030, which aspires to create over 26,000 new job opportunities in the ICT sector by 2030, in addition to enhancing the skills of professionals working in the ICT field. These efforts will further strengthen the readiness of Qatar’s national workforce to support the country’s digital transformation and solidify its position as a leading nation in digital innovation and progress.